August 28, 2009

Dear Parents/Guardians

I hope that the first week of school went well in your home and that everyone is happy with their teachers, their friends, and the chance to begin this wonderful year of learning and community.  Here are some thoughts as we launch into the year.

• We had a wonderful start.  As board and senior cabinet members visited schools, we took lots of pictures.  If you would like to see them, please visit http://pausd.org/community/board/downloads/presentations/09-10/FirstDayOfSchool20090825.pdf
• The campuses look great!  While many of us were away during the summer, other folks were hard at work making improvements for us to enjoy upon our return.  On that note, send good thoughts to the Addison community whose play field is closed for the first three weeks of the school year as their new grass takes hold.  At least it isn’t the last three weeks of school!
• I hope you will encourage your child to be extra-nice to the new student in their class and you will be welcoming to our newcomers.  Having had children make the adjustment to a new community, it is very hard. 
• Speaking of transitions, I loved stopping by all the secondary schools to observe their efforts to make new sixth and ninth grade students comfortable on their new campuses.  It is an adjustment!
• Hooray to all the students who walked or rode their bikes to school this week!  Keep it up!  Not only are you keeping yourself healthy, but you are saving the environment and reducing traffic around our campuses. 
• Sleep is especially important these first few weeks of school as every family member adjusts back into school mode.  The first few days are spent burning up incredible energy as students adjust to a completely new environment. 

One of my favorite stops on Tuesday was at Duveneck toward the end of the kindergarten school day.  All the parents were there to hug their children and celebrate the wonder that is learning and school.  Whatever year this is for you as a parent, my fervent hope is that there is plenty of wonder and celebration in store for you and your students this year.

Sincerely,
Kevin

Kevin Skelly, Ph.D.
Superintendent

• The Importance of Role Models, February 3, 2012
• College Admissions Essays, December 2, 2011
• Some Thoughts on Today's Classrooms, November 2, 2011
• Elementary Class Size, October 11, 2011
• Back-to-School Message, August 26, 2011
• End of Year Message, June 6, 2011
• Budget Outlook, April 21, 2011
• Celebratory Thoughts as We Break for Spring, April 7, 2011
• A Black History Month Tribute to My African-American Mentor, February 14, 2011
• Genetics and Science, December 16, 2010
• Thanks for Your Children This Thanksgiving, November 23, 2010
• Games People Play, October 8, 2010
• Happy New Year!, August 27, 2010
• End of Year, 2010
• Ruminating About Sleep
• Budget Balancing Process
• Letter to Parents - Outreach , October 23, 2009
• Presentation from October 21, 2009, Community Meeting,"Five Steps to Healing and Resilience"
• Presentation from October 21, 2009, Community Meeting
• Resources from Lucile Packard Childrens's Hospital
• Letter to Parents – Mental Health, September 2, 2009
• “Excerpts from “Night Falls Fast” by Kay Redfield Jamison, September 2, 2009
• First Day of School, August 28, 2009
• A Long Tribute to Recognize the California Day of the Teacher, May 13, 2009
• What Matters, January 30, 2009
• Strong Schools Bond Program, Update, December 2, 2008
• Opening of Schools, August 21, 2008
• End of Year Message, June 11, 2008
• Learning from our Graduates, February 13, 2008
• Resilient Students, December 5, 2007
• Holiday Staff Message, December 19, 2007
• Holiday Message to the Community, December, 2007
• Gifted Children, October 4, 2007
• Opening of Schools Message, August 15, 2007