Dear Monrovia Unified School District Families:
I am writing to provide you with a couple of updates regarding safety measures that our district has been working on.
Last fall, I provided an update that included important information about the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health’s community alert regarding the growing use of the deadly opioid fentanyl. While I pray that our schools never have to experience an overdose situation, I believe it is best to be fully prepared for one. Naloxone (often referred to as Narcan), can be used to treat an opioid overdose in an emergency situation. In October, we registered our district for the Naloxone Distribution Project, which has allowed us to acquire free doses specifically for our secondary campuses. All secondary administrators, nurses, and other staff have completed training, enabling them to administer Naloxone effectively.
I also would like to let you know that we recently acquired 16 Automated External Defibrillators (AED) that will be strategically placed at each of our schools. Each elementary site will receive one defibrillator, while our secondary schools will receive additional units. In addition, our district offices, Monrovia Community Adult School, and Canyon Early Learning Center, will also have defibrillators available. The AEDs will be installed over the summer in high student traffic areas to ensure they are accessible during the school day as well as after school in support of the various activities that take place on our campuses. Initial training of staff on how to use these devices will begin in a few weeks.
The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority. Your ongoing support is greatly appreciated as we work collaboratively to provide the best educational experience for our students.
Sincerely,
Ryan D. Smith, Ed.D.
Superintendent