COVID-19 Updates

Most Recent Update
September 9, 2022
 
Subject: Optional Indoor Masking Begins on Monday, September 12 | Consolidated Day Schedule Monday 9/12 - Wednesday 9/14
 
Dear EMCSD Community,
 
The first few weeks of the 2022-23 school year have been nothing short of wonderful! Recently, I have been visiting schools, classrooms, and back-to-school nights, and I can feel the excitement our students and families have for this year. We have always been a community district and that remains true to this day. I have had the pleasure to meet and reconnect with so many of you over the last couple weeks, and it brings me so much joy to see our families on campus again.
 
If you recall, in August I said that we would transition to optional indoor masking on September 12 (you can view the August 5 message below). That plan is still in place and beginning Monday, September 12, 2022, indoor masking will be optional. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) still strongly recommends indoor mask-wearing, so any student, staff, or community member who wishes to continue wearing masks are free to do so without judgment. We will have masks and PPE readily available upon request. *Head Start & Early Head Start will follow different protocols to align with Federal Guidance. See below for more details.*
 
Although we are transitioning to optional masking, El Monte City School District will continue to:
  • Provide necessary PPE, such as masks and hand sanitizer, for all who desire it.
  • Use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters indoors.
    • This summer, we replaced filters in our  HEPA filtration systems and serviced our air conditioning systems with fresh filters for the new school year.  
  • Utilize temperature check stations at school entrances.
  • Clean and sanitize indoor spaces.
  • Encourage and provide opportunities with handwashing breaks to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and other illnesses.
  • Continue our use of individualized and extensive contact tracing efforts to ensure the safety of all persons who may have been exposed to COVID-19.
 
Head Start/Early Head Start: Until instructed otherwise, universal masking will be required for all persons age 2 and older to comply with federal guidance.
 
As a reminder, we are required to follow all LACDPH health and safety protocols, and if DPH elects to reinforce masking, we will comply. Additionally, if we begin to see an increase in COVID-19 cases throughout our district, we can reinstate our indoor masking requirement in the best interest of our school communities.
 
Your trust and partnership throughout this pandemic has made our transition to indoor masking possible and we thank you for your continued support. The safety of your students is one of our top priorities, and that is why it is important that we have your most up-to-date emergency contact information. If you have not already done so, please complete your Back-to-School forms by visiting: www.emcsd.org/ParentPortal/
 
I also want to take this opportunity to remind all parents and guardians of next week’s school schedule:
  • All schools will be on a consolidated schedule from Monday, September 12 through Wednesday, September 14 so we can conduct professional development with our school staff. 
  • There will be NO SCHOOL on Friday, September 16, 2022 for Student Free Day.
 
Again, thank you for putting your trust in us and I look forward to connecting with you throughout the rest of the year.
 
Sincerely,
 
Dr. Maribel Garcia
Superintendent
#TogetherWeRise
 
To stay up to date on all district news and happenings, check your ParentSquare and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
AUGUST 2022
Subject: Welcome Back: First Day of School is August 18!
 
August 5, 2022
 
Dear El Monte City School District Community,
 
We are excited to welcome you all back for the 2022-23 school year on Thursday, August 18! I hope you were able to rest and relax during the summer break.  We cannot wait to see our students and are looking forward to embarking on an exciting and engaging school year!
 
As we prepare to return to school, we want to update you on important information regarding our COVID-19 safety protocols. Consistent with our approach since the start of this pandemic, we will adhere to all guidance from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) and use their expertise to guide our decision-making regarding the safety of our students, staff, and families. 
 
Below are the latest updates to our COVID-19 protocols. We will start the year following the same protocols from this past Spring:
  • Indoor masking will still be required for all persons at all EMCSD locations until September 10, 2022. Beginning September 12, 2022, indoor masking will be optional. This decision is to help combat the spread of COVID-19 during the current summer surge. As it stands, LACDPH still strongly recommends mask-wearing indoors, and we will follow that recommendation to start the school year.  
  • Beginning September 12, indoor masking will be optional.  Any student or staff member who wishes to continue wearing masks on September 12 and onward will be free to do so, and we will have masks readily available upon request. *Head Start & Early Head Start will follow different protocols to align with Federal Guidance. See below for more details.
  • Outdoor masking will continue to be optional but strongly recommended.
  • Students and staff are encouraged to conduct daily self-symptom checks before reporting to a district location. Please keep your student home if they have any of the following symptoms and contact your school office: Fever of 100.4 degrees or higher; new cough; or vomiting/diarrhea.
 
In addition to these updates, EMCSD will continue to:
  • Provide necessary PPE, such as masks and hand sanitizer, for all who desire it.
  • Use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters indoors.
    • This summer, we replaced filters in our  HEPA filtration systems and serviced our air conditioning systems with fresh filters for the new school year.  
  • Utilize temperature check stations at school entrances.
  • Clean and sanitize indoor spaces.
  • Encourage and provide opportunities with handwashing breaks to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and other illnesses.
  • Continue our use of individualized and extensive contact tracing efforts to ensure the safety of all persons who may have been exposed to COVID-19.
 
