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PCOE
Phone: 530.889.8020
| Fax: 866.840.2941 |

Placer County Office of Education
360 Nevada Street Auburn, Auburn, CA 95603 USA
PCOE
Phone: 530.889.8020
| Fax: 866.840.2941 |

Placer County Office of Education
360 Nevada Street Auburn, Auburn, CA 95603 USA

Crisis Response
PCOE Public Facing Web Site

 Crisis Response
​​Crisis Response

 Introduction

The safety of our students, staff and community is always our top priority. The Placer County Office of Education works collaboratively with county agencies, law enforcement and emergency services to ensure the community and local school district personnel have the information they need to make informed decisions.

 Coronavirus (COVID-19)

 Current Update

Update as of May 10, 2021

California aims to fully reopen June 15. The move forward comes as the state has reached 30 million vaccinations, including 4 million in its hardest-hit communities. Masking and vaccinations will continue. Hospitalization rates must stay low and vaccination availability high for the state to fully reopen.

With only a few weeks remaining in the 2020-21 school year, we are proud that Placer County schools were among the first in the state to open for in-person instruction while keeping health and safety at the forefront.

Additional reminders:

  • Those seeking a COVID-19 test should utilize the OptumServe locations, which are now taking walk-ins. Visit https://lhi.care/covidtesting for more information.

  • Vaccine clinics are available and appointments are open to those 16 years and older and can be scheduled online at https://www.placer.ca.gov/vaccineclinics. You can also stay informed by texting “PLACERVACCINE” to the number “898211” to receive text alerts from 211 Placer.

Throughout the pandemic, my office has worked closely with its many partners to help schools meet the needs of students and our school communities. I'm proud of the educational community in Placer County. Take a look at the video below to reflect back on our accomplishments over the past year and hear about the fight that lies on the road ahead for Placer County schools.

COVID-19-And-Our-Schools

Additional Details

  • The Placer County Office of Education's Childcare Resource and Referral Program is available for families working in essential services. Call (530) 745-1380 for assistance.

  • For general questions about COVID-19 and precautions currently recommended by Placer County Public Health, residents may call the county’s coronavirus information line at (530) 886-5310.                                                       

  • Current information about the coronavirus is available at placer.ca.gov/coronavirus and on the CDC website.​

 About

​Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new virus strain spreading from person-to-person. It is currently in the United States and many other countries, after originating in China. Health experts are concerned because this new virus has the potential to cause severe illness and pneumonia in some people — especially people over age 60 or those who have weakened immune systems. The following information is reported from the Placer County Public Health website: https://www.placer.ca.gov/coronavirus.

Preventing Illness

To help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including the coronavirus and flu, follow these important tips: 

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

  • Stay home when you are sick.

  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

  • Individuals with chronic health issues and/or individuals experiencing severe symptoms should be evaluated by a medical professional.

For general questions about COVID-19 and precautions currently recommended by Placer County Public Health, residents may call the county’s coronavirus information line at (530) 886-5310. Current information about the coronavirus is available at placer.ca.gov/coronavirus and on the CDC website.​

 Families

​The following information is intended for families of students enrolled in a PCOE school or program such as Pathways iCARE Charter, Court & Community Schools or state preschool.

Update as of May 10, 2021

California aims to fully reopen June 15. The move forward comes as the state has reached 30 million vaccinations, including 4 million in its hardest-hit communities. Masking and vaccinations will continue. Hospitalization rates must stay low and vaccination availability high for the state to fully reopen.

With only a few weeks remaining in the 2020-21 school year, we are proud that Placer County schools were among the first in the state to open for in-person instruction while keeping health and safety at the forefront. PCOE student programs and state preschools remain open. Please contact your Program Coordinator or School Principal with any questions.

Guiding Principles for PCOE Programs

The Placer County Office of Education plans to begin the 2020-21 academic year as scheduled. In doing so, we are committed to the following guiding principles in the reopening of our student programs:

  • Health and Safety - The health and safety of staff and students is the single highest priority.

