Wednesday Digital Folder
April 13th, 2022
Superintendent's Update
COVID Testing CHANGE
New Testing and Tracing Protocols
Due to the low transmission rate we are currently experiencing, PUSD will begin moving from surveillance testing to response testing AND move from individual contact tracing to group tracing after Spring Break.
Response Testing
Surveillance testing began in order to monitor the presence of COVID-19 cases at each school site through the mobile testing clinics at schools every week. Response testing means that with low transmission rates, PUSD mobile testing clinics will close and the testing teams will act in response to positive COVID-19 cases. If a student or staff member tests positive and has been at school while infectious, the testing team will respond to the school site and support those who might have been exposed. (See Group Contact Tracing description below.)
Free PCR and rapid antigen COVID tests will continue to be available at the PUSD Ed Center for students and employees. Primary Health Clinic hours are Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Testing takes place in the parking lot off of Oak Knoll Ave. on Mondays and in the parking lot off of Del Mar Blvd. on Tuesdays - Fridays. No appointment is required.
Group Contact Tracing
School Compliance Teams have been implementing Individual Contact Tracing to identify close contacts who were exposed to an individual who was COVID-19 positive during their infectious period. After we return from Spring Break, School Compliance Teams will move to Group Contact Tracing which means they will notify groups of potentially exposed students who were in a shared indoor airspace with an individual who was COVID-19 positive during their infectious period.
All students, regardless of vaccination status, who are considered to be potential close contacts or could have been exposed, will receive an at-home rapid antigen test kit and a notification letter. These students, the potential close contacts, can remain at school and participate in school activities provided they meet the following criteria:
- Remain asymptomatic
- Test at least once 3 - 5 days after the exposure and report the results through the PUSD Group Tracing Survey found at https://www.pusd.us/Page/9801
Potential close contacts will not be required to quarantine provided they test negative 3 - 5 days after exposure and are asymptomatic.
PUSD Testing Teams will be redeployed to support school sites whenever there is a positive case and an exposure has occurred at a school. They will assist students who are potential close contacts and be available to assist parents in reporting test results.
Additional home test kits can be made available upon request and availability.
Statewide Testing(SBAC/CAASPP) for 3rd-5th grade
All grades 3rd-5th will be testing the weeks of April 18th and April 25th.
Parent Volunteers on Campus- PLEASE READ
Teachers will be sending out a communication with the days and times parent volunteers are needed in their classroom, if any, for those of you who meet the requirements and are approved. Not all parents will be able to volunteer, even if eligible.
ALL parent volunteers are subject to screening by the principal.
*Parents that already completed volunteer application 2 years ago, MUST do this process again this year
PTA Announcements
Here are our items for tomorrow's folder:
Thank you to our STEAM Day Volunteers!!
We want to give a big PTA round of applause to Michelle Garrett for orchestrating an amazing STEAM day for our school.
We also want to thank all of the parent volunteers (Vanessa Eades, Jamie Santos, Rick Kidd, Teri Richardson, Veroushka Quiroz, Michael Murphy, Valerie Butler, Ann Palmer, Rachel Labrucherie, Deanna Cho, Kristen Giordani) and SME staff (especially Mrs. Lewis, Mrs. Cole and Ms. Wolford) who helped pull this all off.
Thank you all for your dedication to our school!
SME Has Talent Show is THIS SATURDAY! @ 2pm
You must RSVP to get a seat, and please note that seating is limited.
All attendees are required to show proof of vaccination, including a booster shot if eligible, OR a negative COVID test taken within 48 hours of showtime.
All attendees regardless of vaccination status must wear a mask in the auditorium, and will be asked to leave if not complying!
Students who attend SME are strongly recommended to wear a mask.
RSVP: http://evite.me/sXjq42Hf5g
April Virtual PTA Meeting: April 20th @ 6:30 pm
Please join us to hear all about our plans for Teacher Appreciation Week, and more!
Register in advance at:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEpce6vrjgpEtXzVb-CKp6pzXHdKhFTYS_i
SEEDs Parent Group Announcements
The SEED Spring Social is coming Sunday, May 15th at Memorial Park! SEED needs your help in planning and executing this fun event for families! Join SEED for our next Spring Social planning meeting Monday, April 25th after school dismissal at Memorial Park! Come meet the SEED community and get involved!
SEED is promoting the AAPC Living History Museum! Grades 3-5 are welcome to participate. Students research a Black Hero, create a trifold display and 90 second presentation in the embodiment of their hero. Registration has been extended through April 20th! Register Here! and see the Wednesday flyer for more details.
SEED is recognizing National Arab American Heritage Month! Check out our resource guide to learn about Arab American culture and leaders in science, refugee advocacy and politics!
SEED would like to extend a sincere thank you to Principal Lindsay Lewis and Vice Principal Veronica Villagrana for their continued support and commitment to ensuring that students feel respected, supported and represented at Sierra Madre Elementary School. On March 31st SEED honored Principal Lewis and VP Villagrana with Cesar Chavez rose bushes in appreciation of their leadership and for going above and beyond at SME. March 31st commemorates the birth and legacy of Cesar Chavez, a civil rights leader and labor movement activist with a strong belief in the power of education, community activism and human rights. As he once said, "when you have people together who believe in something - things happen." -Cesar Chavez. Thank you Ms. Lewis and Ms. Villagrana for believing in SEED and helping to make things happen!
AFB Announcements
Don't delay getting your tickets to Vintage 1885 - there are 11 tickets remaining, and once they are sold, that's it! Attending the event is a great way to reconnect and get to know SME supporters. Purchase tickets at tinyurl.com/Vintage1885
Bidding for Silent Auction Opens on April 20th - It's FREE to Register to Bid!
If you can't attend the event, you can still bid and support SME! The silent auction - including class projects - is free to register to bid! Bidding opens at 6pm on Wednesday, April 20, and closes around 8pm on April 23rd. Register to bid at tinyurl.com/Vintage1885
Call for Volunteers for the 2022-2024 AFB Board
Interested in getting more involved with our school? The AFB Board has several positions open and needs engaged volunteers! Contact Principal Lewis, lewis.lindsay@pusd.us, or AFB Chair, Dawn Denison, sierramadreelementaryAFB@gmail.com, for more information.
SME Yearbooks
Pre-K-5th- all new orders will need to be paid in cash $30 to Geannie in the main office
Community Opportunities
LEARNs Summer Program
Summer LEARNs is a $50 registration fee only, this summer.
Sierra Madre Elementary
Email: lewis.lindsay@pusd.us
Website: sme.pusd.us
Location: 141 West Highland Avenue, Sierra Madre, CA, USA
Phone: (626) 396-5890