We will also be providing all students with COVID-19 rapid antigen tests before the first day of school. Date and distribution details will be shared by your school next week. Principals will also be reaching out with information regarding safety protocols and other site specific details.
 
Head Start/Early Head Start: Until instructed otherwise, universal masking will be required for all persons age 2 and older to comply with federal guidance. 
 
We want to thank you for your confidence and trust as we welcome a new school year. We have proven time and again that our partnership is the key to our success, and we look forward to embarking on new adventures with you. Each year, we have a districtwide theme; this year, our theme is Together We Rise. It represents our ability to reach new levels of success by working TOGETHER. 
We will see you on Thursday, August 18, for the first day of school!
 
Sincerely,
 
Dr. Maribel Garcia
Superintendent
#TogetherWeRise
 
To stay up to date on all district news and happenings, check your ParentSquare and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
ARCHIVED MESSAGES
March 9, 2022
 
Dear EMCSD Community,
 
Last week, Los Angeles County lifted their indoor mask requirements for most indoor facilities. The County and State also announced that indoor masking requirements for K-12 schools will be lifted on March 11, 2022 at 11:59pm. According to both the County and State, these decisions were made based on the continued decline of COVID-19 cases and the CDC’s COVID-19 Community Level Matrix.
 
Since the beginning of this pandemic, we have always made decisions based on what best serves our school communities. Although the County and State have lifted indoor masking policies, both agencies still strongly recommend the use of masks indoors, and we will follow that recommendation. The El Monte City School District will continue to require wearing masks indoors at all District sites. While we will continue indoor masking, we do have other changes that will go into effect on Monday, March 14, 2022:
 
  • The use of desk shields in classrooms is no longer required. Over the next few weeks, our facilities team will assist in the removal of shields from student desks.
  • The use of medical-grade HEPA filters will still be required in all classrooms and indoor spaces.
  • Outdoor masking: we believe the data is strong enough to start relaxing those requirements. Starting March 14, 2022, we will expand our mask-free zones to the majority of outdoor spaces. Masks will still be required in high traffic areas like:
    • Lunch lines
    • Hallways
    • Entrances and Exits.
 
Your child’s school will be sharing more detailed information regarding specific identified areas on their campus. The decision to expand mask-free zones is based on declining case rates and the success of our current mask-free zones scattered across all EMCSD schools. However, if staff or students would like to continue wearing masks outdoors, we will support their decision to do so.
 
Despite these changes, we still recommend wearing masks as often as possible since it is the best defense against COVID-19 infection and transmission, especially for the unvaccinated. If you are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine or booster, you can receive one for free from LA County or health care facilities:
 
 
I want to thank you for your patience and understanding as we evaluate changing protocols and apply them to our District. I am extremely grateful to have you as such supportive partners in the El Monte City School District and we will always strive to provide the safest educational environment for our school communities.
 
With great appreciation,

Dr. Maribel Garcia
Superintendent
January 13, 2022
 
Dear EMCSD Community,
 
Welcome to the second half of the 2021-22 school year! I want to thank everyone for helping the El Monte City School District stay proactive in slowing the spread of COVID-19 throughout our school communities. Many of you made great use of our take-home rapid tests and you have all continued to follow our safety guidelines; this has been integral to successfully providing educational services to our students.
 
Please continue doing the following to help keep each other safe:
  • Check your child for COVID-19 symptoms every day before sending them to school (if they are sick, please keep them home). Symptoms include: Fever (100.4 or greater), new cough, vomiting, diarrhea
  • Please provide your child with a well-fitted, non-cloth mask (wearing two masks is acceptable)
  • You can keep track of COVID-19 cases throughout our school using our COVID-19 Dashboard. Reminder, the dashboard only shows confirmed cases of individuals who were on District property within 48 hours of testing positive for COVID-19.
  • I also encourage everyone to utilize our COVID-19 Vaccine and Testing resources webpage to view available vaccine and testing opportunities including Rapid COVID Testing throughout El Monte.
 
I am excited to announce that our Early Head Start preschool program has officially been moved to the Jeff Seymour Family Center. This will allow our newest families to get better acclimated to the District and experience the wonderful resources we have to offer. Speaking of which, we are partnered with Western University College of Dental Medicine to provide free dental services to anyone ages 0-20. To schedule your appointment, please call (909) 469-8500 or email [email protected]. Health insurance is NOT required.
 
Reminder, there is no school on Monday, January 17, 2022 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. There are many more resources, including the latest Counseling Corner in this month’s newsletter!
 
In partnership,
 
Dr. Maribel Garcia
January 3, 2022 
 
Dear EMCSD Community,
 
Happy New Year! With school set to return on Wednesday, January 5, 2022, I want to remind each of you that the health and safety of our students, staff, and families remains a top priority for the El Monte City School District.
 
