Dear South Pasadena Unified School District Families,
Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year! We hope this letter finds you and your children refreshed and ready for new adventures as we prepare for the first day of school on Wednesday, August 14, 2024.
Dedicated SPUSD teachers and staff have been diligently preparing for the upcoming school year. Please help us welcome all of our newly hired employees. In the past year, teachers and staff have participated in specialized training programs covering areas such as play-based learning workshops, small group instruction techniques, social-emotional support strategies, and much more. We are confident that these efforts will help further enrich the educational experiences of our students.
SPUSD students continue to excel academically, with recent test scores showing steady improvement. This achievement is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our students, supported by their families and our committed staff. Our teachers are known for establishing personal connections with students, and our school counselors remain steadfast in providing additional guidance.
During the summer months, SPUSD school facilities have undergone enhancements to better serve our students. Solar panel installation is nearly completed at all three elementary schools, the middle school, and the high school, contributing to our commitment to sustainability. Through this project, SPUSD has reduced its carbon footprint and helped capture savings on annual energy costs. We are also working on upgrading HVAC systems throughout the District to ensure comfortable and efficient learning environments.
The SPMS Auditorium restoration continues and is beginning to reflect its true architectural beauty and improved performance environment. We look forward to sharing this space with students and the community. At SPHS, ongoing investments in improvements to the athletic facilities include new fencing around the pool, reinforced fencing around the baseball field, and laser leveling of the softball field, providing safe, improved spaces for student athletes. In partnership with SPEF, the Tiger Den, a freshly designed, relaxing study space within the SPHS library, is underway and will be completed in the next few months.
As we embark on this new school year, we encourage you to get involved in our school communities. Consider joining organizations such as SPEF, PTA, and the SPMS/SPHS Booster Clubs, or explore other volunteer opportunities. Your support and involvement are invaluable in ensuring that SPUSD continues to be a destination for families seeking an exceptional educational experience.
We eagerly anticipate the 2024-2025 school year and the many opportunities it holds for our students to thrive. Let’s make this year a memorable and successful one for all. For more information about the District as a whole and what we offer our students and families, please check out the recently updated SPUSD Profile.
Regards,
Geoff Yantz, Ed.D.
Superintendent