Message from the Superintendent
Dear PUSD Community,
As we celebrate the Labor Day holiday this weekend, I want to offer my thanks and that of the Board of Education to our PUSD employees who have worked so hard through unprecedented circumstances to get our schools up and running and provide a high quality education to the children of our community. Their tireless efforts are a testament to their dedication to the students and families we serve, even in the face of so much adversity. Please join me in recognizing our employees and thanking them for all that they do.
Employee Vaccination Verification
We are putting into effect the state’s public health order that requires public school employees to present proof of COVID-19 vaccination or take weekly tests. PUSD employees were among the first educators in LA County to step up and get vaccinated to prevent the spread of the virus. We thank them for their can-do spirit.
PUSD employees are receiving a link to upload proof of vaccination for COVID-19 through an online system. If employees do not present proof of vaccination, they will be referred to weekly testing. They will receive reminders every week. Refusal to comply with the state’s public health order will be handled administratively as a personnel issue. The state’s deadline to comply is October 15, 2021.
Student and Staff Testing
Testing has been underway across the District. Mobile testing clinics were on high school sites on Monday, and we also held a drive-through testing clinic at the PUSD Education Center. In one day, PUSD tested 816 students and staff. Testing clinics also took place at elementary and middle schools last week and will continue at all school sites this upcoming week. Monday drive-through clinics at the PUSD Education Center will also continue except this Monday due to the Labor Day holiday.
Unfortunately, PUSD is facing a shortage of testing kits due to a backlog from our distributor. This week, priority will be given to students with COVID-19 symptoms or possible exposure and unvaccinated athletes participating in athletics as mandated by the Los Angeles County Public Health Protocols for Youth Sports. During the times reserved for testing at school sites, we will be focusing on promoting vaccination and obtaining informed consent from parents for testing when we receive a new shipment of test kits. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate these logistical issues.
Find out more about PUSD’s Testing Program at www.pusd.us/covidtest.
Informed Parent Consent
If parents have registered previously for testing via Color, the testing management system the District uses, parents have already agreed to have their child tested.
To ensure that parents provide consent for onsite testing, an online pre-registration process will be rolled out in the near future. Parents/guardians will receive a link to pre-register. Printed pre-registration consent forms will also be available for parents/guardians. School teams will reach out to parents/guardians and encourage parents to provide consent.
In the meantime, parents/guardians can provide informed consent in two ways:
Register with Color, the testing management system at https://home.color.com/covid/sign-up/start?partner=cdph094
Complete the printed registration forms in English or Spanish provided at the testing clinic.
Get the COVID-19 Vaccine!
Students ages 12 and older will be required to present proof of COVID-19 vaccination or take weekly tests, with parent/guardian consent starting October 15, 2021. Mobile Vaccine Clinics will continue to be at PUSD middle and high schools to offer the vaccine or you can book an appointment at myturn.ca.gov.
Enjoy the rest of the Labor Day weekend and we look forward to seeing you all back at school on Tuesday morning.
Sincerely,
Brian McDonald, Ed.D.
Superintendent
#VaccinatePasadena
Getting the vaccine will help protect our students and employees. COVID-19 vaccines are available for everyone ages 12 and over. Get the COVID-19 vaccine to keep our community safe! www.pusd.us/vaccine
#VaccinatePasadena #PUSDproud @CityOfPasadena
Pasadena Unified School District
Email: communications@pusd.us
Website: www.pusd.us
Location: 351 South Hudson Avenue, Pasadena, CA, USA
Phone: 626-396-3606
Facebook: facebook.com/pasadenaunifiedschooldistrict
Twitter: @PasadenaUnified