Parents demand schools reopen but is it safe during the pandemic? Teacher vaccinations are important but not a prerequisite for reopening, CDC says--at least in elementary schools.
Distance learning a work in progress (online classes). Parents and students adjust and make the most of their home-based classrooms during this COVID-19 pandemic.
Parents protest Arcadia Unified School District's alleged lack of pandemic precautions for a safe return to class. Thus far, there have been no coronavirus-COVID-19 transmissions in Arcadia schools. The parents have outlined a 9 point list of guidelines they hope the district might consider, including online learning and instruction, enhanced testing and cleaning, social distancing for elementary schools.
California offers schools $2 billion incentive to resume in-person learning. Parents of Arcadia Unified School District students plan a peaceful rally for Thursday, March 4 at noon at Arcadia County Park to address Arcadia's reopening plan.
Pasadena parents speak on tirade of San Rafael Elementary School (in Pasadena) Principal Rudy Ramirez, an Arcadia resident. Pasadena Unified School District trustees meet in closed session but take no action; rant over janitor's arrest by Pasadena police videotaped. See also "Mayor Gordo defends critical letter," Pasadena Star News, p. A1, A6, August 20, 2022.
Arcadia Unified Launches Mental Health Mondays. As May is Mental Health Awareness Month, the Arcadia Unified School Districts (AUSD) has decided to launch Mental Health Mondays. Each Monday, for the remainder of the school year, AUSD will provide mental health resources to help support everyone navigating the coronavirus pandemic and school closures simultaneously. In addition to helping support students, these resources are also available to AUSD parents, staff, and community.
Arcadia Unified School District continues decades-long advocacy for fair funding from the state. A dozen delegates from Arcadia went to Sacramento for the California State Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) Legislation Conference, where they discussed key issues in public education, such as funding for mental health resources and arts programs, continued budget cuts and more. Arcadia High School student delegates Isaac Offstein, Joya Sarkar and Chloe Wong, met with State Senator Susan Rubio (D-49), State Senator Anthony Portantio (D-25) and Assemblyman Mike Fong (AD-49).
Half Day After School Camp Offered at Two Arcadia Elementary Schools.
As the 2020-2021 school year begins, Arcadia Recreation and Community Services Department will be offering a half day after school camp that will follow approved modifications by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. These guidelines are subject to change, based on the local protocols related to COVID-19 and will be sent out to parents at registration.
The half day after school camp will be offered at Baldwin Stocker Elementary School and Camino Grove Elementary School from 1-5 p.m. beginning Aug. 24. Registration is $92 per week and will open on a monthly basis. Camp will still offer a variety of organized recreational activities for ages 5-12, led by trained activity leaders. Registration is now open for camp taking place Aug. 24 – Oct. 2 online at ArcadiaCA.gov/recreation.