Throughout the winter break, we have been in communication with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) and Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) to coordinate safety efforts as we welcome students back on Wednesday. Over the weekend, LACDPH released new guidelines and recommendations to help combat the COVID-19 Omicron variant surge. Thankfully, many of the new guidelines were already part of EMCSD’s reopening protocols when we started school in the Fall; you can view the latest guidance and recommendations below:
 
  • Masks are required outdoors in crowded spaces where physical distancing is not feasible except when eating or drinking (Our current masking policy already reflects this rule - masks are required both INDOORS AND OUTDOORS at all District locations).
  • Recommend that all students wear a well-fitting, non-cloth mask of multiple layers with a nose wire. Double-masking is an acceptable alternative.
  • Recommend that all eligible staff and students receive vaccines and boosters (we will continue to provide vaccine opportunities to school communities, see info for our latest clinics below).
  • New asymptomatic, close contact testing is also required after exposure. These new testing guidelines will be implemented immediately.
 
We have two COVID-19 vaccine opportunities this week for anyone ages 5 and up hoping to receive vaccines and boosters:
  • Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine (All Doses): Friday, January 7, 2022, at Jeff Seymour Family Center from 3pm - 7pm
  • Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine (All Doses): Saturday, January 8, 2022, at Frank Wright School from 9:00am - 2:30pm
You can sign up for either clinic by clicking here: https://forms.gle/xMeEtkBt9ugr2ruU8.
If you want to secure a vaccine before the weekend, you can do so by visiting MyTurn.ca.gov. 
 
I also want to take this opportunity to remind everyone to use your take-home COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test that EMCSD distributed to all students and staff right before winter break. We recommend administering the test on either the night of January 4 or the morning of January 5 before you report to school. Follow the instructions that were provided. If you lost your instructions, you can find them on the District website (translated versions are available). You can also schedule a COVID-19 test through LA County by clicking here. Testing before returning to school is not required, but we strongly recommend testing to ensure all students and staff are safe when we return to school on Wednesday.
 
El Monte City School District will do everything we can to ensure the safety of our school communities. We ask you to help keep our schools safe by:
 
  • Checking your child for symptoms daily before sending them to school
  • Keep your child home if they are sick and/or show COVID-like symptoms
  • Send your child to school with single-use medical face masks AND /OR double mask
  • Remind your child to practice safe hygiene, including washing hands and sanitizing frequently
 
Our schools will continue to provide PPE for students and staff, cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces utilizing medical-grade HEPA air filters in every classroom. 
 
We appreciate your continued partnership and will continue communicating the latest information from LACDPH and LACOE. We are committed to providing safe learning environments for students, staff, and families. 
 
We wish you and your family a healthy and safe 2022!
 
Sincerely,
 
Dr. Maribel Garcia
Superintendent
NOVEMBER 2021
December, 15, 2021
 
Dear EMCSD Community
 
With Winter Break just around the corner, I wanted to take this opportunity to wish everyone a wonderful holiday season! This school year has had its fair share of wonders and challenges for all of us, and everyone deserves some time to reset as we prepare to head into the second half of the 2021-2022 school year.
 
Students and staff throughout the District have outperformed all expectations this year, and I am incredibly grateful for all the essential work that has been done to make our return to school during the COVID-19 pandemic a successful endeavor. As a friendly reminder, Winter Break starts on Wednesday, December 22, 2021, and will last through Tuesday, January 4, 2022. This means we will return to our regular school schedule on Wednesday, January 5, 2022.
 
Please take a look through this month’s newsletter to see what local family fun activities and resources are available! I encourage everyone to check out December’s Counseling Corner. Our amazing school counselors compiled a list of Winter Break activities the whole family can enjoy!
 
Lastly, I want to share that we have partnered with the Tzu Chi Medical Foundation to provide medical services to our District. It starts with a large COVID-19 vaccine clinic this Saturday, December 18, from 9am - 3pm at Frank Wright School. First dose, second dose, and boosters shots will be available. No appointments are required, but you can pre-register by clicking this link: https://forms.gle/gbJFE5PpXAbfehQo8
 
Happy holidays to all,
 
Dr. Maribel Garcia
November 3, 2021
 
Dear EMCSD Community,
 
On Tuesday, November 2, 2021, the Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) approved the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children 5-11 years old. The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) already approved the emergency use of the COVID-19 vaccine for children on Friday, October 29, 2021. With approval from both the CDC and FDA, children ages 5-11 are now eligible to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.
 
We are encouraged to learn that children can be vaccinated, and we will continue providing equitable access to resources throughout our community. If you are interested in having your child vaccinated, please use the resources listed below, including pop-up vaccination clinics at Columbia School and Gidley School later this month.
 
For clarification, there is currently NO mandate requiring students ages 5-15 to be vaccinated for COVID-19, it is completely voluntary. The District will continue to monitor vaccine developments and update you as soon as we receive new guidance from state and county health departments.
 
COVID-19 Vaccine Resources:
  • El Monte City School District Vaccine Clinics in partnership with East Valley Community Health Clinic:
    • Friday, November 12 at Columbia School from 3pm - 7pm
    • Saturday, November 13 at Gidley School from 8am - 2pm
  • Don’t want to wait for an EMCSD vaccine clinic?
  • For more information on the COVID-19 vaccine, visit the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health’s vaccine website.
    • Reminder: COVID-19 vaccines are FREE. Health insurance is NOT required and your immigration status will NOT affect your eligibility to receive the vaccine.
  • Residents with disabilities or without computer access can call 833-540-0473 between 8:00 am and 8:30 pm 7 days a week for assistance with appointments. 
 
