News

A message from the Interim Superintendent, and Board of Trustees on the exciting progress of PSD's Workforce Housing! We're building more than just homes, we are  building a stronger community for our amazing teachers and staff!

The Pacifica School District Governing Board is facilitating the search for our next superintendent. Your voice is important to the Board as candidates are recruited and vetted for this process.

Dear Pacifica School District Students, Staff, Families, and Community Members,

We are proud to join schools across San Mateo County and the nation in recognizing Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day Friday, November 14, 2025.  This special day honors Ruby Bridges, who, in 1960, became the first African American student to integrate an all-white elementary school in the South, an event that marked a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement.

Find important information about the 2026–2027 student lottery for TK, Kindergarten, and 6th grade enrollment.

The Pacifica School District recognizes that a strong school library program is essential in building lifelong learning and a love of reading. Our libraries provide not only the resources students need to achieve their educational goals, but also welcoming, inclusive spaces that support their social and emotional well-being. Each of our five schools are guided by a dedicated Library Media Technician (LMT) who designs and organizes each of these environments with care and creativity.

Congratulations to the Cabrillo 6th through 8th grade band students who put on an incredible performance to a packed house at IBL. All kinds of appreciation goes out to Mr. Gallegos who has turned our students into musicians that mesmerized the audience. Such a great night!!

At IBL, we are committed to fostering curiosity, encouraging discovery, and creating a welcoming environment where every student belongs. Our library plays a central role in this mission, inspiring learning, creativity, and community.

The Ortega School Library embodies the school’s mission of preparing students to lead meaningful, creative, and compassionate lives by offering a rich variety of programs and resources. Students in TK–5 visit the library weekly, where dynamic book displays celebrate cultural heritage, holidays, authors, and popular series. Junior Librarians support parent volunteers, while programs like Lunch Bunch, Family Literacy Nights, and Book Fairs foster a love of reading beyond the classroom. The library also hosts afterschool enrichment activities and features a growing Spanish-language collection within its robust 17,800-book catalog. With its inviting spaces for both independent and group reading, the Ortega Library has become a cherished hub for learning, exploration, and community connection.

We're incredibly happy to announce that the courtyard between wing A and B is officially open! It is BEAUTIFUL and we are finally able to flow more freely throughout the school. Unfortunately, the courtyard between wing B and C is still being worked on but is expected to be completed shortly.

As we enter into this very busy part of our year, and move ever so rapidly into the new year, I hope our upcoming break finds you in a space where you are able to take a moment in gratitude

On Monday, the district held a professional development day for staff. At first glance, professional development days may look like “days off” for teachers—but in reality, they’re vital learning days for educators. PD days give staff the opportunity to grow their skills, collaborate with colleagues, and stay current on best practices that directly benefit students.

Vallemar School thrives on a strong sense of community and family involvement. Together, staff, students, and families create a nurturing environment that supports academic, social, and emotional growth. Guided by our vision to foster character, excellence, and leadership, Vallemar’s Powerful Minds, Enriched Lives, and Healthy Kids program ensures every student’s success and well-being.

The Vallemar School Library is a bright, welcoming space that nurtures a love of reading for all students from TK through fifth grade. With over 15,000 books, including a robust nonfiction section and a growing biography collection, the library offers endless opportunities for curiosity and discovery. More than just a place for books, it’s a caring and inclusive environment where every child feels valued, supported, and inspired to explore new stories and ideas. At Vallemar, the library truly brings together reading, learning, and kindness in one special space.

The shared library for Sunset Ridge and Ocean Shore students serves as the welcoming heart of the campus. Expanded in the summer of 2024, the bright and inviting space feels more like home than a traditional library, offering cozy reading areas, games, and a lively atmosphere that encourages exploration. With a growing collection of over 15,000 books—continually updated based on student recommendations—the library prioritizes culturally responsive and current materials. Its diverse collection includes titles in multiple languages, such as Russian, Spanish, and Portuguese, reflecting the community it serves. Each February, students experience the excitement of author visits, celebrating writers as true “library rockstars” and deepening their love of reading and storytelling. The Sunset Ridge and Ocean Shore Library is a vibrant hub where curiosity, culture, and connection come together—inviting everyone to discover their next favorite book.

We have so many wonderful traditions here at Vallemar—Family Days, Spirit Weeks, the Halloween Parade, the Fall Fun Fest, the Pony Plop, Spring into Summer, the Variety Show, and our Auction, to name a few. This week, I’d like to spotlight one of our most meaningful traditions: our participation in Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day and why it’s such a perfect fit for our school community.