January 7, 2022
Dear Monrovia Unified School District and Families:
While the recent surge in COVID-19 cases through the county, state, and nation has presented our district with challenges, I am proud to say that we successfully started the second semester of the school year on Monday. Keeping our schools open safely is our top priority and is so important for the wellbeing of our students. I believe that President Biden said it best the other day when he stated unequivocally that “kids can be safe in school and that schools should remain open.”
We are constantly monitoring the situation and circumstances related to COVID-19 in our schools, are in frequent communication with officials from the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH), and meet regularly with our principals. We always have and always will closely adhere to the requirements set forth by public health officials.
On Tuesday, I had the opportunity to visit Plymouth, Santa Fe, and Monrovia High School. I cannot tell you how nice it was to see our students in their classrooms learning! At Plymouth, I had the opportunity to join a 4th grade class’ “morning meeting” where students shared one new rule that they would like to see in place at their school. I smiled when I heard responses like “we should all be able to bring our pets to school” and “recess must be longer!” Those would be pretty good rules! Thanks to all of our teachers and staff at these schools and across the district for getting 2022 off to a strong start.
Please take the time to read through the important updates and reminders below. Toward the end, I offer our parents and families the opportunity to give their students an exclusive first look at our new 24/7 virtual tutoring service ahead of its formal launch this month – please be sure to check that out!
Sincerely,
Ryan D. Smith, Ed.D.