  • Cohorts - The core operational structure of our school programs is a cohort of students and staff whenever possible. This structure helps to mitigate the spread of germs, enables health providers to trace contacts in the event of an infection, and isolates the need for potential closures.

  • Physical Distancing - For some students, the cohort in itself is the physical distancing practice. For other student groups, physical distancing of six feet will be maintained whenever possible.

  • Procedures and Protocols - Specific safety protocols including daily health self-monitoring, temperature checks as needed, lunch procedures, restroom use procedures, paths of travel, outdoor recreation activities and substitute procedures will be carefully planned, implemented, monitored and updated on a regular basis.

  • Academic Success - In-class learning provides an effective learning environment for students to meet learning objectives and access instructional support from caring adults.

  • Social Emotional Support – Relationships and in-person connectivity are a critical component of social development for students.

  • Responsiveness – The PCOE Leadership Team is available to interface with sites and Placer County Public Health to answer any questions or concerns that arise.​

 PCOE Employees
​The following information is intended for PCOE employees.
  

Update as of May 10, 2021

California aims to fully reopen June 15. The move forward comes as the state has reached 30 million vaccinations, including 4 million in its hardest-hit communities. Masking and vaccinations will continue. Hospitalization rates must stay low and vaccination availability high for the state to fully reopen.

However, with all the progress, we must continue to follow all health and safety protocols such as wearing face coverings and maintaining physical distance, especially in our workplace. The PCOE COVID-19 Health and Safety Expectations remain in place:

  • Conduct a health self- assessment before reporting to work. Stay home if you are ill.

  • Maintain at least 6’ of space between yourself and others.

  • Wear a face covering.

  • Wash hands frequently and/or utilize the hygiene stations.

  • Maintain clean areas.

Finally, PCOE administrative and support employees should plan to add an additional day in the office starting June 1 (four days) and a full return to five-days a week in August. Please see your supervisor with any questions or contact Human Resources for assistance.

Additional reminders:

PCOE Employee Expectations

Employees and visitors will be expected to help limit the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace through the the actions listed below. Training videos for each expectation area were provided through Public School Works. 

  • Conduct a health self-assessment daily before reporting to work. It is important to stay home from work and other activities if you are sick. Contact your supervisor and Human Resources if you are experiencing primary COVID-19 symptoms, which can be similar to the common cold such as fever (100.4 degrees or above), cough, loss of taste or smell, or difficulty breathing.

  • Maintain physical distance between others whenever possible.

  • Wear face coverings indoors.               

    • As of June 19, the California Department of Public Health issued a mandate that residents wear a face covering when in high-risk situations including the workplace. PCOE employees are expected to follow this statewide mandate when reporting to work. Read the document.

  • Wash hands frequently.

Additional Measures

  • Keep areas clean. The Hygiene Stations in each building will include appropriate cleaning solutions for copiers, printers and other shared equipment.

  • Additional community mitigation strategies. Limitations on meetings, professional development workshops, conferences, classes, events and non-essential business travel remain in place. These activities will continue on online platforms whenever possible, or will be postponed and/or cancelled. If needed, discuss your individual circumstances with your supervisor or Cabinet member.

Employee Resources

Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA or Act) requires certain employers to provide their
employees with paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19.
These provisions will apply from April 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020.

Managing Stress and Employee Mental Wellness

We know this can be a stressful time for you and your families. Changes to the way we work and to schools, cancellation of events and travel across our region, and the changing dynamics of COVID-19 in general. Please take care of your mental health. Be kind to one another. Check in on your friends and your co-workers.

  • We will be senidng weekly Health & Wellness email newsletters to all staff during this time. 
  • Take advantage of the Employee Assistance Program, which includes confidential emotional support, work-life solutions and online resources.
  • There are also a variety of options through the Placer County Network of Care.
​

 School Leaders

The following information is intended for school district administrators. 

