Superintendent's Newsletter
October 4, 2021
10/04/21 Superintendent's Newsletter | Mensaje del Superintendente | 總監的話
Hello FUSD Staff and Community,
I want to begin with my appreciation for our dedicated staff, students and parents/guardians. I find so much to be proud of as I look around FUSD: academic excellence from our high school seniors, college and career readiness activities offered in partnership with the City of Fremont and local businesses, and our amazing counselors leading activities that promote connection and model positive interactions (see photos from Cabrillo Elementary).
Throughout the pandemic, each of us has carried the critically important responsibility to be vigilant about health and safety measures, and the shared duty to keep students and staff safe. All this on top of our ongoing commitment to educate, challenge and inspire every student.
I thank you for your efforts, your focus and your continued support of our learning community.
At FUSD, we have upheld state and local requirements and followed applicable public health guidelines to keep our students, staff and community safe.
You may have heard that California Governor Gavin Newsom announced Friday that new vaccine requirements are on the horizon for K-12 students and school staff across the state, more details are included below.
As a district, FUSD will continue to ensure that our health and safety practices are fully aligned with the recommendations of our local and state health officials. I will review the details of these regulations as they are confirmed, and in collaboration with our Board of Education and our staff, FUSD will be prepared for implementation when new regulations go into effect.
Details of the Proposed Regulation
The Governor is directing the California Department of Public Health to add the COVID-19 vaccine to other vaccinations required for attendance at public and private schools. This requirement would go into effect following full approval of the vaccine by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for their grade span (7th-12th and TK-6th) once students reach the age of full approval.
The Governor also directed that school staff will be held to at least the same standards as students for the COVID-19 vaccine.
It appears this mandate will be a condition of in-person attendance. The requirement will be subject to exemptions “for both medical reasons and personal beliefs,” and currently proposed guidelines would allow a student who is not vaccinated to enroll in independent study.
Upon full FDA approval of a vaccine for age groups within a grade span, CDPH will begin its process for developing statewide regulations which will address many of the details of the requirement, including exemptions.
The regulations will take effect either January 1st or July 1st following full FDA approval, whichever comes first. It appears there is still some time before any formal change in regulations or requirements. Please note, this vaccine requirement will be forthcoming. FUSD will continue to work with community based organizations to try and provide direct access for our students and staff who may need vaccines.
Current COVID-19 Testing and Vaccinations Status
COVID-19 testing is currently available for FUSD students and staff once a week at each of our school sites, and every school day at the FUSD District Office. Click here for more information and registration.
FUSD is ahead in our implementation of employee vaccination requirements, which on the statewide level dictate that all school employees must verify that they are fully vaccinated by October 15, 2021 or undergo weekly testing. FUSD’s implementation of this requirement went into effect on October 1. I appreciate our Human Resources department for its work on this effort, and FUSD staff for their continued support of our health and safety measures.
Vaccinations are currently available for those 12 and older. I encourage all eligible individuals to get vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as possible. Contact your healthcare provider or visit myturn.ca.gov for appointments.
When we have more information, we will share it. In the meantime, your continued support and partnership in creating a safe school community for our students and staff is deeply appreciated.
CJ Cammack
District Events, Information, and Committees
Fremont Unified School District
Website: https://www.fremont.k12.ca.us/
Location: 4210 Technology Drive, Fremont, CA, USA
Phone: 510-657-2350
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USDFremont/
Twitter: @USDFremont