Piedmonters for Inclusive Education (PIE) shared the following letter sent to PUSD leadership with the Exedra:
Dear PUSD Board of Education Members and Administration,
Piedmonters for Inclusive Education (PIE) is a parent-led group that works collaboratively with PUSD, other parent organizations, and the broader community to support and raise awareness for families of children with disabilities and learning differences. We want to extend our sincere appreciation for your continued dedication to supporting all students’ education and well-being.
We are especially grateful for the open communication and partnership we’ve had with Jean Fagin and Ariel Dolowich this year. As part of our ongoing efforts and in alignment with PIE’s founding mission to enhance educational opportunities for students with disabilities and learning differences, we are proud to offer grants to PUSD teachers. This year, we awarded nearly $7,000 in grants to 14 teachers across all PUSD schools — from preschool to high school. The funds supported a wide range of resources, including curriculum materials, database memberships, field trips, classroom furniture, and supplies such as sensory tools and graphing calculators. We collaborated closely with Jean Fagin to make sure that the most critical needs were addressed. We are deeply grateful to the many community members whose generous support and donations made these grants possible.
In addition to the teacher grants, we launched our first-ever Benefit Concert, featuring a local band made up of Piedmont parents. The concert raised over $4,000, with all proceeds benefiting the Piedmont Recreation Department’s Sidekicks program. Sidekicks trains local teens to support safe, fun, and inclusive after-school classes and summer camps for neurodivergent school-aged children.
We are excited about what we’ve been able to accomplish this year and look forward to continuing our collaboration in service of inclusive education in Piedmont.
With appreciation,
PIE Board Members