October 1, 2021
Good evening WCCUSD community!
It’s been a busy week at WCCUSD and we wanted you to have the latest information on the vaccine mandate and upcoming clinics, Hispanic Heritage Month, Desegregation of Ole Miss, Custodian Day, Administration recognition, and the viral TikTok Challenge.
Earlier today, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that the Covid-19 vaccine would be added to the list of required school vaccines. The governor’s announcement follows the WCCUSD’s Board of Education decision to approve a series of Covid-19 vaccine mandates for students, staff, volunteers, community partners, contractors and vendors who work on school campuses. That decision was also endorsed by Contra Costa County Health Officer Dr. Chris Farnitano.
In WCCUSD, eligible students aged 12 and above and staff have until November 15 to get their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine. The second shot should be taken no later than December 15. WCCUSD students would be fully vaccinated by the time the state requirement takes effect. To assist students and families in getting the Covid-19 vaccine, WCCUSD is co-hosting a number of vaccine clinics in conjunction with the Contra Costa County Health Services.
Please visit our website to learn more as we work together to keep students and staff safe.
Sincerely,
Dr. Kenneth Chris Hurst
Superintendent
Updated COVID page with new resources: https://www.wccusd.net/covidinfo
Find all Covid-19 health and safety information and resources in one place. Here you can: register for a COVID-19 test, read the updated health and safety guide, view the comprehensive COVID-19 case dashboard, and read updated COVID and community FAQs.
October 10-16 is School Administrator's Week
Leadership has been key in educating students during this challenging school year. That’s why WCCUSD is celebrating school administration during the week of October 10 - 16. Would you like to nominate someone? Please share your photos and a story with us here, and we may feature it!
Tomorrow, October 2 is National Custodian Day
Maintaining safe and healthy learning environments is key during these times. That’s why WCCUSD school custodians have been crucial in the effort to minimize Covid-19 exposures by providing enhanced cleaning practices. While Saturday, October 2 is a day off for these vital support staff members, it’s also National Custodian Day.
This year, we recognize their efforts and ask you to join us in acknowledging their hard work during this school year.
Hispanic Heritage Month: Sept. 15 - Oct. 15
WCCUSD is proud to celebrate the Latinx-Hispanic community with Hispanic Heritage Month. This important month is a great opportunity to celebrate Hispanic and Latinx history and culture. This time of year marks Independence Day for many countries which our Hispanic and Latinx students, families, and staff represent. Last week, we featured astronaut Ellen Ochoa, which you can see on our Instagram here. Look for other notable profiles in the coming weeks.
Important anniversary: Desegregation of the University of Mississippi
Today marks the desegregation of the University of Mississippi. James H. Meredith was the first African-American student to attend the University of Mississippi, also referred to as Ole Miss. To learn more check out our Instagram post here.
Devious Lick Tik Tok challenge
Social media has helped so many come together during the pandemic to share and connect with others. Tik Tok is no different for many WCCUSD students. However, the “Devious Licks” trend encourages young people to engage in violent and destructive behavior on campus.
Parents and caregivers should know that WCCUSD takes any threat very seriously. That’s why we want to make sure the WCCUSD community is aware of recent “challenges” appearing on social media that threaten our staff members, the safety of our schools and school property.
We became aware that the October “Devious Licks” challenge on Tik Tok is to slap a teacher or a school staff member. We have heard from teachers in WCCUSD who are concerned about students engaging in this trend.
The safety of our staff and students is our top priority, and we take any possible threats very seriously.
This is a dangerous challenge, and we have encouraged all staff to be vigilant, look out for one another, and report any incidents of violence. Talk to your students about their responsibility of having a safe learning environment.
