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PAUSD Weekly Update - May 8, 2026

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PAUSD Weekly Update - May 8, 2026

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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

Teacher Appreciation Week

This week, we pause to honor the dedicated teachers who show up every day with purpose, passion, and unwavering commitment to our students. Teacher Appreciation Week is our opportunity to say what we hope our educators already feel: that their work matters, their presence is felt, and their impact reaches far beyond the classroom walls. From the early mornings to the late nights, from the lesson plans to the life lessons, thank you for everything you do. We are grateful to have such extraordinary educators in our community.

2026 Youth Art Show Opening Event

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2026 PAUSD K–12 District Art Show last night. Your presence and support helped make the evening a meaningful celebration of creativity, connection, and student voice. This year’s theme,  Belonging: Centering Story and Voice, highlights the many ways our students explore identity, community, and connection through art.

This exhibition was made possible by the strength of our incredible community. Thank you to the VAPA Office team for bringing this event to life; the PAUSD Food Services team for the artistic and delicious refreshments; the Gunn Jazz students for performing incredible music; and the Palo Alto Art Center for hosting and partnering with us. Thank you to Partners in Education (PiE) and PAUSD Administration for their invaluable support of our K–12 VAPA programs.

A special thank you to our dedicated K-12 Visual Art teachers for inspiring and guiding our students every day. Your creativity, encouragement, and commitment help students feel seen, valued, and empowered to express themselves authentically through art. 

Most importantly, we want to celebrate our remarkable student artists. By sharing your voices, stories, and perspectives, you foster empathy, resilience, and understanding, reminding us all of the power of belonging.

If you were unable to attend opening night, the PAUSD Youth Art Show will remain on display at the Palo Alto Art Center through May 24, 2026. Palo Alto Art Center hours and information are linked below.

Palo Alto Art Center
1313 Newell Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94303

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

 

May is recognized nationally as Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing understanding, reducing stigma, and promoting the importance of mental wellness for all. We encourage staff, students, and families to take part in meaningful conversations and activities that center on emotional well-being, build connection, and support our communities.

Mental Health America, a leading national organization in mental health advocacy, offers valuable resources and practical guides to help us engage in these awareness efforts. This year’s theme,  More Good Days, Together, focuses on the idea that when we prioritize mental health as a community, we create an environment where everyone feels seen, valued, and empowered.

This theme asks us to consider what a “good day” really looks like for ourselves and those around us. Our students and staff are exploring this throughout May with activities centered on wellness and self-care. This builds on the energy from last month’s Spring Walk Challenge, where our staff led by example by staying active and connected with each other. It is all part of being a community that makes sure every student feels a sense of belonging.

By understanding our shared needs, we can better connect people to the right help at the right time. Our goal is to use those insights to guide our advocacy and education, helping make "more good days" a reality for everyone in our district. We look forward to sharing updates on the work happening at each of our school sites this month. In the meantime, we want to make sure families have access to these district and local resources:

Mental Health Resources for Students & Families:

Event Recap: Getting Youth to Talk

Unraveling the Stigma and Supporting Honest Conversations

On April 30, PAUSD partnered with The Jed Foundation for a virtual workshop led by mental health educator Jahi Gordon, MSW. This session provided our families, students, and staff with a practical toolkit for navigating emotional crises and daily struggles with empathy and confidence.

Key Takeaways for our Community

  • The Power of Non-Judgment: Data shows that across nearly every struggle, from academic pressure to family conflict, students value listening without judgment above all else. Being a "safe harbor" is often more vital than providing immediate solutions.

  • Active Listening Strategies: The webinar highlighted the importance of "intentional silence" and paraphrasing to ensure students feel heard, moving away from "fixing" a situation and toward validating the student's experience.

  • A Culture of Care: Support is most effective when it is proactive. Routine wellness check-ins help build the trust necessary for students to speak up before a situation becomes a crisis.

Resources & Next Steps

We invite all staff and families to explore the following resources shared during the session:

If you or someone you know needs immediate support, help is available 24/7 by calling or texting 988.

May 18 Workshop: Proud and Thriving: Supporting the Mental Health and Wellbeing of LGBTQIA+ Students

 

A Workshop for PAUSD Parents and Caregivers in Collaboration with The Jed Foundation

 

Suicide prevention begins with awareness and action. PAUSD invites parents and guardians to join us for an evening of learning, connection, and skill-building. This session is designed to equip parents and caregivers with information about the elevated mental health risks facing LGBTQIA+ students and the unique challenges they may encounter while in school. The session will provide practical strategies to help you create affirming, supportive environments that promote your child’s well-being.

 

Please register through this Parent Square link. 

 

Important Attendance Note

 

We believe in a community approach to safety, but we also recognize that this topic requires careful consideration regarding a student’s readiness. Therefore, this workshop is for parents and guardians only across all grade levels.

Event Details

 

  • Date: May 18, 2026

  • Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM

  • Location: Virtual: Zoom Link  

  • Audience: Exclusive to PAUSD families

 

What We Will Explore

 

  1. Explore key insights from recent research that highlight the strengths and support needs of LGBTQIA+ students to promote positive mental health outcomes. 

  2. Understand the unique barriers LGBTQIA+ students report facing 

  3. Identify key protective factors that support LGBTQIA+ students’ mental health and reduce the risk of harm.

  4. Explore ways to support the mental health and well-being of  LGBTQIA+ students.

Featured Presenters

 

  • Kiana Davis, MPH: JED Director of Community Initiatives, specializing in national mental health and suicide prevention programming

  • Michael King: JED Community Mental Health Specialist, focusing on strategic mental health planning and youth suicide prevention

 

About the Partnership: Presented in partnership with The Jed Foundation (JED), a national nonprofit dedicated to protecting the emotional health of teens and young adults. Together, we aim to strengthen our community’s ability to recognize distress early and respond with compassion.

 

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