I hope everyone enjoyed your Halloween and Dia de los Muertos celebrations! Remember to stay informed on all District happenings by downloading the ParentSquare app, visiting our District website, and following us on Facebook and Instagram.
 
Thank you for your support,
 
Dr. Maribel Garcia
Superintendent
October 2021
October 27, 2021
 
Dear EMCSD Community,
 
It is so wonderful to see our campuses filled with students, and I cannot thank our staff and families for helping make our schools a safe space for students to succeed. Everyone has done such a great job that it caught the attention of LA County Office of Education, and they featured EMCSD in their Lessons from the Field virtual series! You can watch that full video in our newsletter; it highlights the safety protocols our schools have implemented to keep students and staff safe. To view the October Newsletter, click here.
 
I’m excited to announce that the District will be hosting more pop-up vaccination clinics in November. Official dates will be shared soon on District platforms, including our website. In case you missed it:
  • Booster COVID-19 shots for Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson&Johnson vaccines have been approved. You can find more information in the COVID-19 resources section of this newsletter.
  • On Tuesday, October 26, 2021, the FDA advisory committee endorsed the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5-11. The District is closely monitoring decisions regarding child COVID-19 vaccines. We will follow and share the most up-to-date guidance from LA County Office of Education and the Department of Public Health.
  • If you have questions about boosters or COVID-19 vaccines for children, the LA County Department of Public Health is hosting a Town Hall on Thursday, October 28 at 6 pm. You can tune in by clicking here.
 
I know Halloween is this weekend, and many schools and families are planning fun celebrations for their kids. We just want to remind everyone to be safe as you enjoy your activities! Stay up to date with all the fun happenings throughout our district by visiting our website and following us on Facebook and Instagram.
 
Best wishes,
 
Dr. Maribel Garcia
Superintendent
EMCSD Update: Updated LACDPH Modified Quarantine Protocols
 
October 7, 2021
 
Dear EMCSD Community,
 
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) has recently updated its policy on student quarantine once identified as a close contact. Starting Monday, October 11, 2021, EMCSD will be implementing a Modified Quarantine. In the event of a positive COVID-19 case on an El Monte City School District Campus, LACDPH requires us to do the following:
  • Send the positive COVID-19 student home for ten days to isolate.
    Identify close contacts to the COVID positive student (Within 6 feet for 15 minutes or more within a 24 hour period).
  • If a student was in close contact and met the requirements listed below, they will be placed on a Modified Quarantine.
  • Students required to quarantine will receive a phone call from their school site and a follow-up letter from the office.
 
Modified Quarantine for unvaccinated individuals for exposures when both parties are wearing a mask:
Unvaccinated students who are identified as close contacts may undergo a Modified 10-day quarantine as follows.
They may continue to attend school for in-person instruction if they:
  • Are asymptomatic
  • Continue to mask appropriately, as required
  • Must be tested twice a week during quarantine with an FDA authorized viral Covid-19 PCR or Antigen test at a testing site, no home testing kits.
  • Must stay home to quarantine for ALL extracurricular activities at school, including sports and activities within the community setting except for in-person instruction.
  • They will need to monitor for symptoms and wear a mask in all school settings for a full 14 days from exposure.
 
If NO face covering was on EITHER infected or exposed person:
  • Close contact student must quarantine if a student shows no symptoms after exposure. If student takes a COVID-19 test on day 5 or later, they can return on day 8 with a negative test result, or if no test, stay home from school for 10 days. They will need to monitor for symptoms and wear a mask in all school settings (indoors and outdoors) for a full 14 days from exposure. Per the LACDPH guidelines, a student not wearing a mask will not be eligible for a Modified Quarantine.
 
If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact your school site. Thank you for your continued support and understanding with these continual changes from the County.
 
Sincerely,
 
Steve Sallenbach
Deputy Superintendent of Personnel and Administrative Services
EMCSD Updates: CA Student Vaccines & Student Social Media Safety
 
October 5, 2021
 
Dear EMCSD Community,
 
We would like to provide some information on recent school news topics regarding vaccine mandates and social media trends.
 
Governor Newsom Announces Vaccine Mandate for Students
On Friday, October 1, 2021, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced that all California students will be required to be vaccinated for COVID-19 upon full approval of the vaccine by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). You can read the Governor’s full announcement here.
 
The El Monte City School District will work closely with the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) and Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) to gather the latest information from the Governor’s announcement and how it applies to our District. We will communicate new vaccine guidelines with our school community through this process.
 
The health and safety of our students, staff, and families is our top priority and we will implement the protocols necessary to ensure we are providing a safe environment for all. We continue to adhere to the latest County health and safety guidelines along with implementing additional safety protocols to help limit the spread of COVID-19. This includes mandatory mask wearing indoors and outdoors while on campus, HEPA medical-grade air filters in every classroom, ample supply of PPE, block scheduled recess and lunch, and more.
 
