Mary Collins at Cherry Valley: An Update on Our New ...

Dear PCS ​Community, As a District, we are so incredibly grateful for the passion and care our community brings to everything connected to Mary Collins at Cherry Valley. It is that same spirit that inspires us to share a clear and complete picture of the new building project, so that everyone has the same accurate information to work from. A Long-Awaited Investment in Our Students Earlier this year, the Petaluma City Schools Board formally approved a new two-story classroom building at Mary Collins at Cherry Valley. The project will allow us to remove four outdated portable classrooms at the north end of the school's Cherry Street campus and replace them with a modern 8,900-square-foot permanent structure housing seven classrooms, desperately needed small offices for counseling and student support, and new restrooms. This project has been a long time in the making. Conversations about replacing the aging portables began over five years ago. School site leadership and our staff have described the campus as "bursting at the seams," with temporary structures that are now 15 to 20 years old and well past their intended lifespan. This building is about giving Mary Collins students and staff, from TK through 8th grade, the safe, permanent, modern learning spaces they deserve. We have seen the question come up online about why the new building isn't simply going where the portables currently stand, and it is a fair question. The answer is straightforward. The portables currently house our 7th- and 8th-grade students, and they will continue to do so until the new building is ready for them to move in. Demolishing them first would leave those students without classrooms. Building on the portable site would require the district to provide costly interim housing during construction, likely in the form of temporary modular facilities. That expense would reduce the resources available for the building itself and for students across our District. The current approach avoids that cost entirely and allows students to transition directly from their old portables into their new permanent home. Project Timeline The project is being processed through the Division of the State Architect (DSA) for permitting. It is structured in two phases to keep work moving efficiently and to minimize disruption to students and families. Phase 1, which covers grading, utility work, and site preparation, begins this summer. This groundwork is essential to ensure the site is ready for the building itself. Phase 2 brings the full construction of the new two-story structure along with final site improvements, with overall project completion anticipated in Fall 2027. This project is funded through a 2014 bond measure, meaning this investment in our students comes from resources our community already committed to school improvements. Mary Collins at Cherry Valley currently serves 512 students across TK through 8th grade, and this building will ensure they have the modern, permanent facilities that match the quality of education they receive every day. The PTA has also been busy planning a front-of-school refresh ahead of construction, adding benches, trees, and gathering spaces so that families continue to have a welcoming place to connect while the middle school area is being built. It is also important to note that the park will remain largely open and accessible to the community and will continue to be available for community use after construction is complete. The Trees: What Is Actually Happening We understand the trees have been a focal point of concern, and we want to be straightforward and transparent about the full picture. The project was reviewed by our District's environmental consultant, David J. Powers & Associates, and found to be exempt from CEQA under Class 14, which covers additions to schools. The tree removal was noted in the project description for informational purposes only. The number of trees is not a factor in the exemption determination. A certified arborist from Callander Associates was hired to assess all 35 trees near the construction zone. Of the 29 recommended for removal, 18 were found to be in poor condition and 10 in fair condition, nearly all Coast Live Oaks. Importantly, most of these are not large, mature trees. Many are crowded, leaning, or multi-stem offshoots of tree stumps that were previously removed, scrub regrowth rather than the grand, established oaks the numbers might suggest. There is one large Sycamore that must be removed. It sits directly within the building footprint, and its removal is unavoidable for the construction of the new classrooms. This is one of four large Sycamores on the site, and the other three will remain. We do not take this lightly, and it is reflected in our tree replacement plan. Our current plan includes five new trees: three California London Planes in 36-inch boxes and two Eastern Redbuds in 24-inch boxes. As part of our commitment to the campus and the neighborhood, we will be adding additional trees throughout the campus. Additionally, a qualified biologist will perform a pre-construction nesting survey to ensure compliance with Federal and State requirements. Was the Community Informed? Our District held in-person community engagement meetings at the school and distributed surveys and digital questionnaires during the planning process. Many Mary Collins at Cherry Valley families have been aware of and excited about this project for years, and the staff and PTA have expressed strong support. We recognize that some neighbors feel they did not receive adequate notice, and that feedback matters. Outreach did take place throughout the process, and we remain open to ongoing conversation. Looking Ahead The portables being replaced are aging structures that no longer serve our students well. This project is the result of years of thoughtful planning, and we are excited about what it means for the Mary Collins at Cherry Valley community. We look forward to the improvements this building will bring to our school, our students, and our neighborhood for decades to come.

Tuesday, Jun 02 2026

Memorial Day

No School Monday School resumes Tuesday, May 26th No School Monday, May 25th There will be no school on Monday, May 25 in observance of Memorial Day. This day honors and remembers the brave people who gave their lives in service to our country. We hope our students, staff, and families have a safe and meaningful holiday weekend. School will resume on Tuesday, May 26.

