Superintendent's Weekly Update
November 14, 2025
Dear PUSD Families,
On Monday, Assembly Member Darshana Patel held a press conference at the District Office to highlight the passage of Senate Bill 19, new legislation designed to strengthen safety across school communities. I am proud of the work our leaders and community have done in support of this important effort. When students feel safe, they can focus on learning and belonging — and SB 19 helps reinforce that foundation.
This week, I also met with both the Parent-Superintendent Advisory Council and the Student-Superintendent Advisory Council. Parents shared thoughtful feedback to help refine our Student AI Playbook, and students discussed challenges they see on their campuses, offering creative solutions around topics such as recycling and access to learning resources. These advisory groups continue to be an important way for me to stay connected to the perspectives and priorities of our families and students.
Thank you as well to all the families who attended the first event in our family engagement series, Raising Resilience: A Family Discussion on Mental Health. Our panel of students and mental health professionals offered exceptional insight, and we are grateful for the meaningful conversations and connections that took place. We hope you will join us again in January for our next session, which will focus on how families and students can navigate the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence. More details will be shared soon.
Thank you for your ongoing support and engagement. I look forward to seeing the positive impact of this work as we continue learning and growing together.
Sincerely,
Ben
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Highland Ranch Elementary hosts International Night
On Thursday, November 13, Highland Ranch Elementary hosted an International Night, where students and families proudly showcased a wide range of cultures. This event was an excellent opportunity to highlight the many backgrounds and traditions represented in our school community and celebrate the richness our families bring to PUSD. Thank you to the many individuals who made this event a huge success!
PUSD Wears Green to Support Students Experiencing Homelessness
On Thursday, November 13, staff across the district wore green in recognition of National Homeless Youth Awareness Month, showing support for the more than 600 PUSD students who experienced homelessness last year. The green ribbons and attire served as a reminder of our commitment to raising awareness and supporting students through our Youth in Transition program. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped shine a light on this important issue.
You can learn more about supporting our students experiencing homelessness on the PUSD website.
14 PUSD Schools Placed on 2025 Honor Roll List
Poway Unified is proud to announce that 14 of our schools have been named to the 2025 ERP Honor Roll, a prestigious statewide recognition for high student achievement. This honor highlights schools that are excelling in preparing students for college, career, and life through strong academics and dedicated teaching. Join us in celebrating our students, staff, and families for this remarkable accomplishment.
Click here to find out which schools are on the list!
Support the Dream to STEAM Campaign
The PUSD Foundation recently announced the launch of its annual Dream to STEAM giving campaign, which helps fund Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) opportunities for students across our district. Because Poway Unified receives the lowest per-pupil funding of any unified school district in San Diego County, the Foundation plays a vital role in bridging the gap to provide the experiences our students need to thrive.
Click here to learn more and donate today!