We are also committed to providing resources to our community during this time. Currently, vaccines are available to anyone ages 12 or older. You can find more information including the nearest vaccination site by visiting www.VaccinateLACounty.com (ENGLISH) and www.VacunateLosAngeles.com (SPANISH). You can monitor the District’s COVID-19 cases on our COVID-19 Dashboard on our website. There you will also find a link to the new LA County TK-12 School COVID-19 Data Dashboard.
 
Student Social Media Awareness & Safety 
Over the last couple of weeks, we have seen an increase in various “challenges” throughout social media platforms such as Tik Tok and Instagram. These challenges often encourage individuals to participate in an act that could potentially cause harm or damage to property,  themselves, or others.
  
The District recognizes that social media is a useful resource to help people connect, but we encourage our students to be mindful of others and to engage in safe behavior when using platforms such as Tik Tok, Instagram, Facebook, etc. We ask parents and guardians to monitor and talk with their children about responsible and respectful social media usage or participation in viral trends. Parents can find helpful information regarding social media safety and responsibility using this Family Tip Sheet (English) / (Spanish). 
 
Thank you for your continued support of the El Monte City School District,
 
Steve Sallenbach
Deputy Superintendent of Personnel and Administrative Services
July 2021
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL - August 25th
 
July 30, 2021
 
Dear EMCSD Community,
 
Welcome back! I am so excited to welcome you back to school in person! We are aware of the challenges these times have brought our community and have worked tirelessly throughout the summer to address the anticipated needs of our children - academically and emotionally. I have renewed hope and anticipation for El Monte City School District’s 2021-22 school year, and I would like to take this opportunity to share some of our plans with all of you.
 
When we safely reopened in Spring 2021, we felt so much joy seeing our students, families, and peers. Together, we proved that we could safely provide in-person instruction by following all the COVID-19 safety protocols. We will use the momentum of a successful Spring and Summer session when we welcome our students back to campus. The first day of school is Wednesday, August 25, 2021, and we will be returning full in-person instruction five days a week. Attached to this message, you will find our 2021-22 District Calendar.
 
In anticipation of the first day of school, The El Monte City School District is committed to the health and safety of our students, staff, and families. We will continue to follow the latest COVID-19 safety protocols outlined by the State and Los Angeles County for the 2021-2022 school year as we welcome back all of our students and staff. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has released a K-12 COVID-19 School Guidance for the 2021-22 school year and features a Mask Mandate that outlines mask requirements on our campuses. These include:
 
  • K-12 students are required to mask indoors, with exemptions per CDPH face mask guidance.
  • Adults in K-12 school settings are required to mask when sharing indoor spaces with students.
  • Persons exempted from wearing a face-covering due to a medical condition must wear a nonrestrictive alternative, such as a face shield with a drape on the bottom edge, as long as their condition permits it.
  • Face covering requirements are mandated for all school buses and any vehicle affiliated with the district used to transport students, staff, or teachers to and/or from a school site or school-related activity.

All of our classrooms have medical-grade “High-efficiency Particulate Air” (HEPA) dual filters and an ample supply of PPE and sanitation products. We are partnering with a health provider to provide asymptomatic COVID-19 testing for students and staff. More information on the safe reopening of the 2021-22 school year will be shared in the coming weeks. For current guidance from the California Department of Public Health, please click here or visit CDPH.ca.gov.

We will be offering an Independent Study Program for students who are unable to return to in-person instruction. If you would like information regarding our District’s Independent Study program, please call (626) 453-3741.
 
The El Monte City School District is proud of our effort to keep our community safe throughout this pandemic. We encourage everyone to follow all COVID safety guidelines and receive vaccinations if they are eligible. We have a COVID-19 vaccine clinic available today, July 30, for anyone ages 12 and up from 3:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Cortada School. No appointments are necessary, and the clinic is located by the staff parking lot at 3111 Potrero Ave, El Monte, CA 91733. For information on other available vaccine sites, click here or visit emcsd.org/COVIDVaccineResources/
 
We hope you enjoy the rest of your summer break, and we look forward to seeing everyone on August 25! I am confident that we will provide the BEST educational experience for our students that embodies the human spirit and prioritizes their physical, social, emotional, and cognitive needs.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the District Office at (626) 453-3700.
 
Kind regards,
 
Dr. Maribel Garcia
Superintendent
June 2021
REMINDER: Summer School COVID-19 Safety Protocols
 
June 11, 2021
 
Good afternoon EMCSD Community,
 
On Tuesday, June 15, 2021, the state of California is scheduled to reopen which will lift many of the COVID-19 restrictions that have been in place during the pandemic. These restrictions include, but are not limited to: social distancing regulations, occupancy guidelines, and mask wearing. You can view California’s “Beyond the Blueprint” June 15 reopening guidelines on the California Department of Public Health website.
 
While we are excited to see the state move in the direction of reopening, the El Monte City School District must still follow local and workplace safety guidance from the LA County Department of Public Health and Cal/OSHA.
Based on this information, for the remainder of our summer school session, which ends on Friday, July 2nd, 2021 our current safety protocols will remain in effect. These include:.
 
