Dear GUSD Families and Friends,

Although summer’s warmth is still upon us, it’s time to start school again. GUSD maintenance teams and classified support staff have diligently prepared for a smooth 2016-17 opening. Schools are ready and I’m thrilled to share that teachers, administrators and classified personnel are excited to begin working with GUSD’s 26,000 plus students and their families, on Aug. 8.

This is going to be another fantastic school year in the GUSD. Glendale and La Crescenta schools have built a strong reputation within the region and across the state for academic excellence. GUSD students are talented, and we’re proud to provide them access to program intended to support their unique and diverse learning needs.  Starting in elementary, students participate in caring neighborhood schools and dual language immersion programs, while secondary students participate in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) courses, Career Technical Education pathways and Advanced Placement offerings.

Not only do GUSD students participate in top-notch academic programs, but they also are able to excel via exceptional extracurricular offerings. For example, Glendale High School dance team brings home national championships, Crescenta Valley High School has built a powerhouse sports program, Hoover High School has a premiere marching band, and Clark Magnet High School has a world-class robotic team. These are just a few examples of how GUSD offers its students opportunities to learn beyond the core academic curriculum. On all levels, GUSD is “preparing students for their future.”

The GUSD has a glowing past, and I am proud to say that our future looks bright. Reflecting on recent successes, we enter the 2016-17 school year coming off another award winning school year. GUSD had 10 elementary schools reach Gold Ribbon status, which is California’s most prestigious school distinction. All of GUSD’s middle schools (four) and high schools (four) have also earned the designation of Gold Ribbon schools during the last qualification period. I commend the stakeholders’ collaboration that contributed to GUSD schools attaining this coveted state recognition. The Gold Ribbon is just one award that acknowledges GUSD’s commitment to excellence. Looking forward, we will continue building upon this model and identify other avenues that will enhance the educational experience for our students.

Another area where GUSD is excelling in is its attention to school facilities.  Drive by or visit a neighborhood school site and you’ll see your tax dollars hard at work. Community support through Measure S has enabled GUSD to provide students safer campuses with upgraded technology and enriched learning environments. The GUSD Board and administration believe that our students deserve to attend modernized schools that are visually inviting and offer an environment that maximizes engagement and learning. Thank you for supporting these efforts.

I honor the many partners who have supported GUSD schools throughout the years. In 2016-17, we are committed to strengthening our partnerships. So many of you already graciously volunteer hours at our schools or have contributed financially through your local PTA/foundations, parent booster clubs, or the Glendale Educational Foundation (GEF), to name just a few. I recognize that GUSD is strong because of its unwavering community support. As superintendent, I am humbled and honored to build a lasting relationship with the community that believes in the work we are doing on behalf of students. Thank you … 2016-17 is going to be a fantastic year.

Warm Regards,

Winfred B. Roberson, Jr.

Superintendent