Superintendent's Update - May 2, 2025

May 2 2025

From the Office of the Superintendent

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Superintendent Austin’s Message . . .

Today’s report is about… today. I had the opportunity to begin the day by addressing students at the Rise to the Challenge Student Leadership event at West Valley Community College. The audience was a little over 100 high school juniors and seniors from our region, including nearly 50 from Palo Alto. The purpose was to bring together special education students to orient them with the supports provided by our local community colleges and to explore different aspects of leadership in general. I met some amazing students, and the staff members were unbelievable. As a product of the California Community College system, I was blown away by everything available to students now.

When I attended Southwestern in the 80s, it was called a “Junior College”. That name suggested it was something less than a “real” college. That couldn’t be further from the truth. The community college system is outstanding. As I tell people, my diploma, MA, and doctorate don’t have a notation that indicates I started at a community college. The units are the same. In many cases, the professors are also the same. There are differences. Community colleges often operate with classes of 20, and it’s free. That’s about it! I am proud of our students and thankful to the staff who made this event possible.

Immediately following the morning event at West Valley, I jumped in my car and raced (I mean drove responsibly) to Gunn High School for the Special Olympics. This time, it was track and field. The energy and spirit were contagious. It was a beautiful day with the purest intent. Again, I am so thankful for the many staff members who serve our students each day. Thank you to our parents as well for being part of this very special day.

While it’s a few hours away, I want to thank our teachers’ association, PAEA, for hosting a celebratory event this evening. PAEA does an amazing job planning and hosting this yearly event to honor our own. I am excited to clap loudly for everyone in attendance and to share some time in an informal setting.

Today is a good day. When we really think about it, most days are good days. Enjoy the moment and the weekend. Let’s finish strong together!

Mental Health Awareness Month

A green ribbon and a silhouette of a head with a brain made of puzzle pieces, with the text 'Mental Health Awareness Month'.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the importance of emotional well-being for our students, families, and staff. Mental health is a key priority of the PAUSD Promise, and we recognize its essential role in student learning, a sense of belonging, and meaningful connections with trusted adults on and off campus.

Throughout the month, our schools will engage students in activities that promote wellness, connection, and self-care. Staff will also be participating in district-wide initiatives, including our Spring Walk Challenge, which encourages physical activity and social connections across our schools.

This month is also an opportunity to highlight the importance of sharing our stories. Whether you’ve experienced mental health challenges or simply want to support others, your story can help reduce stigma and let others know they are not alone. When we open up about mental health, we contribute to building an environment where emotional well-being is prioritized and understood.

We will continue to share updates on how each site is supporting student mental health and raising awareness. In the meantime, we want to ensure families have access to helpful, local resources to support emotional well-being:

Mental Health Resources for Students & Families

TBH (To Be Honest) – For students ages 13+, virtual mental health coaching, individual therapy, groups available after school, on weekends, and during school breaks 🌐 https://www.tbh.us/at/pausd | Student access via PAUSD Classlink

Children’s Health Council (CHC) – Evaluations, therapy, and support programs for children, teens, and families
📞 650-688-3625 | 🌐 chconline.org

allcove Palo Alto – Free, confidential drop-in mental health support for youth ages 12–25

📍 2741 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto | 🌐 allcove.org

Santa Clara County Behavioral Health Services – Mental health services, referrals, and mobile crisis response
📞 800-704-0900 (24/7) | 🌐 bhsd.santaclaracounty.gov

Crisis Support – Immediate help anytime, anywhere:
📞 Call 988 | 📱 Text HOME to 741741

Hope Line – 24/7 mental health support for youth and families

📞 650-579-HOPE (4673) | 🌐 https://www.thehopeline.com

TRUST Program – A free, 24/7 crisis assessment team available to Santa Clara County residents

🌐 trust-field-response-program

🌐 A Parent’s Guide to Risk Assessment & Safety | Spanish | Mandarin
🌐 PAUSD Mental and Physical Health Resources

Student Nutrition Services

The Student Nutrition Services Department has taken the first step in growing its own produce on site.

The department used some of its Kitchen Infrastructure Grant Funds and purchased two hydroponic Flex Farms. Each Flex Farm can grow more than 400 pounds annually. They each have 288 plant spaces and come with a fully self-contained water system, energy-efficient LED light tower, and a submersible pump.

We are experimenting currently with romaine lettuce this month and are learning the germination, growth, and harvesting cycles. Each growing cycle is 28 days so, we plan to use our new romaine lettuce mid May.

2025 Palo Alto Unified K-12 Art Show: Roots and Wings: Our Evolving Artists

Opening this weekend, Roots and Wings: Our Evolving Artists features the work of over 750 K–12 PAUSD students, capturing their artistic journey through both strong foundational skills "roots" and their exploration, innovation, and self-expression "wings" as they grow into confident creators.

Experience the vibrant voices of our student artists—see how they are growing, stretching, and soaring through the arts!

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