December 10, 2021

SUPERINTENDENT’S MESSAGE
Dr. Eric Prater, Superintendent

As a parent and educator, the recent school tragedy in Oxford, Michigan takes my breath away. I have a whole range of emotions as the details emerge; however, we must learn from these horrific events and use that information to find the best ways to keep our children and staff safe while at school. To that end, I want you to know that San Luis Coastal places school safety as a top priority. 

Four years ago, we sent a team to participate in the Safe and Sound Schools conference created by parents, teachers, and community members of the Sandy Hook Community. Their mission is to better protect schools; provide safe and secure schools for children and educators; and to help others do the same in their communities. When the team returned, we contracted with Resolute Associates, LLC to conduct an in-depth school site safety audit of our district. This effort helped us establish a framework for our ongoing efforts. 

Beyond the requisite safety drills and emergency plans, we have developed layers of support and proactive measures that allow us to get in front of potential issues before they manifest into larger problems. Preparation, planning, and relational awareness are at the core of our approach for keeping students and staff safe. 

Addressing the mental health needs of our students and the physical safety of everyone in our schools is something we must do together. Our district website has a Report a Concern anonymous reporting link that goes directly to my office for immediate response. If you see something that doesn’t seem right, please say something. We will continue to deepen our commitment to keeping our schools safe. 

Despite these challenges, I am proud of our school community. We have proven ourselves to be resilient, generous, and kind. With the holiday season and winter break quickly approaching, let’s strive to be our best selves.

Eric

BUSINESS SERVICES
Ryan Pinkerton, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services

Symptomatic Testing to Return to School 
SLO Public Health has adopted the CDPH testing updates that allow schools to now accept antigen tests (sometimes called "rapid antigen tests"), as well as PCR tests and doctor notes for students to return to school after illness when they have significantly improved symptoms and are fever-free for 24 hours. 

Home-based/over the counter tests are still not accepted at this time.

In an effort to support our staff and students in being able to attend work/school with minimal interruption, the district will now be offering rapid antigen tests for our symptomatic students/staff in order to expedite their safe return to campus. Please Review the attached guideline for returning to campus after having symptoms with/without a negative test.

If your symptoms have not significantly improved, please follow the health and safety guidelines, regardless of COVID testing status.

Any symptomatic staff member or student may now receive a rapid antigen test, free of charge, at the following locations/times.

SLCUSD District Office
1500 Lizzie Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Wednesdays 4:00-5:00 PM

Morro Bay High School
235 Atascadero Road, Room 20
Morro Bay, CA 93442
Tuesdays 3:45-4:45 PM

This schedule is subject to change as we continue to identify the needs of our district so please feel free to contact Rachel Robinson-Vang if you have additional questions.

 

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

CDPH COVID-19 Vaccination Information
San Luis Coastal Unified School District supports the community’s access to information from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) for the health and safety of all students and staff. Public Health states that vaccination is the most important tool to end the COVID-19 pandemic and that the COVID-19 vaccine is safe, effective, and free. A COVID-19 vaccine is available to all persons ages 5-15 under the FDA Emergency Use Authorization and for those age 16 and older with full FDA authorization. All persons with full vaccination status are exempt from quarantine and required testing if exposed to someone infected with COVID-19. Vaccination against COVID-19 is available at local pharmacies. 

The CDPH provides information and resources for families regarding vaccination against COVID-19 on the state  COVID19.ca.gov  website and associated CDPH document  “Which Vaccine is Right for Me Fact Sheet” (English/Spanish).  The language of the webpage content may be selected in the top right corner of the page. The webpage provides links information on the following topics:

·  How to get vaccinated

·  Who can get vaccinated

·  How COVID-19 vaccines work

·  Side effects

·  Booster shots and additional doses

·  Digital vaccine record

·  Vaccine rumors

·  Spread vaccine awareness

·  Questions and answers

COVID-19 Vaccines for Ages 5-11

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