Saturday, May 23 2026

Important Leadership Update for PCS

Dear PCS Community, I am writing today to share that the PCS Board of Education has selected Davina Goldwasser as our next Superintendent, pending formal Board approval on May 26, 2026. Earlier today, we first shared this news with PCS staff and leadership, and I am now pleased to extend it to our broader community. This selection follows a comprehensive, community-driven search process focused on identifying a visionary, equity-driven educational leader committed to student success. Through that process, the Board sought a leader with strong instructional expertise, organizational leadership, fiscal stewardship, and a deep commitment to improving outcomes for all students - especially those who have been historically underserved. As you will see in the press release below, Ms. Goldwasser brings more than 25 years of experience across public education, including roles as a teacher, district leader, and elected school board trustee in Marin County. Most recently, she has served as Assistant Superintendent of High Schools and College and Career Readiness in the San Francisco Unified School District, where she oversees instructional leadership and college and career readiness programs supporting more than 16,000 students. She is also fluent in Spanish, and brings both professional expertise and a personal connection to public education shaped by her experience as a first-generation college graduate and the daughter of immigrant parents. We are excited for the leadership she will bring to Petaluma City Schools and look forward to introducing her more fully to our community in the weeks ahead. Transitions like this are important moments for a school district, and I want to take a moment to thank our entire PCS community for your ongoing support, care, and partnership. The strength of Petaluma City Schools comes from all of you, and the Board is deeply grateful for the work happening each day in our schools. Mady Cloud Board President  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Petaluma City Schools Board Announces New Superintendent Davina Goldwasser Petaluma, CA -- (May 22, 2026) --  Pending Board Approval on May 26, 2026, Davina Goldwasser has been selected as the incoming Superintendent of Petaluma City Schools. Her tenure will begin on July 1, 2026, succeeding Superintendent Matthew Harris. The pending approval of Ms. Goldwasser's contract marks the culmination of a comprehensive search process focused on identifying a visionary, equity-driven educational leader committed to student success.  Through a community-driven search process, the Petaluma Board of Education sought a superintendent with deep instructional expertise, strong organizational leadership, fiscal stewardship, and a demonstrated commitment to improving outcomes for all students, especially those who have been historically underserved. The Board prioritized a leader who would champion Petaluma City Schools' mission of providing inclusive, high-quality learning environments where every student is prepared for success in college, career, and life, while honoring the diverse identities, experiences, and aspirations of the district's students and families. Ms. Goldwasser brings extensive experience spanning the full spectrum of public education leadership for over 25 years, having served as a classroom teacher, community resource director, senior director of school leadership, and director of principal leadership in districts across the Bay Area. She has also served as an elected school board trustee in Marin County, providing governance and fiscal oversight in a TK-8 district, navigating budget reductions, supporting bond-funded modernizations, serving as the board representative to the English Learner Advisory Committee to elevate family voice and engagement, and participating in superintendent hiring. Most recently, she has served as Assistant Superintendent of High Schools and College and Career Readiness in the San Francisco Unified School District, where she leads instructional vision, strategic planning, and principal supervision for 23 high schools serving more than 16,000 students. In her role, she has partnered with educators, school leaders, labor partners, and community partners to strengthen academic outcomes, expand equitable access to rigorous learning opportunities, and deepen culturally responsive practices. She also oversees the college and career readiness department that manages Career Technical Education pathways, internships, dual enrollment, college access initiatives, and credit recovery programs, while partnering across PK-12 divisions to strengthen alignment and ensure smooth transitions for students across grade spans. Board President Mady Cloud shared, "I am thrilled that Davina has been selected as the next leader of our District. Throughout the interview process, it was overwhelmingly apparent that she not only met every qualification we sought but also that she genuinely connects with who we are as a community and is the best candidate to serve Petaluma City Schools with integrity, passion, and vision." "Petaluma City Schools' commitment to high-quality, diverse, equitable, and inclusive education aligns deeply with my professional experience and leadership mission," said Ms. Goldwasser. "As a parent, former school board member, and longtime Bay Area educator, I am honored to join this community and eager to support efforts that ensure every student thrives academically, socially, and emotionally. I look forward to working alongside Petaluma students, staff, families, and community partners to advance this important work." Davina brings a personal connection to public education shaped by her lived experiences as the child of immigrant parents, a native Spanish speaker, and a first-generation college graduate. She and her husband Baruch live nearby in Marin County and are the parents of two teenage boys. In her spare time, she is currently keeping busy training their new energetic puppy. Petaluma City Schools

