[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6140256,"mediaKeyId","5579188-5ac52fc3f9abb01a4fe4733b0275bc19","parentId",5579188,"title","PGUSD outlines K–12 arts and world‑language expansion, including instrumental music and Spanish for grades 2–5","audioSeconds",599,"startMs",5699000,"endMs",6298000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5579188-5ac52fc3f9abb01a4fe4733b0275bc19&start=5699&end=6298","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5579188-5ac52fc3f9abb01a4fe4733b0275bc19/thumbnail_5699000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6140256/California/PGUSD-outlines-K12-arts-and-worldlanguage-expansion-including-instrumental-music-and-Spanish-for-grades-25","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6140256-49e2ba2d401dbcea3c58c5ed99315e96/orig.mp4?Expires=1775771088&Signature=DVDNqkJWcI-YVDKojBoo2x0p~fh2IrcDnlA6C9bUX9X7EeSEoHXlxXYZwWmzzyJW~EAiDosmchhcv21yIzNo-YJSP661cImKIySpNl5wpJKqtfKSkC74~DF9bFPkyA6frgAwbn4R~XInPxTpR-A-HSmmcWLmSTE8Op4WbDXqtgvd8hDkddAziPywnrgNs-C6-O4skvR4yT8~dRNBFYX8nJQ4DupXtlNATdFf~Uvw5T8ytfwvs1II00Qz0qJESilOjHcR8GJleQvb1yJLGIWXJKVo~l0HNudioYBa27SY-m6ylrpae0drg6Xm6-ar1kPtQdJKRSLQndr~3KjCTgugsg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Pacific Grove Unified","date","2025-08-08T14:44:46Z","article","Pacific Grove Unified officials presented a district overview of world‑language and visual and performing arts (VAPA) offerings at the Aug. 7 board meeting, describing available courses across elementary, middle and high schools and alignment to the district’s LCAP and accreditation goals.

Executive Director of Educational Services Larry Hedquist said the presentation used \"backward mapping\" — beginning with high‑school outcomes and aligning middle and elementary programming to those goals. At the high school, Hedquist noted Spanish and French are offered through level 4 plus AP work, and that the high school offers an array of VAPA options including 2‑D/3‑D art, photography, orchestra, band, guitar and drama; some of these courses include AP and dual‑enrollment options.

At the middle school, Hedquist described a sixth‑grade elective “wheel” that gives students exposure to Spanish, art, home‑ec and technology; seventh and eighth graders may take full‑year elective courses in language or arts and can participate in band and orchestra ensembles.

Elementary programming: Hedquist reported Spanish instruction will be offered to all students in grades 2–5 once per week, expanding prior arrangements (which had offered Spanish more frequently only in certain grades). General music will continue in TK–5; the district plans to expand instrumental music to grades 3–5 pending an additional hire, Hedquist said. Visual‑arts instruction is delivered through a district curriculum (\"Art in Action\") with classroom teachers using prepackaged lessons and supplied materials.

Why it matters: the program mapping demonstrates how early exposure, electives and high‑school pathways are intended to scaffold skills that support college, career and life readiness — district goals Hedquist tied to the LCAP and WASC self‑study.

School‑level comments: Robert Down principal Emily Tighe Brownfield clarified that general music is provided to every TK–5 classroom and that instrumental music is an opt‑in, graded pull‑out option during the instructional day for students who select an instrument.

Discussion vs. action: the presentation was informational. Trustees praised expansion and asked staff to continue recruiting qualified instructors for elementary instrumental and to consider more frequent exposure for language and music when budget and schedules allow.

