Piedmont Pulse
Piedmont USD - Week 3 Update >>>
March 30, 2026
Dear PUSD Families & Staff:
Thank you to the parents and Stefanie Manalo-LeClair, along with Joe Marik, who coordinated this year's career day, and a huge thanks to our parents and alumni who participated as speakers for this year's event. In my observations of sessions and conversations with speakers, I was reminded of the remarkable talent we have in Piedmont. I was also impressed by the sophistication of questions our students asked of our speakers, and I heard more than one speaker remark that our students ask great questions.
I also had a chance to attend this year's Beach Revue, which showcased the incredible journey of our students who performed with amazing enthusiasm. A special thanks to our parents who coordinated this year's event, played live music, directed our students' performances, authored content, and so much more in support of this 50+ year tradition. Our kids are amazing...because our parents are amazing. Thank you, Beach Parents! A special thanks to Sandy Small, Becca Posamentier, and our student tech workers for their support of this remarkable production.
In Community,
Jennifer Hawn, Ed.D.
Superintendent
As we continue our commitment to investing in outstanding academics in the Piedmont Unified School District, we have begun a discussion of a comprehensive review of our math program. This discussion began with a Board workshop held on March 20th, followed by a community meeting held on March 25th. The Board shared a vision for math instruction, including a desire to review and adjust our current math pathways, curriculum needs, best practices in instructional practices, and a need for additional assessment data.
This work will be done in close collaboration with our teachers, whose classroom expertise is essential to building a system that serves our students. Our goal is to move beyond the limitations of the current program to better support the needs of every learner. Whether a student requires additional support to master foundational fluency, is seeking a rigorous path toward advanced STEM coursework, or falls into the "solid middle" where consistent challenge is key, our redesign will focus on creating clear, high-achieving endpoints for every math pathway we offer.
A central priority of this discussion is the development of a more comprehensive assessment system. We recognize the need for more information about achievement, in addition to classroom grades, to understand each student's mathematical progress and potential readiness for acceleration. By implementing a system of regular benchmark assessments, we aim to provide both teachers and parents with shared information about achievement. This transparency will ensure that placement decisions are grounded in evidence, reducing the stress of transitions and ensuring students are placed in the environment where they will be most successful.
Over the coming months, we will be evaluating our course pathways, curriculum, assessments, and instructional practices to ensure our students build durable skills from elementary school through graduation and beyond. We are committed to a "multiple entry point" design, allowing students to access advanced coursework at different stages of their development. Meaningful engagement with our teachers and parents is foundational to this process, and we look forward to providing opportunities for our community to share feedback and learn more about our data-driven insights. Together, we are building a more flexible, rigorous, and transparent math experience for all PUSD students.
From Our Tech Team...
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is already a quiet part of our daily lives, shaping everything from Siri’s answers to the recommendations we see on Netflix. On March 27th, we joined schools across the country for National AI Literacy Day. This is a nationwide day of action focused on two vital questions: “What is AI?” and “How do we prepare our students to thrive in an AI-enabled world?”
Our Partnership with You: During March, Stephanie Griffin, Director of Instructional Technology, sent out two "AI at Home" emails to parents and two "Student AI Literacy Newsletters", designed to spark curiosity and conversation at your dinner table in the lead up to National AI Literacy Day. We hope they supported you and your child in navigating AI safely, ethically, and effectively. The newsletters included articles, videos and resources on the state of AI, as well as links to online AI Literacy activities and mini-courses for our high school students.
Secondary Student Newsletter #1
Secondary Student Newsletter #2
Additionally, at the high school, students were offered a challenge, to design an 11"x17" poster that uncovers the "hidden" AI in a technology we use, often every day. The poster had to identify the tech, its purpose, and most importantly the potential benefits and challenges the AI brings to our lives. Close to 100 students participated in the "Where's the AI?" challenge.
March/April Community Meetings
We have a series of opportunities for staff and parents to come together to discuss programs and important issues throughout our district. Please join us!
March 30 - District Technology Advisory Committee - Today @4:30PM at Havens Library
March 31 - PPN Career Planning Panel Event - 7PM @Alan Harvey Theater
April 1 - LCAP Community Update Meeting @4PM at Havens Library
April 30 - Superintendent's Advisory Committee - 4:30PM at the District Office
PPN Presents
An Evening for Students, Parents, and Community Members: Planning for your career after high school.
In an ever changing world, how do we know which careers will lead to real opportunity?
Learn from a panel of community experts who work on the front lines of job placement and hiring key employees as they share how to think about life after high school or college. We’ll explore:
which majors matter
the core skills that set students up for success
and how AI is reshaping the job landscape
Come with questions for the panel and stay for the community social afterwards hosted by Piedmont Parent Network (PPN).