Friday, May 22 2026

Pride Month and Harvey Milk Day

June is Pride Month, a time to celebrate, affirm, and uplift our LGBTQ+ students, staff, families, and community members. As we approach Pride Month, we also recognize Harvey Milk Day on May 22, a day to honor the legacy of one of the first openly gay elected officials in California and a champion of equality, courage, and civic engagement. We are proud to share that our Board recently took a meaningful step in reaffirming our commitment to inclusion by passing the Pride Resolution ( Resolution 25/26-42-6 ). This resolution reflects our district's deep belief that every student deserves to feel safe, seen, and valued, not just in June, but every day of the school year. We invite our community to join us in celebrating the diversity that makes our schools stronger.

Friday, May 22 2026

Happy Classified School Employees Week!

This week, we proudly celebrate the incredible classified staff members who help keep our schools running every single day!  From bus drivers and custodians to paraeducators, office staff, nutrition services, maintenance crews, campus supervisors, technology teams, and so many others — our classified staff are the heart behind the scenes of every successful school day.  Their hard work, care, patience, and dedication create safe, welcoming, and supportive environments where students can learn and thrive. Whether they’re greeting students with a smile, preparing meals, keeping campuses beautiful, supporting classrooms, or solving problems big and small, their impact is felt across every corner of our district. Please join us in thanking all of our amazing classified staff members for everything they do for our students, families, and schools each and every day. 

