Superintendent's Update - September 5, 2025
Superintendent's Update - September 5, 2025
From the Office of the Superintendent
Board Agenda Calendar
View Calendar of Board Items 2025-26
Superintendent Austin’s Message . . .
There’s a lot of community conversation about mental health and how we support students. Today, I want to highlight two groups who make a big difference every day… our elementary Physical Education (PE) and music teachers.
Social-emotional learning isn’t only a formal curriculum taught in classroom units. It also lives in the places where students feel seen, safe, and challenged. PE and music are great examples. People sometimes assume these classes are “loose,” which is why kids enjoy them. They aren’t. They are joyful and highly structured. Last year, I watched our music teachers adapt materials so every student could access the lesson, which is impressive work! Our PE teachers show up positive and prepared, set clear expectations, and consistently reinforce strong habits and teamwork.
These aren’t the only programs that build student well-being, but they are excellent across the board. Surveys like those from Challenge Success remind us that many students struggle with belonging. During PE and music, I believe the sense of belonging rises. There’s a lesson in that. Schools help children navigate bumps, grow skills, and become good citizens not just by addressing crises, but by building daily routines where students can practice persistence, cooperation, and confidence.
Thank you to our PE and music educators for modeling this every day. In the spirit of our commitment to Serve and Celebrate Others, I invite you to send a quick note of thanks to any caring adult on our campuses who goes the extra mile for students. Small acknowledgments matter, and our team earns them.
Middle School Validation Test
This year’s Middle School Math Validation Test will be administered on the following dates:
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Rising 7th & 8th Grade Students: March 23, 2026
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Rising 6th Grade Students: March 25, 2026
Additional details will be shared at a later time.
AVID and PAMC Field Trip to the Career Day/ Giants Game!
On August 28th, students from PAMC (Palo Alto Middle College) and our AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) secondary elective classes attended the Career Day and Giants vs. Cubs baseball game. AVID is an elective class offered at all our secondary schools that provides academic and social support for students planning to attend a four-year college. Often, many of the students may be first-generation college students or from underserved backgrounds. They are exposed to college and career pathways through tutorials, guest speakers, and field trips. During the Career Day portion of the field trip, students heard from a panel of Giants executives focusing on careers in sports and media. Thank you to PAMC and AVID teachers and administrators for making this day possible for students!
Suicide Prevention Month: Start a Conversation. Be the Difference
September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness, educate, and focus on connection, care, and support for our students and each other. This month reminds us that reaching out, even with a small gesture like checking in with a child at home, a student at school, a friend, or a family member, can make a real difference. Paying attention to changes in mood, withdrawing from activities or friends, or shifts in energy or sleep can help recognize when someone may be struggling. Asking how someone is really doing and listening with care can save a life. Friends, teachers, and family members all play a role. Please visit the NAMI website for more information and resources.
Supporting student mental health is a key focus for PAUSD and one of the five PAUSD Promise areas. We are committed to providing in-school support that helps every student feel seen, cared for, and authentically connected to their school community.
PAUSD has built a system of mental health services that is both robust and unique. Unlike many districts, we have therapists and psychologists embedded in every school, fully integrated into the school community. They know our students and families, work closely with staff, and respond to needs in real time. Our wellness staff use ongoing feedback from students, families, and staff to continuously refine support and ensure they make a meaningful difference. Every elementary school has a dedicated therapist, while middle and high schools have multiple therapists on-site to meet student needs. High schools are also supported by wellness coordinators who provide leadership and oversight for mental health services, and Palo Alto Middle College is supported by a school psychologist. Our Educationally Related Mental Health Services (ERMHS) team includes 15 specialized therapists who support students with IEPs and longer-term mental health needs. Wellness Centers at our middle and high schools provide additional support, early intervention, and safe spaces for students, with new wellness spaces being introduced at elementary schools.
PAUSD also provides classroom lessons and small groups to help students develop social-emotional skills, including friendship, flexible thinking, identifying emotions, and resolving conflicts. High school wellness staff offer lessons during the PRIME period on mindfulness, self-compassion, stress management, and supporting friends in crisis. Teen Mental Health First Aid training equips students with skills to support peers.
Social-emotional learning programs include Second Step for elementary students and Wayfinder for secondary, helping students develop empathy, identity, agency, and a sense of belonging. Productive Play is an interactive program for TK-5 students that focuses on cooperation, perspective-taking, empathy, and conflict resolution. PAUSD partners with TBH, a free virtual coaching and counseling platform, supporting middle and high school students with areas such as academic stress, anxiety, depression, and mindfulness.
Supporting student mental health works best when families are involved. School principals, wellness teams, and counselors are here to partner with parents and students. Please reach out anytime if you have questions, concerns, or need support. Community resources such as the NAMI HelpLine (1-800-950-NAMI) and the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline are always available. For additional resources and educational webinars for families and students, please visit the Wellness Together document or export the Google Calendar here. Together, we can create a caring, connected community where every student feels seen, heard, supported, and experiences a true sense of belonging.
Mental Health and Wellness Resources
A Parent’s Guide to Risk Assessment & Safety |Spanish | Mandarin
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