Updates from EUSD
June 10, 2022
_______________________________________
- End of Year
- Safety Update
- Recognitions:
- Employees of the Year
- Retirees
- PTA Presidents
- COVID-19 Testing at Farm Lab: Last Day is June 16
Dear Staff and Families,
Ten months ago, we started the school year in a very different way than we had anticipated. School began with cohorts, masks, spacing and zones for eating and playing. We mobilized testing teams and began with arduous quarantine and isolation protocols that often required students to miss school. At the same time, we engaged in intentional work around academic and social and emotional learning for all children.
Fast forward to this week as we conclude the year, we still have more COVID-19 cases than we would like and we still have many important and critical safety measures in place. However, we also are grateful for the many changes that have taken place allowing us to re-establish events with our families back on campus. Our students have been able to go about their school day in pre-pandemic ways of mixing with others, enjoying special culminating events in person, and celebrating the many personal achievements of the year. Additionally, at every turn we can see the tremendous results from a systematic approach to supporting the whole child with academic support, inclusive practices and an emphasis on wellbeing.
As we finish this remarkable school year, please accept my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for your support and grace. It is through our unity of purpose- doing what is best for children- that we were able to successfully navigate the many challenges and obstacles the pandemic has brought.
I wish everyone a safe and joyful summer filled with love, laughter and wonderful memories!
Warmly,
Andrée Grey, Ed.D.
Superintendent
School Safety in EUSD
Given recent tragedies, it is imperative that we take a deeper look at all of our procedures, facilities and practices to keep students and staff safe. We are fortunate that EUSD has invested heavily in security measures and training in the last 6 years. Although we know we can never eliminate all risks, it is our intention to mitigate risks as much as possible and still ensure that our campuses are fun, joyful places for learning.
What we have done to date in EUSD:
All sites have dedicated safety plans that are approved yearly by law enforcement and School Site Councils with specific procedures for various crisis situations from earthquakes, to pandemics to active shooters.
All sites have previously done Crisis Management Training with Run, Hide Fight techniques, crisis communication and decision making.
Sites previously did active shooter simulation drills with our trainers and law enforcement.
Each campus has been walked with professionals to determine areas of vulnerability or need.
Staff members have been equipped with handheld radios which are critical to managing a threat on campus.
We added an emergency communication system with parents, Parentlink, which allows us to text notifications out immediately.
EUSD upgraded our intercom systems to allow for public announcements to be made from any phone on campus.
We have installed lock blocks on every door.
We have added gates and fencing in areas of need to provide greater security and/or exit options.
We have reduced and/or reconfigured points of entry and exit.
All classrooms have emergency kits.
All sites do lockdown drills.
We have installed security cameras on campuses.
We have labeled buildings for law enforcement on the outside of the building and roofs. These are the large letters you see.
We have site blueprints and grids in law enforcement locked boxes on each campus.
- We have installed the Raptor/Visitor Management System at every campus.
- We also continue to recognize the importance of strong social and emotional and mental health services for children.
What we are currently doing:
We have met with our outside consultant to plan refresher trainings for next year.
All Management will be provided additional training prior to school starting.
All sites will review safety procedures prior to the year beginning.
All 9 sites will receive training in the following areas:
Staff communication during a crisis
Situational awareness
Decision Making
Hybrid Run-Hide-Fight
Mitigating risk/responding to a threat
Additionally, all 9 sites will participate in an active shooter simulation on their campus. These are done after school is out on Fridays when no students are present. They provide an opportunity for staff to test and practice communication, decision making and situational awareness in an intense drill.
We will be meeting with law enforcement agencies to collaborate on plans and drills.
Students will continue to participate in drills, including lockdown drills. Our student training message is for students to stop, look and wait for a staff member to guide them as the safest place may not be the classroom. Staff members using their handheld radios can communicate directions to each other to avoid students moving toward an unsafe situation.
Additionally, we are once again walking campuses and reviewing our facilities for any vulnerable areas or safety upgrades.
Many thanks to our consultant Jason Booher from Northwest Harbor for his continued partnership in supporting school safety in EUSD. We are extremely fortunate to have his expertise guiding our plans.
Recognitions and Celebrations
This week, we were delighted to celebrate our Retirees, Employees of the Year, Biliteracy Award Recipients, and our PTA Presidents! Each of these groups has provided their unending dedication and support of our students, staff, and families this year and over many years. We are proud to celebrate and honor them as a part of our amazing community!
EUSD Retirees
Employee of the Year and Biliteracy Award Recognitions
PTA Presidents
COVID-19 Testing at Farm Lab to end on Thursday, June 16
Please note that the last date of on-site COVID-19 testing at Farm Lab Campus will be Thursday, June 16. The timing remains the same, 7:30 a.m. - 3:45 p.m. with the last PCR test is administered on site at 3:15 p.m.
COVID-19 Test Kits are available at no cost at the following website: COVID.gov/tests
COVID-19 Test Kits Available at No Cost through COVID.gov/tests
EUSD is Hiring!
To view open positions, please visit EdJoin.org!
Currently, we have Noon Supervisor positions available Districtwide.