Tuesday, May 19 2026

May Newsletter

PCS Newsletter May 2026 Dear Petaluma City Schools Community, As we move into these final weeks of the school year, every corner of Petaluma City Schools is alive with energy, creativity, and celebration. From open houses and concerts to capstone presentations, robotics showcases, art exhibitions, and end‑of‑year projects, our campuses are filled with moments that remind us why this community is so special. More than 7,400 students bring their passions, talents, and individuality into our schools each day, and it has been a joy to see their growth shine so brightly this spring. This season is also a powerful reminder of the strength of our PCS community and the dedication of the people who make it all possible. Whether it’s students performing at the Westside Band Festival, competing at Westside Relays, publishing their first books, completing dual‑enrollment coursework, or presenting senior projects, these celebrations reflect the hard work of our teachers, staff, and families who support our students every step of the way. And at the heart of it all are our seniors who are just days away from walking across the stage and into a new chapter of life. Graduation season is always emotional in the best way. It represents years of learning, friendships, challenges, resilience, and unforgettable memories. Watching our students prepare for what comes next fills me with pride and deep hope for the future. As we close out the year, I hope we each find a moment to pause, celebrate the accomplishments happening all around us, check in on one another, and appreciate the compassion and connection that define us. Even through challenges, we continue to move forward together with optimism, creativity, and a shared commitment to our students. In partnership,   Matthew Harris Superintendent, Petaluma City Schools LCAP Update We wrapped up our final LCAP meeting of the year with a meaningful session focused on community input. Participants engaged in a prioritization activity using the feedback gathered at our two March meetings, helping to shape the direction of our Local Control and Accountability Plan. That input will now be incorporated into our Year 3 LCAP update, which will be brought to the Board of Education in June. There will be two June board meetings dedicated to the LCAP: a Public Hearing and a subsequent meeting for the formal adoption of the plan. Thank you to everyone who participated throughout this process. Your voice matters and directly influences the decisions we make for our students and community. New State Testing Achievement Level Labels Starting in the 2025–26 school year, California is updating the level labels used on CAASPP student score reports for English language arts/literacy, math, and science.  New Achievement Level Labels: Level 4 — Advanced (previously: Standard Exceeded) Level 3 — Proficient (previously: Standard Met) Level 2 — Developing (previously: Standard Nearly Met) Level 1 — Minimal (previously: Standard Not Met) These new labels are meant to be clearer and easier for families to understand. Test questions, format, and scoring are unchanged. Families can still compare scores from past years to future results. Board Resolutions and New Hirings At the most recent Board meeting, the Petaluma City School Board voted to approve the following Board resolutions, reflecting the Board's ongoing commitment to supporting our students, staff, and community: 1. Resolution 2526-42: Resolution declaring the month of June as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month and directing all sites to fly the progress pride flag each school day 2. Resolution 2526-46: Declaring the Month of May as Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month 3. Resolution 2526-53: Declaring the Month of May as Jewish Heritage Month 4. Resolution 2526-46: Celebrating the Week of the Teacher & Honoring Certificated Staff 5. Resolution 2526-47: Declaring the Week of May 17-23, 2026 Classified School Employees Week 6. Resolution 2526-43: Resolution Recognizing June 19th, 2026 as Juneteenth and directing all sites to fly the Juneteenth flag each day in the month of June Petaluma City Schools is excited to announce Angela Riley as the new principal of McKinley Elementary and PACS. Angela brings a strong commitment to student success and community, and we are confident she will be a wonderful addition to our District. We are also excited to welcome Heather Ramme as our new Director of Technology and Innovation. In an increasingly digital world, this role is vital to ensuring our students and staff have the tools and support they need to thrive. We look forward to partnering with these two outstanding administrators as we continue working together to provide the best possible experience for every student in Petaluma City Schools. Casa Grande High School Student Earns National Spotlight at Sara Bareilles Awards Petaluma City Schools is proud to announce that Casa Grande High School student Samara Castro has been named Outstanding Lead Actress at the 2026 Sara Bareilles Awards for her performance as Carrie White in Casa Grande’s production of Carrie: The Musical.  As the recipient of the Outstanding Lead Actress honor, Samara will advance to the National High School Musical Theatre Awards, widely known as “The Jimmys” in New York City this summer, where she will perform and compete alongside top student performers from across the country on a Broadway stage. Petaluma City Schools congratulates Samara Castro, the cast and crew of Carrie: The Musical, theater director and staff, and the entire Casa Grande High School community on this remarkable achievement. PCS Art Show Success The Lucchesi Center came alive at opening night for our District-Wide Art Show, The Heart of Us. Artwork from students across all schools was on full display, filling the space with color, creativity, and an undeniable sense of pride. The energy was electric from start to finish. Guests were treated to a film festival showcasing student-produced work, live music performances from our talented secondary bands, and hands-on robotics activities that had attendees of all ages engaged and amazed. PHS Broadcasting was on the scene as well, showcasing their remarkable abilities and talents.  We were honored to have district board members in attendance, a true testament to the community support behind our students and their incredible talents. None of this would have been possible without the vision, dedication, and tireless effort of one PCS employee, a heartfelt thank you to Erinn Vandermeer for bringing this entire event to life. From the artwork on the walls to every last detail of the evening, her passion for celebrating student achievement made the night truly shine. Environmental Literacy & Climate Action PCS Students & Staff Shine at Future Fest May 3rd was Future Fest 2026 in Petaluma! A partnership with the City of Petaluma and Cool Petaluma, Future Fest Petaluma students recently showcased their science and environmental literacy through interactive displays, proving how effectively they can apply academic concepts to real-world challenges. The event was a joyful success, featuring knowledgeable students confidently presenting a diverse range of projects. Highlights of the Future Fest Student Showcase: Wildlife & Conservation: Students from Grant, Mary Collins, and McNear shared stop-motion videos and STEM models focused on protecting migrating California newts. Eco-Safety: Classes highlighted the dangers of pesticides, while Kenilworth middle schoolers analyzed climate change via ice core data. Campus Stewardship: McNear students presented year-long tree studies and wildlife-friendly pest management—including building an owl cone nest—while Mary Collins showcased campus recycling and composting. Specialized Programs: Displays featured the Casa Grande Fish Hatchery, McDowell’s SEEC Pathways field trips, and school-wide literacy initiatives. This event proved the value of connecting student interest with hands-on learning. Thank you to the teachers and community for supporting these inspiring young leaders! Attention Rising 9th-12 Grade Students! California Youth Climate Policy (CYCP) Cohort 4 Deadline Extended! Learn more and APPLY! Whether you're a California student eager to lead on climate issues in your community or an educator who knows a student who is ready to make a difference, the California Youth Climate Policy (CYCP) Leadership Program is a powerful opportunity for real change. Applications for Cohort 4 are now open! Sponsored by Ten Strands, UndauntedK12, and the Sierra Club, CYCP empowers students to design and launch climate policy campaigns in their schools or districts. Participants receive one-on-one mentorship from adult coaches, collaborate with like-minded peers from across California, and develop a personal leadership plan—all while gaining hands-on experience in climate advocacy.  