Superintendent's Update - April 21, 2023
Superintendent's Update - April 21, 2023
From the Office of the Superintendent:
Board Agenda Calendar
The Board agenda calendar can be found HERE.
Teacher Appreciation Week is celebrated May 8 – May 12.
Classified Employee Week is celebrated May 21 – May 27.
I am pleased to share an update with you on the PAUSD Promise, a roadmap outlining our district's priority areas for continuous improvement. As a high-performing district, we are proud of the broad range of programs we offer to our students and our commitment to maintain excellence while emphasizing five priority areas: Serve and Celebrate Others, Mental Health, Safety, and Well-Being, Early Literacy, Equity and Excellence, and our newest addition, Innovation.
Innovation is a critical component of preparing our students for the future. We are committed to supporting diverse learners by increasing student voice in decision-making, exploring principles of human-centered design, and fostering partnerships with industry leaders. Our goal is to embrace new approaches in curriculum design, instructional strategies, and technological integration to prepare our students for the careers and challenges ahead.
Innovation will be guided by key strategies, such as identifying and implementing Dual Enrollment courses, evaluating their effectiveness, and providing comprehensive support services for students participating in these programs. We will also focus on expanding diverse and alternative learning options, improving the effectiveness of instruction and student mastery through standards-based grading practices, and utilizing learning sciences to enhance outcomes for all learners. Additionally, we aim to engage students throughout the school year in activities and experiences that spark their passions and drive attendance.
As part of our collaborative approach, a draft of the PAUSD Promise has been shared with stakeholders for feedback on the priority areas before the plan is finalized later this year. We encourage everyone to review the draft and offer suggestions to help shape the future of our district.
I am grateful for your engagement and commitment to our students. Your contributions and insights are invaluable as we strive to provide the best educational experiences for every child in our district.
Palo Verde Elementary and Hoover Elementary Construction
The district is currently working with Palo Verde Elementary teachers and staff to coordinate the planned return to their school from the temporary campus at Greendell Preschool.
Facilities and Operations team members are also organizing the Hoover Elementary teachers and staff to prepare for their relocation to Greendell. Construction at the Hoover Elementary campus is scheduled through the summer of 2025.
Reconfiguration work at Palo Verde Elementary includes a kindergarten classroom, administration building, and support spaces, which are expected to be completed in late June 2023. An additional building with six new classrooms and one enrichment lab replaces six portables at Palo Verde. This new building also includes a music classroom. Completion is expected in late July 2023.
Construction continues at Palo Verde through December 2023 (as originally planned). This phase of the construction includes a new multi-purpose building.
Community-Oriented School Safety Program
PAUSD is seeking volunteers who are passionate about the safety of our students and staff. Parents, students, staff, and administrators interested in a more hands-on approach to school safety are invited to participate.
Through our new community-oriented School Safety Program, safety team members will serve as multipliers toward safer, more prepared schools. PAUSD is now offering Work Experience (CTE) units to high school students interested in participating this summer. This summer program will provide hands-on, risk management experience and both First Aid and Emergency Preparedness training. In addition, the experience will serve as an opportunity for high school students to build a reference list for future employment. In the fall semester, this opportunity will be extended to middle school students. Individuals interested in participating should use one of the following links to access the online application. Students should only use the student volunteer link.
Equity and Student Affairs
The district’s System-Wide Integration Framework for Transformation (SWIFT) plan is currently in the revision phase and preparing for the 2023 - 2024 school year. The SWIFT Plan outlines the district equity goals and serves as the framework for the Equity and Excellence Priority Area of the Promise. SWIFT outlines five goal areas for transformation: Academic Achievement, School Climate, Student Supports, Educator / Leadership Development, and Access and Opportunity. After discussion with the Board Equity Oversight Committee and the Division Leadership Team, the areas have been condensed and expanded to elevate the importance of student and family stakeholders and also emphasize district operations that impact equity.
Access and opportunity was removed as a goal area but will remain the foundational principle that crosses all goal areas. The revised priority goal areas are as follows:
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Academic Achievement
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School Climate
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Tiered Student Supports
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Educator / Leadership Development
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Student and Family Engagement (NEW, Replaces Access and Opportunity)
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District Operations (NEW)
The district will focus on selecting a fewer number of evidence-based, high-yield strategies that are measurable and have been shown effective through empirical research.
District-Wide Testing
Students are now taking the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP). The testing monitors the progress of California’s academic standards. Students in Grades 3 through 8 and Grade 11 are tested in English/Language Arts and mathematics. Students in Grades 5 and 8 are tested in science. In high school, Grade 10 students participate in science testing. Grade 12 students participate in science testing if they have not previously taken this test in high school. High school CAASPP testing is scheduled to end April 28. Elementary and middle school testing ends May 19.
District Sustainability Program and Earth Day with the Council of PTAs
With the help of students, staff, and volunteers, an effort to improve the garden beds at each school site is now a priority. For aesthetic purposes, grass and turf areas across the district will be replaced with sustainable options, including garden beds with mulch and plants.
The Palo Alto Council of PTAs promotes Earth Day with a schedule of activities. Details regarding plans at PAUSD schools are available here.
Ad Hoc Committee Update
Ad Hoc Committees continue to meet regularly to tackle complex charges. The Elementary Behavior Support and Dual Enrollment committees completed their final meeting. They are currently working to prepare key takeaways and recommendations for the Board of Education. In addition, the English Learner Programming and Outcomes Committee met this week. The minutes for each Ad Hoc Committee continue to be available on our website on a rolling basis.
Advanced Math Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Information regarding Frequently Asked Questions related to community college advanced math courses for high school students is available on the PAUSD website.
Palo Alto Unified Annual K-12 Youth Art Show
The Annual K-12 Youth Art Show opens at the Palo Alto Art Center on April 29. “Youth Art” celebrates the imaginative spirit of the students from the Palo Alto Unified School District, featuring a sampling of more than 500 artworks. Our theme, “How Does Art Sustain Us?” is inspired by the City of Palo Alto and the Palo Alto Art Center’s focus on sustainability.
The show will be on display beginning April 29 and ending May 20 at the Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Road in Palo Alto. The Art Center is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
All are invited to the art opening on Wednesday, May 3, 4:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. The event will include the talents of both Gunn High School Jazz and Palo Alto High Choirs.
Art show posters designed by Gunn High School graphic design students; sculptures created by Jane Lathrop Stanford Middle School art students.
Arrival of Electric Buses
The district is pleased to announce two new, all-electric buses arrived on April 14. After the certification process is completed, the energy-efficient, eco-friendly buses will begin service in the 2023 - 2024 school year. While the expected 150-mile, full-charge travel range may vary, each bus maintains storage room for athletic and educational trips. The buses are equipped with air conditioning and arrived with on-board cameras. The 100 percent electric buses are better for the environment, and they are built with the latest technology to provide student safety and a comfortable ride. Staff will conduct proper training for drivers and mechanics, thus ensuring the necessary skills to operate and manage these state-of-the-art vehicles with confidence and ease.
Safety is a top priority. Therefore, district transportation staff will test the equipment thoroughly before service begins in the fall. PAUSD is excited to be leading the way in sustainable transportation and is enthused for the students to experience the benefits of the electric school buses.
