PAUSD Weekly Update - May 1, 2026

Board Agenda Calendar

Superintendent Search

We want to keep our community informed every step of the way. Find the latest updates, timelines, and opportunities to get involved, all in one place:  www.pausd.org/search

Community Input Survey - April 13, 8:00 am –  May 1, 5:00 pm

We want to hear from you! As part of the Superintendent search process, our search firm has created a brief community input survey to help inform the selection. Your feedback matters.

The survey is anonymous, takes just a few minutes, and includes seven questions. All responses will be shared publicly to guide decision-making.

 

Please take a moment to complete it today: https://edu.sogolytics.com/survey/form?k=RQsQRSRUTsUQsPsPsP&lang=0

Virtual Community Session

• Friday, May 1, 2026 – 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

• Meeting ID: 879 1075 1332 | Passcode: 742662

Questions?

Contact us at 650-329-3700 or  bmunoz@pausd.org

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May 1st is School Principals’ Day

Every day, PAUSD principals are among the first to arrive and the last to leave. They greet students by name, support teachers, navigate the unexpected, and carry the vision of what school can be for every child in our community. On May 1st, we celebrate them.

To every PAUSD principal: your leadership shapes the daily experience of thousands of students and families. We see you. We appreciate you. Happy School Principals’ Day! 🌟

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Summer hiring has begun!

Menlo Swim, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Peninsula, and many other internships, such as the  Teacher in Training program, are all seeking applicants now to be trained before summer hours begin. Explore the Career Opportunities slide deck for more ideas relating to summer programs & jobs.   Reminder: Work Permits are processed all summer long,  so once a minor is hired in a paid position, they are required to obtain a work permit, unless they have already completed high school. Follow the work permit process instructions to complete the application. 

Workers’ Rights AB-800  aims to ensure high school students know their rights on the job and where to seek help if they face abuses. The goal is to empower young workers with resources and education so that they can enter the workforce with a strong understanding of their rights as workers.  Students are encouraged to join the Work Experience course for regular oversight of their job, as it includes mandatory job site visits led by the teacher.

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Thank you, Elementary AI Leads!

On April 15, our elementary AI Teacher Leads met for their final in-person session of the school year. The morning was dedicated to reviewing the latest advancements in this rapidly changing field and ensuring our district remains aligned with the California Department of Education guidance on AI Literacy. 

Our elementary strategy continues to prioritize digital citizenship and foundational ‘off-tech’ skills, with no expectations for student use of generative AI tools. We are incredibly grateful for the leadership our elementary AI leads have shown in helping colleagues navigate these emerging technologies thoughtfully and safely. Their work has played an important role in evolving professional learning within our schools, and their impact has extended beyond our district, as their insights have been highlighted at conferences for other educators to learn from.

 

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2026 Youth Art Show Opening Night is next Wednesday, May 6th, from 4:30 pm - 7:00 pm

 

Belonging: Centering Story and Voice arrives this May, featuring a diverse collection of work from over 500 K–12 PAUSD students. This exhibition captures the heart of the artistic journey, celebrating the innovation and self-expression that emerge when students are empowered to tell their own stories through art. Experience the vibrant spirit of our student artists, see how they are growing, stretching, and finding their voice through the arts!

Opening Night Celebration
Wednesday, May 6
4:30–7:00 PM (remarks at 5:45)
Featuring live performances by the Gunn Jazz Band 

Exhibition Dates
May 2 – May 24
Palo Alto Art Center
1313 Newell Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94303

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Shrek: The Musical Jr opens next weekend, Friday, May 8th

We are excited to share that our Tri-Middle School production of  Shrek: The Musical JR. is just around the corner!  Pre-purchase tickets are now available, and tickets will also be available at the door on the day of the performance.  The show will be held at Henry M. Gunn High School - Spangenberg Theater.

Tickets can be purchased: https://www.parentsquare.com/feeds/78974182

Student ticket: $5 

Adult ticket: $10

Show Times:

• Friday, May 8th - 7:00 PM

• Saturday, May 9th - 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM

• Sunday, May 10 - 2:00 PM

Don’t miss this special opportunity to see talented students from all three middle schools come together on one stage for a fantastic show filled with music, humor, and heart. We hope to see you there! 

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2025-2026 California Music Educators Association Festival Season!

Over the past several weeks, Palo Alto Unified School District music students have been proudly represented at multiple CMEA Bay Section festivals, including a choral festival hosted by Palo Alto High School in late March and culminating in the Band and Orchestra Festival held April 24–25 at Gunn High School in Spangenberg Theater. Across these adjudicated events, ensembles from throughout the district performed and were evaluated by panels of three adjudicators. Each group received detailed, recorded, and written feedback, along with ratings based on a standardized rubric. In addition, ensembles demonstrated their music literacy through sight-reading assessments, performing music they had never seen before, and receiving further adjudicated feedback and scores.

The CMEA festivals showcased broad participation across PAUSD, with the choral festival in late March featuring 11 choirs from across the district, and the Band and Orchestra Festival featuring 25 middle and high school ensembles, including 20 from PAUSD, an impressive reflection of both participation and program quality. Together, these events celebrate performance achievements and offer opportunities for growth through expert feedback, collaboration, and shared musical experiences.

