Dear Team PUSD,

It is so exciting to see so many of our students engaged and contributing to our schools and community. I believe it's never too early to develop students as leaders. One of those groups is my Superintendent’s Student Advisory Committee, pictured above. This is a diverse group of students from all six of our high schools. We meet every month, and I am so impressed by their passion, willingness to learn, and desire to represent all students in District decisions. I am excited for what we will accomplish together!

It really seems like October might be one of the busiest months for our schools! I didn't think it was possible to fit so many events into 31 days! From PUSD's Annual College and Career Fair, to multiple band and color guard field tournaments and high school homecomings, to Red Ribbon Week and the Great Shakout Drill, it's been quite a whirlwind! Please continue scrolling through the newsletter below to enjoy some photos and read more about what's been going on in our schools this month. I am so grateful to the staff and volunteers who work behind the scenes to ensure the success of these events and activities on behalf of our students.

Last week, I was invited to represent PUSD in Washington, D.C. to receive our official acceptance into the National Network of Innovative School Districts. It is an honor to be invited to join this group of forward-thinking leaders in education. It's also a good reminder that our work is never finished, as we continue to look for more ways to empower our students to become world-class learners. We know our students are already making an impact in our community and beyond: like Westview's Kara Fan, who was just named America's Top Young Scientist in 3M's national challenge for her project on liquid bandages!

Congratulations to Kara and to all of our students and staff who work so hard each and every day to ensure college, career, and life readiness for all.

I look forward to the upcoming State of the District event next month, where our new leadership team will be able to share all of the progress and accomplishments that #TeamPUSD has achieved in the past year, including academic gains, fiscal improvements, impacts to safety and security, as well as technology and innovation initiatives. Look for more information on the State of the District and our many successes, coming to you soon!

Best,

Marian Kim Phelps, Ed.D.

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It's no secret that PUSD is a proud partner with the ADL - Anti-Defamation League in making sure all our campuses are a safe and welcoming for students, and are no places for hate. We teamed up with them again on a special project, thanks to the hard work of our middle school principals, and invite you to watch: https://youtu.be/D9xN7jGfMfc

The goal of No Place for Hate is to "inspire a national movement, led by students and educators who are committed to using the power of positive peer influence to build inclusive and safe schools in which all students can thrive." The ADL hosted its annual "No Place for Hate" conference on Wednesday, October 30. Several PUSD schools sent teams of students and staff to empower them with tools and lessons to support their ongoing work at their campuses.

Our Studio 701 student internship is up and running again! For their first piece, our interns are highlighting efforts across #PowayUnified to address student wellness, including yoga for P.E. and the new PUSD Mindful Moment. Take a moment to watch the video above!

Have you heard of Link Crew? Link Crew helps freshmen with the transition to high school. Recently, Westview High hosted a conference for Link Crews from across PUSD for a day of learning, fun, and team bonding. Video by Sumedh and Jovanna, Link Crew Members and Poway Unified PR interns.

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Staff and students joined in the Halloween festivities across the District. Check out some of the great costumes below!

Rancho Bernardo High School held a military night, to honor veterans and first responders during their varsity football game.

These lessons in kindness from Free Agent BMX are DEFINITELY something you can try at home! Nothing beats learning how to be a good citizen than from Pro BMXers - Watch the action from Stone Ranch Elementary School below!

For most, a pirate is not the first thing that comes to mind when talking about anti-bullying. But "Pirate Professor Billy Bones" (David Engel) is challenging that with a comedic twist on lessons in respect, responsibility, and courage.

Poway OnStage presented the show to #PowayUnified 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders this month and taught them how to stop bullying in and out of the classroom. Take a look!

What's a good way to get the message out about the dangers of drugs, vaping and smoking? Write a song about it! This is what Red Ribbon Week is all about:

A handful of students from all of our middle schools had the unique opportunity to partner with MusicNotesOnline, two L.A. teachers who teach life lessons to kids through music and video, to write rap lyrics about the dangers of smoking, vaping, and drugs. Many of them even performed the rap in front of peers, overcoming anxieties in the process.

A BIG thank you to MusicNotesOnline and the San Diego County Office of Education for helping #PowayUnified kick ash to the curb!

Another successful ’Great Shakeout’ is in the books for the #PowayUnified District Office! Watch as we walk through the earthquake evacuation plan and the importance of knowing what to do in case of emergency The Great Shakeout was practiced at offices, schools, government buildings, and more throughout the state of California, and was even seen in practice throughout the country.

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