Annual School Choice Program Begins with Sibling Application Period

The Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) announced today that the annual open enrollment period will open next month for students who wish to attend schools other than their neighborhood campuses in the 2009-2010 academic year. Open enrollment provides families with an opportunity to explore options and choices that best fit the academic and developmental needs of their children.

Visit www.OpenEnrollment.info for more information.

Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) Superintendent Edwin Diaz today announced that Hamilton Elementary has been invited to submit an application for the prestigious Blue Ribbon School award. California can nominate only 35 public schools each year for the national award conferred by the U.S. Department of Education. Schools are recognized for high achievement or dramatic improvement.

PUSD will host a special workshop on December 1st at 6:30 pm for individuals interested in running for a seat on the Board of Education. This workshop will be held pre-filing for the purpose of discussing roles and expectations. Please bookmark this page and check back regularly as more information becomes available.

Partnership delivers new internship, arts and safety programs for PUSD students

The Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) Board of Education held a joint meeting with the Pasadena City Council on Tuesday to hear updates on joint projects now underway. PUSD and the City of Pasadena have partnered in the areas of career Development, arts, communications, facilities, safety and truancy prevention to accelerate achievement for the area’s public school students.

School improvement bond secures overwhelming approval from PUSD voters.

PUSD is now accepting applications to participate on the Measure TT Citizens' Oversight Committe! The deadline for applications is December 31st at 4pm so apply now!

The Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) Board of Education and Superintendent Edwin Diaz today announced the successful passage of Measure TT, a $350-million school improvement bond to repair, renovate and upgrade campuses throughout the district. An overwhelming 74.5 percent of Pasadena, Altadena and Sierra Madre voters supported the bond measure, exceeding the minimum threshold for passage and outperforming 25 of the 26 school improvement bonds on the ballot in Los Angeles County.

Pasadena, CA - The John Muir High School administrative leadership team reported progress in student performance, professional development, campus management and student and parent outreach during an update for the Pasadena Unified School District Board of Education on Tuesday.

Principal Sheryl Orange led the first Muir Reinvention Update of the 2008-09 academic year with a positive report on student academic progress, staff collaboration and community support.

“I am encouraged by the tremendous progress of our students, staff and community in the short time since the school year began,” said Principal Orange. “I am confident that we have the dedication, support and resources to continue to improve student performance and prepare our students for success in high school and beyond.”

Funds Will Raise Graduation Rates and Expand Options After High School

Pasadena, CA - Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) Superintendent Edwin Diaz today announced that the district has been awarded a $125,000 grant from ConnectEd: The California Center for College and Career, with support from The James Irvine Foundation, to offer multiple pathways for high school students to graduate prepared for college and careers.

“The multiple pathways program provides rigorous and relevant instruction for middle and high students, increases graduation rates, eases the transition to college and boost students’ earning power after graduation,” said Superintendent Diaz. “I look forward to working with ConnectEd and our community partners to accelerate achievement for our secondary students.”

Building upon the 2007-08 District Priorities (Approach to Excellence) and the need to ensure we focus our limited resources on our critical areas for improvement, the Approach to Excellence II was developed. Adopted by the Board of Education on October 21st, the Approach to Excellence II will guide our work in 2008-09 and will align PUSD’s strategic direction with the overarching goal of dramatically improving student performance and toward the outcome of having all students prepared for college and career when they graduate.

Washington Accelerated Elementary School will host a NASA Star Party with JPL on Wednesday, November 5th from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. For more information please download the flyer.

PUSD presents the 12th Annual Parents Training Parents Workshop Conference from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm on Saturday, November 15, 2008 at Marshall Fundamental Secondary School. Learn from other parents who speak your language, and connect with others who share your concerns. FREE workshop topics include parent involvement, positive behavior, communicating with your child, the ABCs of high school, and much more.

For more information, download the conference flyer [English | Español] and registration form.