Dear Families,
Board President Shelley Ryan and I held a Coffee and Conversation event for elementary school parents yesterday evening. The purpose of the meeting was to begin to connect with parents in an informal setting. We were very pleased to have the opportunity to hear parent’s questions and concerns about a variety of topics. Two consistent themes that emerged were COVID-19 protocols and independent study. As you are aware the District is adhering to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health’s guidance, which is more restrictive than the California Department of Health’s guidelines. While this has caused confusion for some, please know that these required and recommended protocols are designed to keep everyone safe.
With respect to the matter of COVID-19, after hearing from our elementary parents, President Ryan and I walked the campuses and discussed recommended enhancements to existing lunch court table placements and classroom seating arrangements. Our principals have been, and continue to, work extended hours to assure that their campuses are safe places for all students. They are monitoring their sites to ensure COVID-19 protocols are being followed by all individuals who are on our campuses. Additionally, our wonderful elementary principals and teachers are busily preparing for the upcoming Back-to-School night on Thursday, August 19.
As you are aware, on Monday, 51 students at Carver Elementary School participated in voluntary COVID-19 testing and all tests came back negative. Yesterday, 93 students at Valentine Elementary were tested for COVID-19, and today we received the results confirming that all tests came back negative.
Parents may have heard that yesterday, there was one individual at San Marino High School who tested positive. This individual used an at-home COVID-19 antigen test while experiencing COVID-like symptoms. Today, the individual took a molecular PCR test, with a 97% accuracy rate, that produced a NEGATIVE result. The PCR test is the gold standard for COVID-19 testing. Therefore, the high school principal is notifying the SMHS staff and student community that they were NOT exposed to COVID via the aforementioned SMHS individual. Any student or staff on quarantine due to yesterday’s close contact exposure notice may now end the quarantine and resume school.
In terms of independent study inquiries, we are pleased to report that an informational video from Dr. Lena Richter on SMUSD’s Independent Study program is forthcoming. In the meantime, parents are encouraged to visit the SMUSD website for information and frequently asked questions.
As always, I look forward to maintaining open and frequent communication and am committed to keeping parents, teachers, staff, and the community informed as things continue to evolve.
Dr. Linda de la Torre
Acting Superintendent
