- Los Angeles Unified School District
- Back to School
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Frequently Asked Questions
See below for a number of questions we have been receiving from parents. More questions and answers will be added in the coming weeks. If you have additional questions, reach out to your school site or the Los Angeles Unified Family Help Desk at 213-443-1300.
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HEALTH AND SAFETY
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What specific steps are being taken to protect elementary students who cannot be vaccinated?
We are implementing different layers of safety including, but not limited to, requiring periodic testing for all students and staff, daily health screening, upgraded air filtration systems, requiring the use of face masks, and additional staff to clean and sanitize the classrooms.
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What will happen if my child has to quarantine?
You will be notified by your school principal if your child has to quarantine. Each quarantine situation is unique. While your child is at home, they will continue their learning with the curriculum currently used by the class or teacher. Every effort will be made to ensure continuity of learning. Your child will stay in their home school and will not be placed into the City of Angels online program. You can read more about COVID protocols here: https://achieve.lausd.net/covidfaq
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Is a student marked absent or present if they are joining their class from home during quarantine?
Under current law, the student would be marked absent, excused. Videoconferencing for Continuity of Learning can happen while students have an excused absence. This will assist students in making up assignments for full credit and is an option for students in this situation.
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Does my child have to participate online during quarantine?
No, but it is encouraged. Your child has the option of participating online while under quarantine orders. Participating can help students keep up with their schoolwork.
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Will quarantining affect my student's academic marks in school?
Students who are in quarantine can complete their make-up work for full credit upon return to school.
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Will social distancing still be enforced?
While physical distancing is not required per County Department of Public Health, maximizing physical distancing whenever possible will be encouraged. Additionally, other prevention measures such as masks and air filtration will be in place.
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Will elementary students be allowed to be with students from other classes during recess/lunch, or will they have to stay with their cohort/class?
Cohorts are no longer mandatory so students will be allowed to safely play with other students during recess and lunch.
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Are water fountains really safe to use?
In accordance with County guidance, the District is making decisions in the best interest of students. The County has not expressed concern with using water fountains. The District is working to bring students back to school with a sense of normalcy while also ensuring their safety. Schools will also continue to provide water bottles to students. Students may also bring their own water bottles.
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PARENT VOLUNTEERS
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Will parent volunteers be allowed back on campus?
The School Volunteer Program in place prior to the start of the pandemic for on-campus offerings will resume in the new school year and will follow the District's COVID-19 safety protocols. A volunteer guide and one-pager will be available before the first day of school at https://achieve.lausd.net/Page/10443.
All visitors must check in and complete an individual sign-in form which includes name, phone number, email address and name(s) of any individual who may have accompanied him/her at the school's check -in area. Any visitor coming on campus must review the Daily Health Check screening questions.
Vaccination requirements may change depending on local, state, and federal guidance and District policy. When applying, all candidates will be asked to accept a liability waiver in the event they contract COVID-19. To find a vaccination site at a Los Angeles Unified site, visit https://achieve.lausd.net/covidvaccineappt.
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Where can school volunteers get a COVID-19 test?
Students, parents/guardians, and school volunteers may get their baseline and ongoing test with the mobile test units at the school site, at regional Los Angeles Unified testing sites, and/or with their provider of choice. Families may visit https://achieve.lausd.net/covidtestingappt to learn additional information.
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Will PTOs, PTAs and booster clubs be allowed to have in person events?
Yes, PTOs, PTAs, and booster clubs will be allowed to have in-person events on campus. Hosting of outdoor events is preferred. Third parties using District facilities are required to comply with the Health Officer Order, public health protocols that apply to their use, and Los Angeles Unified’s COVID-19 Containment, Control and Response Plan. The following district policies provide additional assistance with procedures: Special Events Bulletin, Civic Center Permits Bulletin, School Volunteer Program Bulletin, and/or the COVID Guidance for Partners. Information about fundraising is available at https://achieve.lausd.net/domain/849. Information about the leasing of school facilities is available at https://www.laschools.org/new-site/facility-use/civic-center-permit
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SPECIAL EDUCATION
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Will schools continue their ELLP program and will Special Education students in Special Day Classes be able to mainstream into Gen Ed classes?
Students with disabilities will continue to participate in the Least Restrictive Environment as per their IEP, and in accordance with LACDPH guidelines.