Dear SPUSD Families, Faculty, Staff, and Administrators,

 

We continue to see encouraging news in our battle against COVID-19. This week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) affirmed the Food and Drug Administration’s recommendation to administer the COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer) to children as young as 12 years old.

 

In support of the ever-widening opportunities to be vaccinated, SPUSD is working closely with our community partners to schedule a pop-up vaccination clinic in the next week or so. We feel hopeful about this possibility for our families and students and will send details once they are available. Until that time, you may register for a vaccination appointment here or through local pharmacies’ websites. We encourage everyone, ages 12 and older, to get vaccinated.

 

As long as cases continue to decline and vaccinations increase, we may begin to see a loosening of safety protocols including mask mandates indoors and outdoors. California and Los Angeles County are expected to revise the guidelines soon. Governor Newsom stated, “We will be updating our mask guidelines, outdoor masking, if we reach that threshold where we hope to be....” In light of the new recommendations issued by the CDC, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health also indicated that they will be making adjustments to mask guidance in the next week or so. Keep in mind, LACDPH guidance for schools may be different than the general federal and state protocols. For example, educational settings may be required to follow separate guidelines.

 

These are welcome changes as we move into the summer months. SPUSD plans to use funds from a one-time Expanded Learning Opportunities (ELO) Grant to offer a kindergarten through eighth grade, summer jump start program for identified students that is focused on supplemental instruction and social emotional needs. Schools will be in contact with the respective families.

 

In addition to academic opportunities, SPUSD is planning to offer sports and movement clinics to all high school students. The clinics will be overseen by current SPUSD staff and will take place after SPEF summer school classes. Providing this opportunity allows all students to use the beautiful athletics campus and participate in wellness activities even if they are not student-athletes who participate on an SPHS team. Logistics and staffing are currently being solidified. Registration information will be available soon.

 

Before we know it, August will be here and we expect a full return to in-person instruction beginning on August 12, 2021. Until then, enjoy the end of school year festivities including promotions and graduation for the Class of 2021. We are so proud of our students, faculty, and staff who have weathered the challenges of this school year and in many cases excelled beyond what we thought possible.

 

Regards,

 

Geoff Yantz, Ed.D.
Superintendent