Superintendent's Update - November 8, 2024

Nov 8 2024

From the Office of the Superintendent

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Superintendent Austin’s Message . . .

The City of Palo Alto had a malfunction of a power transformer sometime this morning that left Fletcher Middle School without electricity. That was not the start to a Friday we were hoping for. The staff had everything under control, but I went over just to make sure people were on the same page.

When I arrived, I found our students and staff evacuated to the fields. I was a middle school teacher and knew that evacuating a middle school to an open field sounds easy for people who haven’t been to a middle school for a while! Let’s say there was “energy” on the field. While I am joking, the staff and students were great.

Because the difference between a minimum day and an early release was already close, we decided to make today a minimum day. It was not required and schools can operate without power. Instead, it was simply the right decision for today. Thank you to everyone who had to be flexible.

Sometimes, stuff just happens. I am sure there was some anxiety in homes until the information got shared. It takes us a little while to make sure the information we are sharing is accurate. Even then, things shift. At one point, we were told the power would be up in a few hours. Minutes ago, I was told it would be at least 5:00 with the possibility of 10:00. Even “facts” shift in these cases. An early start to three-day weekend is not the worst thing happening across the nation today, so we will take it!

Paly Fiery Arts Glass Sale

Join us this weekend for the Paly Fiery Arts Glass Sale! The sale will take place on Friday, Nov. 8th, from 3–6 pm and Saturday, Nov. 9th, from 11 am–4 pm. Come to the Paly Sculpture Room and Yard to see hundreds of stunning, hand-blown glass art pieces created by students, alumni, and professional artists. Each piece will be available for purchase to support Paly’s Fiery Arts Glass Program. Enjoy free glass-blowing demonstrations throughout the event! Admission is free. More information at: Paly Fiery Arts Boosters

Friday 3:00 PM - 6:00 pm

Saturday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 pm

Palo Alto High School Room 105

Fall Plays at Gunn High School and Palo Alto High School

Gunn High School Theatre presents You Can’t Take It With You by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart, running from Nov. 8–16 in the Little Theatre at Gunn High School. Martin Vanderhoff and his eccentric family live life to the fullest, making fireworks, playing xylophones, practicing ballet, and writing plays. When the youngest daughter falls in love with her boss’s son, the family tries to hold it together for a memorable dinner with the boss’s family. You Can’t Take It With You is a zany, idealistic comedy and a 1937 Pulitzer Prize winner about accepting others and pursuing what makes you happy!

Tickets: https://www.gunntheatre.org/yctiwy-tickets

Palo Alto High School Theatre presents Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play Our Town. This timeless story, set in early 1900s New England, follows three days in Grover’s Corners and has resonated with audiences worldwide for nearly 100 years. The heartwarming story captures the journey of two neighbors as they grow up, fall in love, and face life’s challenges alongside family and friends. Our Town explores the beauty and struggles of community life, asking us to reflect on what and who matters most. Don’t miss the opportunity to watch our talented students bring Wilder’s visionary play to life!

Tickets: https://www.palytheatre.com/tickets