Today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued new tools and guidance meant to support the return to in-person instruction. Our next step will be to read through this document to inform our next steps.
Through the parent survey completed last month, we learned that, of the approximately 1,100 elementary school respondents, approximately 42% preferred their children to stay in distance learning, 57% preferred some in-person instruction, and the remaining preferred Independent Study.
Based on those results, we redoubled our efforts to develop options that would allow families to select the learning model of their choice. When it is safe to do so, students will be able to participate in a hybrid model, remain in distance learning, or attend our Independent Study program.
Elementary schools in Los Angeles County will be allowed to open for limited in-person instruction when the county's adjusted case rate dips below 25 cases per 100,000 population for five consecutive days. The current adjusted case rate in LA County is 31.7. Our intent is to complete as many of the requirements and all of the planning in advance so, when schools are allowed to open, each of our elementary schools will be able to welcome your children for limited in-person instruction should you so choose.
Based on those results, we redoubled our efforts to develop options that would allow families to select the learning model of their choice. When it is safe to do so, students will be able to participate in a hybrid model, remain in distance learning, or attend our Independent Study program.
Elementary schools in Los Angeles County will be allowed to open for limited in-person instruction when the county's adjusted case rate dips below 25 cases per 100,000 population for five consecutive days. The current adjusted case rate in LA County is 31.7. Our intent is to complete as many of the requirements and all of the planning in advance so, when schools are allowed to open, each of our elementary schools will be able to welcome your children for limited in-person instruction should you so choose.
Essential to that planning is the development of a hybrid model of learning. Our elementary task force has been working diligently to develop a model that best meets the needs of our youngest students and we hope to hear their recommendations in the coming weeks.
Our secondary task force is focused on maximizing instructional time within the current distance learning schedule. At the secondary level, we are awaiting guidance from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health regarding school schedules. No secondary schools will be allowed to open while the county remains in the Purple Tier. The threshold to enter the Red Tier is 4-7 adjusted case rate per 100,000.
Our secondary task force is focused on maximizing instructional time within the current distance learning schedule. At the secondary level, we are awaiting guidance from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health regarding school schedules. No secondary schools will be allowed to open while the county remains in the Purple Tier. The threshold to enter the Red Tier is 4-7 adjusted case rate per 100,000.
Wellness
Many of us are hitting a pandemic wall right now as we round out almost a year of living through a health crisis. Children and adolescents have also experienced elevated levels of social-emotional stress during this time.The Child Mind Institute has created a helpful tip sheet, Signs and Symptoms of Mental Health Problems in Children During COVID-19, which provides parents with a guide to monitoring their children's health. You can find additional supportive resources on their website, such as live video chats with expert clinicians on Facebook, remote evaluations, and consultations.
Additionally, through the District’s Mental Health Resources Page, our students and families have access to resources such as CareSolace, D’Veal Family and Youth Services, youth helplines, and parent support groups.
If you are struggling, or are worried about a loved one, Care Solace can help you find mental health and substance use treatment options matched to your needs regardless of the circumstance. Students, staff, and families can use Care Solace at no charge. Care Solace’s team is available 24/7 and provides services in any language. If you prefer to contact CareSolace by phone, please call (888) 515-0595.
As we look ahead to some long weekends, please be aware of LA County’s Public Health travel advisory. Non-essential travel outside California requires all household members to self-quarantine for 10 days after arriving home and before returning to school.
We urge you all to continue doing your part in slowing the rate of COVID-19 infection to return our students to campus safely. Wear a mask. Limit gatherings. Keep your distance. Wash your hands.
We hope to see you soon, safely.
Sincerely,
Dr. Katherine Thorossian
As we look ahead to some long weekends, please be aware of LA County’s Public Health travel advisory. Non-essential travel outside California requires all household members to self-quarantine for 10 days after arriving home and before returning to school.
We urge you all to continue doing your part in slowing the rate of COVID-19 infection to return our students to campus safely. Wear a mask. Limit gatherings. Keep your distance. Wash your hands.
We hope to see you soon, safely.
Sincerely,
Dr. Katherine Thorossian