Superintendent's Update - October 11, 2024

From the Office of the Superintendent

Board Agenda Calendar

View Calendar of Board Items 2024-25

Superintendent Austin’s Message . . .

I had a lot to write about today, but my time was spent with teachers who needed some help.  I’ll make it up on the next one.  For now, I want to share a quick 2-minute video highlighting a little bit about PAUSD.  It’s a small part of a series that aligns with our PAUSD Promise.

I hear often that a person, place, or thing isn’t “perfect” as a way of qualifying a statement that follows.  In our business, there is no such thing as perfect.  The thing one person applauds is the same thing another opposes.  Who gets to determine perfection?  It’s not even a goal.  The lack of perfection, however, is no excuse to avoid celebrating.  We have A LOT to celebrate due to the efforts of many.  

As one of our five priority goals, we want to celebrate others more often.  There are enough forces out there tearing things and people down for the sport of it.  That is why the goal to Serve and Celebrate Others came into existence.  It’s a call to action and one that has picked up steam in some places.  So, here is a quick celebration message of the awesome place we call home… PAUSD!  PAUSD VIDEO. 

Opportunity to Volunteer: Help Evaluate and Improve PAUSD's Early Childhood Programs: Ensuring Alignment with Best Practices and Student Needs

The Early Childhood Program Evaluation Ad Hoc Committee  is tasked with conducting a comprehensive review of Palo Alto Unified School District’s early childhood programs, including Transitional Kindergarten (TK), Kindergarten, Young Fives, Springboard, Special Education Preschool, and Preschool Families under our adult school program. The committee will assess the effectiveness of these programs, identify opportunities for improvement, and provide recommendations to ensure these offerings align with current best practices and the needs of today’s students and families.

The ad hoc committee will begin working in the coming months. If you are interested in participating in the committee, please complete this  Volunteer Application Form for Community Members and submit it by Thursday, October 25, 2024.

PAUSD Awarded Perkins Grant to Strengthen Career and Technical Education Programs for 2024-25

The Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act, commonly known as the Perkins Act, is a federal law that provides funding to support Career Technical Education (CTE) programs at the state and local levels across the United States. It reflects the 100-year federal commitment to Career Technical Education (CTE) by providing federal support for CTE programs and focusing on improving the academic and technical achievement of CTE learners, strengthening the connections between secondary and postsecondary education, and improving accountability. Perkins V affords states and local communities the opportunity to improve the quality of CTE programs, enhance student outcomes, and help prepare students for careers in various industries.

PAUSD has been awarded $48,611 for the 2024-25 school year, with the grant term ending June 30, 2025.

STUDENT NUTRITION SERVICES

It’s Annual Tasting Day Time!
In celebration of National School Lunch Week, October 14th  through 18th , the Student Nutrition Services Department will host their Annual Tasting Day on Monday, October 14th  at the JLS breezeway from 11:00 am-1pm. 
Students, parents and staff are welcome to come taste the new entrees, salads, and breakfast items we are working on utilizing locally grown produce and provisions. 
Cast your vote for the items you want us to add to the upcoming menus.