The Pasadena Education Network Announces Free Fall Programs for Parents

Selecting a school is one of the most important decisions a parent will make, yet myth and misperception often cloud conversations about public schools. The Pasadena Education Network (PEN), a network of more than 1,000 parents who support our local public schools, presents a series of programs to help parents explore and evaluate their public school options in Pasadena, Altadena, and Sierra Madre.

PEN’s fall programs kick-off with a panel of Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) middle school principals on Wednesday, September 25 at 7 p.m. at the Pasadena Central Library. Principals will discuss the academic and social environments at their schools and respond to questions. Parents of 5th grade students are encouraged to attend this informative discussion.

“What You Should Know about Choosing an Elementary School” will be held on Tuesday, October 1 at 7 p.m. at All Saints Church, Sweetland Hall, 132 No. Euclid Avenue, Pasadena. Dr. Mikala Rahn, the president of Public Works, a non-profit organization that evaluates schools throughout the state and a newly appointed PUSD Board member, provides parents of pre-school aged children with valuable information about what to look for when evaluating a school for their children. The program is followed by a reception when parents can talk with one another and parents of current PUSD students.

PEN’s other programs include “What the Local Control Funding Formula Means for Our Students” (September 30), “Myth vs. Reality: Middle School Parent & Student Panel” (October 23), and “Navigating Open Enrollment in the Pasadena Unified School District” (December 4). Complete program information, program reservations, school information, and school tour schedules are available at www.penfamilies.org. All programs are free. Spanish translation is available upon request. Please contact info@penfamilies.org.

The Pasadena Education Network is an independent, grassroots nonprofit organization that promotes family participation in public education to ensure a quality education for all students in Pasadena, Altadena and Sierra Madre. PEN provides services to help parents explore, evaluate, and engage with our community’s public schools. For more information visit www.penfamilies.org .