#TeamPUSD
Sharing the Good News and Good Work of Students and Staff
August 2016 Edition
Dear #TeamPUSD,
As a new-ish member of the District, this August 16th was my first "back to school" as both an employee and a parent. It was really fun to witness all the behind-the-scenes work that goes on over the summer to get everything ready for the students to arrive. It just reinforced my sincere appreciation for you, my fellow team members. Enjoy the August edition of the #TeamPUSD newsletter and keep those submissions coming!
-Christine Paik, Director of Communications
Dear Team:
Welcome back to the start of another school year! I would like to express what a privilege it is to lead such a strong team and District dedicated to all students learning and succeeding.
On that note, if you haven't already, please take a moment to watch this video. I think it really sums up what #TeamPUSD is all about. I hope you feel a sense of great pride when watching and sharing it.
I would like to assure you, while we’ve experienced some changes in District leadership, our focus and mission of college and career readiness remains for our kids. As we launch a new school year, I look forward to working together with all of you.
In preparation for August 16th, you updated and improved facilities, worked in collaborative teams to develop engaging and relevant curriculum, and increased technology access as well as staffing on our sites, just to name a few.
Thank you for your continued dedication in the months while our students were away and in the months to come as our students return.
As your Acting Superintendent, I will remain student focused. I know you will do the same.
I hope you had a great summer, and best wishes for a successful school year.
Sincerely,
Mel Robertson, Acting Superintendent
School, Staff, and Student Achievements
State Cyber Challenge
Barona Education Grant
Fundraising for Ecuador
When MBMS students Daniela Garcia and Myra Ashraf heard about the devastating earthquake in Ecuador they wanted to help. After hosting a booth at Del Sur Heritage Night and a matched donation from Poway Deputy Mayor, Mr. Jim Cunningham, they were able to donate $919.94 to the Red Cross.
Newsweek Top School
SD County Fair
Eco Ambassador
Top 5 on SYTYCD
Linda Foote
Jonathan Penuliar
Chargers Grant
CNG Bus Grant
Bond Refunding
For the first time, the District Finance team was able to accomplish two things on a bond refunding:
PUSD realized a 25.82% overall savings on refunding bonds from various CFD areas
PUSD was able to reduce the final maturity of outstanding bonds by 10 years. This means that CFD taxpayers final payment for their outstanding bonds will be 2032 in lieu of 2042.
Everyday Heroes and TeamPUSD Awards
Awarded at the June 21st Board Meeting
The PUSD 'Everyday Heroes' Classified Recognition Program honors classified employees who demonstrate excellence in work performance, school and community involvement, leadership and commitment to our District and students. The Team PUSD Award is designed to recognize an admirable team of employees, who together accomplish an exceptional task or project. The recognition is for a group of two or more classified and/or certificated individuals who have made a significant contribution to the benefit of PUSD, an individual, his or her work site, the community or other volunteer or service organization.
Everyday Hero
Everyday Hero
Everyday Hero
Everyday Hero
Team PUSD Award
Team PUSD Award
PUSD Volunteers of the Year
Stan Kim, Painted Rock
Audrey Frank, Rancho Bernardo
Garry Burgess, Black Mountain
For the past 2.5 years, Garry Burgess has been the president of Black Mountain Middle School’s Foundation, at one point, also balancing being the president of Sunset Hill’s Foundation. Under Garry, the Foundation has helped fund various programs on campus, such as Show Choir, Community Garden, Orchestra, Band and more. This year, the Foundation implemented a $10,000 mini-grant program where staff could apply for $500 mini-grants that would help benefit classes. Items that were funded ranged from the Playwright’s Project, field trip fees, and conference fees to iPads, and K’Nex blocks. Garry’s volunteerism extends beyond the Foundation. As a parent, Garry has two students that attend BMMS. Through Garry’s efforts, he has helped bring the Hour of Code program to campus for the past two years. Over the course of one week, Garry helps lead students through the basics of programming. This year, they were able to host an “advanced” Hour of Code, again with Garry’s assistance. Garry has also helped out with other programs, such as Odyssey of the Mind, the annual FallFest carnival, and within the BMMS Academy.