Update as of May 10, 2021

California aims to fully reopen June 15. The move forward comes as the state has reached 30 million vaccinations, including 4 million in its hardest-hit communities. Masking and vaccinations will continue. Hospitalization rates must stay low and vaccination availability high for the state to fully reopen.

With only a few weeks remaining in the 2020-21 school year, we are proud that Placer County schools were among the first in the state to open for in-person instruction while keeping health and safety at the forefront.

Additional reminders:

  • Those seeking a COVID-19 test should utilize the OptumServe locations, which are now taking walk-ins. Visit https://lhi.care/covidtesting for more information.

  • Vaccine clinics are available and appointments are open to those 16 years and older and can be scheduled online at https://www.placer.ca.gov/vaccineclinics. You can also stay informed by texting “PLACERVACCINE” to the number “898211” to receive text alerts from 211 Placer.

Throughout the pandemic, my office has worked closely with its many partners to help schools meet the needs of students and our school communities. I'm proud of the educational community in Placer County.

(If you are a school district superintendent, charter school operator or private school administrator and are not getting regular email udpates, please contact meklund@placercoe.org.)

Guidance:

Additional Resources for School District Personnel

Placer County COVID-19 Information

School Messaging Resources

 Childcare Providers

​The following information is intended for childcare providers in Placer County.

Update as of May 10, 2021

California aims to fully reopen June 15. The move forward comes as the state has reached 30 million vaccinations, including 4 million in its hardest-hit communities. Masking and vaccinations will continue. Hospitalization rates must stay low and vaccination availability high for the state to fully reopen.

Additional reminders:

  • Those seeking a COVID-19 test should utilize the OptumServe locations, which are now taking walk-ins. Visit https://lhi.care/covidtesting for more information.

  • Vaccine clinics are available and appointments are open to those 16 years and older and can be scheduled online at https://www.placer.ca.gov/vaccineclinics. You can also stay informed by texting “PLACERVACCINE” to the number “898211” to receive text alerts from 211 Placer.

Additional Links

 COVID-19 School Dashboards

 About

The California Department of Public Health guidance outlines multiple scenarios for continued safety measures should school staff or students be symptomatic, be exposed or test positive for COVID-19. An individual school site would close for distance learning if at least five percent of the student body and staff are diagnosed with COVID-19 within a 14-day period. An individual school district would close if a quarter of its schools have been closed due to positive COVID-19 cases within two weeks.

Although not required by law, nearly all Placer County school districts serving grades TK-12 have developed COVID-19 School Dashbaords with the purpose to provide accurate and transparent information related to COVID-19 incidents specifically connected to school campuses and district work locations.

The data reported by school districts reflects presumed positive or confirmed cases of individuals who worked or attended school while infectious, during in-person instruction. Positive case information is collected from Placer County Public Health (PCPH) or by individual self-reporting. School district staff verifies data with PCPH and takes direction from them regarding potential isolation, quarantine timelines and presumed positive cases. When viewing individual school district dashboards, please make note of the reporting period as​ it may vary district to district.

School Districts

If you can not find your school district, they may not yet have a COVID-19 School Dashboard in place. Please contact your school district directly for additional information. Information about the broader picture of COVID-19 in Placer County is provided in the Placer County Public Health Dashboard.

Governor Gavin Newsom also launched the Safe Schools for All Hub as a one-stop shop for information about safe in-person instruction. The state has updated its schools reopening maps to include outbreak data by school district. View the data for public schools by selecting a specific district on the School Districts Reopening Map. The map includes reported outbreaks since January 1, 2021.

PCOE Student Programs

The purpose of the PCOE COVID-19 School Dashboard is to provide accurate and transparent information related to COVID-19 incidents connected to PCOE programs and administrative work locations, while maintaining privacy and confidentiality of our students and staff. Data reflects laboratory-confirmed positive cases of individuals who attended a PCOE program or work location in-person for the preceeding two weeks (April 26 and May 3).


  • Last updated 5/10/21 at 10 a.m. Information is updated every Monday by 12 p.m.

