South Pasadena Unified School District

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SPUSD COVID-19 Update - March 11, 2020

March 11, 2020

 

Dear SPUSD Community,

 

On Wednesday, the World Health Organization officially declared that the Coronavirus outbreak is now a pandemic. In California, officials are recommending that schools move from virus containment procedures to a mitigation approach. At the moment, no individuals within South Pasadena Unified School District (SPUSD) have tested positive for COVID-19, however there are two or more community transmission cases in Los Angeles County. Based upon new information from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, SPUSD will now take the following proactive steps to ensure the safety of our students and staff.

 

Social Distancing Measures Effective Immediately:

  • SPUSD is postponing or canceling all public events that bring large groups of students, adults, and community members together. Alternate approaches to these events, which limit close contact, may include conducting assemblies via intercom announcements or conducting events online.
  • SPUSD is restricting visitors to schools, including volunteers.
  • Parent conferences will be conducted by phone or another method as determined by your child’s teacher.
  • SPUSD is postponing or canceling all District-sponsored, out-of-state travel scheduled through the last day of school, June 3, 2020.
  • SPUSD is postponing or canceling all school field trips scheduled through May 1, 2020 with the exception of Outdoor Science School for Arroyo Vista and Marengo Elementary Schools. SPUSD, in conjunction with LA County Department of Public Health and the LA County Office of Education, will determine if these trips will be permitted.
  • SPUSD athletics will continue to be evaluated in consultation with LA County Department of Public Health, CIF, and league officials.
  • SPUSD will work with community organizations that use our facilities after hours to determine if these events will proceed.

 

School sites will provide you with more information about scheduled events in the next few days. Thank you for your patience. In addition, the SPUSD website now contains recent correspondence, infographics and helpful links for more information.

 

Please continue to take all possible precautions to help reduce the risk of spreading the virus to others. As a reminder, here are the tips:

 

  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Limit close contact, like kissing and sharing cups or utensils, with people who are sick.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If you do not have a tissue, use your sleeve (not your hands).
  • Get a flu shot to prevent influenza if you have not done so this season.

 

We are committed to keeping our families safe and updated about changes as we navigate this uncertain period of time, and we continue to work with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health to help prevent or contain COVID-19. We appreciate your support.

 

Geoff Yantz, Ed.D.

Superintendent