  • the wearing of masks by all individuals on campuses and district sites (indoors and outdoors)
  • physical distancing requirements
  • daily health screenings for those reporting to sites
 
The decision to complete our summer session with our current safety protocols not only comes from our requirement to adhere to the guidance of these organizations, but also to honor and follow the safety parameters put into place at the start of our summer school session.
We appreciate your understanding during this time and please contact the District Office at (626) 453-3700 if you have any questions.

Steve Sallenbach
Deputy Superintendent of Personnel and Administrative Services
El Monte City School District
 
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May 2021
May 14, 2021
 
Dear EMCSD Community,
 
On Thursday, May 13, 2021, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued new guidance regarding mask wearing for those that are fully vaccinated. This guidance states that, “Fully vaccinated people can resume activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.”
 
While we are optimistic about the new guidance, our current Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) guidelines still require mask wearing in our workplaces, which include our schools.
 
In addition to following guidelines from LACDPH, we want to continue honoring and following the safety parameters put into place for our Spring 2021 Reopening Plan. For the remainder of the 2020-2021 school year and for our 2021 summer instructional programs, El Monte City School District will continue to follow our current guidance with mask wearing being required for all persons who are on campus.
 
We will continue monitoring state, county, and local guidance and will provide updates when there are changes to our current safety protocols.
 
Steve Sallenbach
Deputy Superintendent of Personnel and Administrative Services
March 2021
March 9, 2021
 
Dear EMCSD Community,
 
This Saturday marks one year since we physically closed our campuses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This virus has impacted everyone’s lives, but in true EMCSD spirit, we adapted and faced the challenges together. Thank you for your unwavering commitment and support. I’m grateful to have such a dedicated and supportive school community.
 
On Monday’s Board Meeting, we presented a comprehensive reopening plan to gradually reopen our schools in a hybrid learning environment starting on Monday, April 19, 2021. Our decision to reopen our schools was based on multiple factors, including, but not limited to: health and safety upgrades made to our campuses, the expansion of access to a vaccine, and LA County trending towards the Red-Tier, which the Department of Public Health expects us to enter this week. After reviewing our Parent and Staff Questionnaire comments, we believe we have developed a reopening plan that best addresses our school community’s needs.
 
Spring Reopening Plan - Parents will have the opportunity to choose whether their children will either remain in Distance Learning or elect to return to school in a Hybrid model. The goal will be to keep students with their current teacher to limit disruptions to student schedules, something many parents and teachers highlighted in their questionnaire responses.
 
Our plan features a phased reopening schedule to allow our students and staff the opportunity to properly acclimate to being back on campus, all while following physical distancing and safety guidelines. The reopening plan is as follows:
  • PALS/ TK/ Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade will return on Monday, April 19, 2021
  • Headstart will have a STAGGERED opening beginning Tuesday, April 20, 2021. (The Headstart Department will share more information.)
  • 4th, 5th, and 6th grade will return on Monday, April 26, 2021
  • 7th and 8th grade will return on Monday, May 3, 2021 (reliant on LA County’s Color tier system - more updates to come as we monitor LA County’s color tier status)
What’s next? - Over the next few weeks, families can expect to receive more information on their individual school’s reopening plan, which includes:
  • School Reopening Overview video
  • Reopening Presentations by your school Principal (week of 3/15). The presentation will include:
    • Safety Protocols
    • Campus entry and exit points
    • Classroom, bathroom, restroom, recess protocols, and more.
    • Details on instructional schedule
  • A commitment form will be shared on Parent Square that gives families the opportunity to either opt-in for the Hybrid model or remain in Distance Learning for the remainder of the 2020-2021 school year (commitment forms will be released following your school’s presentation)
I want to thank you for your continued support of the El Monte City School District. Your partnership has been monumental in our efforts to continue serving you and your children. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office at (626) 453-3798.
 
We are looking forward to welcoming back students to our campuses soon!
 
Sincerely,
 
Dr. Maribel Garcia
Superintendent
February 2021
 

A Message from our Superintendent

October 29, 2020
 
Dear EMCSD Parents & Guardians,
 
I hope you all are remaining safe and healthy throughout this time. As we end our first quarter of the year, I wanted to reach out to you to share important information, and give you the opportunity to connect with us. I want to thank you for your continued support and understanding as we navigate the best educational practices possible amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
 
Our first quarter of the 2020-2021 school year officially came to an end on October 22, 2020 and as we enter into our second quarter, I wanted to update you on the following sections of our distance learning plan including: 

  • LA County current Covid-19 Tier
  • EMCSD Distance Learning Update
  • Meal Distribution Program
  • Measures to Ensure Health & Safety of Students & Staff
  • Parent Survey
 
Los Angeles County still sits within the purple tier, meaning the county risk level for Covid-19 is still widespread and many non-essential businesses are still closed. We continue to follow guidance from county and state officials as we navigate potential reopening options. As it stands, schools are still closed to in-person instruction. As other counties around us are opening up, we are learning and preparing to plan for our reopening as well, as soon as the science and data allows us to do so.
 
