Get Virtual Support
In addition to all the resources and information that PEN provides parents, there are many websites that provide tips and tools for parents. Here are some of our favorites:
Get Involved
Pasadena Educational Foundation – develops community partnerships, financial resources and educational opportunities to PUSD that benefit all students and encourage greater involvement from the community in support of public education. PEF will help your school set up an Annual Fund.
Invest In PUSD Kids – gives voice to issues of concern to PUSD families and teachers, and to bring those issues to the attention of elected officials.
PTA.org – loads of great information about everything from advocacy to developing school/parent partnerships to best practices to great ideas you can implement. The PTA Advocacy brochure can be found here.
Volunteer Spot: – Started by a volunteer mom to enable ANYONE to quickly mobilize and coordinate volunteers in their community, congregation and social network. Easy, free scheduling and sign up tools for everyday heroes making a difference. For some thoughts on communicating with your child’s teacher read Hey, It's OK!
Open Court Resources – For activities and projects that support the classroom’s lesson plan.
Curriculum and Instruction
Common Core Curriculum Standards – The Common Core State Standards provide a consistent, clear understanding of what students are expected to learn, so teachers and parents know what they need to do to help them. Implementation is set for 2014.
Common Core Standards FAQ – from the State of California Dept. of Education
21st Century Learning – Superintendent Jon Gundry refers to his desire to bring 21st century skills to our schools. Read more about the skills that fuse academics with critical thinking and problem solving, communication, collaboration, and creativity and innovation.
Fundraising and Event Planning
Bidding For Good – set up an online auction
State Your Case
California Consortium of Education Foundations
CCEF is a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to improving public education by building the capacity of the 600 local education foundations in California.
2011-12 California State Budget
California Department of Education
The California Department of Education’s core purpose is to lead and support the continuous improvement of student achievement, with a specific focus on closing achievement gaps.
ConnectEd: The California Center for College and Career
ConnectEd is dedicated to advancing practice, policy, and research aimed at helping young people prepare for both college and career through Linked Learning—a high school improvement approach now being used in PUSD with the support of the James Irvine Foundation.
Ed Source
EdSource is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization whose mission is to clarify complex education issues and to promote thoughtful policy decisions about public school improvement.
Ed Voice
Established by our state's leading educational philanthropists who understand that the future of California will be shaped by the quality of education our public schools deliver.
