PAUSD Weekly Update - March 13, 2026
PAUSD Weekly Update - March 13, 2026
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PAUSD Special Olympics
Today, Palo Alto High School was filled with excitement, heart, and team spirit as PAUSD Special Education and Adapted PE hosted the Special Olympics Northern California Basketball event. Opening Ceremonies kicked off at 10 AM, and the energy throughout the day was nothing short of inspiring. We are incredibly proud of every athlete who competed and grateful to the staff, volunteers, and community members who made this event such a tremendous success. Events like this remind us why inclusion, belonging, and celebrating every student matter so deeply in PAUSD.
California Distinguished Schools
Congratulations to the students, staff, and families at Frank S. Greene Jr. Middle School, Henry M. Gunn High School, and Jane Lathrop Stanford Middle School on being named California Distinguished Schools!
Being selected among just 22 schools in Santa Clara County and 408 schools statewide is an extraordinary achievement, and a powerful reflection of the dedication, care, and excellence that define our school communities every day.
This recognition belongs to everyone who shows up and does the work. We are so proud.
Professional Development Day Recap
Across Palo Alto Unified, staff made the most of a full day dedicated to learning, collaboration, and growth. The day's professional development reflected the breadth of work happening throughout our district, from instructional strategy to school culture to student support.
Schools came together in cross-site collaborations, with staff joining colleagues from neighboring campuses for shared learning experiences. Highlights from the day included:
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A keynote on instructional strategies that brought together staff from multiple school sites
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PRISM training to deepen staff capacity to support LGBTQ+ students
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Essential standards unpacking and planning sessions facilitated by a Solution Tree consultant
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A teacher-led session on Artificial Intelligence and its impact in the classroom
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PLC (Professional Learning Community) training sessions are hosted across campuses
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Benchmarking and identity work at the middle college level, including a collaborative digital exploration of peer institutions and reflective activities on school mission and continuous improvement
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Policy, procedure, and logistics refinement to strengthen school systems
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Elementary music professional development, including a storytelling and SEL session for 5th-grade music teachers and an Orff workshop for K–4 music educators
Whether gathering in large groups for keynote sessions or rolling up their sleeves in small-team planning, PAUSD staff demonstrated their ongoing commitment to growing as educators and centering the needs of every student.
Gunn Choirs Costa Rica Tour March 6th - 11th
Gunn Choirs embarked on a six-day musical tour of Costa Rica—more than 100 singers, joined by 25 adults, performed and visited places throughout the region. Highlights included performances with local ensembles such as the Municipal Conservatory Choir of Alajuela at the Alajuela Cathedral; a concert with Studio Coral Armentum at Iglesia La Soledad; and a joint concert at Santa Ana Church with the Country Day High School Choir.
Along the way, they explored the Doka Coffee Plantation, toured a private Atlantic rainforest reserve within Braulio Carrillo National Park, and visited both the Lankester Botanical Gardens and the La Paz Waterfall Gardens. It proved to be a culturally and musically rich experience, one that fostered pride in our students’ accomplishments while deepening their relationships with one another.
We are deeply grateful to the board, parents, teachers, and administrators at Gunn High School for their continued support of our choral program.
March is Arts Education Month
On Monday, March 9th, the Palo Alto Mayor and City Council proclaimed Arts Education Month. We appreciate this recognition as it highlights the vital role of arts programs across our school district and the City of Palo Alto, celebrating the creative experiences of our students and the meaningful partnerships with local community arts organizations.
In the Palo Alto Unified School District, Youth Arts Month is a time to celebrate the extraordinary creativity of our students and the dedication of our arts educators. Our K–12 students engage in a rich range of visual and performing arts experiences, including drawing, painting, sculpture, media arts, elementary general music, instrumental and choral music, theater, and stage tech design. These programs nurture imagination, creativity, problem-solving, and confidence, while giving students meaningful ways to express their ideas and perspectives.
This March, PAUSD students are bringing Youth Arts Month to life through music, theater, dance, and visual arts that fill our schools with energy, creativity, and community spirit, offering audiences a chance to experience the dedication, passion, and skill of our students.
2026 PAUSD Youth Art Show….Belonging: Centering Voice and Story
Save the Date: Join us for the PAUSD K–12 Youth Art Show, Belonging: Centering Voice and Story, a celebration of student creativity from across the Palo Alto Unified School District.
This special exhibition showcases over 500 works of art by PAUSD students in grades K–12, highlighting the many ways young artists explore identity, community, and personal storytelling through visual art.
