Devin Serrano, PhD

Today I had the pleasure of meeting with the dedicated PTA at Lunada Bay Elementary School. Each year I visit every PTA to share updates on district goals and progress and engage with parent partners on issues that matter most to their community. Today we discussed progress on our bond program, the Spanish dual immersion program, training for educators and safety and security of our campuses. Thank you Lunada Bay PTA for your support of PVPUSD!

I'm delighted to announce the launch of the PVPUSD Leadership Academy, a professional learning opportunity designed for teachers interested in leadership or pursuing formal leadership positions. Our monthly sessions are crafted to support aspiring leaders as they navigate their next steps in educational leadership. Today, Kim Taylor, Executive Director, Special Education and Student Services, shared her inspiring leadership journey and emphasized our district's dedication to supporting neurodiverse students.

Today we kicked off the third year of my Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council. It was great to see students returning from last year’s group and also meeting new student leaders. This Council provides a way for me to hear directly from our students about their experiences in our schools. Thank you to for her partnership with the council. Our students have great insight and their voice matters!

Today I had the pleasure of joining the Palos Verdes High School PTSA meeting. I shared an overview of district goals and our strategic plan priorities for the year. We also celebrated the school’s recent America’s Healthiest School Award. The meeting included our incredible students sharing about seventh period learning enrichment opportunities. PVHS PTSA sets a strong model for family, staff, and student collaboration.

Congratulations to three of our incredible Elementary Schools in PVPUSD- Cornerstone, Montemalaga and Silver Spur! They were awarded the California School of Excellence Award for 2025. This award highlights the best schools in the state each year and alternates between elementary and secondary schools. What’s the magic formula for their success? Incredible teachers+engaged families+dedicated administrators and staff=distinguished schools! https://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/Sr/cs/

Today I traveled back in time with a visit to the Living History Colonial Village at Cornerstone Elementary School. Fifth grade teachers Ms. Rooney and Ms. Upton organized this incredible event. Students selected a craft and organized a hands-on demonstration of their learning. Students shared about their crafts and shops and took me on a journey to another time and place in history. Thank you to the fifth grade team at Cornerstone for inspiring curiosity, sparking imagination, and fostering a deeper understanding of the colonial period. Special recognition to the teaching parents at Cornerstone for supporting deeper learning events like this one!

Last week I enjoyed visiting Miraleste Intermediate School at lunchtime for Heritage Week. The week highlighted different cultures each day. I visited on Loteria day and had a great time playing with the students as they practiced Spanish vocabulary. Thank you staff and parent leaders for supporting this week and celebrating the beautiful cultures that we have represented in PVPUSD!

Today I had the honor of witnessing students from Sakura City, Japan perform for our students, staff and families at Miraleste Intermediate School. Each year students from Sakura City visit Rancho Palos Verdes and spend a three day weekend with a host family and student. This is the 19th year of this exchange and it is one of the many programs that makes our schools so special in PVPUSD. Through learning about other cultures and exchanging ideas and customs, students gain a deeper understanding of themselves, others and the world.

For friends and family impacted by the LA County fires, please refer them to our website. We accept all students temporarily unhoused by this state of emergency and will welcome them with open arms. As a district we are here to serve our local Angelinos displaced my the fires. Please reach out if you have a family member or friend in need of options for school for their family.

I kicked off the first Monday of the year with a faculty meeting at Cornerstone Elementary School. Monday faculty meetings provide me an opportunity to connect with teachers and problem solve issues together. Today at Cornerstone we talked about all of the accomplishments we’ve achieved for the first half of the 2024-25 school year. Cornerstone is a special place with a parent participation model as a key to their success. “Teaching Parents” (or “TPs” for short) provide valuable support for classroom instruction. Teachers at Cornerstone orchestrate beautiful environments where every student thrives. Welcome back teachers and staff!

A shout out to our incredible Facility Manager, Mr. David at Dapplegray Elementary School. Yesterday on the Veterans Day holiday he received a call from a Dapplegray parent about a cut lock on the gate to the school. He left his home (not close by) and drove to school to check on things. This kind of dedication and hard work is representative of so many of our PVPUSD employees. Thank you Mr. David for all that you to for our Dapplegray community!

It was a true honor to travel to Washington D.C. this last week with Palos Verdes High School Principal Dr. Trista Ramirez and receive the National Blue Ribbon Award for PVHS. In PVPUSD we have exemplary schools and PVHS embodies our magic formula for success- Strong leadership, excellent teachers, athletics and extracurricular for every student and an engaged and supportive parent community. Congratulations on this incredible honor Sea Kings! I am proud to serve as your Superintendent.