Superintendent's Update - September 12, 2025
Superintendent's Update - September 12, 2025
From the Office of the Superintendent
Board Agenda Calendar
View Calendar of Board Items 2025-26
Superintendent Austin’s Message . . .
I met recently with members of the 25/26 Superintendent’s Advisory group. They are all currently in high school and have tremendous insights. They will be handling the recruitment and selection of members for this year. We meet four evenings during the year. It is one of my favorite things to do as a superintendent. Surveys serve a purpose, but there is nothing better than interacting directly with students. In this case, the students set the agenda and largely facilitate the meeting. They tell me what they think is important, and then the group dives deep into those topics. Except for my assistant, no other staff members are permitted to attend the meetings. These are pure interactions and get reported back to our school board by the students.
While we will address a few topics, they have expressed a desire to explore the topic of free speech. I am excited to hear their thoughts on the topic. I know our students will want to talk not just about free speech as an idea, but also about its limits, the responsibilities that come with it, and the challenges of putting it into practice. The fact that they named that as their first topic reiterates my belief that our students have a keen sense of what issues are worth our time and energy. This is one that checks that box for sure.
I have said it before, but we should be very proud of our students. When provided space, they never disappoint. They are capable of more than we sometimes give them credit for. They can be mature, insightful, kind, and everything we would hope for the next generation. I want to encourage everyone to trust our students to do the right thing more often than not. They have an eye to justice, fairness, and kindness. From my seat, they often serve as models of civility and grace. We would benefit by listening and empowering more and serving as surrogates less. I am proud to serve our students in my role and only wish I had more opportunities to hear from them directly. To our parents… You are doing a great job!
Listening to Our Students: Panorama Fall Surveys on School Experience and Well-Being
Student voice is central to our work. As shared in our September 8 communication, students in grades 3-12 will have the opportunity this fall to share their perspectives through the Panorama surveys. Their feedback helps guide our programs and initiatives that support social-emotional growth, belonging, school safety, and a positive school climate.
September 22 - October 2 - Students in grades 3-12 complete the Student Supports & Environment survey in their classrooms. Responses are confidential, and trends rather than individual answers are analyzed. Areas in the surveys include:
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Teacher-Student Relationships
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School Safety
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Sense of Belonging
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School Climate
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Cultural Awareness and Action (middle/high school)
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Diversity and Inclusion (middle/high school)
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Homework (middle/high school)
October 20 - October 30 - Students in grades 3-12 complete the Student Well-Being survey in their classrooms. This brief, 5-minute survey helps us understand how students are currently feeling and how they manage their emotions. Student responses are confidential, meaning their information is protected and only shared if a student expresses a concern related to wellness or safety, so that school staff can follow up as needed. Our primary goal is to support the well-being and safety of all students. Survey areas include:
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Positive Feelings
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Challenging Feelings
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Emotion Regulation
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Supportive Relationships
This valuable information collected will help ensure every student feels recognized and supported. Sample survey questions can be viewed here: Panorama SEL Survey Guide
Opt-Out: Families who prefer that their child not participate in the Student Supports & Environment or Homework surveys should indicate their choice by September 17 via the 9/8 ParentSquare message. There will be a separate opt-out opportunity in October for the Student Well-Being Survey, which will be shared with families closer to that date.
We look forward to hearing from our students and using their perspective and experiences to support a positive school climate where every student feels they belong.
Interesting article featuring PAUSD: Math Gender Gap Widens Post-Pandemic
Girls had finally closed the math achievement gap nationwide just before COVID, then lost those gains almost overnight. By 2023-24, boys were outscoring girls in math in nearly 9 out of 10 districts. In California, girls went from having higher scores in 62% of districts (2018-19) to just 4% (2023-24).
PAUSD bucked the trend: The district actually saw both boys and girls gain about a quarter grade level during this period, with the algebra-for-all eighth-graders requirement keeping students a year ahead of most California districts.
Read more: edsource.org/2025/math-gender-gap-california/740113
PAUSD Promise: Mental Health
Talking with Our Children
Our children bring joy and meaning into our lives, and taking time to connect with them allows us to celebrate the uplifting moments in their lives. Connecting can feel harder when topics are heavy, emotions run high, or your child is navigating challenges at school or with peers. Whether they are in elementary school, middle school, or young adulthood, it can be difficult to know what to say or how to start the conversation.