Key dates: Applications due May 31 Applicant decisions communicated mid June Program runs: July 2026–January 2027  $500 stipend upon program completion Climate Storytelling Contest For California middle and high school students Entry Deadline: May 28, 2026, 5pm California Time Climate change, caused by the burning of fossil fuels like oil and gas, is impacting communities in California and across the globe. Many feelings can come up when thinking about climate change and it's easy to get lost in the data, graphs, and scientific literature. What if storytelling can help us understand those feelings and teach us something about climate change? The California Coastal Commission invites you to answer the prompt below through a podcast, photo essay, or narrative essay. WHAT ARE YOUR FEELINGS ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE? HOW COULD THOSE FEELINGS LEAD TO ACTION? Download an Educator Resources document for the Climate Storytelling Contest. https://www.coastal.ca.gov/climatechallenge/ College & Career Corner As the school year winds down with only a few weeks remaining until graduation, we are thrilled to celebrate our Class of 2026 CTE Pathway Completers with certificates and stoles. What does it mean to be a CTE pathway "completer"? This marks our second year of special acknowledgement for these dedicated students, and we are incredibly proud to see a 35% growth in CTE pathway completion from 2025 to 2026. Congratulations and see you at Graduation! In other news, Spark the Future, hosted by the CTE Foundation was incredible this year and a proud moment for PCS.  We had 5 of our phenomenal CTE pathways represented, with the CGHS Food Service & Hospitality students taking first prize in the Culinary competition!!!    What's New in the World of Work-Based Learning? Fire Camp A huge thank you to the Petaluma Fire Department for the incredible time and planning they invested into the May 7th High School Firefighter Career Day. Students gained invaluable experience by suiting up in full gear, tackling fun simulations, and learning professional career paths from local fire service experts. It was an inspiring day of networking that helped our community's next generation of first responders truly ignite their future! Child Development & Careers in Education Students from Casa Grande High School took a field trip to Sonoma State University to learn about careers and majors in their CTE sector. It was both fun and informative! Free Summer Construction Camps in Petaluma! These camps are offered in partnership with Santa Rosa Junior College (Petaluma Campus) and Tradeswomen, Inc. (TWI) for students in Grades 11 and 12. The camps will provide a unique, hands-on introduction to the construction industry through practical skill-building and career exploration. Camp participants will also earn their CPR certification, a noncredit SRJC course, “Survey of the Building and Construction Trades Industry,” and go home with a set of tools! This event is FREE and meals are included. Sign-Up Here! TWI Summer Construction Camps 2026 Interest Form  Workplace Readiness: Know Your Rights! Per California law AB 800, all students applying for a Work Permit must receive a labor rights information sheet covering vital topics like minimum wage, overtime, and workplace safety. Whether you are starting a summer job or are already employed, knowing your rights is the first step to a professional career. Stop by the College & Career Center for more information and to access this digital [Fact Sheet] for working teens. THANK YOU TO OUR INDUSTRY PARTNERS! JOIN THE TEAM! Stay Connected! Victor Hughes, Work-Based Learning Coordinator 📧 Contact: vhughes@petk12.org Updates & Reminders Attention Parents!  Have you registered your CaliforniaColleges.edu account yet? Easy instructions in (English) and (Spanish) ! Check out College & Career Pathways, Petaluma Promise, Work-Based Learning, and Career Technical Education webpages to learn more about what is new and exciting in PCS College & Career. Students! Need a work permit?  CASA, PHS  PHS College & Career Center, CGHS College & Career Center Check back HERE regularly for student work-based learning opportunities! Thank you for reading! See you next month for more College & Career News & Updates! Community Happenings City of Petaluma Parks & Rec Spring & Summer Activity Guide Exciting news, Spring and Summer registration is now open! We have a wonderful lineup of activities to choose from, including classes, camps, swim lessons, and so much more. There is truly something for everyone, so don't miss out. Explore all that we have to offer and secure your spot today! View All Classes Here Online Activity Guide Join Our PCS Team! Apply Today! Check out this week's highlighted job opportunities below: Check out this week’s highlighted job opportunities below: Bus Driver Trainee, Transportation Department Program Manager, Special Services/South County Consortium Adaptive Physical Education Teacher, South County Consortium Preschool Teacher, SDC, South County Consortium (Miwok Elementary) If you have any questions regarding any of our open positions, please contact our Human Resources Department at (707) 778-4795 or email hrinfo@petk12.org. View Job Openings PCS Food and Nutrition “And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.”  — F. Scott Fitzgerald, “The Great Gatsby” We know that when school lets out, the rhythm of daily meals changes, and for some families that change can be very difficult. Without the reliable school breakfast and lunch available every day throughout the school year, stretching the grocery budget over the summer can become much harder. In the hope of alleviating some of that strain, following are several resources available to ensure children continue to receive nutritious meals throughout the summer months at no cost to families. Call: Dial 1-866-3-HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479) to find meal locations over the phone. Text: Text the word "Summer" to 914-342-7744 to receive information about nearby sites. Online:  Click on this link to the USDA's Summer Meals for Kids Site Finder. Find Summer Meal Service Sites using a California state map with county-by-county listings of sponsors and meal service sites Find Summer Meal Sites with Your Phone: The CA Meals for Kids mobile application helps you find nearby California Afterschool and Summer Meal Programs Sites through your iOS, Android, or Microsoft devices. We encourage all families to take advantage of these valuable resources. If you need assistance locating a site, or if there is any support we can offer to help bridge the summer meal break, please do not hesitate to contact our Food Services team by email at pcsfood@petk12.org or by phone at 707-200-7938. We are here to help ensure every child has access to healthy meals all summer long. Breakfast and Lunch Menus Our PCS Menus are ready for your viewing pleasure! Follow Us! Our PCS community is incredible and we enjoy sharing these magical moments with our followers to give you a glimpse of what we’re all about. At PCS, we like to remind our students they can start here and go anywhere.