Questions about the PCOE COVID-19 School Dashboard

PCOE employees should contact their immediate supervisor or Human Resources with any questions. Families enrolled in PCOE programs should contact their Program Coordinator or Program Administraror. Members of the publc may contact the Communications Department at meklund@placercoe.org.

 COVID-19 School Testing


 About

COVID-19 TestCOVID-19 Testing to Support the Safe Reopening of Placer County Schools​

The Placer County Office of Education continues to support the safe reopening of schools for in-person instruction by meeting the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) guidance.

In Fall 2020, Placer County Superintendent of Schools Gayle Garbolino-Mojica opened PCOE School Testing Sites to further support the return to in-person instruction. The pop-up sites, located in Rocklin, Auburn and Tahoe-Truckee, were open to any Placer County public school employee or student who was symptomatic or exposed.

In recent weeks, demand for testing at the PCOE School Testing Sites has declined and capacity at the Placer County OptumServe sites has increased with results returned within 24-48 hours. School employees and students should now seek COVID-19 testing through their primary care provider or through Placer County OptumServe sites.

For general questions about COVID-19 and precautions currently recommended by Placer County Public Health, residents may call the county's coronavirus information line at 530.886.5310.​

 School Employees

​Symptomatic, Exposed and Surveillance

In accordance with guidance from the California Department of Public Health, school employees should seek COVID-19 testing through their primary care provider or through Placer County OptumServe sites. Download an informational flyer - available in English or Spanish.

OptumServce Locations

Schedule your test by visiting lhi.care/covidtesting or call (888) 634-1123. Walk-ins also welcome at this time. Locations:

  • Across from Tahoe Forest Hospital, 10990 Donner Pass Rd, Truckee, CA 96161

  • Maidu Activity Center, 1960 Johnson Ranch Drive, Roseville, CA 95661

Rideout Community Center is also available in Tahoe CIty. A lab requistion form is needed for testing at this site.

Primary Care Provider

Contact your primary care provider to request a COVID-19 test. The California Department of Managed Care released an emergency resolution on July 17, 2020 stipulating that school employees are essential workers and therefore their healthcare provider should cover costs associated with their COVID-19 testing.

Results Reporting

After receiving test results, report the results with your school district to ensure appropriate safety measures are being taken on campus.

 Students

Symptomatic and Exposed

Guidance from California Department of Public Health recommends testing of students who are symptomatic or who have been exposed to COVID-19 through their cohort or group. In consultation with Placer County Public Health, the following testing options are available. Download an informational flyer - available in English or Spanish.

OptumServce Locations

Schedule your test by visiting lhi.care/covidtesting or call (888) 634-1123. Walk-ins also welcome at this time. Locations:

  • Across from Tahoe Forest Hospital, 10990 Donner Pass Rd, Truckee, CA 96161

  • Maidu Activity Center, 1960 Johnson Ranch Drive, Roseville, CA 95661

Rideout Community Center is also available in Tahoe CIty. A lab requistion form is needed for testing at this site.

Primary Care Provider

Contact your primary care provider to request a COVID-19 test. After receiving test results, report the results with your school district to ensure appropriate safety measures are being taken on campus.

 PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS)

 Current PSPS Event

At this time, there is not a PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) scheduled to impact Placer County. Conditions may change and updates will be provided as we learn new information. We will continue to monitor the situation in partnership with the Placer County Health & Human Services department and the Placer County Office of Emergency Services.  

The decision to operate schools during a PG&E PSPS is made at the local school district level. In many cases, school may continue as scheduled with additional contingency plans regarding safe food handling, hydration of students and modification of activities to ensure student safety.

 About

​When gusty winds and dry conditions occur, combined with a heightened fire risk, PG&E may need to turn off power for public safety. This is called a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS).

