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President's Office

President's 12345 Message from Kristina Whalen

August 28, 2024

(1) Opening of Palo Alto Unified 3rd High School.

Foothill College is the site of a third Palo Alto Unified High School. On August 14th the campus welcomed the inaugural class at a ribbon cutting ceremony in front of the KJ's breezeway. In opening remarks, school officials and PAUSD Board members praised the inclusivity demonstrated by opening a high school designed to serve diverse learners and thanked Foothill College for its partnership. This group of juniors will, before graduation, have two more grade levels join the high school. Eventually a full 9th - 12th grade high school will reside on site. Each set of students will take high school classes in their campus location and Foothill classes during designated blocks of time.

Fast Facts About Palo Alto High School Middle College

  • Principal : Emily Garrison
  • Mascot: Buffalo
  • Color: Orange
  • Location: Building 6300
  • Staff: Principal, a counselor, three math, English and social science PAUSD teachers, a secretary and a special education case manager.

(2) BIPOC, OWL’s Nest, Mental Health Center Expansion, PRIDE Center – Employee Open House – September 20th.

On Opening Day, enjoy a staff Open House of the 4 new amazing centers serving students and energizing the campus center plaza. Be sure to share these resource rich spaces with students and stop by the Open House so you are able to speak of them with clarity. The Open House will take place at noon during FLEX Day. Each center will have appetizers to whet your appetite before heading to lunch. 

What do each of the spaces achieve? Here’s what the educators and dedicated employees serving those spaces have to say.

  • BIPOC Multicultural Center – Campus Center Plaza – Lower level

    The BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) Center is a warm and empowering space that celebrates diversity and supports our BIPOC students. We offer cultural programming, academic resources, and a strong community to foster student success.

  • Owls Nest Community Resource Center – Campus Center Plaza – Lower Level

    Our Basic Needs Center is dedicated to helping students meet essential needs, including food, housing, and resources for financial assistance. We connect students with resources and support services, ensuring they can focus on their education with peace of mind, knowing their well-being is our priority.

  • Mental Health Center Expansion – Hearthside Lounge

    The Mental Health Center provides confidential counseling and support services to help students navigate challenges and build resiliency. Our goal is to promote mental wellness and create a caring campus environment where everyone feels supported. This expansion into the Hearthside Lounge provides a serene and meditative environment to support student wellness, making the Hearthside a place that lives up to its name as a lounge. NOTE: The lounge may still be reserved and prepared for campus events.

  • Pride Center – Formerly the Council Chambers – room 2018

    The Pride Center is a welcoming and inclusive space for LGBTQ+ students and allies. We offer support services, educational programming, and a vibrant community where everyone can express their authentic selves with confidence and pride. ASFC students collaborated on the decision to convert the ASFC Council Chambers into a PRIDE Center.

Invitation for Grand opening Events
In addition to the Flex Day Open House, the centers will be hosting a week–long Grand Opening of events, and we invite you to explore and celebrate our new community spaces with daily activities and resources at the Mental Health and Wellness Center, Pride Center, Basic Needs Center, and BIPOC Center!
Dates: October 30—September 4th, 2024
Times: 11:30 a.m. — 1:00 p.m.

(3) Commencement video.

We are very busy planning for the upcoming quarter, but watching this wonderfully produced commencement video is all the motivation one needs to start a new academic year.

(4) Open Forum & Focused Site Visit – September 30th.

Soon after the start of the quarter, select members of the peer review team assigned to Foothill College will join us for a focused site visit as part of our accreditation reaffirmation process. Just to remind you, the focused site visit is a feature of the new ACCJC process. Unlike the comprehensive visits of the past, focused site visits engage appropriate stakeholders only on the areas highlighted in the Core Inquiry Report provided by the peer review team. While the focused team is here, an Open Forum will be held. All students and employees, (except for senior staff and Board members), are invited to attend and share your Foothill College experience. This forum will take place On September 30th from 10 a.m. — 11 a.m. in 8402. The Peer Team will also host a brief Exit Forum on October 1 from 1:00 — 1:30 p.m. in 8338 where the peer review team provides a high–level overview of their observations and findings based on our ISER and their two–day visit. A campuswide calendar invitation will be sent. Updates on the process may be found here.

(5) Congrats Zara Ainge!

Student Trustee Ainge will serve as the statewide student representative to the California Community College Trustee Board. Read more about Trustee Ainge. This is the second time in as many years the Foothill College student trustee was chosen by fellow student trustees across the state for this position.

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