Superintendent's Update - May 17, 2024
Superintendent's Update - May 17, 2024
From the Office of the Superintendent
Board Agenda Calendar
View Calendar of Board Items 2023-24
Superintendent Austin’s Message . . .
Sometimes our hearts are just full. I had the opportunity to visit the Special Olympics today, hosted by Gunn High School. We were lucky to have beautiful weather and conditions throughout the day. Gunn students assisted staff and other volunteers during their PE classes. The stands were full, parking was at a premium, and there was energy in the air!
The Special Olympics are . . . special. Too often, athletics are so competitive that the joy is lost. As we all saw today, joy overpowered competition. Someone finished a race first, jumped the furthest, or threw something a little longer than their peers, but that wasn't the important part. Kids clapped for each other, hugged each other, pushed wheelchairs, and ran with each other. The Special Olympics embody the best parts of our PAUSD Promise goal of Serving and Celebrating Others.
I want to thank our staff. This includes our assistants, teachers, bus drivers, and everyone who puts others first. For them, today was exhausting. Some of the kids struggle with the feeling of chaos in big crowds. Loud noises bother others. The restrooms aren't convenient, and the campus is foreign to many of the participants. Staff had to be "on" for every second of the day. That means smiling no matter what. That means constantly scanning for anything that can be dangerous. It means constantly counting the kids! Our staff is appreciated!
To parents – Thank you for trusting us with your kids. I can imagine these days are filled with emotions. You depend on a lot of people to take care of your children throughout the day. Somehow, you hug your kids good-bye in the morning, and trust us to send them home at the end of the day healthy and happy. We don't take that lightly.
Today was special. Thank you!
Palo Alto Police Department Congratulates the Class of 2024!
On behalf of the Palo Alto Police Department, Palo Alto Police Chief Andrew Binder extends the following message to parents and graduates of the Class of 2024:
“Congratulations to the graduating class of 2024 and to the parents who have successfully supported the future leaders of our community. Graduation day, May 30, 2024, is a day of significant achievement in your lives and calls for celebration. Graduation also marks your official entry into adulthood and, accordingly, you face important choices about the future and your well-being.
On behalf of the men and women of the Palo Alto Police Department, I extend a special thank you to those students who contribute to a safe and sober graduation. You have worked long and hard to earn your diploma. Please do not let alcohol or drugs spoil this special occasion or your future.
Again, congratulations to you! I wish you success and happiness as your lives and careers unfold .”
School News Roll Call
The May 2024 Edition of School News Roll Call is always popular and fun! Join our enthusiastic and proud principals as they celebrate the growth and accomplishments of the 2023-24 school year. Consider this newsletter a mini field trip to each schoolsite. Adventures await!
Mark Your Calendar!
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April 27 ~ May 19 – PAUSD K-12 Youth Art Show – ENDS THIS WEEKEND!
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May 18 & 29 – Youth Mental Health First Aid Trainings
2024 Annual K-12 Youth Art Show!
April 27 - May 19, 2024
Palo Alto Art Center
1313 Newell Road
Palo Alto, CA 94303
Art Center Hours
Tuesday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m
Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Youth Mental Health – Free First Aid Trainings for Parents and Caregivers
Saturday, May 18, 2024, 11:30am – 3:30pm
Wednesday, May 29, 2024, 5:00 – 9:00pm
This is a free Zoom training for parents and caregivers, presented by the City of Palo Alto and Momentum for Health. Here’s the flyer for May 18, and another for May 29.
Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches adults how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders in youth. This six-hour training gives adults who interact with youth the skills they need to reach out and provide initial support to children and adolescents (ages 6-18) who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem, and help connect them to the appropriate care.
Register by emailing Kennya Rodriguez by May 10 (for May 18 training), and by May 20 (for May 29 training).
