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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.

 California Wildfires

Wildfires have ravaged California’s rural communities, displacing countless families and affecting dozens of small schools and school districts. PCOE is continuing to assist local students, families and school employees impacted by wildfires by connecting them to resources such as housing, shelter, food, basic needs and childcare referrals. Complete the online form for support.

Additional Information

 Coronavirus (COVID-19)

 Current Update

Update as of April 15, 2022

The Governor’s announcement Thursday evening that the state will delay the vaccine mandate for students until the 2023-24 school year is an acknowledgment of the logistical issues that the mandate is presenting for districts and schools, as the FDA has not yet fully approved the vaccine for the majority of school-age children. The earliest California would implement a vaccine requirement after full FDA approval, would be July 1, 2023. Read the statement.

This decision demonstrates that the administration is willing to listen to parents and education leaders - such as the Placer County Board of Education and Placer County Superintendent of Schools who expressed their concerns regarding the short timeline for planning and training that the mandate would require.

Additionally, Dr. Pan announced that his bill (SB 871) to add the COVID-19 vaccine to the list of required immunizations for public school students will not proceed. Pan cited a need for increased vaccine access as his reason for putting his legislation on hold. Read his statement.

Read the joint advocacy letter from the Placer County Board of Education and Placer County Superintendent of Schools regarding SB871.

 About

​Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a virus strain spreading from person to person. 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 programs such as Pathways iCARE Charter, Court & Community Schools or state preschool.

Update as of April 15, 2022

The Governor’s announcement Thursday evening that the state will delay the vaccine mandate for students until the 2023-24 school year is an acknowledgment of the logistical issues that the mandate is presenting for districts and schools, as the FDA has not yet fully approved the vaccine for the majority of school-age children. The earliest California would implement a vaccine requirement after full FDA approval, would be July 1, 2023. Read the statement.

This decision demonstrates that the administration is willing to listen to parents and education leaders - such as the Placer County Board of Education and Placer County Superintendent of Schools who expressed their concerns regarding the short timeline for planning and training that the mandate would require.

Additionally, Dr. Pan announced that his bill (SB 871) to add the COVID-19 vaccine to the list of required immunizations for public school students will not proceed. Pan cited a need for increased vaccine access as his reason for putting his legislation on hold. Read his statement.

Read the joint advocacy letter from the Placer County Board of Education and Placer County Superintendent of Schools regarding SB871.

PCOE is committed to providing a safe and in-person learning environment for staff and students enrolled in our direct-service programs. Please contact your school principal or Program Coordinator regarding health and safety protocols.

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

Update as of March 14, 2022

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) strongly recommends that all persons (e.g., students and staff) wear masks in K-12 indoor settings. No person can be prevented from wearing a mask as a condition of participation in an activity or entry into a school unless wearing a mask would pose a safety hazard (e.g., watersports). Read the updated guidance.

However, all PCOE employees are ALSO subject to rules established by the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA), Head Start and Federally funded programs, and settings in congregate care.  Even with the updates today from the Governor and CDPH, face coverings are still required in certain PCOE settings, programs, and circumstances.   

  • School Site Staff (State Pre-School and K-12) – CDPH strongly recommends that all persons wear masks in K-12 indoor settings.

  • Administrative/Office Staff – Individuals are recommended to continue indoor masking when the risk may be high. 

  • Head Start Staff – Due to a federal Presidential Executive order, everyone who is two years of age and older must wear a mask in indoor Head Start and Early Head Start settings. Universal masking, with some noted exceptions, for all individuals two years of age and older when there are two or more individuals in a vehicle owned, leased, or arranged by the Head Start program; when they are indoors in a setting where Head Start services are provided; and, for those not fully vaccinated, outdoors in crowded settings or during activities that involve close contact with other people. 

  • JDF Staff – Correctional and detention facilities have specific guidelines outlined by the State of California. Masks are required for all individuals regardless of vaccination status. Surgical masks or higher-level respirators (e.g., N95s, KN95s, KF94s) with good fit are required for unvaccinated staff.  

Changes to masking mandates do not change the requirement for weekly testing of unvaccinated staff. We will continue to conduct our weekly testing on our established schedule until further notice.  

Throughout the pandemic, PCOE employees have displayed resilience and found common ground. Thank you for your commitment and flexibility in doing your part.  As before, any employee can choose to voluntarily wear a face covering without fear of harassment or retaliation.  Please see your supervisor if you have questions about masking guidance and expectations in your area. 

PCOE Employee Health & Safety Expectations

Employees and visitors will be expected to help limit the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace through the actions listed below.

  • 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.

  • Follow current guidance for face coverings.             

  • Wash hands frequently and maintain clean spaces.

Resources

Important PCOE COVID-19 safety documents as required by CDPH:

 School Leaders

The following information is intended for school district administrators. 

Update as of April 15, 2022

The Governor’s announcement Thursday evening that the state will delay the vaccine mandate for students until the 2023-24 school year is an acknowledgment of the logistical issues that the mandate is presenting for districts and schools, as the FDA has not yet fully approved the vaccine for the majority of school-age children. The earliest California would implement a vaccine requirement after full FDA approval, would be July 1, 2023. Read the statement.

This decision demonstrates that the administration is willing to listen to parents and education leaders - such as the Placer County Board of Education and Placer County Superintendent of Schools who expressed their concerns regarding the short timeline for planning and training that the mandate would require.

Additionally, Dr. Pan announced that his bill (SB 871) to add the COVID-19 vaccine to the list of required immunizations for public school students will not proceed. Pan cited a need for increased vaccine access as his reason for putting his legislation on hold. Read his statement.

Read the joint advocacy letter from the Placer County Board of Education and Placer County Superintendent of Schools regarding SB871.

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

Current Guidance Documents

 Childcare Providers

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

Update as of April 15, 2022

The Governor’s announcement Thursday evening that the state will delay the vaccine mandate for students until the 2023-24 school year is an acknowledgment of the logistical issues that the mandate is presenting for districts and schools, as the FDA has not yet fully approved the vaccine for the majority of school-age children. The earliest California would implement a vaccine requirement after full FDA approval, would be July 1, 2023. Read the statement.

This decision demonstrates that the administration is willing to listen to parents and education leaders - such as the Placer County Board of Education and Placer County Superintendent of Schools who expressed their concerns regarding the short timeline for planning and training that the mandate would require.

Additionally, Dr. Pan announced that his bill (SB 871) to add the COVID-19 vaccine to the list of required immunizations for public school students will not proceed. Pan cited a need for increased vaccine access as his reason for putting his legislation on hold. Read his statement.

Every child care program is expected to continue to minimize the spread of COVID-19 and to ensure the safety of children, providers, and families. If there are different requirements between the most current CDPH, CCL, Cal/OSHA, and local health department guidance or health orders, licensees and providers should follow the strictest requirements.

Additional Links

 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 & 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

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

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.

HOW CAN I ACCESS COVID VACCINES?

To find the latest free vaccination clincis, visit https://www.placer.ca.gov/vaccineclinics.

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

 Quotations
​​

“Placer County school leaders are – and have been – committed to providing a safe and in-person learning environment for our staff and students." 


 
― Gayle Garbolino-Mojica
Placer County Superintendent of Schools​​​