Superintendent's Update - January 27, 2023

From the Office of the Superintendent: 

AD HOC COMMITTEE UPDATE 

The District is working towards launching four new ad hoc committees in February. The committees will focus on English learners, student behaviors, dual enrollment, and mental health. We are currently working with committee leads to formalize the charge, deadline, and stakeholder compositions. There will be opportunities for the community to participate to promote inclusive participation and diverse perspectives.  

INSTITUTIONAL REVIEW BOARD COMMITTEE UPDATE 

Students, staff, or professionals conducting human subject research or data collection through human interactions (staff and/or students), requires PAUSD Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval (Board Policy 6162.8 Research).  

The committee met last week to evaluate outside agencies, staff, and student proposals for any risk of psychological, physical, legal, social, institutional, economic harm, or unethical practices. The committee consists of a panel of professionals with experience to provide appropriate scientific and ethical review. This week, twelve committee members reviewed over forty proposals. There have been three rounds of the review this academic year. Thanks to all the members who serve on this committee.  

FLETCHER MIDDLE SCHOOL - SUSTAINABILITY FOR ALL CHOICE PROGRAM 

Fletcher Middle School is proud to announce a new choice program called "Sustainability for All" starting in the fall of 2023. The program allows students to explore ways to take equitable action to promote a flourishing environment where people and living things have access to healthy food, clean air, and safe water.  

Sustainability is an important topic. Fletcher Middle School is proud to partner with the City of Palo Alto, Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability, Acterra, Canopy and other groups to shape the curriculum and projects in this program. Don't miss your opportunity to learn more and attend the open house on Wednesday, February 1, at 6:00 pm at the Fletcher Middle School cafetorium. 

STUDENTS RECEIVE PRESTIGIOUS REGENERON STEM AWARD

Gunn and Paly seniors were recognized for math and science research by Regeneron Science Talent Search. The selection of students and monetary awards will allow both high schools to further support in-house STEM education. Students advancing in the program will receive individual awards to further educational pursuits, and will later present their projects to engineers and scientists in Washington, D.C.