Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) students continued to show academic improvement in 2008, according the California Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) results released today by the California Department of Education. Elementary school student achievement continued to rise in all subjects, particularly at schools targeted for improvement in 2007, while most middle and high schools posted gains in English Language Arts.

The 2008 GATE Summer Musical Theater Workshop has its own Podcast! Follow along as award winning writer/director Ryan Scott Oliver and students from all across PUSD put together this year's production of "Les Mizery". From the auditions, to the grueling rehearsals, to interviews with Ryan and the cast, get to know this remarkable group of students then come see their performance on July 31st at 7pm or August 1st at 10:30 and 7pm at the Wilson Middle School Auditorium. For more information, visit the GATE Summer Musical Theater Workshop website.

Superintendent Edwin Diaz of the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) issued the following statement following the earthquake felt throughout Southern California this morning:

"I am pleased to report that all students and staff are safe following today’s earthquake. As a precaution, students and staff were evacuated to safe outdoor areas at all PUSD campuses operating summer school, day camp or other programs. No injuries were reported. Students remained outdoors while facilities staff surveyed the campuses for damage and staff ensured that students received lunch and were kept comfortable. Most campuses have been deemed safe, and students have already returned to class. While no significant damage has been reported, facilities staff will continue to examine buildings to ensure the structures have not been compromised."

For additional information or updates, please visit www.pusd.us or contact the Office of Communications at (626) 568-4550.

Superintendent Edwin Diaz of the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) issued the following statement following the earthquake felt throughout Southern California this morning:

"I am pleased to report that all students and staff are safe following today’s earthquake. As a precaution, students and staff were evacuated to safe outdoor areas at all PUSD campuses operating summer school, day camp or other programs. No injuries were reported. Students remained outdoors while facilities staff surveyed the campuses for damage and staff ensured that students received lunch and were kept comfortable. Most campuses have been deemed safe, and students have already returned to class. While no significant damage has been reported, facilities staff will continue to examine buildings to ensure the structures have not been compromised."

For additional information or updates, please visit www.pusd.us or contact the Office of Communications at (626) 568-4550.

Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) Superintendent Edwin Diaz today announced that he has named Marshall Secondary School Principal Steven R. Miller as Director of Human Resources. The District is actively seeking a new principal for the award-winning campus.

"Mr. Miller has had a tremendously positive impact at Marshall and his experience, expertise and ability to forge productive partnerships will enhance the District’s central leadership team," said Superintendent Diaz. "We are moving quickly to recruit and hire an equally skilled principal to continue accelerating student achievement at Marshall."

The Child Development Department has been relocated to the Hodges Center effective Monday, July 21, 2008. All enrollment for all Early Childhood Programs will be handled at that location.

The new address is 136 West Peoria Street, Pasadena, CA 91103. The phone number is 626-229-0901 extension 12, 13, or 14. The office is open from 8:00 - 5:00 pm. Monday-Friday and closed on all District holidays.

The Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) Board of Education has adopted new protocols to improve governance and policy development, PUSD Board President Tom Selinske announced today.

"As a Board, we are moving in a new direction that increases transparency, emphasizes community involvement and improves the way that we develop education and school policy," said Mr. Selinske. "Accelerating achievement for all of our students begins with good governance that is focused on providing high-quality educational opportunities for all children."

Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) Superintendent Edwin Diaz today announced that he has named new principals at Willard and Jefferson elementary schools. Superintendent Diaz named Debra Jenkins DeBose as principal of Willard Elementary International Baccalaureate Magnet School, which serves 600 pre-Kindergarten through fifth grade students. Hoori Chalian has been named principal of Jefferson Elementary, which serves approximately 600 pre-Kindergarten through fifth grade students.

The Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) Board of Education yesterday approved a resolution to place a $350 million general obligation bond on the November 4, 2008 ballot to help fund urgently needed basic repairs and upgrades at the District’s aging schools. If approved in November, the proposed bond, which includes increased independent oversight, will be only the second bond passed by PUSD voters in 42 years.

The Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) Board of Education unanimously approved a groundbreaking middle school reform effort that centers education around the unique developmental needs of children in sixth through eighth grades.

"As policymakers, we recognize the need to tailor middle schools to better meet the unique needs of middle school students," said Board President Tom Selinske. "With approval of this effort, we are signaling our commitment to accelerating academic achievement of individual students at the middle school level and beyond."