Pasadena Unified Welcomes Over 14,000 Students Back to School Thursday

An estimated 14,242 students across the Pasadena Unified School District are scheduled to return to in-person learning for the 2022-23 school year on Thursday.

“I hope that you had a chance to relax, recharge, and be ready to go for the new year,” Superintendent Brian McDonald wrote in an earlier email. “PUSD is excited to welcome students back to campus on Thursday.”

McDonald said the COVID-19 virus continues to challenge the District but “multiple layers of protection [are] in place.”

Before arriving for the first day of school, PUSD asked every student and employee to take an at-home rapid antigen test.

Masks are strongly recommended for students and employees in classrooms and indoors. Masks are required in larger group activities such as assemblies and also on school buses. The District’s complete protocols were issued in an August 4 email.

This school year PUSD is offering a free breakfast and lunch program to all students enrolled in the District.

The District also said it planned to expand before and after school programs to support student achievement this year, increase the number of security guards at the high schools, double the foster youth advocates at each site, and provide additional mental health services and social emotional support for students.

After school, PasadenaLEARNs is sponsoring a tuition-free Expanded Learning Opportunities Program at all PUSD elementary and middle schools for students who are English Learners, foster/homeless youth, or who qualify for free/reduced price meals. Programs operate from dismissal until at least 6 p.m. every regular school day.

Meanwhile Pasadena police cautioned drivers to be aware of the large numbers of children going back to school this week.

“Please drive like it is your child, grandchild, niece or nephew walking or riding their bike  to school,” Pasadena Police Department Lieutenant Sam de Sylva said. “Pick-up and  drop-off times can be hectic, but it’s important to be patient and stay safe as children are  getting to and from school.” 

Police said drivers need to pay special attention around buses picking up and dropping off schoolchildren.