Dear SPUSD Families, Faculty, Staff, and Administrators,

 

This week, the South Pasadena Unified community tragically lost the parent of a current student and also a former student. It is difficult to make sense of these losses, but I am uplifted by all the support given by neighbors, friends, and SPUSD employees. District crisis teams have been in contact with and will continue to support the families and students affected by these tragedies.

 

Offering emotional support and continuing to talk with each other may help our students and community members better understand various feelings and thoughts. If anyone needs additional assistance, our school teams are here for you. Families and employees also may contact Care Solace, an online resource offering live, 24 hours per day, seven days a week, access to local mental health-related programs and counseling services. Call 888-515-0595 or email Care Solace at [email protected] for more information.

 

With all of the SPUSD campuses now open for hybrid, in-person instruction, we are grateful to be able to offer opportunities to feel a sense of belonging, joy, and healing at school and in activities outside of school. We have seen an increase in extracurricular activities and sports for our students, and are so appreciative of our teachers, staff and administrators who are managing many transitions and our families who continue to help at every turn.

 

Los Angeles County recently announced that its COVID data corresponds with the yellow tier–the least restrictive tier in the state–and the final shift away from the Blueprint for a Safer Economy framework. With the COVID rates low and the vaccination rates increasing, Governor Newsom, the California Department of Education, and SPUSD expect a full return to in-person instruction beginning on August 12, 2021.

 

Also, SPUSD is now eligible for a one-time Expanded Learning Opportunities (ELO) Grant that will be used this summer to implement a kindergarten through eighth grade learning recovery program for current students that is focused on supplemental instruction and social emotional needs. Stakeholder input on program needs has been underway for several weeks and teachers and administrators are working collaboratively to design these programs. More information will be sent soon.

 

We all must continue to follow common sense measures to help control the spread of COVID-19. Now that everyone 16 and older is eligible to receive a vaccine, we highly encourage all families to get vaccinated. Keck Medicine of USC has ample availability of Pfizer vaccine appointments and SPUSD employees, parents, and students over 16 can book an appointment directly on the USC website.

 

Thank you for your continued support during these trying times.

 

Regards,

 

Geoff Yantz, Ed.D.
Superintendent