The show is open from May 2nd to May 24th, 2026
Opening Celebration Night: Wednesday, May 6th, 2026, from 4:30-7:00 pm
Palo Alto Art Center
1313 Newell Rd
Palo Alto, CA 94303
Student Listening Sessions Inform Responsible AI Use in Secondary Schools
On March 6, Secondary AI Lead Teachers met to discuss emerging technologies, review the Guidance for the Safe and Effective Use of Artificial Intelligence in California Public Schools, and reflect on insights from twelve student listening sessions held across all six secondary schools. During the meeting, teachers engaged in thoughtful, tech-free analysis and discussion of the feedback gathered from students. Their findings will be shared with middle and high school staff later this year, helping educators make informed, responsible, and effective instructional decisions about AI and its role in high-quality teaching and learning.
Suicide Prevention Workshop - Wednesday, March 18, 6:30-8:00 PM
It’s Okay to Say Suicide: A Workshop for High School Students and PAUSD Families
In Collaboration with The Jed Foundation
Suicide prevention starts with awareness, connection, and practical steps we can all use to support one another. PAUSD invites our families and high school students to an evening of learning and skill-building. This session is designed to help community members recognize when someone may be struggling and know how to respond with care.
Event Details
Date: March 18, 2026
Time: 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: Palo Alto High School Performing Arts Center at Palo Alto High School, 50 Embarcadero Road
Audience: This event is open to high school students and PAUSD parents/guardians.
Click here to RSVP via Parent Square
About This Workshop
This session focuses on practical skills for supporting youth mental health and suicide prevention. Participants will learn how to recognize warning signs, respond in a crisis, and help keep someone safe while reducing stigma around talking about suicide.
Who Should Attend
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High school students and their parents/guardians
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Parents/guardians of middle or elementary school students who are interested in learning more about youth mental health
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This session is intended for high school students only due to the topics discussed.
High school students are encouraged to attend with a parent or guardian. Because the workshop covers sensitive topics, parents and guardians should decide whether this content is appropriate for their child. If you have concerns about your student's current mental health or how they may respond to this topic, please contact your school counselor before attending.
What You Will Learn
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How to recognize signs that someone may need help
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How to respond if someone is in crisis
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How to support safety and well-being
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Ways to help reduce access to dangerous means
Featured Presenter
Jahi Gordon, MSW, Mental Health Educator
Jahi Gordon provides training that helps young people and communities support emotional well-being and prevent crises. He holds a BA in Psychology and Child & Youth Studies, and a Master of Social Work.
This event is offered with support from The Jed Foundation, a national nonprofit focused on protecting the emotional health of teens and young adults. Together, we aim to strengthen our community's ability to recognize distress early, respond with compassion, and support student and family well-being.
Questions for the Presenter? Share here: https://forms.gle/9jprp7Sw1248U84j6
Save the Date: Upcoming Family Webinars
PAUSD will also be offering two upcoming virtual webinars for families focused on youth mental health and well-being. Additional details and registration information will be shared soon.
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April 15, 2026
Getting Youth to Talk: Unraveling the Stigma and Supporting Honest Conversations -
May 6, 2026
Proud and Thriving: Supporting the Mental Health & Well-being of LGBTQIA+ Students
If You Need Support: If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Call or text 988 anytime in the U.S. to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
City of Palo Alto: Teen & Young Adult Focus Groups with The Jed Foundation
The Jed Foundation will be hosting 2 focus groups. One for teens, ages 13-17, and one for adults, ages 18-30, to gain insight into mental health issues and preferred methods of support for the community. Each session will have a maximum of 30 participants, and pizza will be provided at both!
Teens: Tuesday, March 17, 2026 | 06:45 PM to 07:45 PM (Focus Group 1)
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Ages 13-17:
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Tuesday, March 17, 6:45 - 7:45 p.m.
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Lucie Stern Community Center, Community Room
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1305 Middlefield Rd. Palo Alto, CA 94301
Young Adults: Thursday, March 19, 2026 | 03:30 PM to 04:30 PM (Focus Group 2)
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Ages 18-30:
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Thursday, March 19, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
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Mitchell Park Community Center, Matadero Room
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3700 Middlefield Rd. Palo Alto, CA 94303
City of Palo Alto & The Jed Foundation Workshops
You Can Help: Recognizing Signs of Distress Workshop Series (FREE)
Learn from the Jed Foundation how to identify signs of distress and how to create a supportive and connected community. There will be opportunities for reflection, discussion, and practice. Register LINK
Open to All Ages:
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Wed, Mar 18 @ 6 pm to 7:30 pm (open to all ages)
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Mitchell Park Community Center, Palo Alto, 94303
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El Palo Alto Room
Ages 21 and Younger:
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Thurs, Mar 19 @ 5:15 pm to 6:30 pm (ages 21 and younger)
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Mitchell Park Community Center, Palo Alto, 94303
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El Palo Alto Room
Parent Workshop: Supporting Conversations with Teens with Children’s Health Council
Recent events in our community are a reminder of how important it is for parents and caregivers to feel prepared to talk with teens about mental health, stress, difficult emotions, and even suicide.
