Our latest issue of Paso Proud is hot off the virtual press, and we've got plenty to celebrate!
On the cover, we're celebrating A Beautiful Future with the grand opening of the Bearcat Institute of Cosmetology, where PRHS students are turning their creativity into career-ready skills.
Inside this 16-page issue, you'll also discover:
The Names Behind War Memorial Stadium: Honoring the 12 Bearcats who lost their lives in World War II and the new monument dedicated in their memory.
Schoolhouse Rock!: A photo-filled look at how our elementary schools turned up the fun for Rock Your School Day.
Partners in Possibility: How local industry professionals are helping prepare students for careers beyond the classroom.
Blueprint for the Future: A look at the District's newly approved 2030 Vision Facilities Master Plan.
A Remarkable Turnaround: The story behind PRJUSD's major credit rating upgrades after nearly eight years of financial rebuilding.
Plus, meet our New Teacher Learning Community, see what's fresh in Food Services, and catch the upcoming PRHS Theatre production of Witches!? In Salem!?
We hope you enjoy this inside look at the people, programs, and progress that make us #PasoProud!
A Spanish translation will be available in the coming days. Until then, you can catch up on past issues of Paso Proud in Spanish here!
The Announcements section features new information and opportunities being shared with families for the first time in the weekly newsletter, and timely mentions of events occurring this week.
TUESDAY: Board of Trustees Meeting
The PRJUSD Board of Trustees will meet tomorrow, Tuesday, October 27, in the District Board Room at 800 Niblick Road. Closed session begins at 6:00 p.m., with open session expected to begin at approximately 6:30 p.m.
Among the topics on this week’s agenda are recognition of PRJUSD students who earned perfect scores on the CAASPP and CAST tests, a Student Leadership Report from Liberty High School, a presentation from PRHS'S M.E.Ch.A Club, and a proposal to replace the Kermit King TK/K playground and its rubber surfacing.
Community members are welcome to attend in person or watch the meeting live online.
WEDNESDAY: Could You Spot the Signs? Hidden in Plain Sight Parent Workshop
Families are invited to Hidden in Plain Sight: Would You Recognize the Signs of Alcohol and Drug Use in Your Home? on Wednesday, October 28, from 5:30–6:30 p.m. in the District Office Board Room.
This adults-only workshop will be led by guest presenters from Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley and will give families a guided look at how alcohol and drugs may be concealed in a teen’s bedroom. Using real-life examples and a sample bedroom setup, presenters will highlight common hiding places, warning signs to watch for, and practical ways to begin conversations with your child.
You do not need to have a student enrolled in Paso Robles Joint Unified School District to attend—all community members are welcome. Spanish interpretation will be available at the event.
Join the LCAP Parent Advisory Committee
PRJUSD is looking for dedicated parents and guardians to serve on our Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) Parent Advisory Committee for the 2026–27 school year.
This is an opportunity to have a direct voice in how the District sets priorities, invests resources, and works to improve outcomes for all students. Committee members will collaborate with district leaders, review student performance data, discuss goals and priorities, and provide feedback to the Superintendent and Board of Trustees as we develop our next three-year LCAP.
Witches!? In Salem?! — A Darkly Comedic Twist on History!
Tickets are available now for Paso High Theatre Company's upcoming production of Witches!? In Salem!? November 13-14, and 20-21.
Step back into Salem, Massachusetts, in 1692, where rumors spread, accusations fly, and anyone could be suspected of witchcraft!
Witches!? In Salem?! is a darkly comedic take on the infamous Salem Witch Trials, blending history, outrageous characters, and sharp humor. Join our talented Paso High Theatre Company students for a wickedly entertaining production! Click here to reserve your tickets.
Reminders
The Reminders section is a place to revisit information from previous weekly newsletters and updates you may have received from your child’s school.
Free Tutoring and Academic Support for Every PRJUSD Student
All PRJUSD students have access to Tutor.com, offering free, 24/7 academic support in more than 200 subjects. Students can connect with a live tutor for one-on-one help, get support with homework and difficult concepts, submit writing for feedback, and access test-prep resources.
Tutor.com is available to students across all grade levels, so whether your child needs help with an elementary math skill, an essay, a high school science course, or PSAT/SAT/ACT preparation, support is already available.
To get started: Students can open Clever on their district device and select Tutor.com.
It’s already included, already available, and a great resource to keep in mind throughout the school year.
Celebrate Farm to School Month!
October is National Farm to School Month, and our Food Services team is celebrating with fresh, locally grown foods and hands-on opportunities for students to try something new.
Our Georgia Brown Tigers recently sampled locally grown finger limes from Shanley Farms in Morro Bay. Sometimes called “citrus caviar,” these tiny fruits are filled with juicy pearls that burst with tangy flavor!
Students also got to meet Farmer Marcus from Shanley Farms and cast their votes with stickers. The verdict? An overwhelming thumbs-up!
It's all part of our ongoing effort to connect students with local agriculture, encourage adventurous eaters, and bring as much fresh, locally grown produce as possible to our students' plates!
What should our school facilities look like in the years ahead? Our new 2030 Vision: Facilities Master Plan lays out a long-term roadmap for maintaining, improving, and investing in campuses across Paso Robles Joint Unified School District.
Watch our new video for a closer look at the needs identified across the District, the planning behind the Facilities Master Plan, and the priorities that will help guide future improvements for students, staff, and our community.
Watch the 2030 Vision: Facilities Master Plan Video above, or check out the facilities plan for your school using the link below.
At its October 13 meeting, the Board of Trustees met for a full agenda of District business. Highlights included news of the U.S. Army's approval of the new JROTC program at Paso Robles High School, plans to reopen the Culinary Academy café, an update on the Chiado Trust scholarship endowment, and recognition of National First Responders Day.
Read the latest News, Notes & Votes for more highlights from the meeting.
PRJUSD’s Parent University is back with a new series of free sessions designed to give families practical information, tools and resources to support their children at school and at home.
This year’s topics include ALICE safety training, Hidden in Plain Sight, literacy by third grade, digital citizenship and online safety, and a three-part Mindful Families series. All parents are invited.
For more information, please contact Gabriela Clark at gclark@pasoschools.org.
Calling all student writers, thinkers, and storytellers!
The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and VFW Auxiliary are offering two scholarship opportunities for students in grades 6–12, with this year’s theme: “What a Veteran Taught Me About America”
Students in grades 6–8 can enter the Patriot’s Pen written essay contest by submitting a 300–400 word essay. The national prize is $5,000.
Students in grades 9–12 can enter the Voice of Democracy audio essay competition by recording an original 3–5 minute essay. The national first-place scholarship is $35,000.
📅 Entry deadline: October 31, 2026
Interested students and families can use the links below for complete contest rules, entry forms, and submission information.
Thank you to our local VFW for helping connect Paso Schools students with opportunities to share their voices—and potentially earn scholarship dollars along the way!
