In this Message
Upcoming Events
Dear OUSD Community:
The safety and well-being of our Orange Unified School District (OUSD) students, staff, and community remain at the forefront of our efforts as we continue to provide high-quality in-person instruction districtwide. Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have worked non-stop to implement enhanced safety and sanitization measures on our campuses and enforce the latest public health guidance as it has become available.
Additionally, OUSD has upgraded to the highest-level filters compatible with the existing ventilation systems, which are also treated with an anti-microbial solution as an added layer of protection.
A review is being conducted of current COVID-19 policies, procedures, and controls, including but not limited to the possibility of procuring medical-grade High Efficient Particulate Air (HEPA) filter air purification systems for every OUSD classroom. Changes will be implemented as needed to augment the current measures in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Contact tracing continues to be conducted in accordance with California Department of Public Health (CDPH) guidance, and appropriate notification is provided to families and staff within the required timelines. Updates regarding confirmed positive cases within OUSD are available on the OUSD COVID-19 Dashboard.
Information shared regarding any Public Health investigation, including the name(s) of ill or exposed persons, is confidential in order to protect patient and student privacy. Individual names will not be released to the public, including our school community. Due to privacy laws, we cannot share further details about the individuals affected. Thank you for your understanding.
In an abundance of caution, staff has also been working with the OC Health Care Agency to facilitate additional COVID-mitigation health protocols. In addition, we are working to ensure student and staff safety by:
- Sanitizing and deep cleaning classrooms daily, utilizing the Victory Sprayer nightly as an extra precaution
- Applying Bac-Shield quarterly
- Adding individual hand sanitizing units to each classroom
- Replacing all on-site HVAC filters quarterly
- Supporting four additional hours of daily custodial support for disinfecting touchpoints
- Making handwashing stations available around the school grounds for students to use while outside (in addition to the restrooms)
- Enforcing mask-wearing indoors and highly recommending it outside
- Encouraging the use of hand sanitizer as students enter and exit the classroom
OUSD is doing its part to keep COVID-19 transmission out of our schools. Parents can help by limiting student exposure while not in school. As a reminder, students and staff should not attend school/work if they are feeling unwell or experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19.
The district now offers free testing opportunities to all students and staff, and we encourage those interested to sign up for an appointment. More information can be found in the Health and Safety Guidelines & Resources section of the OUSD website, including our 2021-2022 Safety & Health-Driven Plan: Transition to Phase 3.
Those age 12 and up can also receive free, effective COVID-19 vaccines — regardless of immigration or insurance status. To find a vaccine clinic near you, visit the California Department of Public Health My Turn website or call 1-833-422-4255 to make your appointment or find a walk-in clinic today.
