UPCOMING EVENTS

• April 7 - No School
• April 12 @ 5: PBHS Open House
• April 13 @ 5:30: BA Family STEAM Night
• April 14-16 @ 7: MBHS Drama Presents “Addams Family”
• April 18 @ 6: SLCUSD Board Meeting
• April 21 - LOMS Tough Two Event

 

SUPERINTENDENT’S MESSAGE
Dr. Eric Prater, Superintendent

While San Luis Coastal was on Spring Break last week, our nation witnessed another school shooting which resulted in the tragic loss of three children and three adults in Nashville, Tennessee. These senseless events leave an indelible mark on our collective consciousness. I would like to take a moment to reaffirm our commitment to safety in San Luis Coastal. The Board of Education recognizes the importance of proactive partnerships, internal systems, and infrastructure upgrades in keeping our schools safe.

In this endeavor, we must also acknowledge the dedication and commitment of our staff and community partners. San Luis Obispo Chief of Police Rick Scott emailed me immediately following the event and stated that, “SLOPD stands strong with you and your teams in the mission of creating a safe learning environment for your students. I have instructed my staff to be extra vigilant in the wake of this tragedy and to step up our tactics and awareness around all locations of learning within our city.”

This message exemplifies the close partnerships our district has forged with local law enforcement agencies including the SLO County Sheriff's Department and the Morro Bay and San Luis Obispo Police Departments. We have also contracted with Resolute Associates to assist in the development of our safety plans and emergency response protocols which includes professional training for our staff.  With the passage of Measures C and D, our school sites are being modernized to include security fencing, cameras, telecommunication systems, lighting, and internal locking mechanisms. 

However, as we’ve learned through our work with the Sandy Hook Promise Foundation, identifying at-risk behaviors and providing timely interventions is key to preventing school violence. To this end, we have expanded our counseling supports including licensed mental health therapists and started SAVE Promise Clubs at each of our schools. 

We are committed to teaching our students about diversity, acceptance, and respect for all cultures and religions. We encourage our families to have open and honest conversations with their children about the impact of hate and the importance of standing up against bigotry and discrimination.

Related to this, our country has seen an increase in hate crimes. Of particular note, a recent letter in the New York Times shared that while the Jewish community represents only 2% of the population, they account for over 50% of the reported hate crimes in the United States. These disturbing incidents have targeted synagogues, schools, and individuals, causing fear and anxiety among our Jewish neighbors and friends. San Luis Obispo County is not immune to this.

We condemn these hateful acts and stand in solidarity with our Jewish community members. We believe that everyone has the right to feel safe and valued, regardless of their race, religion, sexual orientation, or ethnicity.

It is my commitment to continue this important work so that our schools remain places where students learn, grow, and thrive. We must promote empathy, understanding, and acceptance, and work towards creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone.

Two weeks ago, I wrote of the significance of Ramadan and Women’s History Month. As we continue into spring, and the celebrations of Passover and Easter commence, I want to take a moment to share the origins and significance of these widely celebrated holidays.

Passover is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. The holiday begins on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Nisan and lasts for seven or eight days, depending on the tradition. During Passover, families gather for a special meal called a Seder, where they retell the story of the Exodus and eat traditional foods, such as matzah and bitter herbs.

Easter is a Christian holiday that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The holiday falls on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox, which usually occurs between March 22 and April 25. Easter is a time of joy and renewal for Christians, and it is celebrated with various traditions, such as attending church services, decorating eggs, and giving gifts.

While these holidays have different origins and traditions, they both share the themes of liberation, renewal, and hope. They remind us of the importance of family and community in our lives, and they provide us with an opportunity to reflect on our values and beliefs.

As members of our community celebrate these holidays with loved ones, let us remember the history and significance behind them and the lessons they teach. 

Sincerely,

Eric

EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
Diane M. Frost, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services

Last Chance High School Summer Sign Ups
As a reminder, the deadline for current 8th-11th grade students to request a Summer Experience class is April 14th using this SURVEY: ENGLISH  SPANISH.  Each child’s school counselor will meet with students who have filled out the survey to confirm their course requests and commitments to attend prior to enrolling students in the summer program.  See more details on the survey links provided.