Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update
This week (March 11, 2022), the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) updated their COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for PreK-12 Schools. After today, the universal indoor masking in Preschool and K-12 school settings will move from a requirement to a strong recommendation.
Throughout the pandemic, Porterville Unified School District (PUSD) has aligned its practices with public health guidance. As a result, when PUSD students and staff return from Spring Break on Monday, March 21st, masks will be optional in all settings. This applies to students and staff, as well as parents/guardians, visitors, contractors, bus drivers, and/or spectators on school sites and in school buses.
Additionally, along with the transition away from universal indoor masking, the CDPH also updated guidance associated with quarantines and other procedures and our PUSD nursing and healthcare staff will be adopting these new guidelines. The California Safe Schools For All Hub contains additional information should you have any questions regarding the new guidance and is accessible at the following link: https://schools.covid19.ca.gov/
The health and safety of our school community continues to be our highest priority. We want to remind you that masks are available at no cost upon request from school offices and remain an option for students and staff. Additionally, the district has made a significant investment in enhancing indoor air quality through the deployment of filtration systems across all school sites as well as improving cleaning procedures.
We are looking forward to taking the next steps in planning our traditional end-of-the-school-year activities while being mindful of everyone’s safety. Open communication between families and our schools continues to be one of our best tools in supporting the health and safety of our students and staff.
Please consider a COVID-19 test prior to your return to school.
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Contact the CRT
Health & Safety Guidelines
Contact Tracing & Exposures at School
FAQ About Updated Student Guidelines
Q: What has changed in PUSD practices with the new allowed state guidance?
A: PUSD will utilize group-contact tracing where possible however, some situations may require a different approach.
Q: Families will be provided the option to test their student with a home kit or at the CRT center on day 5 from exposure. Is this testing required to remain in school?
A: Testing on day 5 from exposure is highly advised but is not mandatory to remain in school. Families are to watch for symptom development and report any changes in COVID risk to the CRT team.
Q: Upon receiving notice of exposure, can families choose to keep their students at home?
A: Group exposures are not a reason for students to be out of school unless they are sick. Students will be marked absent if they do not attend school following an exposure notice. Families concerned about student exposures should test their students with a home kit or by making an appointment with the CRT center.
Q: Can families test their student with an Over-the-Counter test?
A: Yes, Over-the-Counter tests can be submitted to the CRT team using a Primary.health link provided by the nursing team or texting results to (559) 560-5858.
Q: Can students be cleared to return to school after 5 days of being positive if a doctor provides a medical note indicating returning to school earlier than 11 days?
A: Due to the current surge of COVID cases and to reduce the spread, PUSD will continue the 10-day isolation period for students who test positive for COVID. These absences will be cleared.
At-Home Testing & Reporting
PUSD families have the option of requesting at-home testing for their students. At-home testing kits can be requested from your site school nurse. Families will be asked to report their results via our district’s testing system or by texting results to (559) 560-5858. When reporting results please include the following information: Student Name, School, Date of Birth, & Testing Start and End Time.The following videos will provide instructions on how to conduct the self-test and share test results.
For more updated information visit:
California Department of Public Health K-12 Guidance 2021-22 School Year
Tulare County Health and Human Services Agency COVID-19 School Resources
California Interscholastic Federation Health Resources
COVID Response Team - Family Newsletters
April 2022 COVID-19 Response Team Newsletter - English
April 2022 COVID-19 Response Team Newsletter - Spanish
February 2022 COVID-19 Response Team Newsletter - English
February 2022 COVID-19 Response Team Newsletter - Spanish
January 2022 COVID-19 Response Team Newsletter - English
January 2022 COVID-19 Response Team Newsletter - Spanish
December 2021 COVID-19 Response Team Newsletter - English
December 2021 COVID-19 Response Team Newsletter - Spanish
November 2022 COVID-19 Response Team Family Newsletter - English
November 2022 COVID-19 Response Team Family Newsletter - Spanish
2021-2022
2020-2021