Mission

The JLS Connections Program is a learning community of students, teachers, and parents where hearts and minds are inspired through inquiry-based instruction — focused on student choice, cross-curricular units, collaboration, and presentation — fostering self-directed, reflective, global citizens.

Vision

The JLS Connections program is a learning community of students, parents, and staff where we inspire hearts and minds through innovative practices, including project-based learning, differentiated instruction and leadership development.The JLS Connections program is a learning community of students, parents, and staff where we inspire hearts and minds through innovative practices, including project-based learning, differentiated instruction and leadership development.

Collaboration and cooperation are an important part of the Connections Program philosophy. This extends to parent support for students and teachers, which at the program level is organized by the JLS Connections Board, a 501(c)(3) organization. The board works to raise funds to support program initiatives, organizes program-wide social events, and aids communication both within and about the Connections program.

6th grade enrollment process
Parents will receive information from the district describing the Choice Programs.

• February 1, 2022 at 6 p.m. - Choice Program Info Night for parents.
  Attend by zoom: 
https://pausd.zoom.us/j/95458076093

• February 17, 2022  - Middle School Choice applications due to the district office no later than 4 p.m.

• February 23, 2022 at 4:00 pm - Middle School Choice Program lottery. Public welcome to observe.

• March 8, 2022 at 4:00 pm - Acceptance decision & Connections agreement form due to Esteban Zacarias in the main office at ezacarias@pausd.org or (650) 856-5177.


7th- and 8th-grade enrollment process
Applications are due to Esteban Zacarias by April 15, 2022.

Beth Estrada

Sixth Grade Connections Teacher,
English & Social Studies, eestrada@pausd.org

Arianne Piedrahita

Sixth Grade Connections Teacher,
Math & Science, apiedrahita@pausd.org

Katie Schramm

Sixth Grade Connections Teacher,
English & Social Studies, kschramm@pausd.org

Meagan Wilson

Sixth Grade Connections Teacher,
Math & Science, mewilson@pausd.org

Diane Luu

Seventh Grade Connections Teacher,
Social Studies, dluu@pausd.org

Bryson Peckenpaugh

Seventh Grade Connections Teacher,
English, bpeckenpaugh@pausd.org

Francisco Lacayo

Eighth Grade Connections Teacher,
Social Studies, flacayo@pausd.org

Kari Nygaard

Eighth Grade Connections Teacher,
English, knygaard@pausd.org
Lead Connections Teacher (2021-22)