First published in the Dec. 1 print issue of the Pasadena Outlook.
CONTENT PROVIDED BY PASADENA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
Jeannine Bogaard, program director of the Pasadena Community Foundation, recently got a rare glimpse at what it’s like to be a Pasadena Unified principal for a day.
Bogaard enjoyed shadowing Karrone Meeks, principal of Washington Elementary STEM Magnet, as part of the annual event sponsored by the Pasadena Educational Foundation. The Principal for the Day event brings business and civic leaders to school campuses to get a valuable perspective on running a public school.
Children welcomed Bogaard with a creative chant (and enthusiastic echo) of their motto and goals: “I come to school to do my best. In order to do my best, I must work hard and respect others. Hard work equals success. I am successful. Bears are the best!”
Bogaard heard from Washington STEM’s student council, visited STEM labs, music and coding classes, and was treated to a kindergarten performance of “The Three Little Pigs.”
“I really appreciate being here today, understanding how the school works, seeing the children in action,” said Bogaard, who is an alumna of Blair High School and PUSD schools. “PUSD is where you want your children to be.”
Washington Elementary STEM Magnet provides a rigorous science, technology, engineering and mathematics-based curriculum that addresses the needs of each student from Pre-K to 5th grade, including transitional kindergarten. A new five-year magnet grant will bring environmental science and a Spanish world language program to the campus along with collaborative and inspirational learning spaces.
To learn more about Washington STEM, visit washington.pusd.us. To take a tour of Washington or any school in the Pasadena Unified School District, visit pusd.us/tours.
