Dear EMCSD Community,

It is so wonderful to see our campuses filled with students, and I cannot thank our staff and families enough 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 below; it highlights the safety protocols our schools have implemented to keep students and staff safe.

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

Did you know that kids throughout our community can get FREE access to books? 📚 7 of our schools have Little Libraries outside their campus where kids can take a book, leave a book, and be part of the world’s largest book-sharing movement! The libraries were installed as part of a partnership between EMCSD and the El Monte Coalition of Latino Professionals.

Participating is simple, just head to one of our schools listed below and find the little library and get access to books for your child to read. The libraries are open 24/7 completely free!

Schools & location:
📍Cherrylee: front of campus
📍Cortada: across from Kinder playground
📍Durfee: front of school
📍Gidley: front of school
📍LeGore: front of school
📍Potrero: front of school
📍Rio Vista: main driveway entrance

Spooky Train Bike Ride

Head to the Jeff Seymour Family Center on Saturday, October 30 from 6pm - 9pm for a community bike ride and alter decorating event. The Jeff Seymour Family Center is located at 10900 Mulhall St., El Monte CA 91731

In case you missed it, ALL COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna, and J&J) are now approved by the FDA & CDC for boosters. If you got Pfizer or Moderna (both doses at least 6 months ago), you are eligible if you are either: 65 & older, 18+ and live in long-term care settings, have underlying medical conditions, or work or live in high-risk settings. J&J is available to anyone who received a dose more than 2 months ago and is 18+.

People may also receive booster doses that are different than their original vaccine (mix & match) and you may also receive other vaccines at the same time, including flu vaccines. For more info & to make an appointment, https://bit.ly/3m3Uspo

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.

Testing is free and available to everyone, regardless of immigration or insurance status. Free COVID-19 testing locations are available throughout El Monte and neighboring communities, find the closest location near you by clicking this link: covid19.lacounty.gov/testing. Residents of LA County without internet access can call 211 to speak with an operator who will help you make an appointment.