June 24th
Debra Duardo, M.S.W., Ed.D.
Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools

As we wind down a school year like no other, LACOE is already looking to the next one with the aim of supporting safe and welcoming learning environments across the county.

Our campaign "Los Angeles County Rising Stronger Together" will engage public schools in a commitment to supporting students' physical and social-emotional health, ensuring students have the necessary resources for academic success and equipping educators with tools to advance equity and support the whole child.

Mark your calendars for the campaign kick-off starting the week of August 2. Look for details coming soon, including a website with support materials and resources.

I know that, together, we will harness the power of one Los Angeles County to advocate for the equitable allocation of resources across the region.
Public Health Update
Child Care
Early Childhood Education Community Call on June 25:

The LA County Early Childhood Education COVID-19 Response Team will hold a community call for ECE providers on Friday, June 25, from 9 to 10 am. The call will include an update on the guidance for child-care environments and a presentation on navigating the new normal. There will be time for questions and answers.

Please register here. For more information, visit childcareheroes.org or download the flyer in English and Spanish.
Coronavirus Fiscal Recovery Funds
The US Treasury Dept. on June 23 updated its list of frequently asked questions on the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds clarifying how funds may be used to reduce and respond to crime. The Treasury posted the following list of what these funds may be used for:

  • Mental health services and substance use disorder services; 
  • School-based social-emotional support;  
  • Rehiring police officers and other law enforcement personnel to pre-pandemic levels; 
  • Expenses pertaining to COVID-related court backlogs; 
  • Community Violence Intervention programs; 
  • Subsidized jobs, job training and wraparound services, such as Summer Youth Employment Programs; and  
  • Referrals to trauma recovery services for crime victims.
Infrastructure
A bipartisan group of 21 senators on June 24 announced an agreement on an infrastructure "framework" that they will present to President Biden. While the deal is currently short on details, it reportedly includes $559 billion in new spending toward traditional infrastructure verticals, totaling roughly $1.2 trillion over eight years. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) offered tentative support for the deal last night. They suggested that the bipartisan infrastructure deal and reconciliation package could move prior to the August district work period.
Nutrition & Meal Service
Local School Wellness Policy Triennial Assessment Waiver:

The US Dept. of Agriculture on June 11 issued COVID–19: Child Nutrition Response #98, Nationwide Waiver of Local School Wellness Policy Triennial Assessment in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs. This waiver allows LEAs to postpone the completion of their Local School Wellness Policy Assessment until June 30, 2022. LEAs must submit the COVID-19 Local School Wellness Policy Triennial Assessment Extension Waiver application by June 30, 2021 to use this waiver option.  
 
Summer Waivers:

All school meal program operators must complete the 2021 Summer Operations Waiver Extensions application by June 30, 2021 to participate in any of the available summer operation waivers.  
 
Pandemic-EBT:

The California Dept. of Social Services will host a stakeholder meeting to provide updates on Pandemic-EBT 2.0. The meeting is scheduled for Friday, June 25 from 1 to 2 pm and will include information about P-EBT 2.0, the communication campaign and the expanded P-EBT helpline. The meeting information is included below: 
 
Join by phone: +1-415-655-0002 
Meeting number: 146 824 2092 
Password: m7EVvUEm3*3 (67388836 from phones and video systems) 
 
Submit questions on P-EBT here or call (877) 328-9677.
Resources for Districts & Schools
Design Guidelines for Outdoor Learning (LACOE) click here

Rising to the Challenge: Districts Innovating to Address Equity Across LA County (Greater LA) click here

Creative Solutions for Summer Staffing (CCEE) click here

Keep Learning California (Families in Schools/PIQE) 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