Education

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PUSD Releases Annual Customer Satisfaction Survey Results

Students, Parents, Employees Rate School Improvements

Pasadena, CA – More parents are satisfied by the schools of the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) and believe that their children's school has high expectations for all students, according to the results of the district's customer service survey conducted last May. The third annual survey assessed parent, student and staff satisfaction with school sites and is part of the District's sustained focus on continuous accountability and improvement through ongoing, data-driven evaluation.

"The results demonstrate a growing satisfaction with schools as student achievement continues to rise, and point to some areas that call for further improvement," said Superintendent Edwin Diaz. "School teams began reviewing the data last week and are already working to target areas that need improvement in the 2010-2011 academic year."

Parents of more than 12,300 PUSD students participated in the survey, and answered questions on proficiency for all students, learning environment, and parent engagement. Overall, 95 percent of parents believe schools set high expectations for all students. Ninety-one percent of parents are satisfied with the quality of teaching at their school. Ninety-six percent of respondents know how to contact school staff by phone or email, and 84 percent believe that families are treated in a professional and friendly manner when contacting the school.

Choosing The Right Computer For Kids

(StatePoint) It seems like kids today are born with computer skills. From the moment their tiny hands can clutch, they're reaching for that keyboard, mouse, touch screen or cell phone.

However, parents still need to help kids develop technology skills to succeed in today's wired world.

When buying computers for children and teenagers, keep in mind their specific ages and needs, matching the computer to the kid using it.

Pasadena Offers After School Recreation

Youths will soon have twelve school playgrounds to choose from for their after-school recreation and enrichment.

Organized by the city of Pasadena Human Services and Recreation Department, the After School Playground program is a socially active experience that lets children choose from among many activities.

"Our goal is to provide a safe and healthy setting on the playground that is fun for children," said Darrell Walker, recreation supervisor.

Beginning Tuesday, September 14, the program will be available to children ages 5 to 14 years old, and includes at most sites:

Sports,
A health and wellness program,
Arts and crafts,
Drama,
Dance,
Board games,
Homework assistance, and
Free snacks.

Tips For Packing Healthy School Lunches

(StatePoint) Getting kids to eat healthy can be tricky, especially when you're not with them during school lunchtime. A little creative planning and the right food choices can make healthy eating fun, giving kids the nutrition, energy and stamina they need to do well in school.

Get Kids Involved

Take children shopping for healthy foods they like. Let them choose favorite sandwich stuffers, vegetables, fruits and juice. Only buy healthy items, so kids can't be tempted by junk foods.

Each evening pack the next day's lunch together, letting kids choose their main dish, snacks and beverage.

Go Preservative Free

Avoid foods with lots of preservatives. What children drink is as important as what they eat. Send kids to school with water, low-fat milk or 100 percent real fruit juice in ready-to use cartons. Juice boxes are particularly healthy and convenient, because they don't need added preservatives to stay fresh and last up to 12 months without refrigeration.