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Dear SPUSD Families,
I’m eager to share that the physical reopening of schools for our youngest students is around the corner. Under the State’s new Framework for Reopening Schools guidance, elementary schools may proceed with a phased reopening plan when the COVID-19 adjusted case rate for the county is at or below 25 cases per 100,000 people per day for at least five consecutive days.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health recently announced that the adjusted case rate is expected to be at or below 25 cases per 100,000 by Tuesday, February 16. Once the county meets this threshold, we anticipate reopening in-person instruction for elementary students in preschool through second grades.
SPUSD Reopening Plan — Phase 1
On Tuesday, February 9, the School Board will review the new state and county criteria for reopening, including a revised reopening date. The Board will consider reopening in-person learning for general education students in transitional kindergarten through second grades and special education students in preschool through second grades once the county meets the adjusted case rate criteria. Open session of the meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. and you may view the webcast here.
The District continues to go to great lengths to accommodate our staff and teachers who will return to in-person instruction and also those who will continue with distance learning. Next week, elementary school principals will be sending your child’s AM/PM class assignment so that you may begin planning for a return to in-person learning. Teachers will be provided three asynchronous days to prepare for in-person instruction. Principals will provide you with additional information about the asynchronous days.
Reopening plans for subsequent phases including grades three through five will be addressed after students in preschool through second grades successfully return to in-person learning.
SPUSD Day Care Program Update
With reopening expected to happen soon, families with students in the SPUSD Day Care Program need to make alternate plans. The last day of the program will be Thursday, February 11, 2021. Please click here for a list of local childcare alternatives. Thank you to the Day Care Program staff for their commitment to the students and for providing a safe, positive and productive learning environment. For any further questions, please contact the Day Care Program administrators.
COVID-19 Vaccination Update for SPUSD Employees
We also have good news to share about vaccinations for our employees. SPUSD is joining forces with Keck Medicine of USC to offer vaccines to all employees once the doses are available. Keck Medicine of USC will provide all the medical staff needed for this event and therefore volunteers will not be needed. We are so thankful for their generosity and willingness to work with us. We will share more information about this important partnership when the details are finalized.
We are optimistic about the future for our students, families, faculty, and staff. Thank you for your continued support and dedication to South Pasadena Unified. We will be back in touch soon with more information including an exact date for reopening when it is determined.
Regards,
Geoff Yantz, Ed.D.
