Pasadena Unified School District building (Photo – Staff)
Dr. Brian McDonald, Superintendant delivered the following message to the PUSD:
By Laura Hackett
Virtual Learning
In the first week of the new school year, our teachers and staff welcomed students to the new school year. As we anticipated, there were some issues in the first week as we embarked on using several new systems for the first time. This was the time to identify and resolve any issues, and our administrators, staff, and teachers are working to resolve them as quickly as possible. I want to thank you for your flexibility, patience, and perseverance as we address and resolve them.
In this fast-paced environment where change is the only constant, as a learning community we recognize that this is an opportunity to prepare our students to adapt, problem-solve, and succeed. During intensive professional development days devoted to distance learning, last week we paused instruction so that our teachers and classified employees could take deep dives into areas such as best practices for online teaching, using Canvas (our new learning platform) for teaching PreK-12th grade students, and using WebEx effectively to connect with and inspire students.
As we begin the second week of the new school year, we are staying focused on teaching, engaging, and inspiring our students. This new school year is a learning journey unlike any other we’ve taken together. I am, as ever, grateful to be part of this great community that has shown perseverance, compassion, and focus at a time when we all needed it the most.
Technology Updates
PUSD’s Helpdesk and Curbside Tech Support teams can help provide support for students with Chromebook repairs, hotspot requests, and system support. If students can’t access their teacher’s course, virtual meeting, or curriculum, please reach out to your school or teacher first.
Curbside Tech Support
An advance appointment is required for our Curbside Tech Support. To ensure a safe environment for everyone, we are unable to accept walk-ups. To schedule an appointment, please contact our Helpdesk by calling 626-396-3699, emailing helpdesk@pusd.us, or submitting a ticket while logged into your PUSD account at gopusd.com/helpdesk.
Extended Helpdesk hours
PUSD’s helpdesk support hours are extended during the start of school. You can reach the helpdesk support team by calling 626-396-3699 between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Students can submit their own tickets from their PUSD accounts for direct support for PUSD-managed devices and applications.
Canvas
Canvas is the new learning management system (LMS) that PUSD students and teachers are using in 2020-2021 for both distance learning (and in-person learning days, whenever this may become possible). Read more
Child Care
PUSD’s Pasadena LEARNs is partnering with the City of Pasadena’s After School Adventures to provide in-person programs for PUSD students in grades K-8. Programs begin September 8, 2020. Spaces are limited. Pasadena LEARNs hours are 9 am -1 pm Monday-Friday (more information on possible 8 a.m. start time coming soon). LEARNs programs will operate at all PUSD elementary and middle schools. After School Adventures will operate from 1pm-4:30 pm. These programs will operate outdoors. Students must be enrolled in LEARNs to participate in After School Adventures. Program fees may apply. Information on how to register or learn more about both programs will be provided on the LEARNs website soon.
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