The Powerful Impact of our Parent/Guardian Volunteers

Dear Pleasanton Families,

As we head into spring break, I want to share with you my gratitude and enthusiasm for our parent/guardian volunteers who are engaged in PUSD's Parent-Teacher Associations (PTA), Parent Faculty Club (PFC), and/or Athletic and Music Boosters (Booster): Whether you’ve chaired a fundraiser, volunteered for a school enrichment event, rallied support at a game, or simply showed up to lend a helping hand — you’ve made a real difference. You are the heartbeat of our school communities, and your impact resonates far beyond any single event or meeting.

Your efforts — big and small — build the kind of vibrant, inclusive, and joyful school culture that every student deserves. You help create the magic behind school carnivals, science nights, art shows, teacher appreciation days, and athletic banquets.

You help raise critical funds (collectively over $3 million annually!) that support classroom supplies, music and athletic programs, wellness centers, field trips, and so much more. But most importantly, you show our students that their school is a place where the whole community cares — and that is powerful!

Research tells us that when families are actively involved in their schools, students perform better academically, experience fewer behavioral issues, and are more likely to enjoy school and feel safe and supported. Teachers and staff also report feeling more encouraged, valued, and connected when they know families are in their corner.

And here’s a little secret: it’s not just good for the kids. It’s fun for the grown-ups too! Being involved in your local PTA, PFC or Boosters is a fantastic way to meet fellow parents and get a closer look at what’s happening in your child’s world.

As we look ahead to next year, I’d like to thank everyone who has volunteered to take on a leadership role in your school's PTA, PFC, or Booster. If your school is still looking to fill these critical positions, I want to warmly invite you to consider stepping into a leadership role — they are a wonderful opportunity to deepen your engagement and support students and staff in meaningful ways. Any level of volunteerism helps make a difference, and adds to the over 40,000 volunteer hours donated by our families.

Together, we make our schools stronger, kinder, more connected places for all students to thrive.

With gratitude and enthusiasm,

Maurice Ghysels
Interim Superintendent