Superintendent's Update - September 6, 2024

Sep 6 2024

From the Office of the Superintendent

Board Agenda Calendar

View Calendar of Board Items 2024-25

Superintendent Austin’s Message . . .

We are already in September! Time moves quickly and our schools are in full motion. One of my three kids began her teaching career a week ago in Southern California. It is fun to hear her excitement and challenges. It is also a great reminder of the things that matter to people who are starting new jobs or making transitions to new places. She wants to make a difference and be the type of teacher she promised to be during her interview process. She also wants to make friends with her colleagues, avoid early missteps, and hopes her students like her.

I bring up my daughter for a few reasons. Adults and students share some similarities in a school system. Finding our place in groups is something that evolves over time, yet we never grow out of it. Most people have a desire to have friends and to have someone to talk to during the day. These are good reminders that until the basic needs are met, nothing else is going to matter. I am thankful for the caring environments our sites promote. Especially when we seek to see the best in others, we can foster the conditions for people to thrive. Assuming best intentions is a good place to begin, followed by giving grace when possible. We are in a people business with complex interactions that often occur quickly and sometimes lack precision and perfection. I believe there was a time when it was a little more acceptable for kids to make “kid” mistakes and for adults to have some “blips” of their own. While we believe in accountability for actions, we also realize the growth and learning that often follows mistakes.

The tragic events this week in Georgia made me reflect personally. Are the topics we were debating with friends on Monday equally important today? Perspective can change in an instant. My mind didn’t go straight to policies, procedures, and politics. I thought about the families who loved people who were taken from them. I think about what their mornings were like. I think about what it would be like to receive that call.

I believe that being kind as often as possible is important and that most people are good. Some people deserve more kindness and attention than they receive. I want to think more about that part and discuss ways we can all positively contribute to helping embrace everyone. If we are going to get better, it starts with the mirror. I invite everyone to think about what they can do to promote kindness and connection in their daily interactions, whether at home, in our classrooms, or in the community.

Inspire the Next Generation: Volunteer Opportunities with Innovation Programs

The Palo Alto Unified School District’s (PAUSD) Advanced Authentic Research (AAR) course has gained recognition for its innovative approach to student learning. As Psychology Today highlighted, it even inspired the creation of Laguna Beach High School’s Authentic Exploratory Research (AER) Program.

The AAR course thrives on strong partnerships with industry professionals who mentor students. If you’re interested in sharing your expertise, now is the perfect time to get involved.

The AAR program allows students to explore original research in their chosen field. Paired with industry experts, students receive guidance and support to navigate their projects. Mentors help students develop critical thinking, foster creativity, and build confidence.

Volunteer Opportunities Available:

Career Speaker
- Share your career journey to help students explore different industries and career paths.
- Time Commitment: 1-2 hours per presentation, with dates varying.
AAR Mentor
- Support students as they conduct their individualized research projects.
- Time Commitment: 4-5 hours per month.
Institutional Review Board (IRB ) Committee Member
- Assist in reviewing and approving research projects for viability by attending virtual meetings.
- Time Commitment: 5-10 hours in November & January, with dates to be determined.

If you're interested in the volunteer opportunities available and making a meaningful impact on student's educational journeys, Get Involved !

PAUSD Promise, Literacy Goal

The PAUSD is proud to provide all of our students with access to well-appointed school libraries. Each site employs a credentialed Teacher Librarian who provides students with access to current fiction and nonfiction texts, digital media literacy, research, author visits, and more! The role of our Teacher Librarians is pivotal in reaching our PAUSD Promise Literacy Goal. The impact of the unique and robust library programming at the secondary and elementary levels is in the numbers.

Free Virtual Mental Health Support for Middle and High School Students

We are excited to announce that we are continuing our partnership with TBH . TBH provides students and families with online inclusive mental health support for free outside the school day and during school breaks, including summer.

Our middle and high school students (ages 13 years and older) will have access to virtual support groups, self-help resources, virtual coaching, and counseling sessions with mental health professionals. Students can sign up by visiting the PAUSD Classlink Portal and searching for the TBH icon. You may also reach out to your child’s counseling team, who can submit a referral for you. We hope to see your student on the platform soon. If you have any questions, you can email TBH at pausd@tbh.us