Palm Springs Unified School District

Undercover Spirit Day brought an extra layer of fun to the final day of our first Instructional Leadership Institute!

Instructional leaders spent three days collaborating, learning, and planning for the 2026-27 school year. The institute focused on strengthening instructional leadership, enhancing Tier I instruction, refining classroom observation and feedback practices, and developing site-specific plans to support student success.

We look forward to seeing these plans come to life in our schools!

🎉Congratulations to the winners of our PSUSD Risk Management Department’s “Be the Change. Report the Risk” challenge. From April 27 through May 20, staff members across the district were encouraged to actively support a safer work environment by identifying and reporting observed safety hazards. The initiative aimed to strengthen workplace safety through proactive engagement and awareness. 💥

The challenge received 23 submissions from various school sites, reflecting strong participation and a shared commitment to safety across the district. From these entries, four winners were selected. This successful campaign highlighted the importance of reporting potential risks and demonstrated the district’s ongoing dedication to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for all staff and students.

Winners and prizes included: Scott Chariton, Yeti cooler; Carlina Torres, chair; KC Evaro, table; an Leah Benavente, air fryer. 🌟

🌟So proud to share that PSHS Basketball Coach Chris Howard has been named to the top 100 and most impactful basketball coaches in Southern California! Way to go Coach Howard! 🏀💥🌟

🎒Back 2 School Bash 2026🎒

The Salvation Army is getting ready for a great 2026–2027 school year! Join us on Thursday, July 30, 2026, from 1:00–4:00 PM at Cathedral City Davis Center Gym, 30-400 Landau Blvd, Cathedral City.

🏫Free backpacks, school supplies, and a Back-to-School Resource Fair with 30+ community partners for children entering TK–12th grade.

✏️Pre-registration required. Sign up for one child per time slot. Walk-ins welcome, but registered families get priority.
🔗 Registration Link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F45AEA628A4F85-63824178-back #/

For more information, contact Major Rubina Navarro at 760-324-2275 or [email protected]

Free meals are still on the menu this summer! 🍽️

All kids under 18 eat FREE through PSUSD’s Summer Feeding Program. No registration or identification is required; just come by and enjoy a healthy meal.

View locations and schedule: www.psusd.us/summerfeeding

*Please know you MUST bring your child and eat at the location.*

A big thank you to our District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC) members Crisel Garcia from Rio Vista Elementary School and Nancy Nava from Cielo Vista Charter recognized and commended by the Board of Education this evening for their involvement and participation. 👏

Coordinator of English Learner Programs Dr. Ricardo Araiza talked about Ms. Garcia’s dedication, leadership and commitment to supporting English Learners. She is a member of both her school’s ELAC and DELAC and works to ensure that parents stay informed and involved. Her dedication reflects the strong partnership between families and schools that help students thrive. 🌟

Dr. Araiza shared that Ms. Nava, also a member of ELAC and DELAC, consistently advocates for students end families, ensuring their voices are heard and needs support. She exemplifies what it means to be an engaged and empowering parent within PSUSD. ✨

Thank you Ms. Garcia and Nancy Nava. We appreciate your support of our scholars!🎉

The Board of Education this evening named Karris Brilee as PSUSD’s Coordinator of Special Education and Early Intervention. Currently the Assistant Principal of Cabot Yerxa Elementary School, where she supports student achievement, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), special education services, and schoolwide instructional and behavioral program, Ms. Brilee has served in a variety of educational leadership roles including Program Specialist; Preschool Administrator; and Assistant Principal in Kern County SELPA, Bonsall Unified School District, Menifee Union School District and Oceanside Unified School District. Congratulations Ms. Brilee!🎉🌟

🎉The Board of Education this evening recognized Desert Springs Middle scholar Victor Muniz Inda and Cathedral City High scholar Maximiliano Ramirez Lopez for academic success.

Coordinator of English Learner Programs Dr. Ricardo Araiza noted that Victor did not know any English when he started at Cabot Yerxa Elementary. He worked hard, attending the newcomer support program and practicing phonics and blending. Today he is speaking fluent English, and we are all so proud of his progress! 🌟

Dr. Araiza shared that Maximiliano consistently demonstrates strong character, maintains good grades and shows a deep commitment to learning and a genuine desire to succeed. In just three years in the US, he has developed strong English skills. 👏

Keep up the great work Victor and Maximiliano. We are so proud of you!✨⭐️