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Dear friends and partners,
As we prepare to put 2020 in the past and never look back, there is work to be done to ensure that the new year brings a new chapter for our students and families. Not only do we all have to do our part to stop the spread of Covid-19, but we also have to insist that our leaders, at every level of government, start putting kids first and prioritizing the need to get our kids safely back into the classroom.
Due to the dangerously high levels of Covid cases in Los Angeles, Superintendent Beutner announced that LA Unified will be temporarily suspending most in-person services for the last week of the Fall semester. This is an incredibly disappointing, if necessary, decision—and the result of every level of government failing to prioritize the needs of children during this crisis, whether by allowing eight months to pass without another Federal relief package or allowing businesses and restaurants to take precedence over schools in reopening plans.
With the new year, however, there is hope on the horizon. California lawmakers have heard our advocacy and introduced bills aimed at prioritizing school reopening with a more standardized protocol and increasing access to internet connectivity. We will continue to push for the funding, resources, and PPE needed to safely bring our kids back to school. We will continue to provide meals to anyone in need at our Grab and Go centers, perform districtwide COVID testing for our families and employees, and finalize plans for an eventual return to school—starting with our highest need students.
Above all else, I will continue to push for kids and families to remain at the center of our decision-making, throughout this crisis and long after its end.
And it will end. As I get ready to light the first candle of Hanukkah, I’m reminded of the spirit of hope that defines this Jewish holiday. The story of Hanukkah is one of perseverance, faith, and profound optimism. “It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness,” Eleanor Roosevelt reminded this country during some of its darkest days. Although there is much darkness to curse this year, tonight we choose to light a candle—may it lead us to a brighter 2021.
We’re all in this together, apart.
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The Latest from LA Unified
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This year has been tough, especially for our students. That's why we brought in renowned pediatrician, expert, and award-winning author Dr. Cara Natterson and LAUSD School Mental Health Coordinator Elena Jimenez to focus our last virtual town hall of 2020 on supporting the social-emotional wellbeing of your children during this crisis. You can check out this and all our past town halls on Facebook or our website.
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While learning remains virtual, we have found new innovative ways to reach our kids with extra educational content at home. I'm proud to announce our latest partnership with Story Pirates to turn their amazing creative storytelling program into a weekly TV show on LA Unified's own KLCS station! Tune in every Tuesday at 5:15pm PT on KLCS or join the Creator Club to watch!
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Staying Together While We're Apart
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For as long as it takes to safely welcome our school communities back onto our campuses, I will continue to safely meet with parents, school staff, and community members whenever and however possible. Thrilled to wrap up this semester with some socially distant school visits, a great Zoom town hall, and a wonderful morning in Kentwood EEC's virtual classroom! Here's to seeing you all in person in 2021!
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School Spotlight: Elena Jimenez Has your Mental Health in Mind
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 Elena Jimenez has served in various roles in her nineteen years with LA Unified. She currently oversees the School-Based Mental Health Psychiatric Social Work Program in LD Northwest, supporting crisis response and intervention efforts. As we've all been in COVID-19 crisis mode for the past 8 months, Elena has worked to make sure our kids are getting the emotional support they need—including joining me for two of our virtual conversations aimed at getting information, best practices, and answers directly to our families as we all navigate this unprecedented time, together. Keep scrolling for some of the mental health resources she shared during this week's town hall!
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ICYMI: Updates, Info, and Resources
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Know your rights! Click here for free legal resources from a collaborative LA initiative.
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