Everyone has a role to play in protecting the health and safety of students and school staff in the new school year. What can you do? Find out in this video featuring LA County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Debra Duardo, Public Health Director Dr. Barbara Ferrer and Mental Health Director Dr. Jonathan Sherin. They offer ways the entire community can come together to help get students and staff back to school as safely as possible, while also providing support and encouragement during distance learning.

Watch 'Learning Together Safely' video (12 min.)

On the eve of first day of school, El Monte Union HSD holds its school opening virtual program for staff, with the theme "High School Heroes Assemble." The program pays tribute to the district's teachers and essential staff and includes inspirational messages from this year's student trustee and Teacher of the Year, a compelling year-in-review and words of encouragement from Supt. Edward Zuniga.

Watch the video (1 hr.)

The Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Campus Tour stops in Palmdale for a conversation with Stacy Williamson, principal of Golden Poppy Elementary in Palmdale SD. Dr. Williamson talks about the first week of school and how her school supports the district's "Palmdale Promise" to provide quality education and ensure student success in a virtual learning environment. "We're going to treat this as if the kids are here on campus," she says.

Watch the ACSA Campus Tour (6 min.)

Watch the school's back-to-school video (1 1/2 min.)

Watch Palmdale SD staff prepare for distance learning (1 min.)

Emma W. Shuey Elementary in Rosemead SD has received the 2020 California PBIS Community Cares Award recognizing its community outreach during school closures. "Thanks to the fantastic idea and efforts of Ms. Brandi Matsdorf, Principal Brydle submitted their Heroes Poster Project,” says the district press release. Students created posters honoring essential workers and Ms. Matsdorf displayed them in public sites, such as supermarkets, the Rosemead Fire Station and Temple City Sheriff’s Office.

'Learning Together Safely' Tip

Many students with higher education goals face uncertainty amid the COVID-19 crisis. "Let's Go to College LA," a student-led virtual hub, provides helpful resources for making informed decisions about pursuing higher education during the global pandemic.

Learn more about 'Let's Go to College LA'

Professional and aspiring chalk artists are not only bringing light and color to concrete canvases, they're also chalking an important message: Be counted! The countywide Census Chalkathon, launched by LACOE last week, is off to a great start. Our Census Outreach Specialist Esmeralda Flores shares photos of beautiful sidewalk art and holds our first weekly raffle drawing of giveaways for participants on Facebook Live.

Artist Rey Mora joins Cafe Con Libros Press in Pomona in spreading the word that every Census response brings back critical resources to communities. It's not too late to join. The Chalkathon runs until Sept. 7. The next live event is on Aug. 28 at 2 pm.

Watch the Chalkathon Live Event (24 min.)

Visit our webpage to view video lessons, upcoming events, online chalk classes for kids, list of participating artists and more! 

Help us get the word out: It’s easy! Learn how

Communities have 35 days left to be counted in the 2020 Census. LACOE continues to empower LA County public schools to get out the count. We have released the updated LACOE Census Outreach Digital Toolkit during a special communications training (password: $72W!6tU) for districts, charters and LACOE staff. To date, only 61.4% of LA County has completed the Census. Everyone must step up in the coming weeks to make sure our students and their families are counted.

Access the communications training (password: $72W!6tU) that includes this presentation

More resources for families and schools, including the Count Me In Curriculum, are available at lacoe.edu/Census