In the meantime, I do want to update you on the wonderful things that are happening throughout the District during Distance Learning:
 
  • Our student attendance for Distance Learning is just over 96%, which is great!
  • We’re proud to say that 94% of our students have a parent or guardian signed up for the ParentSquare app, so thank you for staying connected with us!
  • Last week we announced that we expanded our free meals from five to seven days worth of food per child. You can visit our Nutrition Services page for more information including distribution locations and times. Remember, all children 18 and under qualify.
  • We continue to abide by requirements set forth in the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Reopening Protocols for K-12 Schools. These include wearing masks to help ensure the safety of all persons, daily wellness checks for students and staff both at home and at District sites, and physical distancing at all times.
  • Since the start of the school year, our facilities crews have been working daily on:
    • Installing new water-refill stations and new handwashing stations at each of our 14 campuses.
    • Creating and installing custom desk shields for each desk in every classroom and office space on school campuses.
    • Signs have been posted around campus to maintain physical distancing and remind students to wash their hands.
    • Stations for hand sanitizing and taking students' and staff temperatures have been set up at school entrances.
 
Lastly, we have a new Parent Survey to help us understand and address the needs of you and your children during this time. We ask that you take a few minutes to answer questions regarding an array of topics like technical issues, your experience with Distance Learning, and how we can further support you and your child. You can access the survey by clicking here: Online Parent Survey.
 
Our community’s unique history includes generations of families who have attended schools in our District, which has created a lasting partnership. Together we are all committed to supporting our students’ success. This pandemic does not change that. If you have any questions about Distance Learning, our safety procedures, or the services available to you and your children, I encourage you to reach out to your school. You can also visit our website for more information on our current Distance Learning Plan. Please reach out to me if you have any questions.
 
Sincerely,
 
Dr. Maribel Garcia
Superintendent
(626) 453-3700
 
Follow us:
Facebook: @ElMonteCSD
Instagram: @elmontecitysd
 
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29 de octubre de 2020
 
Estimados padres y tutores de EMCSD
 
Espero que todos estén saludables y seguros durante este tiempo. Hemos completado nuestro primer trimestre del año, quiero comunicarme con ustedes para compartir información importante y para brindarles la oportunidad de conectarse con nosotros. Quiero agradecerles por su continuo apoyo y comprensión mientras les proporcionamos las mejores metodologías educativas posibles en medio de la pandemia de Covid-19.
 
Nuestro primer trimestre del año escolar 2020-2021 llegó a su fin oficialmente el 22 de Octubre del 2020 y al entrar a nuestro segundo trimestre, quiero informarles sobre nuestro plan de aprendizaje a distancia que incluye las siguientes secciones:
 
  • Nivel actual de el Covid-19 de el Condado de Los Angeles;
  • Actualización de aprendizaje a distancia del EMCSD;
  • Programa de distribución de comidas;
  • Medidas para garantizar la salud y seguridad de los estudiantes y de el personal; y
  • Encuesta a los padres.
 
El condado de Los Angeles todavía se encuentra dentro del nivel morado, lo que significa que el nivel de riesgo del condado para Covid-19 aún es muy alto y muchas empresas no esenciales aún están cerradas. Continuamos siguiendo la guía de los funcionarios del condado y del estado mientras contemplamos posibles opciones de reapertura. En estos momentos, las escuelas todavía están cerradas a la instrucción en persona. A medida que se abren otros condados a nuestro alrededor, estaremos aprendiendo y preparándonos para planificar nuestra reapertura también, tan pronto como la ciencia y los datos nos lo permitan.
 
Mientras tanto, quiero informarles sobre las cosas maravillosas que están sucediendo en todo el distrito durante el aprendizaje a distancia:
 
  • La asistencia de nuestros estudiantes a distancia es un poco más del 96%, ¡lo cual es maravilloso!
  • Nos enorgullece decir que el 94% de nuestros estudiantes tienen un padre o tutor registrado en la aplicación ParentSquare ¡así que gracias por mantenerse conectados con nosotros!
  • La semana pasada anunciamos que ampliamos nuestras comidas gratuitas de cinco a siete días por cada niño. Por favor visite la página de Servicios de Nutrición para obtener más información, incluyendo los lugares y horarios de distribución. Recuerde que todos los niños menores de 18 años califican.
  • Seguimos cumpliendo con los requisitos establecidos en los Protocolos de reapertura del Departamento de Salud Pública del Condado de Los Angeles para las escuelas K-12. Estos incluyen el uso de mascarillas para ayudar a garantizar la seguridad de todas las personas, controles de bienestar diarios para los estudiantes y el personal tanto en el hogar como en el Distrito, y distancia física en todo momento.
  • Desde el comienzo del año escolar, nuestro personal de mantenimiento han estado trabajando diariamente en:
    • Instalar nuevas estaciones de agua para rellenar botellas y nuevas estaciones de lavado de manos en cada una de nuestras 14 escuelas.
    • Crear e instalar protectores de escritorio personalizados para cada escritorio en cada aula y espacio de oficina en todas las escuelas.
    • Colocar letreros alrededor del campus para mantener la distancia física y recordar a los estudiantes de lavarse las manos.
    • Instalar estaciones para desinfectar las manos y tomar la temperatura de los estudiantes y del personal se han instalado en las entradas de todas las escuelas.
 
