New School Year Starts August 12
Welcome to the 2019-2020 school year in the Pasadena Unified School District!
On Monday, August 12, 2019, PUSD will proudly welcome an estimated 16,000 PreK-12th grade students to its schools. We look forward to providing a caring, engaging, and challenging educational experience for every student, every day in partnership with our families and communities.
We had many successes in the last school year, including the passage of Measure J and the awards and recognitions conferred on our schools, students, and staff. I am truly thankful for the wholehearted dedication of the faculty and staff of PUSD, the support and energy of parents and families, and the commitment of our civic and community partners. Together, we are preparing students for college and the careers of tomorrow.
Now, with the start of the new school year, we have new opportunities and challenges to continue improving the student experience in PUSD. In 2019-2020, we will continue to focus on excellence through equity so that every student succeeds. We will continue our efforts around increasing the effectiveness of the systems that serve our students and schools. Finally, we will work to ensure that every member of the PUSD community understands our district’s mission and how they connect to it.
Although I am on medical leave recuperating from surgery, I am thinking of you and can’t wait to return. Dr. David Verdugo, who is serving as Interim Superintendent, will guide PUSD until I return.
We’re excited to welcome you to a great new school year!
Sincerely,
Dr. Brian McDonald, Superintendent
Dr. David Verdugo, Interim Superintendent
Here’s some important information for the start of the new school year:
Registration & Welcoming Events
Schools are hosting registration days and events to welcome new and returning families. Check with your school for dates and times. Directory of Schools
Parent Portal for Report Cards, Test Scores, Attendance
Through the Parent Portal account, parents/guardians can access student report cards, California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) scores, grades, attendance and more. To activate your account, visit your school. For more information visit pusd.us/parentportal
Annual Parent Notifications & Forms
Read the 2019-2020 Parent/Student Handbook, which contains important guidelines and annual notifications, and fill out important annual forms online through your Parent Portal account. Computers with guest accounts are available for parents at school offices. Parents without internet access may contact the school office to view the Handbook and print copies of forms. The Handbook and forms are also posted at gopusd.com/handbook.
Attendance
When it comes to school attendance, every day counts—starting with the first day of school. Missing school (even excused absences) can directly impact a student’s academic achievement. Every absence means that children lose time when they could be learning — and schools lose funding. Learn more about school attendance. PUSD is launching a new email and text alert system to keep parents informed whenever students have three or more unexcused absences or are more than 30 minutes tardy to middle and high school periods. For more information, please contact the Child Welfare, Attendance & Safety office at (626) 396-3600 ext. 88230.
Immunizations
Make sure immunizations are up to date. In California, parents must provide proof that their children have been vaccinated against certain diseases. Children cannot be enrolled in school unless an immunization record is presented and immunizations are up-to-date. To learn more about immunization requirements, visit www.shotsforschool.org. Immunizations are available at your physician’s office and at the City of Pasadena Public Health at low or no cost. The PUSD Health clinic is offering a Back to School Immunization Clinic on Monday, August 7 from 1-3 pm for eligible students. The PUSD Health Clinic, which serves students who are uninsured, underinsured, or Medi-Cal recipients, opens for regular business on Monday, August 12. For more information, contact the PUSD Health Clinic at (626) 396-3600 ext. 88180.
Nutrition and School Meals
PUSD Food Services serves nutritious meals every school day under the National School Lunch Program & School Breakfast Program. Effective July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020, children are eligible for free or reduced-price meals if the household income is less than or equal to the federal guidelines. Read more
After School Programs
The after school and summer enrichment programs of PasadenaLEARNs offer engaging enrichment, leadership, youth development, and learning opportunities for K-12 students in PUSD. Activities are designed to expand students’ horizons and include academic support, visual and performing arts, STEM/STEAM, cultural and career exploration, sports, and health and fitness. Low/no cost programs operate until at least 6:00 pm every regular school day and during summer breaks at the following schools:
Elementary Schools: Altadena, Don Benito**, Field*, Franklin, Hamilton, Jackson, Jefferson, Longfellow, Madison, McKinley, Norma Coombs*, Roosevelt, San Rafael*, Sierra Madre ES**, Washington Accelerated Elementary, Webster, Willard
Middle Schools: Blair, Eliot, Marshall Fundamental, Sierra Madre MS**, Washington Middle, Webster, Wilson
High Schools: Blair High School, Marshall Fundamental, Pasadena High School, Muir High School
*Before School Program ** Fee Program For applications, visit gopusd.com/learns.
The City of Pasadena also offers after school programs.
Transportation
Make plans to travel to/from school. Check walking, driving, or public transportation routes to get children to school on time every day. For City of Pasadena bus routes, schedules, and fares, check pasadenatransit.net and LA Metro at www.metro.net. The City of Pasadena now offers new $10 youth/student (K-12) monthly passes for Pasadena Transit. For more information, visit pasadenatransit.net/fares
Middle & High School Student Chromebooks
Returning middle and high school students should bring their PUSD-issued Chromebooks fully charged and ready to use on the first day of school. If Chromebooks need service, students should contact their school to submit a ticket for repairs.
Get Involved!
There are many ways for parents/guardians to get involved in supporting students and schools. To learn about parent advisory committees, workshops, and more, visit Family & Community Engagement at https://www.pusd.us/Page/126
Have a Great School Year!