The Placer County Office of Education (PCOE), in partnership with the Placer County Health & Human Services department and the Placer County Office of Emergency Services, works to ensure our school communities are informed and prepared for these potential power shutoffs.​

PG&E has indicated it will provide notice 48-hours in advance of a planned PSPS when possible. During a PSPS, power will remain off until weather conditions improve and it is safe to restore service. Please note, outages could last for multiple days. For more information about how a PSPS works, visit the PG&E PSPS website. Information is available in multiple languages.

Power Outage Resources

We believe planning ahead is the best safeguard. PG&E offers many resources to help prepare your home, family and business for a potential PSPS.

  • Update your contact information directly with PG&E at pge.com/mywildfirealerts to receive alerts for potential power shutoffs.

  • Identify backup charging methods for phones and keep hard copies of emergency numbers.

  • Plan for any medical needs such as medication that needs refrigeration or devices that require power. View additional information about medical needs from PG&E.

  • Build or restock your emergency kits with flashlights, fresh batteries, first aid supplies and cash. Have enough nonperishable food and water stored to meet your basic needs for at least a few days.

 Families

​The following information is intended for families of students enrolled in a PCOE school or program such as Pathways iCARE Charter or Court & Community Schools.

Please note, the decision to operate schools during a PG&E PSPS is made at the local school district level. In many cases, school may continue as scheduled with additional contingency plans regarding safe food handling, hydration of students and modification of activities to ensure student safety. Please contact your local school district for additional details.

In the event a planned PSPS may impact a PCOE student-based program site, you can expect an email, voicemail and text message from your school principal through our emergency all-call system called School Messenger. Updates will also be posted to this webpage during the power event.

Standard Communication Protocol

48-Hours Prior

Early notification that PCOE is aware of a potential PSPS. We will continue to monitor the situation. Unless otherwise notified, please plan for school to continue as scheduled.

24-Hours Prior

Additional updates regarding the potential PSPS. Unless otherwise notified, please plan for school to continue as scheduled. You will be notified no later than 5 p.m. if PCOE if planning to close school the next day.

During the PSPS

Daily updates will be provided until power is restored and school is back in session. Please also check back to this webpage we updates will be posted daily.​

 PCOE Employees

​The following information is intended for PCOE employees.  

In the event a planned PSPS may impact a PCOE site, you can expect an email, voicemail and text message from our emergency all-call system called School Messenger. Please ensure your emergency contact information is updated in EPIC. You can access EPIC through the “MyPCOE” portal online.

Standard Communication Protocol

48-Hours Prior

Early notification that PCOE is aware of a potential PSPS. We will continue to monitor the situation. Unless otherwise notified by your supervisor, please plan to report to work as scheduled.

24-Hours Prior

Additional updates regarding the potential PSPS. In many cases, school and business operations may continue as scheduled with additional contingency plans. Even during an extended power outage, some functions of business will continue and you may be expected to report to work. You will be notified no later than 5 p.m. if PCOE is planning to close a school or office location for the following day. Unless otherwise notified by your supervisor, please plan to report to work as scheduled. Conditions may change and updates will be provided as we learn new information.

During the PSPS

Daily updates will be provided until power is restored and school or business operations are back in session. PCOE staff at school-based locations should observe the school closure protocol of the school sites where they are located. Unless otherwise notified by your supervisor, please plan to report to work as scheduled. Conditions may change and updates will be provided as we learn new information. Updates will also be posted to this webpage during the power event.

PCOE employees affected by a power outage at home are expected to be prepared to attend work as regularly scheduled. All absences must be approved by a director supervisor and reported in the absence management system.

 School Leaders

​The following information is intended for school district administrators.  

The decision to operate schools during a PG&E PSPS is made at the local school district level. It is difficult for PG&E to predict which areas will be impacted far in advance of a weather event, due to a range of variables including the direction of the wind, location of any fires, etc. For this reason, districts are encouraged to prepare both for a small-impact shutoff that may impact just one or two sites, as well as a worst-case scenario power shutoff that could potentially impact all their sites. 