Thursday, May 14 2026

Missing PCS Student at Risk

Dear Petaluma City Schools Families,  We are writing to ask for your assistance in locating a missing juvenile from Petaluma. The student attends Carpe Diem High School and a  Nixle  alert shared by the Petaluma Police Department indicates the following: Sixteen-year-old Chace Finn left his residence on the morning of April 28th without notifying his parents and has not returned. Finn was reportedly in the downtown Petaluma area that afternoon but has not been seen or heard from since.   We are asking the community for help in locating Chace.  If you have any information or have seen Chace Finn, please call the Petaluma Police Department at (707)762-2727.  Please reference PPD Case 26-1526.  His photograph is below.  He is described as being five foot, nine inches tall and weighing one hundred and fifty pounds, with brown hair, brown eyes, a scar from a cleft lip, wearing a grey hoodie and black sweats.  Our thoughts are with Chace’s family as we hope for his safe and quick return home. With care and concern, Matthew Harris Superintendent, Petaluma City Schools

Thursday, Apr 30 2026

Your Voice Matters: Take Our Superintendent Search S...

Your Voice Matters: Take Our Superintendent Search Survey Dear Petaluma City Schools Community, As you may know, our current superintendent, Matthew Harris, has announced his resignation at the end of this school year. We are grateful for his many years of dedicated leadership and service to our district, and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors. Selecting a new superintendent is one of the most important responsibilities of the school board. As we begin this process, we are prioritizing meaningful community input to help guide our search. We invite all families, staff members, junior high and high school students, and community members to participate in our Superintendent Search Survey. The survey is now open and takes less than 10 minutes to complete. Your feedback will help shape the “Next Superintendent Criteria,” ensuring that our selection process reflects the needs and priorities of the Petaluma community. Our next superintendent is expected to join the district in July. Thank you for taking the time to share your voice and support this important effort. The survey will remain open through this Friday at 6:00 PM. Warmly, Petaluma City Schools Take the Survey Now!

