(L-R) Noryar Daduryan, Academy Director and Community Assistant Karina Kozakjian next to him. On the right side standing (black/white dress) Eve Mekerdichian, in front of her is Madlen Manoukian (sitting), surrounded by Interim Superintendent Blanco and students (Photo – Jennifer Hall Lee)
PASADENA – ColoradoBoulevard.net:
The Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) welcomed nearly 14,000 TK-12th grade students back to campus on Monday, August 14, for the 2023-2024 school year.
By News Desk
PUSD serves TK-12 students at 24 schools, in addition to preschool programs, five children’s centers, and an adult education program.
This year, PUSD launches new magnet programs at three schools:
- Environmental science and Spanish World Language programs at Washington Elementary STEM Magnet
- A new Cross-Cultural Learning Magnet program at Longfellow Elementary to supplement the school’s Spanish Dual Language Immersion program
- An Arts Conservatory Magnet enhances the visual, performing arts, and French programs at Eliot Arts Magnet Academy, which serves middle school students
PUSD now has a total of seven magnet schools for students in elementary, middle, and high school.
Reflecting its commitment to universal early education, PUSD has added four new transitional kindergarten (TK) sites. In order to bridge the gap between preschool and kindergarten, TK is now offered at 15 locations throughout the district.
The District’s student wellness services are designed to take care of students’ social-emotional and physical well-being. PUSD has robust mental health services, social-emotional learning in the classroom, and other services that serve the whole child and remove obstacles to learning.
Nine community school programs support and connect students and their families to local, free/low cost community resources and services. PUSD has also partnered with the Western Justice Center’s (WJC) to train students and employees on practices that build trust among and between educators and students.
This year, the District is putting into action its new five-year Strategic Plan that elevates the voices of students, teachers and other employees, leaders, and labor and community partners. The most immediate work ahead is laid out in Dr. Blanco’s 100-day plan to learn, listen, communicate, and lead the transformation of PUSD.
“As a former classroom teacher and career educator, I am always energized by the first day back to school,” said Elizabeth Blanco, Ed.D., Interim Superintendent. “Seeing smiles on students’ faces, touring some of our freshly-painted classrooms and schools, and coming together as a community is a rewarding way to start the year.”
Center,Tamar Vega and interim Superintendent Elizabeth Blanco (Photo – Jennifer Hall Lee)
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