Feb. 11th
Debra Duardo, M.S.W., Ed.D.
Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools

I know we're all looking forward to a long weekend. I hope everyone has the chance to reset and take some much-needed down time.

Given the holiday weekend and spring breaks on the horizon, it would be a good time to remind our school communities about the Public Health guidelines regarding travel.

Our families should know that non-essential travel outside California requires all household members to self-quarantine for 10 days after arrival home and before returning to school.

A link to the LA County Public Health Dept.'s Travel Advisory and Guidance is provided below. I hope you will share this guidance widely to help us stay on the downward trend for COVID cases.

Please stay safe and well.
Public Health Update
 
 
 
  • Someone diagnosed with COVID-19 must stay home until: 
  • At least 10 days have passed since symptoms first started 
  • No fever for at least 24 hours (without the use of medicine that reduces fever) 
  • Symptoms have improved 
  • If a person tested positive for COVID-19 but never had any symptoms: 
  • Must stay home for 10 days after the test was taken 
  • When home isolation ends, the person can go back to usual activities, including returning to in-person work and/or school. A negative test is not required.
Budget & Finance
The House Education and Labor Committee on Feb. 10 approved their portion of the COVID-19 relief legislation. The bill provides $128,554,800,000 for grants to state educational agencies, with 90 percent allocated to local educational agencies, to be made in accordance with the same terms and conditions applicable to funds provided in fiscal year 2021 for the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund of the Education Stabilization Fund.

SEAs are required to reserve at least 5 percent of new ESSERF allocations to carry out activities to address learning loss. LEAs must reserve at least 20 percent of newly allocated ESSERF sub grants to address learning loss. The LEA reservation for learning loss is subject to equitable services. Under section 1117 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, LEAs are required to provide equitable services based on the number of low-income students residing in eligible attendance areas within the district who attend private schools.

The House Energy and Commerce Committee’s portion of the COVID-19 relief package establishes a $7.6 billion Emergency Connectivity Fund. It requires the Federal Communications Commission to promulgate rules within 60 days of enactment for provisioning support to eligible schools and libraries to provide eligible connected devices, internet service and hotspots to students and teachers for internet use at home. In providing support under the covered regulations, the FCC shall reimburse 100 percent of the costs associated with the eligible equipment and services.
Child Care
As a reminder, the LA County Department of Public Health has increased the childcare cohort size from 12 to 14 children. Per the current LA County Health Officer Order, “Childcare must be carried out in stable cohorted groups of 14 of fewer” (page 17).
Curriculum & Instruction
Engaging Girls in STEM:

LACOE’s Engaging Girls in STEM program is designed to present opportunities for young women to think about a career in science, technology, engineering or math. Students will have access to discuss what these careers are like through STEM Ambassadors. The Ambassadors are scientists, engineers, coders, architects and other professionals who want to encourage and inspire the next generation of innovators.

LACOE’s STEM unit partners with organizations throughout LA County. The program allows students to interact in activities with partners and exhibitors that will push their thinking and build dreams of entering a STEM field.

Engaging Girls in STEM begins mid-February through May 2021. View the Engaging Girls in STEM Program Guide.

For more information, contact Anthony Quan at 562-922-6896 or quan_anthony@lacoe.edu.
Foster Youth
Covid-19, the Vaccine and Foster Care — Feb. 25, 12-1:15 pm:
 
The UCLA Pritzker Center for Strengthening Children and Families will host this session featuring UCLA doctors and health experts. Questions about the coronavirus, the vaccine and other issues concerning foster care, caregivers, children and families will be discussed. Vaccine hesitancy, medical racism and health inequities facing the Black community and communities of color will be emphasized.

The event is intended for caregivers, FFAs, students, professionals, families and others interested in these issues. Live Spanish translation will be available. 
Kaiser Webinar
COVID-19 Vaccines: Focus on the Education Community — Feb. 16 & 17:

Kaiser Permanent Thriving Schools will host a webinar series focused on supporting the comprehensive health needs of students, educators, school staff and the entire education community during COVID.

Sessions offered on Feb. 16-17 will provide clinical information around development and safety of COVID-19 vaccines and answer frequently asked questions. The webinar will not cover vaccine distribution for school districts and employees. 
Mandating Vaccines
Regarding mandating COVID vaccinations for staff: There is currently no mandate or requirement for vaccinations by the state or other government entities. Because the government has not yet acted on this issue, it is up to the discretion of individual districts to decide whether to mandate vaccinations. However, because of the current scarcity of vaccines, LACOE's Office of General Counsel advises districts against mandating vaccinations at this time. Districts are advised to remain cognizant of the changing vaccine situation as it is expected that vaccinations will become more widely available in the future.
Nutrition and Meal Service
No Kid Hungry is offering support, resources and possible funding to help LEAs with Community Eligibility Provision expansion and implementation.

Resources for Districts & Schools
State of California Safe Schools For All Hub click here

Social Media and the Brown Act (LACOE General Counsel) click here

LACOE eLibrary Services click here

Leading Forward in 2021: A Self-Paced Education Series (CCEE) click here
African American teen girl wearing headphones learning language online_ using laptop_ looking at screen_ doing school tasks at home_ writing notes_ listening to lecture or music_ distance education