Empty classroom, March 2020 (Photo – Dobrislava)
At the July 30th PUSD Board Meeting changes to the school district’s reopening plans for the 2020-2021 school year were discussed.
By Albert Martin
Governor Newson held a Press Conference on July 17, 2020 and it was made known that Los Angeles County is on a monitoring list. In order for schools to reopen in the PUSD the infection rates in the Los Angeles county must go down for fourteen consecutive days. However, in a formal communication from Superintendent Brian McDonald to PUSD parents on July 24, 2020 it was tentatively stated that schools in PUSD would not open until at least after the start of the second quarter, which begins on October 19, 2020.
Since then PUSD has discussed criteria for applying for a waiver to open elementary schools. However, Elizabeth J. Blanco, Chief Academic Officer stated that waivers are primarily for “rural areas with low infection rates”. In addition, it was discussed that the criteria for a waiver includes having to show PUSD has Union support and support from the California department of Public Health. Other criteria for a waiver include consultation with parent and community organizations. Local health officers must review local community epidemiological data and consider other public health interventions as well. Blanco stated that the PUSD would not be pursuing a waiver at this time.
PUSD will consult with the County and Center for Disease Control to determine if schools are safe to reopen. Once County and CDC criteria for reopening is met, parents will be asked whether they want to remain 100% online or if they would like to go forward with a hybrid model. The hybrid model consists two half days of in person instruction with the rest of instruction being independent online. A notification will be sent to parents from the school in which the student is currently enrolled.
Safety precautions
How will PUSD keep (students, staff, and parents) protected, safe, reduce risk of exposure and ensure infection control? Face coverings (mandatory mask or shield for students over age 2), Physical distancing, Screenings before entering campus, Hand washing or sanitizing, Disinfecting commonly used surfaces and items, Visits organized through appointment system to limit number of people, Exposure Management Plan for each school site. All participants must adhere to the protocols.
Additional Services that will be available to support the well-being of PUSD students:
- Mental Health Services.
- Remote/Telehealth.
- Foster Youth Support.
- Resource Center Program.
- Counselor’s Outreach.
- LACOE Professional Development for staff.
- Triage Meetings.
- Newsletters.
- Case Management.
- Outreach Calls.
- Intake.
- Needs Assessments.
- Community Collaborations.
Each site will be providing communications regarding distribution of Chromebooks, staggered schedules, and safety protocol in accordance with local, city, and county guidelines.
Attendance
SB 98 specifies that 2020-21 Average Daily Attendance is fixed at the 2019-20 level. Attendance for Prek-5th grade students will be taken daily and in 6-12th grade students will be taken in each class period. PUSD’s attendance methods for distance learning days may include: a daily assignment on the learning management system, email, or a visual check in. Sites will utilize district resources such as AERIES to document how students have been contacted and how often, and the attempts to reach those who have not been in contact with the teacher.
What is the bottom line?
PUSD will open when the County and CDC determine it’s safe. Superintendent McDonald asked that an item to give him power to open up sooner or later be removed.
> Watch the entire PUSD Board Meeting on July 30, 2020:
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