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Tuesday, August 12, 2025

Pasadena Unified Schools to Reopen Monday; Superintendent Urges Families to Prepare

Pasadena Unified School District schools will reopen Monday, Aug. 18, and families are being urged to complete registration, update student records, and review health and safety guidance ahead of the new academic year, according to a district-wide email update sent Monday by Superintendent Elizabeth Blanco.

“Our theme this year, The Power of PUSD: Rising Together, reflects the unity and strength of our students, families, staff, and community. After the Eaton fire, we’ve worked hard to restore school communities and ensure that students return to welcoming campuses,” Blanco wrote.

Blanco outlined key academic priorities for the 2025–2026 school year, including strengthened instruction in literacy and math, expanded college and career readiness, and a continued emphasis on student well-being. The district will offer a range of innovative programs, including:

  • Dual language immersion in four languages
  • STEM and arts integration
  • International Baccalaureate curriculum
  • Dual enrollment in college courses
  • Advanced Classes and career technical education

A new Immersive Storytelling Academy for middle school students will debut this fall, and more than 550 Transitional Kindergarten students are expected to join the district.

To support student mental health, PUSD is expanding services and hosting a “Launch into Wellness” for educators and staff this week. The district also reaffirmed its commitment to campus safety and inclusivity, including updated guidance on federal immigration enforcement. Families can access resources at pusd.us/immigrationresources.

Blanco closed her message with optimism: “The 2025–2026 school year brings fresh energy, new opportunities, and a shared commitment to bright futures for our students.”

The full Aug. 11 message is available online. (email update)

Highlight of the Superintendent’s Email, At a Glance

  • First day of school: Monday, Aug. 18.
  • Back to school nights run Aug. 21–29, according to the official district calendar. (2025–26 calendar (PDF))
  • All students are eligible for free breakfast and lunch every school day; no meal application is required under the federal community eligibility program. (Food & Nutrition Services)
  • PasadenaLEARNs after school programs operate daily until at least 6 p.m., with morning programs at Don Benito, Field, Norma Coombs and San Rafael. (PasadenaLEARNs)
  • The district’s cell?phone policy limits use during school hours. (Board Policy 5131.8 (PDF))
  • PUSD says it will use the National Weather Service’s HeatRisk tool and state guidance during hot weather. (NWS HeatRisk; CDPH extreme heat)

Enrollment & registration

Families with enrollment questions can contact their school registrar, use the Office of Enrollment portal, or call (626) 396-3639 for assistance. (Office of Enrollment) The district also continues to accept applications for its at home learning option; families may apply online. (PUSD Virtual Learning application)

Parent Portal & data confirmation

The district urges parents to verify emergency contacts and complete annual “Data Confirmation” in Aeries before school starts. Those without accounts can request access using forms in English or Spanish.

Health & wellness

Families are asked to ensure students are current on required immunizations. Information is available from the California Department of Public Health and through the district’s clinic, which offers immunizations and other low? or no?cost services by appointment.

To help students affected by the Eaton Fire and others who need support, PUSD partners with Daybreak Health to offer teletherapy before and after school and on Saturdays at no cost to PUSD students. Families can learn more or submit a care request online. (Daybreak Health; Care Request)

Meals

Breakfast and lunch are available free to all students districtwide. Menus and service details are posted by the district’s Food & Nutrition Services department. (Food & Nutrition Services)

Finances and forms

PUSD is asking families to complete the Alternative Income Form, which helps determine school funding and can qualify students for fee waivers and discounts (college applications, AP/SAT/ACT testing, after?school eligibility and more). Families may complete the form through Aeries Data Confirmation, an online survey (English or Spanish) or printable PDFs.

After School programs

PasadenaLEARNs offers academic support, arts and enrichment, sports, and SEL activities each day, plus a supper. Morning programs are offered at Don Benito, Field, Norma Coombs and San Rafael. Enrollment is limited. (PasadenaLEARNs)

Policy reminders

The district highlights its mobile devices policy limiting student phone use during school hours. Full details are posted online. (Board Policy 5131.8 (PDF)) Annual parent notifications are compiled in the Parent/Student Handbook, which also contains the district’s annual letter about California’s safe?storage laws for firearms. (Parent/Student Handbook; Safe?storage letter (PDF))

Safety and facilities

In the wake of the Eaton Fire, PUSD says phase?one soil testing has been completed at all 34 campuses/locations. Sixteen campuses/locations are “fully cleared,” with outdoor areas open; additional testing and agency guidance are underway at the remaining 18. The district’s fire?relief pages carry ongoing updates and resources. (Soil safety updates; Fire Relief home)

Heat guidance

PUSD’s operations plan for extreme heat advises hydration, refillable water bottles, light clothing and attention to dehydration symptoms. The district says it is using the National Weather Service’s HeatRisk forecast tool and points families to the state’s health guidance on heat. (NWS HeatRisk; CDPH extreme heat)

Other items noted in the update

  • Early Childhood Education: The ECE office has relocated to Webster Elementary, 2101 E. Washington Blvd., Pasadena 91104; programs include full and half day preschool, language development and STEAM. (PUSD ECE)
  • Immigration resources: PUSD has posted guidance, training and supports related to federal immigration enforcement. (Immigration resources)
  • Metro GoPass: All TK–12 students are eligible for free rides on Metro and participating systems; students must register their TAP card. (GoPass registration)
  • Programs and academies: This year includes the launch of the Immersive Storytelling Academy for middle schoolers at McKinley. (McKinley Immersive Storytelling Academy)
  • College savings: Families can look up children’s eligibility for automatic state seed deposits. (CalKIDS)

Key links for Pasadena families

What’s next

Families should check with their individual schools for campus?specific details on schedules, supplies and orientation events. District information is posted on the Back to School hub; general questions can be directed to the Office of Enrollment at (626) 396?3639 or the district’s main line at (626) 396?3600.

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