Por último, tenemos una nueva encuesta de padres que nos ayudará a comprender y abordar sus necesidades y las de sus hijos durante este tiempo. Le pedimos que se tome unos minutos para responder preguntas sobre una variedad de temas, como problemas técnicos, su experiencia con el aprendizaje a distancia y cómo podemos brindarle más apoyo a usted y a sus hijos. La fecha límite para completar la encuesta es el próximo Viernes 6 de Noviembre a las 9 pm. Usted puede entrar a la página de la encuesta haciendo clic aquí: Encuesta para padres en línea.
 
Nuestra comunidad tiene una historia única que incluye generaciones de familias que han asistido a escuelas de nuestro Distrito durante muchos años, y esto ha creado una amistad duradera. Todos unidos estamos comprometidos a apoyar el éxito de nuestros estudiantes. Esta pandemia no cambia esta meta. Si tiene alguna pregunta sobre el aprendizaje a distancia, nuestros procedimientos de seguridad o los servicios disponibles para usted y sus hijos, le invito a que se comunique con su escuela. También puede visitar nuestra página web para más información de nuestro actual Plan de Educación a Distancia.Comuníquese conmigo si tiene alguna pregunta.
 
Atentamente,
 
Dra. Maribel García
Superintendente
(626) 453-3700
 
Síganos:
Facebook: @ElMonteCSD
Instagram: @elmontecitysd
 
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2020年10月29日
 
尊敬的艾爾蒙地市學區家長和監護人：
 
希望大家在這段時間內保持安全和健康。在我們今年第一學季結束之際，我想與您聯繫以分享重要信息，並為您提供與我們聯繫的機會。正當我們在Covid-19新冠肺炎大流行當中尋求最佳教育實踐的時候，感謝您的持續支持與理解，

我們的2020-2021學年第一學季正式於2020年10月22日結束，在進入第二學季時，我想向您介紹我們遠程學習計劃的最新情況，包括以下部分：
  • 洛杉磯縣當前Covid-19新冠肺炎所處層級
  • 艾爾蒙地市學區遠程學習更新資訊
  • 餐飲分發計劃
  • 確保學生和教職工健康與安全的措施
  • 家長問卷調查
 
洛杉磯縣仍處於紫色層級，這意味著Covid-19新冠肺炎的縣級風險水平仍然很普遍，許多非必要業務仍處於關閉狀態。在尋找潛在的重新開放方案時，我們將繼續遵循縣和州官員的指導。就目前而言，學校仍然不開放當面授課。隨著我們周圍其他縣的開放，我們正在學習並準備重新開放，只要科學和數據允許我們這樣做。
 
同時，我想向您介紹遠程學習期間整個學區正在發生的精彩事情：
 
  • 我們學生的遠程學習出勤率剛剛超過96％，這太好了！
  • 我們很自豪地說，我們94％學生的家長或監護人註冊了ParentSquare（家長廣場）應用程序，因此，感謝您與我們保持聯繫！
  • 上週，我們宣布將我們每個孩子的免費餐飲從五天增加到七天。您可以訪問我們的營養服務頁面 page 以獲取更多信息，包括分發地點和時間。請記住，所有18歲及18歲以下的孩子都符合資格。
  • 我們繼續遵守洛杉磯縣公共衛生部針對K-12年級學校的重新開放協議中規定的要求。這些措施包括戴上口罩以確保所有人的安全，在家中和學區現場對學生和教職工進行每日健康檢查，並始終保持身體距離。
  • 自學年開始以來，我們的設施工作人員每天都在從事以下工作：
    • 在我們的14個校區中都安裝了新加水站和新洗手站。
    • 為學校每個教室和辦公室中的每張桌子創建和安裝定制的辦公桌護板。
    • 在每個學校園周樹立了告示牌，以保持身體距離，並提醒學生洗手。
    • 每個學校的入口處已經建立了洗手消毒站和學生及教職員工的體溫測試站。
 
最後，我們有一項新的家長問卷調查Parent Survey，可以幫助我們了解並重視您和孩子在這段時間的需求。我們要求您花幾分鐘時間回答有關一系列主題的問題，例如技術問題、您的遠程學習經驗以及我們如何進一步為您和您的孩子提供支持。完成調查的截止日期是11月6日，星期五晚上9點。您可以通過單擊此處訪問調查表：Online Parent Survey。
 
我們社區的獨特歷史包括幾代人都在本學區的學校上學，從而相互建立了持久的伙伴關係。我們共同致力於支持學生的成功。目前的這種流行疾病不會改變這一狀況。如果您對遠程學習、我們的安全程序或為您和您的孩子提供的服務有任何疑問，我鼓勵您與您的學校聯繫。您也可以訪問我們的網站website， 以了解有關當前遠程學習計劃的更多信息。如有任何疑問，請與我聯繫。
 
此致
 
學監Maribel Garcia博士
(626) 453-3700
請在社交媒體關注我們：

Facebook: @ElMonteCSD
Instagram: @elmontecitysd

 

 
 
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