Ending: Hedquist closed by saying the district seeks to keep VAPA and world language offerings aligned K–12 so students have multiple opportunities to explore arts and language and to build toward high‑school coursework.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","PGUSD Board Meeting August 7, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","District executive staff presented an overview of visual and performing arts (VAPA) and world‑language offerings across K–12, highlighting Spanish in grades 2–5, expanded middle‑school electives and high‑school AP/dual‑enrollment VAPA courses aligned to district LCAP and WASC goals.","taxTitle","Pacific Grove Unified, School Districts, California","taxId",60770,"location","California","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6140261,"Parents and trustees raise class‑size equity concerns as district reports first‑day enrollment",681,3685000,4366000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5579188-5ac52fc3f9abb01a4fe4733b0275bc19&start=3685&end=4366","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5579188-5ac52fc3f9abb01a4fe4733b0275bc19/thumbnail_3685000.jpg","/articles/6140261/California/Parents-and-trustees-raise-classsize-equity-concerns-as-district-reports-firstday-enrollment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6140261-5bb6ecb67d41d18cb7f5ef13cee14ac9/orig.mp4?Expires=1775771088&Signature=BhDCoF2l3AvzSFRI1uZfIJ9BnIZugsEcN5dfIqWK3d44nDBGYzBX8uSyqDrXGnDTwZsNSHb09kQ0nuZMmovz9P9shpSY5TAWmB6A13o2sGV-XpedcqCiboTB-UYIa8ZE32xPQmr5rZRLRO6-uuE-aCOB3JoJF7KdLdrdyyYByWBPxnNdS28KEStOrlrPnrlELntECmNFDnugLkO49hBo8pgICt1V8i-L-zfNLIWAa~qf7CUOSr3yRsP5bZTRxeanmF~1Ek9buK9xgbEYsLQZiB7SscDxcqsA0hnQoZAjBdLLJIi~aeB1r3E541XoNNrCdZCnl1shdGWR9aLle97U4Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Pacific Grove Unified reported 1,673 active students on the first day of school and a projection of 1,701 for the 2025–26 school year, Assistant Superintendent Jordan told the board Aug. 7. Parents and trustees used the enrollment update to highlight a sizable class‑size disparity in fifth grade between the district’s two elementary campuses and asked the district to provide immediate in‑class support.

The board packet and presentation recorded that the district’s average elementary class size is 21.9 students but that specific grade‑level distribution varies by site. According to figures presented, Robert Down’s fifth grade had 61 students in three classes (reported class sizes: 19, 19 and 23), while Forest Grove’s fifth grade showed 58 students placed in two classes of 29 and 29.

A parent who identified herself as Shelley told the board the disparity represents a 43% increase in class size for teachers at Forest Grove compared with Robert Down and asked the district to hire an aide for each Forest Grove fifth‑grade class to restore equitable access to instruction: “It is not a small difference. It's a 43% increase to the number of students … in Forest Grove,” she said.

Why it matters: Class size differences can affect instructional time, the ability to differentiate for struggling learners and the workload of teachers. The parent petition asked the board to address the imbalance promptly to ensure comparable educational opportunity across schools in the same district.

District response and operational context: Assistant Superintendent Jordan and other leaders explained that enrollment remains fluid in the weeks leading into the school year; the district’s active‑enrollment count can differ from earlier projections because families add, withdraw or finalize residency over the summer. Jordan said it is routine for class placement and transfers to shift as final paperwork is completed and new families arrive.

Trustees and administrators noted short‑term staff resources are available to site administrators. Superintendent Dr. Adamson said the district had already engaged to provide support: staff noted the recent hiring of an additional special‑education itinerant teacher and a behavior specialist and reminded the board that site administrators can assign instructional aides where student need is greatest.

Discussion vs. action: no board motion was made to reassign teachers or to reconfigure classes at the meeting. Parents asked for immediate classroom aide assignments for the Forest Grove fifth‑grade classes; district staff said site leadership has discretion to assign aides and the district will monitor enrollment and resource distribution.