Monday, Mar 30 2026

March 2026 Newsletter

PCS Newsletter March 2026 Dear Petaluma City Schools Community, As we move further into the second semester, this is one of the most exciting times of the school year. It is often when we see students growing by leaps and bounds, and much of the groundwork that was laid in the fall really begins to take root. Concepts start to click, confidence builds, and students begin to see just how capable they truly are. Of course, this time of growth can also come with moments of challenge. We often hear students sharing frustrations as learning gets deeper and expectations rise. As parents and caregivers, this gives us a great opportunity to normalize those feelings and remind our children that challenge is a natural and important part of the learning process. Academic struggle does not mean they are failing. It means they are learning. This time of year can also bring a unique energy for our seniors. Graduation is beginning to feel real, and many are starting to feel the familiar “senior itch.” With spring break just around the corner, it is a good moment to encourage students to hang in there and really soak in these last few months of high school. These final moments with friends, teachers, and their school community are special and pass quickly. It has been such a joy to spend time out on our campuses recently, seeing the learning, growth, and connections happening every day in our classrooms and school communities. I also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our incredible staff who continue to show up for our students with dedication and care. Even as they navigate a challenging budget and an ever changing world, they keep our shared mission at the center of their work: providing every student an excellent education. Thank you for being such an important part of the Petaluma City Schools community. We truly are better together. In partnership,  Matthew Harris Superintendent, Petaluma City Schools Congratulations Casa Grande High School State Superintendent Tony Thurmond Announces 2026 California Distinguished Schools Congratulations, Casa Grande High School, for being recognized as a California Distinguished School! This is the first time Casa has ever been recognized as a California Distinguished school. Since its inception in 1985, the California Distinguished Schools Award remains one of the state’s most important ways to celebrate exemplary schools for their innovation, talent, and success in supporting students. The 2026 California Distinguished Schools will be recognized at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim on April 24, 2026. Way to go, Gauchos! LCAP You are invited to join us for our upcoming LCAP Community Meeting! This is a wonderful opportunity for staff, students, and families to come together and learn about the progress we have made toward our District goals at the mid-year mark. During the meeting, we will share a mid-year update on our current actions and initiatives, followed by a gallery walk designed to provide space for your voice and input. We want to hear from our community as we continue to shape and refine the actions that support our goals and serve our students. 📅 Date: Elementary - Monday, March 23, 2026  Secondary- Tuesday, March 24, 2026 🕐 Time: 5:30- 7:00 PM 📍 Location: PCS Board Room at the PCS District Office; 200 Douglas St.  Environmental Literacy & Climate Action The Petaluma City Schools Environmental Literacy & Climate Action Committee has had a productive spring, focusing on bringing high-quality environmental literacy and climate curriculum directly into our classrooms. Here is a summary of our recent work and the exciting resources now available to all PCS staff. Highlights Amigos Alados: This unique pen-pal program connects students in Petaluma with peers in Mexico and Canada. Together, students track and share information about the migratory birds they share across borders, fostering a sense of international stewardship and ecological connection. Project Super Plants: We debuted new videos from the Super Plants team! The focus is on planting "carbon-absorbing" plants that serve as a tangible tool for mitigating global warming right on our campuses. SFSU Climate Justice Certificate: For those looking to deepen their professional expertise, participants learned about the Climate Justice Certificate at San Francisco State University. This year-long program offers teachers free CEUs and potential scholarships to cover all tuition costs.  Teachers Kerry Santia and Keoni Yu from Mary Collins at Cherry Valley hosted an  immersive tour of their campus, co-leading a Biodiversity Audit. This hands-on activity allows students to act as "ecosystem physicians," checking the health of their local environment by identifying native species and habitat layers. The committee discussed how data collected from these audits—at any PCS campus—can be used to design and implement future habitat restoration and student-led stewardship projects. Save the Date! Calling all student stewards and climate champions! We are thrilled to announce Future Fest, a community-wide celebration of environmental literacy taking place on May 3, 2026. Support Outdoor Learning and Climate Literacy! Outdoor Learning and Environmental Literacy Act of 2026 Sign On to Support this Bill CA State Seal of Climate Literacy Learn how to support this bill Looking Ahead: PCS Environmental Literacy & Climate Action Committee - Tuesday, April 21, 2026 from 4:00-5:30 PM, PCS District Office Board Room College & Career Corner Spring is nearly upon us and it's BUSY in the college and career world!  We are very excited to share that no less than FIVE CTE pathways will be represented (CGHS Fish Hatchery, CGHS Food Service & Hospitality, PHS Automotive, PHS Engineering, and PHS Digital Media) at the upcoming annual Spark the Future fundraiser for our essential partner - CTE Foundation of Sonoma County - April 16, 4:30-8:30pm! Check out the full list of pathways featured in the Student Showcase. Purchase tickets and support CTE!! In other news, we are so grateful to the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors for their recognition of CTE as a key driver for preparing students for the future, as well as fueling a healthy local economy. The Gold Resolution was passed on Tuesday, March 3. Thank you Supervisors for your support! In addition, Monday, March 16 will feature an official City of Petaluma proclamation in support of CTE. Thank you all for partnering for career education and work-based learning!     Pathway Spotlights ENTREPRENEURSHIP PETALUMA HIGH SCHOOL VALENTINE'S DAY CELEBRITY-COLLAB TREAT BOX For this project, the students team up to create the ultimate Valentine's Day celebrity-collab treat box. This is a 3-part project where student partners design a limited-edition, branded product, build a prototype, and pitch their marketing plan to the class. Their goal is to research, design, and create the next big, limited-edition treat box.  SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE PETALUMA HIGH SCHOOL Lane Buttke scraping corrals/alleys in the freestall barn at N/A Buttke Dairy in Sebastopol where he works as a relief milker, calf feeder, and herdsman. What's New in the World of Work-Based Learning? Free Summer Construction Camps in Petaluma! These camps are offered in partnership with Santa Rosa Junior College (Petaluma Campus) and Tradeswomen, Inc. (TWI) for students in Grades 11 and 12. The camps will provide a unique, hands-on introduction to the construction industry through practical skill-building and career exploration. Camp participants will also earn their CPR certification, a noncredit SRJC course, “Survey of the Building and Construction Trades Industry,” and go home with a set of tools! This event is FREE and meals are included. Sign-Up Here!  TWI Summer Construction Camps 2026 Interest Form  Petaluma Valley Hospital Work Experience Are you looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community? Providence Petaluma Valley Hospital is looking for student volunteers! It’s a great way to gain experience in a healthcare setting, meet new people, and help patients and families. High school students (with parental permission) are welcome. Ready to start? Sign up here! THANK YOU TO OUR INDUSTRY PARTNERS! JOIN THE TEAM! Stay Connected! Victor Hughes, Work-Based Learning Coordinator 📧 Contact: vhughes@petk12.org Updates & Reminders Attention Parents!  Have you registered your CaliforniaColleges.edu account yet? Easy instructions in (English) and (Spanish) ! Check out College & Career Pathways, Petaluma Promise, Work-Based Learning, and Career Technical Education webpages to learn more about what is new and exciting in PCS College & Career. Students! Need a work permit?  CASA, PHS  PHS College & Career Center, CGHS College & Career Center Check back HERE regularly for student work-based learning opportunities! Thank you for reading! See you next month for more College & Career News & Updates! Join Our PCS Team! Apply Today! Check out this week's highlighted job opportunities below: Check out this week’s highlighted job opportunities below: Director of Technology, Innovation & Enrollment Principal, McKinley/Petaluma Accelerated Charter Schools Athletic Trainer, Petaluma High School If you have any questions regarding any of our open positions, please contact our Human Resources Department at (707) 778-4795 or email hrinfo@petk12.org. View Job Openings PCS Food and Nutrition “Life, with its rules, its obligations, and its freedoms, is like a sonnet: You’re given the form, but you have to write the sonnet yourself.” — Madeleine L’Engle, A Wrinkle in Time A word about allergen awareness in our school food program… We strive every day to make our cafeterias and kitchens safe and welcoming for all who visit. As such, we take allergies, food safety, and the health and happiness of students very seriously. However, due to the scale and complexity of our daily operation, we cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment. The following is some important information for your consideration about our school food.  Allergen Accommodations at the Point of Service If a request is made at the point of service by a student or para-professional/teacher/school nurse (on student’s behalf), the PCS Food Services staff will do their best to honor that request within reason. (Example: No cheese on a sandwich or no bun with a burger). Please note, unless a Medical Statement to Request Special Meals and/or Accommodations is on file with the district and a dietary modification formally approved, PCS Food Services staff are not responsible for tracking or monitoring students with food sensitivities and allergies. An Important Note About Our Menus We are happy to provide interactive menus on our website as a convenience so that students and families can see the ingredients and nutrition facts information for all menu items, translate the menu into the language of their choice, and filter by allergens and dietary preferences.   Please note, the nutrient and allergen information presented in our published menus cannot be guaranteed as 100% current and accurate. Changes in formulations, data entry errors and menu substitutions due to supply chain disruptions are some of the many reasons we cannot guarantee the complete accuracy of the data. Students who have allergies or dietary considerations that could potentially cause serious or life-threatening illness should not rely on the interactive menu. The published menus are intended to serve as a convenience, but they are not a sufficient tool to guarantee student safety. Students who need precise information due to allergies, dietary restrictions or other medical conditions, should work with a medical professional for guidance about what is safe for them to eat at school.  For our part, we care deeply about this issue and our PCS Food Services Department stands ready to provide any additional information or support to help students safely navigate our school food environment. All food items can be supported with product documentation from vendors and/or manufacturers regarding allergens present within the food itself or at the facility level. Parents can request labels and further information about our menu items by sending an email to pcsfood@petk12.org or calling our PCS Food Services hotline at 707-200-7938. Follow Us! Our PCS community is incredible and we enjoy sharing these magical moments with our followers to give you a glimpse of what we’re all about. At PCS, we like to remind our students they can start here and go anywhere.

