Pasadena Unified Briefs Community as First Day of School Nears

In preparation for the first day of school on Monday, Aug. 17, the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) released an update Sunday on several important topics.

The update includes:

Daily Schedules for elementary, middle and high school students. Schools will send schedules to students, according to the update. For more information, please view the sample schedules.
2020-21 Calendar Changes – In order to provide additional time for professional development devoted to distance learning and teaching, August 20-21 are now staff development days. There will be no remote learning sessions for students on August 20 and 21. Click here for more information.
Transitional Kindergarten (TK) – The district is offering Transitional Kindergarten in 2020-21 for all students whose fifth birthday is on September 2 through December 2. Like all other grades, Transitional Kindergarten will begin in a remote learning environment. Enroll now! Here is the list of schools that offer Transitional Kindergarten. Contact schools to enroll.
- Once the district moves to Phase 3 (when schools reopen in the hybrid in-person model with some remote days and with less than 50% of the student population on campus at a time), our Transitional Kindergarten will continue.

- TK teachers are working to provide both remote and hands-on activities for students. Teachers are preparing packets, online lessons through Canvas (our learning management system), and supply kits for students. TK students will be issued PUSD Chromebooks starting this week. Schools will notify parents about schedules and procedures to safely pick up items.

Getting Ready for the First Day of School: August 17, 2020, in Remote Learning
- Due to PUSD’s re-opening structure, all students will engage in remote learning at the start of the school year. This starts the first day of school, Monday, August 17.
- Every student is provided with a PUSD-provided Chromebook.
- Students will be expected to login in and start their school day at the regular start time.
- Students will use the Canvas Learning Management System which will appear on their Clever Dashboard. Canvas contains the course(s) that students will need for learning activities. Students can log into Canvas from any device when logged into a Chrome browser.
- Internet Hotspots can be requested via gopusd.com/helpdesk or email helpdesk@pusd.us
- Picking up Academic Materials & Technology: The distribution of student textbooks, supplies, and devices (Chromebooks, etc.) begins the week of August 10. To ensure the safety of students, school staff, and families, distribution will be staggered over several dates and times. The dates and times will be communicated to parents/guardians by each school.

How Parents Can Support Learning at Home – Check PUSD’s Family Engagement Canvas Page for videos and workshops. Topics include “How to” Tech Assistance, Tips and Tools to Help You and Your Children Manage Stress and Anxiety, and more.
Join the Special Education Department for a virtual meeting on Tuesday, August 11, 2020, to meet new members of the team and hear about plans for remote learning and the IEP Process during remote learning. The virtual meetings will be held online Tuesday, August 11 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. (English) Meeting Details; 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. (Español) Detalles
Please review our School Opening Guide for more information.
See a Glossary of Terms