Ending: The board said it would continue to monitor enrollment and class‑size equity and that administrators will return with any planned reassignment or resource decisions if conditions change.","The district reported 1,673 active students on opening day against a projection of 1,701. Parents and trustees pressed the board about a large disparity in fifth‑grade class sizes at Forest Grove (two 29‑student classes) versus Robert Down (three classes averaging about 20), and asked for immediate supports including classroom aides.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6140265,"Pacific Grove USD reports $2.9 million in summer facilities work; more ADA, HVAC and roofing projects planned",507,3719000,4226000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5579188-5ac52fc3f9abb01a4fe4733b0275bc19&start=3719&end=4226","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5579188-5ac52fc3f9abb01a4fe4733b0275bc19/thumbnail_3719000.jpg","/articles/6140265/California/Pacific-Grove-USD-reports-29-million-in-summer-facilities-work-more-ADA-HVAC-and-roofing-projects-planned","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6140265-cb970e06dc04cadb7e2dad3d9468cbfc/orig.mp4?Expires=1775771088&Signature=Ex04dP5JyQF-pDddxc7emJTSSKAxwwZcdknIIuftXC-Md25KcIOw12xZDjBSRPsFV1VGWVJVh2lOIV~KXtb3Vgq13wHfD3WwlJ1P8BGvig2U22Wq3KLTAACjUTi-Ithjj3lKavH~j0bvWguBxUhFDXg6YVxCDAdUSBq7yq-hehuhV19y9qP4qL3E4ODd4SkmrL7lbj73wfhlbIYjAmwOxAHOkqyn3DR~mE0M6fhNEXhUGjg9UPeoH8pzccYV4x6SIdfFu-aoDLb0sVEJjqOO69Mmd54OjC~xdpxnRV52bNhjMYWj31wngXmCxyvl-PjON6J0KnBFaruRfubMJ~b-hg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Pacific Grove Unified School District officials told the board Aug. 7 that contractors and facilities crews completed nearly $2.9 million in projects over the summer and outlined a list of priority design and construction projects for the coming year.

Facilities Director John Anderson (presentation recorded) said the district’s contracts team and trades crews repaired playgrounds, renovated bathrooms, completed major roof work, addressed termite activity, serviced elevators and wheelchair lifts and replaced an aging pool boiler so summer programs could continue. \"We removed a modular classroom that was beyond its serviceable life,\" Anderson told the board. “We completed applied roof work for the main buildings,” he added.

Why it matters: the district is executing bond-funded Measure D work and other maintenance projects intended to improve safety, accessibility and long‑term building condition. Some work requires Division of the State Architect (DSA) review and coordination with Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) and the Department of Industrial Relations.

Select summer highlights and near‑term items reported to the board:
- Elevator and lift work: Otis Elevator inspected, repaired, load‑tested and provided certification notices for key chairlifts and elevators; temporary conveyance permits were issued elsewhere while further paperwork is completed.
- Pool boiler: The district identified and replaced a failing pool boiler with a more energy‑efficient indirect‑heating boiler; staff said they had budgeted in advance for replacement and obtained a replacement quickly to avoid service interruption.
- Playground and safety fencing: Middle‑school safety fencing around the lower campus was completed; playground surfacing refresh and new play equipment installations were scheduled, including a playground arriving for installation later in August.
- Asphalt, drainage and ADA: Robert Down and Forest Grove will receive resurfacing, drainage and ADA pathway upgrades; several projects are at design stage and will be submitted to DSA.
- Summer totals: Anderson presented a summary figure of roughly $2,922,000 in work completed or underway this summer.

Planned priority projects: Anderson said the district will submit priority 1 projects for DSA approval and begin design for additional HVAC, roof, path‑of‑travel and site improvements. The district is assembling a facilities subcommittee to review priority 2 and priority 3 items and will bring recommended scopes and schematic designs back to the board for approval.

Funding and process notes: Anderson said most heavy lifts involved coordination with state inspections and DSA; he noted the work was funded by bond measures and that the district will issue a series of bond authorizations (Measure D series) to continue priority work. He also referenced an insurance‑safety reviewer (Keenan) and said a number of projects were prompted by risk‑reduction items noted in that process.

Discussion vs. action: the presentation was informational; no vote or contract award occurred during the meeting. Trustees asked for continued clarity on long‑range options (modernization vs. replacement), the possible relocation of Community High School to the adult‑education campus and the added utility and cost implications of major replacements.