This past weekend also included strong choral participation, with Gunn High School choirs performing at the CMEA festival held at Graham Middle School. The level of musicianship, preparation, and professionalism displayed by PAUSD students throughout these festivals has been exceptional. From the choral festival in March to this past weekend’s band and orchestra performances, students consistently represented their schools and community with pride, showcasing the strength, depth, and continuity of music education across the district. We commend all of our student musicians for their dedication and artistry, and we extend our appreciation to the outstanding team of music educators across PAUSD whose leadership and commitment make these experiences possible.

Congratulations to all on a successful and inspiring festival season!

CMEA Bay Section South B Band & Orchestra Festival

Gunn High School – Spangenberg Theater

Gunn High School

• Symphony Orchestra — Unanimous Superior

• Wind Ensemble — Unanimous Superior

• Chamber Orchestra — Unanimous Superior

• Symphonic Band — Unanimous Superior

• Freshman Concert Band — Unanimous Superior

• String Orchestra (Period 2) — Unanimous Superior

• String Orchestra (Period 3) — Unanimous Superior

Fletcher Middle School

• 8th Grade Symphonic Band — Unanimous Superior

• Orchestra — Unanimous Superior

• Chamber Orchestra — Unanimous Superior

• 7th Grade Advanced Band — Unanimous Superior

J.L.S. Middle School

• 7th Grade String Orchestra — Unanimous Superior

• 7th Grade Advanced Band — Excellent

• 8th Grade String Orchestra — Unanimous Superior

• 8th Grade Symphonic Band — Unanimous Superior

• Chamber Orchestra — Unanimous Superior

Palo Alto High School

• Symphonic Band — Excellent

• Chamber Orchestra — Superior

• Freshman Concert Band — Superior

• String Orchestra — Excellent

CMEA Bay Section South Choral Festival

Graham Middle School (April 24–25)

Gunn High School

• Treble Choir —  Unanimous Superior

• Concert Choir —  Unanimous Superior

• Chamber Singers —  Unanimous Superior

• Chamber Ensemble —  Unanimous Superior

CMEA Bay Section South Choral Festival

Palo Alto High School PAC – Friday, March 20

Palo Alto High School

• Festival Choir —  Unanimous Superior

• Viking Chorus —  Superior  (No Sight Reading, clinic with adjudicator)

• Aurora Voce —  Superior  ((No Sight Reading, clinic with adjudicator)

• Premier Choir —  Superior

• Madrigal Singers —  Unanimous Superior

J.L.S. Middle School

• 6th Grade Choir —  Unanimous Superior

• Concert Choir —  Excellent (Superior in Sight Reading)

• Treble Choir —  Unanimous Superior

Fletcher Middle School

• 6th Grade Choir —  Unanimous Superior

• Concert Choir —  Unanimous Superior

• Chamber Choir —  Unanimous Superior

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Hoover's International Festival is a Wonderful Success!

We are so grateful for the incredible turnout and community spirit at this year’s International Festival. The attendance was amazing, and it truly felt like our entire school came together to celebrate the rich diversity that makes our community so special. 

From Pakistan to Taiwan to China, Israel, and Mexico, we took a journey around the world—stopping along the way in Kazakhstan, Sri Lanka, India, Vietnam, and Korea. Each booth offered a unique glimpse into culture, traditions, and pride in heritage. (If I missed naming your country, please know how much we appreciated your participation!)

 

There were so many highlights throughout the evening. Some students performed songs and dances that energized the crowd, families generously shared delicious food, and there were games to play, prizes to win, and beautiful decorations that transformed our new school into a vibrant, global celebration. 

 

Most importantly, the event reflected what makes our school community so special—connection, inclusivity, and a willingness to learn from one another. Thank you to PTA, all of the families, staff, and volunteers who helped make this event such a memorable experience for our students. We could not have done it without you!

 

We are already looking forward to next year’s celebration!

 

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Hedgie Pride:  Hoover Students to Move Forward to National Invention Convention

I am excited to share some fantastic news about Hoover students from the Northern California Invention Convention!

First, congratulations to all of our participants. 

We have some truly outstanding accomplishments to celebrate. Ares Y. and Jacqueline W. (1st and 2nd grade) have been nominated to this year’s national competition in Michigan—an exceptional achievement and a strong showing for Hoover in our very first year participating.

 

Aria S. (3rd) and Julian K. (1st) received merit awards, recognizing them as outstanding representatives of their grade level.

 

Arthur S. (1st) earned an industry award, highlighting the real-world impact and educational value of his project.

Congratulations again to all who participated, and thank you to our families for the time, support, and encouragement you provided along the way. We are so proud of our students.  A special thank you to the PTA for supporting the Invention Convention and to our parents, Derek and Brigit, for organizing the event.

 

We wish Ares and Jacqueline the very best as they advance to the next stage of the competition!!!  Hedgie Pride!

 

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