Thursday, Mar 12 2026

Important Update: PCS Superintendent Search

Dear PCS Families, Staff, and Community, I’m writing with an important update about our superintendent search. Last week, I announced that at the March 10th Board meeting,  the Board of Trustees would be formally considering the appointment of Dr. Maité Iturri as the new PCS superintendent.  Dr. Maité Iturri had worked with two PCS Board members and had verbally agreed to an employment contract that was to come to tomorrow’s Board meeting. Last night, the Cotati‑Rohnert Park USD Board held a special meeting and engaged Dr. Iturri in further conversation. After reflection, Dr. Iturri has decided to remain in her current role. She asked me to share the following message with our PCS community: “After deep reflection and conversations with the CRPUSD board and staff, I have decided to remain with Cotati‑Rohnert Park Unified. I am deeply sorry for the disruption my consideration caused. You are an extraordinary community, and I have no doubt you will find the right long‑term leader.” While this news is disappointing, I want to reassure you that PCS remains focused on finding the right next superintendent for PCS. The PCS Board of Trustees will now develop a clear plan to relaunch the superintendent search. The process will be thoughtful, transparent, and centered on finding a leader who can serve PCS with long‑term commitment and stability. We will share more information in the coming days. In partnership, Matthew Harris   Superintendent, Petaluma City Schools

Monday, Mar 09 2026