District News
Message to staff regarding News Article
Friday, May 17, 2013
Today, an article ran in the San Jose Mercury News that addresses cheating on standardized academic tests. As background, this article was prompted by a story that ran in the Atlanta Journal Constitution earlier this year, which named schools and districts throughout the nation that have fluctuating test results. Thirty-six California school districts were on this list of 196 districts throughout the nation, and Pittsburg is one of them.
I want you to know that over the past couple weeks I have answered the reporter's questions regarding our testing results and practices, always striving to help her understand the myriad factors that must be considered when evaluating these test data. I was pleased to see that she offered solid comments from Brent Duckor, Assistant Professor of Education at San Jose State University, who stressed that "lack of controlled factors in the [Journal Constitution's] study makes drawing conclusions impossible."
I know that this article is upsetting to the dedicated education professionals in our District. I want you to know that I have full confidence in our testing practices and the integrity of our education professionals.
Our site administrators express very clearly the District's expectation that all testing, not just standardized testing, must be implemented with an unwavering commitment to honestly assess our students' academic achievements. Properly implemented assessments provide our organization with information on student achievement and, equally important, they guide our instructional practices.
We review all testing data to help shape our professional development, to support our teachers in their quest to continuously improve their practice, as well as to monitor the success of our programs.
On behalf of the Board of Education and the entire administrative team at the District office, I want you to know that we are proud of the work you do each and every day with our students, and we have confidence in your professionalism and integrity. Thank you.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Respectfully,
Linda K. Rondeau, Superintendent
More
Pittsburg High recyclers want whole campus seeing green
PITTSBURG -Trine Gallegos CCTIMES- It's not even St. Patrick's Day yet, but Pittsburg High has green on its mind.
For the past few weeks, students have been living the "reduce, reuse, recycle" mantra.
"I think it's really incredible what these students are doing," said Erick Valenzuela, teacher and co-adviser of the Activists Club.
The club, made up of about 15 students, spearheaded the initial eco campaign on campus.
The idea sprung from "their interest and participation in recycling here," Valenzuela said.
That simple act has morphed into the school-wide Green Challenge with "a lot of help" from the city of Pittsburg and Mt. Diablo Recycling.
Since January, the city's Laura Wright has been working with Mt. Diablo Recycling's Nicole Impagliazzo, and Pittsburg High staff and students.
Wright said her first step was to think of a way to engage the entire student body, and that's how the Green Challenge was born. It gives each class (freshmen through seniors) a chance to outdo each other in the recycling arena.
Other layers of the program are on deck, including artists' contributions and green video submissions.
"Pittsburg High students have a lot of spirit," Wright said. "They love service ... they do a lot for the community -- blood drives, food drives ... They're absolutely amazing."
An assembly honoring and awarding participants is set for early April. Class winners can earn monetary prizes.
Wright said the enthusiasm of the students has been inspiring. "They're really wrapping their arms around these new concepts. I've really enjoyed watching them."
Valenzuela said, "The goal is ultimately to become a zero-waste campus. We have a huge student population, which can generate a lot of trash." The plan is to start with the recycling basics and eventually include separating compostable materials.
"We want all students to 'think' green and do the right thing for our campus and the community," he said.
In addition to Valenzuela, Angel Calderon and Mario Mendoza help advise the group.
Right now, club members have a pretty big to-do list, which includes collecting recycled goods throughout the school twice a week and cleaning up a neighborhood park on a regular basis. Another focus of the group is to bring a green awareness to the rest of the student body.
In addition to its green shades of good, the Activists Club is focused on "making students aware of things happening around them in the community and on local levels." Valenzuela is pleased about having the Green Challenge for the students.
"The city and recycling center have been very generous," he said. "It's a great opportunity for the students to earn some money. I think it's a great lesson in stewardship, taking pride in our school and community, and acting in more responsible ways."
More
Provisional Appointment of Trustee
PUBLIC NOTICE
Provisional Appointment
PUSD School Board Trustee
Due to the resignation of Dr. William Wong, effective February 28, 2013, a vacancy occurred on the Pittsburg Unified School District’s Governing Board. The Board, pursuant to Education Code Section 5091, voted on February 20, 2013 to appoint
Duane Smith as the provisional Board Trustee. Mr. Smith will fulfill the unexpired term of Dr. Wong, through early December 2014. Prior to expiration of the term, a November election will be held for candidates who are interested in running for any seat that is open on the Governing Board.
Unless a petition calling for a special election, containing a sufficient number of signatures, is filed in the office of the County Superintendent of Schools within 30 days of the date of the provisional appointment, it shall become an effective appointment.
This notice is published pursuant to Section 6061 of the Government Code
Posted: February 21, 2013
PG&E Energy Rebate 2012
PG&E attended the board meeting on January 23, 2013 to donate a check to Pittsburg Unified School District in the amount of $18,450.00 to reward our success in implementing our power conservation strategy.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr - Celebration 2013
Celebration 2013
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
ON FIRE FOR JUSTICE
Monday, January 21, 2013
FREE Admission
Schedule (“rain or shine”):
· 11:00 a.m. – Rally at Pittsburg City Hall
· 11:30 a.m. – March to Pittsburg High School, Creative Arts building
· 12:00 p.m. (noon) – Celebration at Creative Arts Building 150 School Street, Pittsburg
Special Guest Speaker: John Carlos
Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his life for the cause of oppresses people in this country. We need to come together as a community to honor this great man. This year we are honored to have internationally known man, John Carlos, to come to Pittsburg. Now is the time to encourage young and old to participate, to learn from “Living history”, to remember and celebrate Dr. King. This will prove to be one of the most impactful and enriching celebrations ever.
Organize your church, school, nonprofit organization and March!!! Bring your Banner and let the community know that your organization stands strong.
Make It a Day “ON”, Not a Day “Off”
This program is not sponsored by the Pittsburg Unified School District and opinions are not necessarily those of the school district or school personnel; PUSD accepts no liability for this program/activity.