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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 September 29, 2020

The Placer County Office of Education (PCOE) continues to collaborate with school district superintendents, charter school operators and Placer County Public Health towards a safe reopening of schools for in-person instruction. We have been working for months to navigate challenging conditions and changing guidelines. We know this year will likely be a series of starts and stops. 

School districts and charter school operators across the county will be communicating their approach and timelines for returning to in-person instruction in the coming days and weeks. Together, we remain diligent in our efforts to see our students and staff safely back in classrooms on school campuses as soon as we can. 

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.

Additional Details

  • 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.

Current Understanding of Virus

  • Symptoms most commonly include fever with cough or shortness of breath. Headache, sore throat, and runny nose also occur with this virus. Symptoms of COVID-19 may appear in as few as two days, or as long as 14 days, after exposure. Some people show no symptoms at all.

  • Health experts are still learning more about the spread. Currently it is thought to spread: through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet), or by touching a surface or object with the virus and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes.There is increasing evidence that transmission of the virus can occur as early as three days before people develop symptoms, via respiratory droplets expelled not just in coughs or sneezes but also through activities like talking or singing.

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 or Court & Community Schools.

Update as of September 29, 2020

We are continuing to move forward in our efforts to safely reopen for in-person instruction. Please contact your school principal or program coordinator for more information. 

Framework for Returning to School for PCOE Programs

The health and safety of our students, staff and school community is the single highest priority for the Placer County Office of Education (PCOE). We're pleased to share the PCOE Framework for Returning to School - for when conditions allow. This document provides guidance for reopening PCOE programs for the 2020-21 academic year to support a safe, clean environment for students and staff. It also outlines health and safety protocols and strategies to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

  • PCOE Programs Framework for Returning to School: English or Spanish
  • Placer County COVID-19 Response Scenarios Health Protocols: English or Spanish

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 September 29, 2020

School districts and charter schools in Placer County are moving forward in their efforts to reopen schools for in-person instruction, as is PCOE. Please see your supervisor for any questions regarding schedules. 

Things will look different person to person, department to department and building to building. Office and program schedules, physical distancing expectations and health protocols will vary depending on your work assignment, the goals and objectives of your department as well as the physical space you typically work in. Continue to check your PCOE email for updates.​

Return to Workplace Facilities Plan

We're pleased to share with you the Employee Return to Workplace Facilities Plan. This document provides guidance for operating in office workspaces at PCOE to support a safe, clean environment for employees when local conditions allow. It also outlines health and safety protocols and strategies for all PCOE employees.

PCOE Employee Expectations and Training

In general, in returning to PCOE workplace facilities, employees 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 September 29, 2020

The Placer County Office of Education (PCOE) continues to collaborate with school district superintendents, charter school operators and Placer County Public Health towards a safe reopening of schools for in-person instruction. We have been working for months to navigate challenging conditions and changing guidelines.

(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.)

Additional Resources for School District Personnel

Placer County COVID-19 Information

Considerations and Guidance for the Safe Reopening of Schools

School Messaging Resources

 Childcare Providers

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

 COVID-19 School Testing Sites


 About

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

Placer County Superintendent of Schools Gayle Garbolino-Mojica is pleased to announce the opening of three “COVID-19 School Testing Sites" in Placer County to support the safe reopening of schools for in-person instruction. These testing sites will help meet the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) guidance that outlines a process for reopening schools with recommended regular testing of school staff and testing of students who are symptomatic or exposed to COVID-19 through their cohort or group.

The pop-up COVID-19 School Testing Sites, located in Rocklin, Auburn and Tahoe-Truckee, will be open to any Placer County public school employee by appointment only. Licensed medical staff from the Placer County Office of Education will administer the tests with administrative support from Placer County Public Health. Testing is also broadly available at health care providers and the state-funded OptumServe sites. School leaders will provide additional details and access to scheduling services directly to employees as needed. 

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

In accordance with guidance from the California Department of Public Health, School Testing Sites are open for Placer County school employees who are symptomatic or who have been exposed to COVID-19. Download informational flyer.

Locations and Hours: For the Week of September 28 through October 2, 2020

The following site are open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. by appointment only:

  • PCOE Seavey Center PD Room, 655 Menlo Dr, Rocklin, CA 95765

  • PCOE Annex Nobili Conference Room, 365 Nevada St, Auburn, CA 95603

Schedule Your Appointment - www.placercoe.org/schooltestingsites​

What to Expect

  • Bring photo ID and insurance information.

  • Park in a designated testing parking spot.

  • You will be asked to sign a waiver so that your employer and you can be notified of results within 48-72 hours.​​

Surveillance Testing

Guidance from California Department of Public Health recommends surveillance testing for school staff based on local disease trends. In consultation with Placer County Public Health, the following testing options are available. Download informational flyer.

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.

OptumServe Testing Sites

Schedule your test at a location near you by visiting https://lhi.care/covidtesting​ or call (888) 634-1123.​

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/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 informational flyer.

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.

OptumServe Testing Sites

Schedule your test at a location near you by visiting https://lhi.care/covidtesting​ or call (888) 634-1123.​ After receiving test results, report the results with your school district to ensure appropriate safety measures are being taken on campus.​

Additional Testing Option for Students without Insurance

COVID-19 testing for your student may be available through School Testing Sites by appointment only, pending availability. Make an appointment by visiting www.placercoe.org/schooltestingsites​​. You will be asked for photo ID and to sign a waiver so that your students' school district and you can be notified of results within 48-72 hours.​


 PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS)

 Current PSPS Event

At this time, there is not a PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) in 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

 FAQ's
 

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

​

Let's hear your words of encouragement, or messages of gratitude. Now is the time to remind everyone that we are in this #together.

Use this Google form to send a shout out to each other - and feel free to get creative!

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

 
― Dav​​id Haselkorn​​​