Superintendent's Update - October 3, 2025
Superintendent's Update - October 3, 2025
From the Office of the Superintendent
Board Agenda Calendar
View Calendar of Board Items 2025-26
PAUSD Promise Goal, High-Quality Teaching and Learning: Early Literacy
In 2023, the California State Legislature passed legislation for local education agencies (LEAs) to adopt approved screeners for risk of reading difficulties and begin annual universal screening of kindergarten through second-grade students for risk of reading difficulty starting in the 2025-26 school year. In spring 2025, the PAUSD Board of Education approved the use of the UCSF Multitudes Reading Difficulty Risk Screener for all K-2 students, which replaces the previous risk screener used by PAUSD educators.
This week, elementary educators were trained in the UCSF Multitudes Reading Difficulty Risk Screener. Classroom teachers will begin administering this screener this month to students in grades K-2. In late August, a Parent Square communication was sent to all K-2 parents with information regarding this screening process. Parents will receive results within 45 days of screening.
Healthy, Happy, and Ready to Learn
Our district is committed to helping every student be healthy, energized, and ready to learn. Good nutrition and regular physical activity help students focus in class, feel their best, and build positive relationships with peers.
Last year, the School Wellness Committee, made up of students, staff, parents/guardians, and after-school providers, reviewed and recommended updates for the Student Wellness Policy (BP 5030 and AR 5030). Families had the opportunity to provide input on the draft policy in April 2025. The policy was officially approved by the Board on September 16, 2025. These updates reflect current best practices and federal compliance standards for nutrition, physical activity, and overall student wellness. Key nutrition highlights are shared below, and families can view the full Board Policy (BP 5030) and Administrative Regulation (AR 5030) for more details.
Key Nutrition Highlights for Families
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Non-food celebrations encouraged: Activities such as games, music, art projects, and special privileges make classroom and school celebrations fun, inclusive, and supportive of social connections. School Celebration Guidance
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School day food and drinks: Any food or drink sold or distributed to students during the school day, from midnight until 30 minutes after dismissal, should meet Smart Snacks nutrition standards. Healthy choices help students stay alert and ready to learn. Smart Snack Guidance
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Store-bought and labeled foods: Foods provided at school should be store-bought with visible nutrition information, meeting Smart Snack standards.
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Beverages: Caffeinated drinks such as coffee, tea, and energy drinks are not allowed to be sold or distributed to students during the school day.
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Exempt events: Each school may have up to three events per year where foods that don’t meet Smart Snack standards are allowed. Menus must be approved in advance by the Principal and Student Nutrition Services.
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Evening events: Schools encourage healthy food choices at evening events, though strict nutrition standards do not apply after 30 minutes past the end of the school day.
Thank you for working with us to make school a healthy, welcoming, and positive place for all students! Below are pictures of Coach Bryant, our Elementary SEL Instructor, who has discovered a fun and delicious way to engage students!