Ending: Anderson said design and DSA submissions will continue through the fall and that staff will return to the board with subcommittee recommendations and detailed cost estimates before proceeding with major construction.","District facilities staff reviewed summer repairs and ongoing Measure D projects, including elevator and wheelchair‑lift inspections, playground and roofing work, pool boiler replacement, and a list of priority projects for the coming year that will go through DSA and PG&E approvals.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6140270,"Dual-enrollment courses at Pacific Grove High linked with higher four‑year college matriculation for Class of 2025",1180,4730000,5910000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5579188-5ac52fc3f9abb01a4fe4733b0275bc19&start=4730&end=5910","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5579188-5ac52fc3f9abb01a4fe4733b0275bc19/thumbnail_4730000.jpg","/articles/6140270/California/Dual-enrollment-courses-at-Pacific-Grove-High-linked-with-higher-fouryear-college-matriculation-for-Class-of-2025","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6140270-f9df1a18b29c7e92b4a4f60f16aabe34/orig.mp4?Expires=1775771088&Signature=POWQzBEK3iI8dSoiGON4~lxegQMNs3S5j2lVAtUfPHd7YnanIFZzWjlRzFGRcZFRec~awUC8Y2KaT392S8frycB5ShgUMYfuaVq1Oke4pqqcbonmqyjrcIwGwyI6k-3bH1Gv4Z01uShWaTuNQVFW8w~GVn7pwaFUwLGNZSJ1EcByD8L9PkzvdrKg3hmKvN4QYXD0E4b8V1Avh8nBi4olOOobDSP9TgEUC-ZpnCeyD6RFPMAvNGkFugHX9hiJ1OEaoHmuIGZRvhYLyAyiLKLbOODRvTm2sT1mDNAwyg2Sw4N5CSewfFbeiBHnyUXiSY26DQqmQzpxQ3k2NmULR5VF7g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Pacific Grove High School’s growing dual‑enrollment program — where students earn high‑school and community‑college credit simultaneously — coincided with stronger 4‑year college outcomes for the Class of 2025, school staff told the board at its Aug. 7 meeting.

The high school’s English, psychology, engineering, computer-science and culinary pathways now include College and Career Access Pathway (CCAP) courses taught on the high‑school campus by Monterey Peninsula College (MPC) faculty or by district teachers using MPC course agreements, presenters said. \"These dual‑enrollment courses allow high‑school students to earn both high‑school credit and college credit at the same time,\" said Jessica Grogan, who teaches the English dual‑enrollment course.

Why it matters: District leaders and counselors said dual enrollment gives students transferable college credits, can boost grade‑point averages (similar to AP weighting) and often makes students more competitive in university admissions. Presenters said these benefits can shorten time and cost to degree while strengthening students’ college applications.

What the board heard: Staff said the program has grown rapidly since culinary courses began in 2017. For the senior cohort of 2025, presenters reported roughly 110 students participated in dual‑enrollment offerings; of applicants to four‑year colleges, 96 of 97 were accepted and 81 students committed to a four‑year college — a 19‑percentage‑point increase in commitments from 2024, presenters said. “110 students, 78% took an average of 3 dual enrollment courses,” the presentation recorded. Staff also highlighted that some dual‑enrollment credits map directly to transfer‑level general‑education (CalGETC) requirements, reducing time on campus after high school.

Parent and student comments: A parent who identified herself as Casey said her daughter had completed 27 MPC units across on‑campus and PGHS dual‑enrollment sections before senior year and described the program as largely beneficial while noting technology and MPC help‑desk access as areas for improvement.

Program operations and access: Grogan and Kent Latham, the high school’s college‑and‑career coordinator, outlined that CCAP courses meet on the PGHS campus, removing transportation barriers for many students. Counselors screen and sign off on student participation; staff said students cannot be enrolled in college courses at the district’s expense without counselor approval and required MPC paperwork. Presenters also explained that dual enrollment is offered alongside AP and traditional college‑transfer pathways; students may take AP exams in addition to dual‑enrollment classes.

Discussion vs. action: the item was informational; there was no board vote. Board members said they want continued expansion of access and clearer communication to families about sign‑up steps, prerequisites and technical support.

