Pasadena Unified School District Gears Up for New Academic Year

The Pasadena Unified School District is preparing for the upcoming school year, set to begin on Monday, Aug. 19, with a focus on student registration, health measures, and free meal programs.

On Facebook, PUSD posted on Thursday: “The first day of school is 11 days away! Got questions about registration? Contact the registrar at your school or visit www.pusd.us/enrollment. You can also contact PUSD’s Office of Enrollment for help in English and Spanish at (626) 396-3639.” 

On its Back-to-School webpage, PUSD officials are emphasizing the importance of up-to-date immunizations, recommending parents consult the California Department of Public Health website for required vaccinations.

To help students start the school year healthy and ready to learn, the District offered some suggestions:

• Make sure that your immunizations are up to date. Visit the California Department of Public Health website for information on shots required for school. 
• PUSD’s Primary Health Clinic is staffed by a nurse practitioner and primarily serves the district’s uninsured, underserved students. Immunizations and other free or low-cost services are available for students by appointment.
• Sports Physicals for PUSD Athletes are available at low or no cost at PUSD’s  Primary Health Clinic  By appointment only. 
• COVID-19 testing is still recommended for anyone who suspects they have COVID-19 symptoms or who has had recent exposure to COVID-19.  Test kits are available at the PUSD Education Center and school sites. 

PUSD is providing free meals to all students, including breakfast, lunch, and supper, prepared daily at each school with a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables.

PasadenaLearns Expanded Learning Programs are offered after school, providing enrichment activities, homework assistance, and a nutritious supper until 6 p.m. on regular school days. Morning programs are available at Don Benito Fundamental, Field Elementary, Norma Coombs Elementary, and San Rafael Elementary.

All TK-12 students in the District are now eligible for free rides on Metro bus and rail through the GoPass Program, with special TAP cards available at schools or online at TapToGo.net/GoPass. 

PUSD said it has implemented an operation plan for extreme heat, advising students to stay hydrated, dress appropriately, and be aware of dehydration symptoms. Schools have water-filling stations and water fountains available. The District is using the National Weather Service’s “HeatRisk” forecast tool to assess potential heat risks, considering factors such as unusualness of heat for location and time of year, and duration of heat.

A Parent/Student Handbook containing updated information on rights, responsibilities, and District policies affecting students is available for download at https://www.pusd.us/departments/communications/back-to-school. 

The District is encouraging families to complete the Alternative Income Form to help the District secure significant funding for the school system. The online survey and printable PDF are available through the Aeries Parent Portal found here:

https://pasadenausd.asp.aeries.net/student/loginparent.aspx?page=default.aspx