Superintendent's Update
As the Thanksgiving season approaches, it presents an opportunity for introspection about the truly significant aspects of our lives. In the spirit of reflection, I asked each leader in our team to share a dual narrative: one of their contributions to someone’s growth, and another of how they themselves have been nurtured by others. This exercise, rooted in simplicity, reaffirms that our essence is shaped both by our actions toward others and by the influences we welcome into our own lives. In a world prone to underlining division and inequity, I am reminded that the act of sharing positive stories is inherently joyful, as evidenced by the inspiring accounts from the Leadership Team.
I heard a speaker recently that made me think. He said, "We probably remember some things we should just forget and we often forget things we should remember." Sometimes, it doesn't take many words to say a great deal.
As we gather for our regular Friday Update, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on some essential aspects of our journey together in the Palo Alto Unified School District.
Ensuring Safety: Principal's Coffee Meeting
By convening principal coffee meetings, we are establishing a platform that fosters open communication and encourages collaborative efforts. Over the course of the past month, our discussions have been dedicated to the paramount subject of campus safety. These gatherings provide a unique opportunity to ...
Message from Board President Jennifer DiBrienza
The Board met in a special session this morning and voted to suspend virtual (Zoom) comments for the next 3 meetings (October 24, November 14, and December 12).
Zoom commenters have recently been calling into local public meetings and doing their best to disrupt meetings. They have done this in surrounding towns in recent weeks and ...
I hope this message finds you well as we journey through another school year together. It's been a privilege to engage with many of you over the past months, whether in groups or one-on-one conversations. These dialogues have been a valuable listening experience, allowing me to hear your ...
The format of our Friday Updates will change a little bit moving forward. A parent noticed that I didn't write the first section of our last report. I was out of town and she was correct. In the future, my messages will have a title to make it clear that I am the author. Other sections are contributed by ...
A recent visit to an arts and lecture series featuring Bettina Love, Ph.D., and Kamau Bell allowed more than 50 faculty, staff, and district supporters to spend time expanding the understanding of antiracism and challenges relating to this matter.
These two widely-known figures engaged in conversation regarding racial equity and highlighted the ...
Over the past few weeks, I've met with various groups, hearing stories that have prompted personal and professional reflection. Today, I'd like us all to reflect on essential aspects of our journey together in education and as a community.
I truly appreciate being a part of PAUSD and all the wonderful aspects it offers. It's a privilege to be involved in our collective efforts. Lately, I've been engaging with site staff members to gain insight into their perspectives and to gather ideas for our future improvement. Additionally, I've had the opportunity to meet with various groups and organizations to ensure we hear from a diverse range of voices. This work has been significant and has left a positive impact.