Dear Sac City Unified Families,

It’s hard to believe there are less than two weeks until the new school year begins. We can’t wait to welcome your students! The first day of school for all SCUSD schools (except New Joseph Bonnheim and New Technology High School which are already back in session) will be Thursday, September 1, 2022. Now is the time to help prepare your student for their back-to-school routine by setting a consistent bedtime. Get more tips for a stress-free morning on the big first day here. 

Below, you’ll find some helpful resources, important forms and key updates as we count down the days! You will receive two more communications from SCUSD prior to the first day of school containing additional information about contact records, health services and required forms.

ACADEMIC CALENDAR AND BELL SCHEDULES

The academic calendar for the 2022-23 school year can be viewed here. NOTE: There will be no days added this academic year to recover lost learning time from the 2021-22 strike. 

There may be changes to your student’s middle or high school bell schedule due to a new state law affecting school start times. Most school bell schedules have been updated and posted here. If your school’s bell schedule is not yet listed, expect to hear directly from your principal soon.

EACH DAY MATTERS

Since the beginning of the pandemic and the transition to distance learning and back, we have seen a rise in chronic absenteeism. We know that student success and graduation rates are directly related to attendance. Please encourage your child to go to school daily unless they are sick. If they do get sick, short-term independent study may help them stay caught up. Your student can continue to receive instruction from a teacher through short-term independent study. School site staff will discuss this option with you should you need it. 

INDOOR MASKING POLICY

We base our indoor masking policy for schools and district offices on the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) COVID-19 community level rating for Sacramento County.

• If we’re in the HIGH community level, indoor masking is required.
• If we’re in the MEDIUM or LOW community level, indoor masking is strongly recommended.

Our current level is Medium. We will send an update to families after the August 25 report is released by the CDC. That is the earliest we will know the status for masking for the first day of school on September 1.

COVID-19 VACCINATIONS AND TESTING

In our efforts to keep our students, staff, and community safe, SCUSD will continue providing  COVID-19 testing. Students and staff returning for the 22-23 school year will need to sign the new 22-23 COVID testing consent as soon as possible. Please sign the new school year consent today.

SCUSD has revised our ‘vaccination or testing’ requirement for students for the upcoming 2022-23 academic year to align with the State of California vaccination mandate that begins at the start of the 2023-24 school year. Rest assured, we are following the guidance of public health officials and continuing to prioritize the safety of our students and staff. Vaccine verification for SCUSD employees in schools remains in effect for staff. Staff must either be vaccinated or undergo at least weekly testing. Visit our website for frequent updates on free vaccination clinic opportunities. SCUSD continues to host weekly vaccine clinics open to all community members ages 5+ for first, second or booster doses.

State health officials expect over-the-counter (OTC) testing will meet more needs as test kits are widely available through health providers, government order and now through schools. As such, California Department of Public Health (CDPH) staffing support for testing is ending. Moving forward, SCUSD will only test when students are symptomatic, exposed to Covid, or returning to school. In addition, we will provide testing as students return from extended breaks (winter, spring, summer, and holidays) and before high risk activities such as dances, indoor graduations, etc. These testing strategies align with new guidance from the CDC and CDPH.

Check in with your school site to get an OTC test kit before school starts. Also check your student’s backpack for OTC testing kits that we’ll be sending home the Friday before Labor Day. Test your student prior to their return to school from the holiday weekend. Be sure to report your student’s test results through Primary Health.