By LILY TINOCO | Reporter
Campuses within Los Angeles Unified School District will begin reopening next week and continue through the rest of the month for the first time since COVID-19 closures went into place in 2020.
The district will open 61 elementary schools and 11 early education centers the week of April 12, and middle and high schools will open the week of April 26, Superintendent Austin Beutner said during his regular Monday broadcast, April 5.
Elementary students who choose to return to campus will have three hours of in-person instruction Monday through Friday, and families will be offered on-campus child care. For elementary students who choose to continue e-learning, schools will provide three hours of live virtual instruction.
Ahead of reopening, educators across Pacific Palisades shared their thoughts with the Palisadian-Post.
“From the moment I started as principal of Pali Elementary, I have wanted nothing more than to see students learning in classrooms, enjoying our playground and returning to a consistent school schedule,” Palisades Charter Elementary School Principal Juliet Herman said. “Our entire school community has been eagerly awaiting this day. Each day we welcome more students, we will ring the Pali bell to signify the joy we feel in returning to the school.”
Pali Elementary will begin to return to campus the week of April 12 with a staggered, phase-in start: TK through first-grade students return Tuesday, April 13, second- and third-grade students return Wednesday, April 14, and fourth- and fifth-grade students return Thursday, April 15.
Marquez Charter Elementary School will follow a similarly staggered schedule the week of April 19: TK through first-grade students return Tuesday, April 20, second- and third-grade students return Wednesday, April 21, and fourth- and fifth-grade students return Thursday, April 22.
“A year ago I didn’t know anything about Seesaw, Google Drive or Jack Hartmann … now I’m a tech superstar,” Marquez kindergarten teacher Lindy Bazan said. “While I’m happy to go back to teaching in-person, I’m going to miss teaching on Zoom in my flannel pajamas, lunch break naps and the almighty mute button.
“Reopening Marquez is like starting a whole new school year. There’s so much excitement in the air. As a kindergarten teacher, I’ve been busy decorating my classroom to finally welcome my amazing students.”
Canyon Charter Elementary School did not respond to a request for its schedule as the Post went to print.
Beutner reported half of all families are planning for their child to return to in-person instruction, according to data gathered from a survey. He emphasized the district’s commitment to COVID safety, including COVID testing and vaccinations, sharing that an additional $220 million is being utilized for custodial staff, cleaning supplies, upgraded facilities and more.
“It’s very exciting that—after a long, difficult year—our families will finally have an in-person learning option,” LAUSD District 4 Representative Nick Melvoin said to the Post. “I have been pushing for our kids to be able to return safely to the classroom and look forward to seeing folks back on campus very soon.”
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