Message from the Superintendent

Dear PUSD Community,

To keep you fully informed, I’m writing to explain upcoming changes to COVID-19 protocols which were discussed at last night’s PUSD Board of Education meeting. Following guidance from state, county, and local public health authorities, masks will no longer be required but strongly recommended indoors at Pasadena Unified schools and childcare sites starting this Monday, March 14, 2022. The relaxed rules come in response to declining COVID-19 cases, fewer hospitalizations, and increasing vaccination rates.

The PUSD team presented and discussed changes with the Board of Education last night so that all opinions could be heard. Our decisions are guided by science and influenced by parents, teachers, staff, and, above all, our students. Your well-being will always be our top priority.

While we’re lifting the mask mandate in PUSD, we must remain vigilant as new variants of the virus develop. If conditions change, it is possible that the mask mandate could be reinstated, so we must keep masks within easy reach.

We strongly encourage parents/guardians to get their children vaccinated as soon as possible. The State of California has announced that the COVID-19 vaccine will be a required vaccination (with options for personal exemptions) once it receives full FDA approval. We know that vaccinations are a key component to preventing the spread of COVID-19.

PUSD Vaccine Clinics

Mondays from 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at the PUSD Education Center
(351 S. Hudson Ave., Pasadena). To register, visit myturn.ca.gov

Although masks are not required but still strongly recommended in many cases, mask mandates remain in place in the following circumstances:

• Exposed students, identified as close contacts, must wear masks for 10 days after exposure.

• Exposed students who are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated must wear masks upon returning to school from quarantine from Day 6 through Day 10.

• Students and staff members on a bus or other PUSD transportation must wear masks at all times.

• Students and staff on a field trip at a public facility must wear masks while indoors.

• Students, staff, and community members at a PUSD testing or vaccination clinic must wear masks.

• Masks will also be required in the school Health Offices and the PUSD Primary Clinic as these offices provide health care.

I want to state clearly: it’s imperative for everyone to feel safe on PUSD campuses. We have a diverse population with differing views and health conditions and we ask that our parents, students, and staff be respectful of each other’s views. We know that some students and staff may have concerns about removing their masks indoors and may choose to continue wearing one. That’s ok. After two years, we know there are individual and private reasons for staff and students to keep wearing their mask. Please be respectful of each others’ decisions.

PUSD Student Quarantine protocols may also be changing since revised State TK-12 guidance was recently published and we anticipate similar revisions to county and local guidance. Once county and local guidelines are released, we will review and make adjustments to PUSD’s protocols as needed. We will keep you informed.

Thank you for your continued support and cooperation.

Best regards,

Brian McDonald, Ed.D.

Superintendent