Ending: Presenters asked the board to recognize dual enrollment as aligned to district goals for college and career readiness and to continue supporting partnerships with MPC to expand student pathways.","Teachers and counselors told the board that Pacific Grove High’s dual-enrollment program has expanded and that the class of 2025 posted stronger college application and commitment results, with staff and parents citing CCAP partnerships with Monterey Peninsula College and increased course offerings as drivers.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6140276,"Pacific Grove school officials, police step up safety work after student struck by vehicle",1663,917000,2580000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5579188-5ac52fc3f9abb01a4fe4733b0275bc19&start=917&end=2580","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5579188-5ac52fc3f9abb01a4fe4733b0275bc19/thumbnail_917000.jpg","/articles/6140276/California/Pacific-Grove-school-officials-police-step-up-safety-work-after-student-struck-by-vehicle","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6140276-677523fe78ddc52c81cb5988986fa58d/orig.mp4?Expires=1775771088&Signature=LXDs83FuuFSomB1S0YIzWw9apMftQl-FinUh7rgtaXLSyhOafJ4hkQPNogYuL54DukpzmrRr5iyJP-gPB9npBEh-17wWfsk~fDGWxFrseUi-JHdOXZKHBG9qSd72z57p7iWXIp0-57ZeoTaTcv6CQus~5xNSkMgvMdn4EEsR5yIVETWSvbCY~~hNGF33wZR2n0LW6PwaHJNR6Q7-2AdwenaLWM0COxv7uzO-gC0EXah0SSpnIcdG1St6mtkaPp4lKl-ncjFRKjPmAyFZ1RKkk8ZtDcaN-NdNuqna5IGHyI8jD44UkNxwibW4M2YXmOmaY9NaQDBO72LWDSYybHngFw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A Pacific Grove student who was struck by a vehicle on the first day of classes is out of surgery and recovering at a hospital, Pacific Grove Unified School District leaders told the board Aug. 7. School and city officials said they have stepped up safety patrols and will pursue education and engineering steps to reduce the risk of similar incidents.

District leaders said the student’s family reported that doctors said a helmet likely saved the student’s life. The district said the family was “extremely, extremely happy with how things have gone so far” and that staff and the school community have been in close contact with the family.

The update came in two parts: a report from Pacific Grove Middle School Principal Sean Roach to the board that the student had been in surgery and was convalescing, and a district-level summary from Superintendent Dr. Adamson describing immediate and planned steps. \"The doctor did mention that the helmet most likely saved this individual's life,\" Roach told trustees during the middle-school presentation. Dr. Adamson said emergency services and Pacific Grove Police Department units were on the scene within minutes and the city and district were coordinating follow-up support for the family.

Why it matters: student collisions near school routes produce immediate risk to children and cause community concern. Board members and district staff said the incident underscored the need for combined education, enforcement and engineering work — the three pillars commonly used to reduce collisions near schools.

What officials said they will do: Dr. Adamson told the board that PGPD had committed to additional patrols and visibility at district sites during the first week of school and that the district was meeting with the city manager and chief of police to plan next steps. The superintendent said the district will ask the joint city–district subcommittee (scheduled next month) to put Safe Routes to School on its agenda. In addition, she said the district will pursue immediate education outreach to families and students about the safe use of e-bikes, e-scooters and bicycles.

Board president Dr. Hazen (as recorded) urged board consideration of formal agenda items in future meetings that could advance safer drop-off zones, crosswalks, signage and safety education. On Aug. 7 Trustee comments and the superintendent’s report referenced Monterey County’s Safe Routes to School program as a possible partner to identify engineering and programmatic fixes.

Discussion vs. action: the board received updates and directed staff to continue coordinating with city and police officials; no formal board action or vote was taken at the meeting. The district reported “information received” in closed session on unrelated personnel and bargaining topics earlier in the meeting.

Context and next steps: Dr. Adamson said the district will bring the Safe Routes discussion to the next joint subcommittee meeting with the city and will report back to the board. Trustees repeatedly emphasized that education campaigns, enforcement by PGPD and infrastructure improvements (crosswalks, signage and designated drop-off zones) are all needed to reduce student collisions.

Ending: School and city officials said the student’s family expressed gratitude for the response and support. The district asked the community to reinforce safe routes, helmet use and careful driving near school sites while staff and city partners pursue longer-term measures.","Pacific Grove Unified officials reported a student struck by a vehicle on the first day of school is recovering after surgery and said the district and city will increase safety patrols, pursue education campaigns and pursue Safe Routes planning to reduce future collisions.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

PGUSD outlines K–12 arts and world‑language expansion, including instrumental music and Spanish for grades 2–5

Parents and trustees raise class‑size equity concerns as district reports first‑day enrollment

Pacific Grove USD reports $2.9 million in summer facilities work; more ADA, HVAC and roofing projects planned

Dual-enrollment courses at Pacific Grove High linked with higher four‑year college matriculation for Class of 2025

Pacific Grove school officials, police step up safety work after student struck by vehicle