Watch Dr. Duardo's video message (1 min.)

KNBC4 features Pomona USD in its "Going the Distance" series, highlighting the district's work to prepare families for distance learning in the new school year. Board President Adrienne Konigar-Macklin also talks about district efforts to assist students experiencing homelessness, who face more difficulties during this pandemic.

In his back-to-school message, PUSD Supt. Richard Martinez says the district's educational programs have been aligned to provide students with a "cohesive, accessible and challenging experience."

Watch KNBC4 Story Featuring PUSD (2 min.)

Families at Brightwood Elementary in Alhambra USD share photos of their children's first day of distance learning, compiled in a video montage created by the school's PTA.

As AUSD wraps up its first week of school, Supt. Denise Jaramillo and the School Board announce the launch of their Community Conversation Series to provide an intimate digital forum to connect with students, parents, staff and community members. “With the continuing upheaval during a pandemic year, we want to create a welcoming place to listen — to have conversations about what matters most to our AUSD community," says Jaramillo.

Watch Brightwood Elementary's first day of school montage (2 1/2 min.)

'Learning Together Safely' Tip

Palmdale SD starts the new school year with students from multiple grade levels and school sites chatting with Supt. Raul Maldonado, cabinet members and Board members via a Zoom meeting.

Second grader Valentina Hernandez, the first to join the Zoom call, holds up a sign welcoming the superintendent to the new school year. Photo (top right) shows Supt. Maldonado cheering as Buena Vista Elementary student Cameron McGriff declares he will make this school year "the best year ever."

Watch Palmdale SD meeting with students video (19 min.)

Watch Supt. Maldonado's Back-to-School Message (1 1/2 min.)

Amid the pandemic that has highlighted inequities, many students and their families face monumental challenges, ranging from housing and food to student safety and wellbeing. "They are looking to schools for emotional support, for their basic needs...the challenges that they’re facing with mental health issues," says Supt. Debra Duardo in an interview with Education First. It's everybody's responsibility to look out for our children, she says. "Districts can't do this work alone. We need to continue to build and strengthen existing partnerships and need to advocate for more funding for education."

Like many juvenile detention facilities nationwide, Central Juvenile Hall has eliminated in-person family visits and suspended onsite classes for months. “The students have felt especially vulnerable and isolated,” says Central PAU Principal Michael Massa. To address the social emotional needs of students during this difficult time, the LACOE-run school at Central Juvenile Hall has partnered with Loyola Marymount University’s Helen B. Landgarten Art Therapy Clinic to help empower students through art.

We're excited to launch the countywide Census “CHALKATHON” Aug. 17-Sept. 7. Students, families and school staff are invited to create sidewalk art promoting Census participation. All art pieces should include “2020census.gov,” “Everyone Counts!” and/or "Todos Contamos." Messages in multiple languages are encouraged. LACOE will hold a weekly raffle of giveaways for participating students and community members who share their artwork on social media and use the hashtags #CaStudentsCount and #LACcensuschalkathon.

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

Watch Chalkathon promo video (1 min.)

KTLA5 features the story of 17-year-old Tea Tarpey, a shining symbol of success who battled substance abuse for years but refused to let her circumstances define her. "If you understood where she came from, you'd almost think it's impossible that she is where she is today," says Tarpey's LACOE teacher Jeanett Hector. Tarpey was one of 200 at-promise youth who beat the odds to finish high school and were honored at the annual Operation Graduation. "Less than a year ago, I was on the streets about to die and now...I'm about to attend college," says Tarpey.

Watch the story on KTLA5 (3 min.)