Monday Message: 10/23/2023

Dear PYLUSD Community,

This month has seen transformative changes in PYLUSD.

Superintendent’s Community Advisory Committees

Our Superintendent’s Community Advisory Committees have kicked off with over 80 parents and community members participating and providing valuable feedback to me and our staff. All district parents, staff, students, and community members can access the general discussions and feedback through posted minutes from every meeting on the district website.

New Preschool Program

For the first time in 31 years, PYLUSD has opened a new preschool, located at Bryant Ranch School in Yorba Linda. Bryant Ranch Preschool welcomed over 40 children as the first of many new preschools to open across the district. The smiles of the many preschoolers and parents summed up the excitement and gratitude.

Orange County School of Computer Science

Through the work of the Bernardo Yorba Middle School staff led by principal, Dr. Beth Fisher, the district has begun planning for our first dual language charter school (English and Computer Science) to begin in the fall of 2024. It will be called the Orange County School of Computer Science (OCSCS). The school will teach students computer coding through hands-on interdisciplinary learning, and it will also embrace foundational mathematics instruction and reading and writing skills. It is our belief that OCSCS will enhance students’ dual language experience and prepare them for innovative high school and professional pathways. OCSCS will be the flagship of innovation and a model by which all successful public schools nationwide will seek to emulate.

Parental Notification Policy

When kids are in crisis, parents need to know. Our district will always work to improve communication between parents and our school staff.

In the spirit of this, the Board of Education at their meeting on October 10, 2023, passed a formal Parental Notification Policy to ensure that parents are further integrated into the decision-making process regarding the mental health and social issues surrounding their children. You may see Board Policy 6164.3, Parental Notification Policy, in its entirety on the district website.

The policy is intended to inform parents within 24 hours, “In any situation in which immediate action is needed to avoid any risk to the safety and security of district students, staff, or property or disruption to student learning.”

It’s an honor to serve as your superintendent of schools!

Respectfully,

Dr. Alex Cherniss

Superintendent of Schools

Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District

Putting Kids First

acherniss@pylusd.org

October 30, 2023 — 19th Annual High School Orchestra Concert
November 1, 2023 — 47th Annual Band Pageant

November 8, 2023 — Valencia High School Showcase

November 10, 2023 — Veterans Day Holiday Observed (No School)

November 14, 2023 — Board of Education Meeting

November 15, 2023 — Yorba Linda High School Showcase

November 20-24, 2023 — Thanksgiving Recess

November 29, 2023 — El Dorado High School Showcase

December 6, 2023 — Esperanza High School Showcase

December 12, 2023 — Board of Education Meeting