#TeamPUSD
Sharing the Good News and Good Work of Students and Staff
November 2018 Edition
Superintendent's Message
Take a good look at these beautiful faces. This is PUSD’s Class of 2030. Over the next 12 years, it is our responsibility to ensure that when they leave us, they are college and career ready. What does that mean? It means that whatever pathway they pursue, wherever they attend school in our District, and whomever they encounter on their educational journey, they will be prepared to have a full range of postsecondary educational and career opportunities available to them after graduation.
As we kicked off the 2018-19 school year, I challenged our directors, principals, teachers, staff, and families to focus on “creating culture and conditions to support world class learners.” From attendance, to expectations, to school climate, we all play a role in our own spheres of influence. As many of you understand, our graduates aren’t just competing with students from throughout California or even the United States. In an increasingly globalized society and job market, they are competing for spots and jobs with students from around the world.
Armed with that knowledge and understanding, school districts like ours need to adjust how and what we teach our students. At the beginning of the year, we invited Dr. Yong Zhao, an expert in developing students’ strengths and understanding the implications of globalization and technology on education, as the keynote speaker for our teacher kick-off. What he argues is that one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to the classroom. All children want to be great and all children can become great in their own ways. And it’s up to us to help them own their learning and reach their potential for greatness.
How do we support the class of 2030 and each and every one of our students as world class learners?
· By expanding relevant, personalized pathways starting in kindergarten through high school, to provide our students with a competitive edge in an increasingly global society, including additional foreign language and STEM opportunities.
· By ensuring that we are addressing student wellness and inclusive campus cultures
· By equipping and redesigning our classrooms to support differentiated learning and innovation
· By expanding partnerships with our businesses and communities to enhance students’ learning opportunities outside of the classroom
· By hiring and retaining the best staff and offering competitive salaries
· By providing cutting edge and leading professional development for all staff
· By increasing the District’s financial stability and accountability
· By growing community trust and support for PUSD’s mission of college and career readiness through continued stakeholder collaboration, effective board governance, and true transparency
At our recent State of the District breakfast, which you'll read more about below, we highlighted many of the programs and initiatives we are implementing to move Poway Unified forward and continue providing a world class educational experience. Please take the time to watch the video and review the publication. We hope you are inspired and excited about the future of our District as well as our young people. We look forward to partnering with you in this work, whether it’s through your time, treasure, or talent, we need you. Remember: our students depend on us!
-Marian
State of the District
Utilizing videos, a print publication, and power point presentation, Superintendent Phelps and Cabinet members detailed the progress the District has been able to make under new leadership, and the direction PUSD is headed next. We invite you to review our 2018 State of the District Publication and watch the 2018 State of the District Breakfast video here.
Because this was the first event of its kind for the District, we started small, welcoming nearly 100 attendees from throughout our community, including students, District leadership, parent volunteers, city and county leaders, as well as media, business, and education partners. We hope to expand to a larger venue for future events so more of our stakeholders can attend. Thank you to all who attended for your continued support of PUSD’s mission of college and career readiness.
Student, School, and Staff Achievements
Sundevil Four-peat
Every Student Succeeding Award
Jamie Geng, Westview Graduate and current MIT student, was awarded the "Every Student Succeeding" Award at the Assocation of California School Administrators Summit. She overcame crippling anxiety through her participation in Westview Robotics. Watch her story here.
Administrator of the Year Award
Grant Recipient
American Prize Semfinalist
Hall of Famer
All County Honor Band
All National Honor Ensembles
CyberPatriot Qualifying Rounds
Max Out My Class Winner
San Diego County Teachers of the Year
Rancho Bernardo Girls Golf
Rancho Bernardo Girls Cross Country
Everyday Heroes and Team PUSD Awards
Everyday Heroes
Gerald "Jerry" Samsen, Instructional Assistant II – Special Education, Abraxas High School
Jerry has also made numerous adaptive equipment and accommodation tools for the students so they can maximize their independence on campus and in the community. Jerry never expects or asks for recognition, but it's time everyone knows how amazing he really is.
Lisa Nakutin, School Administrative Assistant - Creekside Elementary School
TeamPUSD
David Fisher, Senior Publications Technician; Orlando Uribe, Publications Technician; Philip DeFalco, Publications Technician
The PUSD Publications Department exemplifies the true attributes of Team Work. They are a hardworking, committed, collaborative, efficient, and effective team that supports PUSD’s administrative offices, teachers, and students. Under the leadership of David Fisher, the PUBS team is committed to producing quality prints and completing jobs with limited time and often with limited resources. When they are faced with broken machines, they do the work manually, they stay late hours, and they come on the weekend, doing whatever it takes to meet their deadlines. Their attitude is always positive. This team always strives to meet the District's needs and they do so with the utmost of customer service.
Gale Ching and Kathy Guiney, Instructional Assistants II – Special Education, Abraxas High School
Nick Nevares and Gabriela Egan, Teachers, Del Norte High School
DECA Winners!
Valley Elementary ASES Robotics
Code Breakers
Next Stop: Legoland
RoboRams
Abraxas Garden Awards
Abraxas Farmer's Market Now Open
Fun Photo Gallery
AVID College Tour
6th Grade Dance
Studio 701 Internship
No Place for Hate
Unity Week at Westview
Creatively Creepy!
The Sound of Music
Silly Stringed at Del Sur!
Dia de los Muertos
Fire Safety
Family STEM Night
Candy Collection
Family Coding Night
Business and Youth Luncheon and Expo
Exploring the Nile!
Sundance Runners
PLTW at Valley Elementary School
Intel Mobile Learning Lab
Veterans Day
Stuff the Bus!
Gratitude Tree
Sunset Hills 2nd grade teacher Monda Forrestal & students focused on gratitude with the design and creation of a gratitude tree. Students & staff are encouraged to add their leaf stating something for which they are grateful.
Turkey Trot
Poway High School's Robotics Team Spyder Travels to Paraguay
Tarde de Familia
Broadcast Club
PLTW
Fall Fitness
Rolling Hills Pumas got back into their fitness routine on Xploration Day. Xploration teachers bring STEAM and P.E. curriculum to all PUSD elementary schools, while allowing for release time for elementary teachers to collaborate.
Inclusion
Peer Leaders
Food Drive
Dare to Dream!
TK Turkeys
BizTown
CSBA Conference
Foundation Gift
Launch Lab
A monthly community market serving 4S Ranch, Del Sur, and nearby areas will debut Sunday, December 2nd at Design39Campus.
"The Del Sur & 4S Ranch Community Market will welcome visitors of all ages from 1:30 to 5 p.m. on Dec. 2. It will operate — rain or shine — on the school’s playground, 17050 Del Sur Ridge Road in Del Sur. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets so they can sit on the lawn while eating lunch and enjoying musical entertainment provided by the Del Norte High band." Read more in the Pomerado News article.
PUSD Tipline
Poway Unified School District
Email: cpaik@powayusd.com
Website: www.powayusd.com
Location: 15250 Avenue of Science, San Diego, CA, United States
Phone: (858) 521-2700
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PowayUSD
Twitter: @PowayUSD