What matters most is that we try. By reaching out, we show our children that we see them, we love them, and we are here for them no matter what. We become their soft place to land, the safe space that will always accept them for who they are and where they are in life and school. Even small gestures, listening attentively, or simply asking how they are doing can make a meaningful difference. Being honest, open, and vulnerable models the kind of communication we hope to see in them, and sharing our own experiences helps them feel safe sharing theirs.
As parents, we also need to care for ourselves. Managing our emotions, practicing self-care, and seeking support when needed helps us be fully present for our children and supports their growth into emotionally balanced, resilient young people. By supporting one another as a community of caring adults, we can ensure every student experiences belonging, self-worth, and connection.
Helpful Resources for Parents
Here are some practical tips and guidance from Children’s Health Council and additional resources for supporting your child and strengthening communication, especially during challenging times:
Elementary-Aged Children (Grades K–5)
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Helping to Manage a Child’s Emotions - Podcast
Middle and High School Students (Grades 6–12)
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Youth Under Pressure – Podcast
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Suicide Prevention – Podcast
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Tips for Communicating with Teens – Child Mind Institute
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Talking to Kids When They Need Help – American Psychological Association
For Parents
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CHC Voices of Compassion – Additional podcasts
✅ Please bookmark the PAUSD Wellness Together link to access a calendar of events and activities hosted through our community partnerships.
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Wellness Together - Mental Health & Wellness Events for the PAUSD Community
PAUSD Annual Tasting Day: Your Voice Matters in School Nutrition!
Join us for an exciting opportunity to shape what's on your students' lunch menu!
Since 2012, PAUSD's Annual Tasting Day has been revolutionizing how we create school meals by putting student and family voices at the center of menu planning. What started as a simple "Costco sample style" tasting has evolved into an innovative nutrition education experience that brings our school community together.
What to Expect:
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Hands-on food sampling of potential new menu items
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Live voting using QR codes - scan and share your feedback instantly
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Face-to-face interaction with our dedicated Student Nutrition Staff
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Behind-the-scenes insight into our daily food preparation and scratch cooking
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Sample homemade sushi with our sushi robots
This isn't just about trying food - it's about building a school meal program that truly serves our students. Your feedback directly influences which items make it onto elementary and secondary menus throughout the year. Plus, it's a fantastic opportunity for students to explore new flavors and learn about nutrition in a fun, interactive environment.
Mark your calendars for October 3rd from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm in the JLS C afetorium/MP Room and come hungry!
Parent University Launches!
The Office of Student Services and Student and Family Engagement Specialists (“SaFEs”) hosted our first Parent University Workshop on Tuesday, 9/9/25, in the Board Room. The topic was introducing the work of our SaFE team, which supports families at all PAUSD sites, and navigating the PAUSD technology platforms. Thank you to the members of our IT Department who guided parents through Class Link, Parent Square, Infinite Campus, and Schoology, demonstrating the types of information families can gather from these platforms to collaborate with teachers and other PAUSD staff. The Parent Workshop topics, resources, and sign-ups can be found Parent U page; dinner and child care for school-age children are provided at the workshops.
PAUSD Early Childhood Working Group
We are excited to invite you to apply to be a member of the PAUSD Early Childhood Working Group. The working group is an important collaborative effort to create a districtwide plan that presents, describes, and strengthens early childhood resources in the district.
Meeting Dates & Times
Every 3rd Monday of the month (except February)
Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Greendell Campus
Dates:
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October 20
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November 17
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December 15
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February 9 (2nd Monday)
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March 16
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April 20
Purpose of the Working Group
The Early Childhood Working Group will develop a PAUSD District Plan focused on early childhood education. Members will work together to review data, examine state standards, explore parent education resources, and evaluate existing programs. The goal is to create a comprehensive, actionable guide for PAUSD staff and families that reflects our current resources and identifies areas of growth.
Working group members will collaborate in smaller teams to explore specific topics and present written plans to the larger group. This initiative builds on the efforts of the Early Childhood Ad Hoc Committee and will play a vital role in shaping a stronger foundation for our youngest learners. The working group is looking for parents/guardians who have had children participate within the last five years in transitional kindergarten (TK), Greendell Young Fives, Greendell Special Education Preschool, PAACC preschool, or Preschool Family.
If you are interested in contributing to this important work, we encourage you to apply using the link below:
https://forms.gle/DQVKwqEBLwJbf5um7
Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting PAUSD students and families. We hope you’ll consider joining us in this meaningful work.
