Dear South Pasadena Unified School District Community,
I am writing on behalf of the South Pasadena Unified School District (SPUSD) Board of Education to thank each and every one of you for partnering with us during these unprecedented and rapidly changing times. At the end of the first week after our return to school, we are grateful for your continued diligence and support of our students, teachers, and staff who work so hard every day. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to try and put obstacles in our path, but by working together as a community, we are optimistic about what we can and will achieve.
We are fortunate and should feel privileged to reside in a community that is committed to good health and education. We should not be surprised to see an increase in COVID-19 cases over the next few weeks and need to remember that our case rate is still extraordinarily low. Many other Los Angeles County school districts are experiencing far more cases than South Pasadena Unified. Following are some additional District facts.
This week, we are able to report:
- 92.5% average weekly district-wide attendance
- 1,341 PCR tests administered with a 1.3% positivity rate from these tests
- 9,350 at-home tests distributed
- 2.3% of students and employees reported active/positive COVID-19 cases
- 17,200 meals served to students
SPUSD mitigation measures are strong:
- 100% of employees on all district property fully vaccinated
- Approximately 90% of SPHS students fully vaccinated
- 72.5% of SPUSD students ages 5-11 fully vaccinated
- 310 portable air purifiers circulating air in classrooms and offices
- 500 MERV 13 filters (hospital grade) circulating air in classrooms and offices
- 350 hand sanitizing stations on campuses
- Approximately 30,000 masks distributed to employees and students
SPUSD continues to safely manage the current COVID surge. Our District follows the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health's COVID-19 guidelines, which may change as the virus changes, new research emerges, new prevention measures are developed and new medical breakthroughs are made. This may lead to some confusion, but please know that our top priority is always the health and safety of our students and everyone who is part of our District community.
As we begin this holiday weekend, I am reminded of Dr. King’s call that we, "Keep moving, for it may well be that the greatest song has not yet been sung, the greatest book has not been written, the highest mountain has not been climbed. This is your challenge! If you can’t fly, run; if you can’t run, walk; if you can’t walk, crawl; but by all means keep moving forward."
Please stay safe, get vaccinated if you can, do not send your children to school if they are sick, and report positive COVID-19 cases, COVID-19 exposures, or symptoms possibly related to COVID-19 using
this SPUSD online system.
We are part of a community of supportive parents, outstanding educators, and the most amazing students. Let’s continue to stay connected and work together.
Stay safe, and thank you.
Zahir Robb
President
SPUSD Board of Education