#TeamPUSD Behind the Scenes
State Testing Results
The Poway Unified School District is pleased to report that the just-released California Smarter Balanced Summative Assessment results show the overall growth in student performance on this state-wide test is positive across the District when compared to the first year of results released in 2015. The assessment, which was administered to over 18,000 students this past spring, saw larger numbers of students in all grade spans achieving the state goal of "Met or Exceeded State Standards." Overall 76% of students in English Language Arts and 67% of students in math met this goal. To see or search the results go here.
Spotlight on Ella Smith: New Student Board Member
We had the opportunity to sit down with #TeamPUSD's new Student Board Member, Ella Smith. Ella attends Westview High School.
Q: What are you looking forward to most about your new position?
E: Working with adults. I have previously worked with student government. I am looking forward to working on larger scale, substantial issues.
Q: What have you been up to this summer?
E: I got to travel with my mom for five weeks. We went to Russia, Italy and Sweden. Did you know a train across Italy only costs about thirty euro?
Q: What are your future plans?
E: I want to go to college and I will probably major in business. I could see myself working for a non profit.
Q: What do you want to accomplish for your final year?
E: I want to help all students feel involved and that they can voice their ideas, big and small. I also want to increase hydration across campuses.
Q: What are some fun facts about you?
E: I like art history and when I was traveling I discovered that I love gnocchi.
Q: Do you have a message for your fellow PUSD students?
E: Yes. Be informed to be empowered. When you are informed you can voice your opinion well and you will feel empowered.
Summer Fun and Back to School Gallery
ESS Friendship Festival
Over 500 kids from five schools gathered at Design 39 Campus for the Friendship Festival. They're all part of PUSD's Extended Student Services (ESS) summer session. They got to dance, play games, make crafts, and eat lunch together.
Music Ambassadors
Class of 2020
Classified Learning
New Teachers
X-Ploration
Poway Ensemble
Music needs no translation! PUSD Orchestra Director Ulli Reiner just returned from a tour across China with her PUSD Adult School ensemble, "The Poway Symphonette." The group was very well-received, performing in three venues in Beijing, Xian and Shanghai.
APSM Kickoff
Budget Deadline
"Rainbow" Graduation
Titan Welcome
MCHS Tradition
Summer Facelift
Going the Distance
Ni Hao
Swap Meet
New Marquee
Cheetah Mural
Back in June, Bailey, a former Tierra Bonita student, reached out to Principal Bedard and asked if he could paint a mural at the school. Over the last few months, Mrs. Bedard and Bailey came together numerous times to discuss the mural and its theme: a Cheetah who is focused on making healthy choices!
Peer Ambassadors
New Track
Lights, Camera...
NJROTC at Petco Park
Safety First
Warm Welcome
Scenes from the Rancho Bernardo Spirit of the 4th Parade
Poway Unified in the News
- New School Year Starts with Mandarin
- Politics Runs in the Family at Valley
- Mt. Carmel Band Camp Photo Gallery
- Poway Adult School Changing Lives
- RBHS Best Buddies Dream Big
- Teaching Students About Digital Footprints
- Engineering and Construction Pathways
- Poway Unified teacher shares ideas via fellowships
- Students at Sunset Hills go back to school
- Art teacher Paul Messerle serves as a leader to students
- New Track for Turtleback
- Design 39 Campus to welcome its first 8th graders
- Del Norte band ready for competition
- Vaccinations for back to school
- Football: Broncos still loaded
- Local School District Rethinking Homework
- Case Closed: Getting crosswalks painted outside PUSD schools
Upcoming Dates:
- Labor Day is September 5, 2016
- Poway Days Parade on September 10, 2016 at 9am
- Cox Salute to Teachers on September 10, 2016 at 8pm.
- The next Board of Education meeting is September 13, 2016 at 6pm
- PUSD College and Career Fair at Rancho Bernardo High School on October 18, 2016 at 6pm
Poway Unified School District
Email: cpaik@powayusd.com
Website: Powayusd.com
Location: 15250 Avenue of Science, San Diego, CA, United States
Phone: (858) 521-2700
Facebook: facebook.com/PowayUSD
Twitter: @PowayUSD