Dear friends and partners, 

This year, our graduates aren’t the only ones who deserve congratulations for reaching this moment. The celebrations of this last week of school carried many feelings of hope and excitement for the future, relief that the worst is seemingly behind us, and grief at the collective trauma we’ve all been through this year. But the most palpable feeling across the twenty high school, middle, and elementary culmination ceremonies I joined this week—was gratitude. It has been an incredibly difficult year for our families, and I want to acknowledge the outstanding efforts of everyone in our school communities to support our kids through this whole crisis. 

Looking to the future, the District is working tirelessly to begin the recovery process for our students and school communities. This week, we solidified details for our full return to campus next year. All schools will have full-time, on-campus instruction for every grade level, and as part of the agreement, we will continue to adapt our safety protocols as public health guidance evolves. I believe that flexibility is critical in ensuring the maximal amount of in-person, classroom instruction as well as the safety of our kids. We have also begun the hiring process to support the historic investments in our students’ academic, socio-emotional, and physical recovery as we emerge from this crisis. 

But our families won’t need to wait until next semester to get back on campus, because LAUSD is offering our most expansive summer learning and enrichment program ever for students TK-12, with in-person programs, child care opportunities, and virtual options as well. For the first time ever, LAUSD is also offering a safe, free, and fun learning summer camp opportunity. We've heard from families that our kids don't just need academic programs to get ready for their return to full-time instruction this Fall—they also need socio-emotional support, time to play with friends, and enrichment opportunities that spark their curiosity. In other words, they don't just need school—they need camp. 

The Board also voted this week to set a timeline for our upcoming Superintendent search. This includes a comprehensive community engagement plan to hear feedback from our families and stakeholders about the qualities they want to see in our next leader. I look forward to ongoing community conversations as our search for the right candidate to lead us on the path to recovery begins this summer.

Congratulations to all our graduates—and to all the parents, school staff, and community partners who helped all our students reach this moment. I’m so grateful for the work everyone put in to get through this, together. Wishing you all a safe, healthy, restful, and fun summer to begin healing from the extraordinarily tough year we’ve all been through. 

Onward,