Children's Health Council (CHC) is hosting an evening on March 26 at their Palo Alto campus to support parents and caregivers with practical guidance, strategies, and conversation skills that can help strengthen connections with teens. CHC experts will lead a supportive session designed to help families feel more confident navigating these important conversations.
Date: Wednesday, March 26
Time: 6:00–7:30 PM
Location: Children's Health Council, 650 Clark Way, Palo Alto
Register here: CHCCommunityCircle.eventbrite.com
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to attend.
City of Palo Alto Youth Mental Health: Meet The Jed Foundation
Tues, Mar 17 @ 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm
Palo Alto Art Center - 1313 Newell Rd, Palo Alto, 94303
The Jed Foundation is a national organization dedicated to protecting emotional health and preventing suicide among teens and young adults in the US. Join PSN's community meeting to meet the JED team, learn about their work in Palo Alto, and ask questions!
RSVP (for Zoom link and email reminder)
Mental Health & Wellness: Professional Learning in Cue-Centered Therapy with Stanford University
On March 10, the district’s licensed therapists and mental health and wellness associates completed training in Cue-Centered Therapy (CCT), led by Dr. Victor Carrión, Vice-Chair of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University. As Director of the Stanford Early Life Stress and Resilience Program, Dr. Carrión is a leader in researching how chronic stress affects brain development and long-term well-being in children.
Helping Students Manage Ongoing Stress
Cue-Centered Therapy (CCT) is a research-based approach designed to help students manage the effects of ongoing stress. It provides students with tools to:
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Recognize stress signals: Identify how specific “cues” in their environment relate to thoughts, feelings, and behaviors
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Develop coping strategies: Build healthy, adaptive ways to respond to stress using their own strengths
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Build confidence: Understand how the body and brain react to stress, enabling greater control over emotional responses
Why this matters
CCT is structured and practical, fitting naturally into the school day and allowing therapists to focus on teaching immediate coping skills that help students stay engaged in learning in their classroom. This research-backed approach emphasizes collaboration with families because consistent support at home and at school is essential to student success.
LGBTQ+ Cultural Competency Training for Middle and High School Certificated Staff
On the March 10th Professional Learning Day, all middle and high school teachers and certificated staff engaged in a rich learning experience through the PRISM training, Providing Relevant, Inclusive Support that Matters. Each staff member completed interactive online learning modules focused on supporting LGBTQ+ students through a facilitated session led by trained colleagues.
The training emphasized ways for staff to affirm and support LGBTQ+ students in their schools. Across sites, staff reflected on strategies to create inclusive classrooms, with some schools holding small group discussions or inviting LGBTQ+ community partners to provide additional perspectives and resources.
The online learning for staff included:
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Understanding sexual orientation and gender identity
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Exploring how LGBTQ+ identities intersect with other aspects of students’ identities, such as race/ethnicity, ability, religion, or socioeconomic background
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Affirming students’ identities in the classroom
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Resources to support LGBTQ+ students’ mental health, safety, and engagement
This training helps staff better understand the LGBTQ+ student experience and create welcoming, affirming classrooms for all. PRISM fulfills California’s Assembly Bill 5 (Safe and Supportive Schools Act) requirement for certificated staff in grades 7–12 to complete at least one hour of training annually. Beyond meeting this requirement, and most importantly, the training equips PAUSD staff with the knowledge and strategies to help LGBTQ+ students feel seen, valued, and included in every classroom.
PAUSD Maintains AAA Credit Rating with Stable Outlook
Palo Alto Unified School District recently received confirmation from S&P Global Ratings that the district’s AAA credit rating has been affirmed with a stable outlook—the highest possible rating.
This recognition reflects PAUSD’s strong financial management, healthy reserves, and a strong local tax base. Maintaining this rating allows the district to secure the most favorable borrowing rates when issuing bonds for voter-approved facility projects.
As part of the upcoming Series 2026 General Obligation bond refunding, the district is currently projected to generate nearly $5 million in savings for taxpayers, while continuing to responsibly manage long-term debt.
We appreciate the continued support of our community and taxpayers in sustaining the district’s strong financial position.
