09/25/2026
Good afternoon,
Some of the best ideas for supporting our students begin with listening to the people closest to the work. Alongside the important teaching and learning happening in classrooms each day, we make time across PVSD to listen, collaborate, and adjust. This week, we held our first Teacher Advisory Committee meeting of the year, bringing teachers together from across PVSD to share what they are seeing, ask questions, and help inform our work. I am grateful to these teacher leaders for making time to lend their voices and experience to our districtwide conversations. Their input complements the ongoing work of our Leadership Team and helps us continue to listen, learn, and make adjustments throughout the year. One area of continued conversation is technology. In addition to conversations at schools and through Teacher Advisory Committee, we are also working with our AI/Technology Committee as we focus on decreasing student time on devices. Our belief is simple: technology should be used when it enhances learning in ways that traditional methods cannot. Teachers and principals will continue these conversations and make adjustments as we refine our practices together.
I also had the opportunity to visit classrooms at La Mariposa, Tierra Linda, and Las Colinas this week. It was great to see teachers being thoughtful about when technology adds value to learning and when another approach better serves students. I appreciate our teachers for the intentional choices they make each day to create meaningful learning experiences for students.
The fall sports season provides plenty of opportunities to cheer on our students! Our middle school Cross Country runners head to Soule Park in Ojai this afternoon, and families are always welcome to join us. Next week, middle school Flag Football and Volleyball begin. Volleyball games are held in the PVSEA gym, so come out and cheer on our student athletes! A special thank you to our coaches for the time, energy, and encouragement they give our students beyond the school day.
Whether the work is happening in a classroom, around a meeting table, or on the sidelines, I am grateful for the many ways our staff and families continue to show up for our students.
I hope you have a wonderful last weekend of September, PVSD!
Sincerely,
Dr. Danielle Cortés
Superintendent of Schools
