Limited Reopening in April

By Audrey Yoshimura, Staff Writer

PHOTO/ Matthew Kwan

TCUSD plans to reopen TK through third grade on April 5 and fourth grade through sixth grade on April 12. Additionally, the district may allow seniors to participate in on-campus learning starting April 5.

Superintendent Dr. Kimberly Fricker released a tentative reopening plan at a public board meeting in accordance with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health on March 10. 

Currently, L.A. County is in the purple tier of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s plan to reopen, which only permits specialized cohorts and TK through second grade to open on April 5.  L.A. County can move into the less restrictive red tier when there are less than 10 cases per 100,000 residents.  

This transition would allow specialized cohorts, TK through sixth grade and one secondary grade to reopen. The cohorts would include students who are homeless/foster, are part of special education, are English language learners, have attendance issues or are receiving a D/F grade in multiple classes.

“The exciting part for me is getting our students back on campus and learning,” Principal Richard Lohman said. “I’m looking forward to seeing the cohorts grow and the teachers interact with our kids.”

With the safety of students and staff as the priority for reopening, everyone will complete an online health screen through ParentSquare. In addition, the district plans for all classrooms to have plexiglass and hand sanitizer dispensers. Students will be required to follow social distancing and mask wearing procedures in accordance with the L.A. County Health Department. Isolation spaces will also be available to students who exhibit symptoms of COVID-19 or feel unwell. 

Through a partnership with USC Keck Medical, City of Hope and Herald Christian Health Center, district staff can receive a COVID-19 vaccination. 

“It’s a hard choice to do what’s best for my child as both a teacher and a parent,” math and Link leadership teacher Jeannie Martinez said. “As a teacher, I prefer on campus, but I’d only want to go back if we can ensure that both staff and students are all going to be safe. As a parent, I want my daughter to be safe. But, I also know that part of her mental wellness relies on her social and emotional well-being.”