In this difficult time, LACOE remains committed to improving the lives of students and our educational community through service, leadership and advocacy. Here, we share best practices, tips and success stories from the county’s 80 districts as we innovate and adapt together to ensure continuity of learning and safety of students, staff and families. |
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LA County Board of Supervisors approves funding
to address digital divide
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The LA County Board of Supervisors has approved a proposal from LACOE to allocate $12.8 million in federal coronavirus relief funds to purchase computer devices and internet connectivity for students in need. "With most of our students learning from home, a computer device and internet connectivity are now basic school supplies," says LACOE Superintendent Debra Duardo in a statement. "Equity is at the heart of today's action. Internet connectivity is no longer a luxury but a basic utility that families need to access public education and other critical online services."
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New framework improves transitions to kindergarten |
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The L.A. County Transitions Workgroup has unveiled the Los Angeles County PreK to Kindergarten Transition Systems Alignment Framework in a special online event hosted by LACOE. The framework supports elementary schools, early learning providers, families and community partners in improving PreK to kindergarten transitions for all children. Speakers included LACOE Superintendent Debra Duardo, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond and Office of Head Start Director Deborah Bergeron.
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School Reopening Q&A with Supt. Duardo |
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In a school reopening Q&A on ABC7, Supt. Debra Duardo answers viewer questions ranging from distance learning curriculum to student health and safety. She says some students with special needs are already going back to classrooms in small groups. "As we are looking at the numbers throughout the county, if those numbers are coming down and the Department of Public Health gives us the go-ahead, then we will start looking at bringing our other students back, most likely in a hybrid model," Duardo says.
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LA Rams' Jared Goff supports Inglewood students |
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LA Rams quarterback Jared Goff has announced his "bigger-than-football" partnership with Inglewood USD. Proceeds from his JG16 apparel line will now fund student meals, learning tools and other programs supporting student success. "This is only the beginning," Goff says in an Instagram post, adding he hopes to inspire the public to join him in helping create opportunities for youth in Inglewood communities. The newly built SoFi Stadium in Inglewood is home to the LA Rams. A virtual ribbon-cutting ceremony was held last week to mark the start of the stadium's inaugural year.
Many individuals and organizations are stepping up to support Inglewood students. On Sept. 17, the Inglewood Chamber of Commerce and Loyola Marymount University are partnering to host a Grab-and-Go food distribution, and 100 free meals will be sponsored by Inglewood’s The Sammiche Shoppe, County Administrator Dr. Erika Torres announces in her latest message to Inglewood USD's education community.
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2020 Census: Only 2 weeks left to get everyone counted |
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There are only 14 days left to complete the 2020 Census. Investing just a few minutes in filling out the survey helps determine the future of programs for our children, their education and our health care. Your voice matters. We are in this together and can make a difference. Help spread the word!
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Students gather to remember 9/11, honor heroes |
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Nearly 4,000 students and staff of Arcadia HS in Arcadia USD gathered virtually to honor the heroes of 9/11. Before the pandemic, they packed a football stadium to hold their annual 9/11 memorial assembly to highlight the event's powerful history lesson. This year's program opened with a beautiful rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner by the Arcadia HS choir "in remembrance of all the victims, with profound esteem to all first-responders and in solidarity with our Arcadian community and the nation as whole."
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'Learning Together Safely' Tip |
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Baldwin Park USD launches virtual Wellness Center |
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Baldwin Park USD has launched a virtual Wellness Center that offers mental health and socio-emotional resources for its community. "The building blocks for lifelong success begins with socio-emotional health," says Superintendent Froilan Mendoza. "We're very pleased to offer these resources to our community and further promote a positive and supportive learning environment." The district also recognized National Suicide Prevention Week Sept. 6-12.
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Students to join live reading of US Constitution |
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Thursday, September 17, is US Constitution Day. To mark the occasion, people from around California—ranging from federal judges to local high school students—will gather virtually to read the Constitution aloud. The US District Court, Eastern District of California, will host the live YouTube video stream at 10 a.m. on Thursday to commemorate the anniversary of the Constitution’s original signing.
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Census Chalkathon Extended to Sept. 30 |
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More students, families, educators and professional artists are joining the LA County Census Chalkathon, which has been extended until Sept. 30, the deadline to complete the 2020 Census. Our LACOE Census Outreach Specialist Esmeralda Flores has been holding live Chalkathon events countywide. Districts and schools including Lawndale Elementary SD, Rowland USD and Santee Education Complex in LAUSD continue to spread the word about the importance of Census participation.
Visit our webpage to view photos and videos of chalk art, upcoming events, online chalk classes for kids, list of participating artists and more!
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Promoting Equitable Access to Arts in Education |
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This week is National Arts in Education Week (Sept. 13-19), which highlights the transformative power of the arts in education. Passed by Congress in 2010, the annual celebration promotes equitable access to the arts for all students.
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“I’m very concerned if there’s even a small fraction of students who aren’t accessing (digital tools), especially when we’re talking about students who are already more vulnerable and disadvantaged,” said Debra Duardo, superintendent of the L.A. County Office of Education.
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Greg Lindner, the county Office of Education’s chief technology officer, believes this is the first such ransomware attack of a county school district this year.
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Resources for Families & Schools |
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Don’t forget, LACOE is regularly updating several pages of resources:
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