In many cases, school may continue as scheduled with additional contingency plans regarding safe food handling, hydration of students and modification of activities to ensure student safety. The Placer County Office of Education is here to ensure you have the information and resources needed to make informed decisions for your communities.

Standard Communication Protocol

In the event a planned PSPS may impact schools within Placer County, you can expect an email from PCOE’s Safety Officer.

48-Hours Prior

Early notification that PCOE is aware of a potential PSPS. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates.

24-Hours Prior

Additional updates regarding the potential PSPS. PCOE will schedule a Superintendent’s conference call to discuss details and answer questions. PCOE will work to ensure data systems for districts remain operational.

During the PSPS

Daily updates and conference calls will be provided until power is restored.

Additional Resources for School District Personnel

 Lockdown Safety Video

Active-Shooter-Safety-Video

This video provides valuable information to allow you to understand how your school District has planned for emergencies and how you can be better prepared to understand your role.​ Unfortunately, violent acts such as school shootings are a real possibility.  While the topic is unpleasant, these kinds of plans are important for you to know what's expected of you during a critical incident and what you can expect from the Placer County Sheriff's office.​​

 Placer County Air Quality & Wildfire Smoke

​Over the last decade, devastating wildfires have continued to ravage communities and school districts across the state. The impact of smoke depends on the sensitivity of the person and the length of exposure. Students with asthma, respiratory or other heart/lung conditions are vulnerable to poor air quality and may require extra precautions.

The Placer County Office of Education (PCOE) works collaboratively with the Placer County Air Pollution Control Board (APCB) and Placer County Health and Human Services (HHS) to monitor air conditions that may impact outdoor activities or possible school closures as a result of air quality due to wildfire smoke. Please note, outdoor activities along with event cancellations and school closures are a local decision, district-by-district, based on local air quality conditions.

Additional Resources

 Weather Closures and Snow Days

​Decisions around possible school closures or moving to distance learning days due to severe weather are made district-by-district, based on local conditions.Even though it may have snowed the previous evening, and weather forecasts may be calling for severe weather, the decision to call off school is typically made by local school districts between 4:30 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. after a careful analysis of current road and weather conditions.

 FAQ's
 

HOW DO I SCHEDULE A COVID-19 TEST?

Schedule your COVID-19 test at a Placer County OptumServe site by visiting lhi.care/covidtesting or call (888) 634-1123

WHO DO I CONTACT ABOUT CONCERNS ABOUT COVID-19?

For general questions about COVID-19 and precautions currently recommended by Placer County Public Health, residents may call the county’s coronavirus information line at (530) 886-5310. Current information about the coronavirus is available at placer.ca.gov/coronavirus and on the CDC website.

HOW DO I FIND OUT INFORMATION ABOUT COVID-19 AT MY SCHOOL?

COVID-19 has caused some fear and anxiety in our school communities. However, all official information pertaining to your student and your school will come directly from your school district, charter school or private school. Contact your school for additional information.

WILL MY SCHOOL BE OPEN DURING A POWER OUTAGE?  

The decision to operate schools during a PG&E PSPS is made at the local school district level. In many cases, school may continue as scheduled with additional contingency plans regarding safe food handling, hydration of students and modification of activities to ensure student safety. Our What's My District App will assist you by matching your address to your district.  Once your district appears on the map below, you can find the district schools and contact information for school Board of Trustees, Administrative contact information, in addition to school district websites links. ​​

 Contact List

 Key Links

 Placer County #Together

 

COVID-19 And Our Schools: A Year in Review

March 13, 2020 - a date our school communities will never forget. This is when schools across the state first closed their doors for in-person instruction and pivoted to distance learning amid the COVID-19 global pandemic. We've accomplished so much in that time. We are #PlacerCountyTogether.

Watch this video from Placer County Superintendent of Schools Gayle Garbolino-Mojica to learn more. WATCH NOW.

 Quotations
​​
“Teaching is the essential profession, the one that makes all professions possible." 

 
― Dav​​id Haselkorn​​​