On Thursday, August 7, Paramount Unified School District came together in celebration, unity, and purpose to launch the 2025–2026 school year with its annual Employee Convocation. Held at the Paramount High School gymnasium, the event welcomed hundreds of dedicated staff members transported by district-coordinated buses and vans, greeted with cheers by the Paramount High School cheer squad and ASB under the leadership of Principal Elizabeth Salcido.
As employees walked through the gates, they were met with joy, applause, and shared anticipation for the year ahead. Over breakfast and coffee provided by the Student Nutrition Services team, staff reconnected with colleagues and friends after the summer break, turning the event into a heartfelt reunion.
Once gathered in the gymnasium, seated by school teams and adorned in spirited school colors, employees were welcomed by Superintendent Joshua L. Lightle, Ed.D., who, alongside the PUSD Governing Board and Executive Cabinet, facilitated the inspiring program.
Dr. Lightle reflected on the previous year’s call to create meaningful moments—urging staff to continue building powerful, personal experiences for students. This year’s theme, “Live Your Dash: Make Every Moment Matter,” is drawn from The Dash by Linda Ellis, a reminder that it’s not the dates we live between that define us, but how we live the “dash” in between.
A moving video tribute featured students, staff, and families sharing the most impactful moments of the 2024–25 school year—moments of resilience, growth, celebration, and belonging. It powerfully reinforced Paramount’s commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive, and emotionally supportive environment for all.
As the convocation concluded, employees returned to their school sites energized and aligned, ready to deepen learning, elevate student potential, and work collaboratively toward the district’s mission: to empower every student through innovative, high-quality education.
Together, the PUSD family is ready to make every moment of 2025–2026 count.