Although the topics might resonate most with high school juniors and seniors, all community members are welcome.
When: Tuesday, March 31
7:00-8:30PM
Where: Alan Harvey Theater: PHS
If your high school student is interested in advocating locally, supporting public education in Piedmont, students can earn a special award and diploma recognition for working on the Measure H campaign.
Then this is an exciting opportunity for you and your friends.
Mr. D, Assistant Superintendent, is coordinating local advocacy in support of Measure H to support Piedmont Schools. Measure H is on the Piedmont ballot in June and it is critical to support our amazing schools.
Student participants of any high school grade will earn the PUSD State Seal of Civic Engagement for transcript and diploma purposes. Students will also receive a special recognition award at the May 20th Piedmont Board meeting.
Get in on the opportunity. Meet with Mr. D and local leaders during lunch next Tuesday, March 31st at lunch in the Alan Harvey lobby. Lunch will be provided to all attendees.
More information about Measure H can be found HERE.
Parents & Staff, please encourage incoming 11th and 12th grade students to apply to be a student Board Member next year.
For the 2026-27 school year, the four eligible students (two from Millennium High School and two from Piedmont High School) will be chosen to serve on the Piedmont Unified Board of Education to share a one-year term. The student board members will function as a preferential voting member of the Board. This information below explains the application and selection process, and contains a copy of the application. Please feel free to copy and distribute it to any eligible student who might be interested. Applications due by 5:00 PM on Friday, April 24, 2026.
More information and the application is linked HERE.
Highlander Robotics Summer camps registration now open!
NEW! FLL Champs Academy for FLL-C rising 5th-7th grade
Highlander Robotics is pleased to announce a new summer camp for experienced FIRST Lego League–Challenge (FLL-C) kids! Highlander Robotics software team members will teach advanced robotics concepts including the engineering method, mechanism design, path following with sensors and gyros, and debugging. We will be teaching in Spike Prime.
Dates: June 8-12, 2026, M-F 9:00am-12:00n at the Mary G. Ross Engineering Lab at Piedmont High School. All campers should have at least one season of FLL-C experience and be a rising 5th-7th grader. Each camper will need to bring a tablet or laptop loaded with current SPIKE software. Details will be provided after registration. Cost $575. REGISTER HERE
Summer aCADemy Returns in 2026
Attention STEM loving Middle Schoolers!
Highlander Robotics Summer aCADemy for rising 7th to 9th graders,
Dates: June 8-12, 2026, M-F 1:00-4:00 pm at Piedmont High School. Summer aCADemy is an introduction to fabrication and computer aided design (CAD) using Onshape taught by Highlander team members in our Ross Engineering Lab. Registration is $500. REGISTER HERE
More info or to contact us: FRC8033.com
PUSD Adventures Programs
Piedmont Unified School District is excited to offer a variety of Adventures programs for students Kindergarten through 9th grade.
Spring Adventures: April 6–10
Spring Adventures is a fun mix of learning and creating, filled with special activities designed to keep kids engaged and excited. Each day blends hands-on academic enrichment with creative projects, games, and time to connect with friends.
Spring Adventures runs from 9:00 AM–3:00 PM for TK–5th grade students, with extended care available from 8:00–9:00 AM and 3:00–5:00 PM to support busy families.
It’s the perfect way to welcome spring—with curiosity, creativity, and plenty of fun!
Register using this link:PUSD Homeroom. Adventures 2026
Summer Adventures 2026 is a PUSD teacher-led summer enrichment program offering multiple options.
Session Dates: June 8–18 and June 22–July 2
Fees: Half Day $590 per session | Full Day $1,180 per session
Summer Adventures (1st–5th Grade): Morning academic enrichment paired with afternoon creative projects, games, and hands-on group activities.
Welcome to Kindergarten: A gentle introduction to the school day with age-appropriate activities that build confidence, routines, and friendships.
Welcome to 6th Grade: A transition program focused on team-building, confidence, and familiarity with middle school schedules and expectations.
Junior Counselor in Training (CIT) Program (7th–9th Grade): A leadership opportunity for older students to build responsibility and teamwork while supporting younger campers.
Fee: $340 per session
Summer Adventures registration is now open and is available through PUSD Homeroom. Adventures 2026
For questions or additional information please contact Erin Rivera erivera@piedmont.k12.ca.us
Piedmont Unified School District
Email: communication@piedmont.k12.ca.us
Website: www.piedmont.k12.ca.us
Location: 760 Magnolia Avenue, Piedmont, CA, USA
Phone: 510-594-2600