Inglewood Unified Gives a Warm Welcome to Students
Returning Back On Campus

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On Monday, April 26, 2021, Inglewood Unified School District (IUSD) students received a warm welcome and red carpet treatment from school staff and district leadership on their first day of in-person instruction. IUSD schools reopened their school campuses to the district’s youngest
students who selected the hybrid instructional model.
At Hudnall Elementary School, IUSD County Administrator, Dr. Erika Torres, along with school staff, district leadership, IUSD Board Members and city officials, including Inglewood Mayor James Butts, Inglewood Police Department Chief Fronterotta, and Council Member Alex Padilla, came together to greet and applaud students as they walked through the school entrance to attend class for the first time in over 400 days.
The Los Angeles Rams Mascot, Rampage, added to the excitement by welcoming students who were met with balloon displays, a red carpet, and welcome back signs, with hopes to eliminate any first day anxieties. Positive messages, such as “You Matter” and “You are amazing just the
way you are”, were displayed to reinforce positive affirmations for students and staff, creating a safe and welcoming school culture.
The hybrid instructional learning model, selected by parents and students, was developed with input from various stakeholders, including representatives from labor organizations, teachers, and administrators. The basis of this collaborative effort was to ensure the health and safety of all students, staff and families, while closely examining data provided by the LA County
Department of Public Health. Dr. Erika Torres, IUSD County Administrator shared, “We [IUSD]
closely monitored COVID-19 data, and we announced this date because we believe that it is safe to reopen our schools physically.”
When school closures were announced in March of 2020, IUSD convened a Reopening Task Force to establish safety measures and protocols, incorporate relevant curriculum and ensure every student and staff member had the necessary tools and technology to advance student learning in their new learning environment. Many of those plans have been successfully executed, including the development of the IUSD Health and Safety Plan, the IUSD Health and
Safety Video, detailing day-to-day operations and a Family Reopening Guide, which provides after school care resources, COVID-19 procedures and protocols, information regarding social emotional support and more.
In addition to welcoming students back, IUSD Student Support Services and the district’s Wellness Committee, collaborated to assemble care packages for employees as a small token of appreciation for all of their hard work and dedication throughout this year. All staff received a wellness package with various items designed to show how much their work, dedication and commitment to students and families is valued. Each care package included a special message and fun items such as Lifesavers, an IUSD mask, hand lotion, teaching supplies, and snacks as a way to say thank you to IUSD Superheroes!
The reopening of our schools is the start of a new journey that we will all take together. IUSD County Administrator Dr. Torres stated, “IUSD will continue emphasizing our key principles of equity, justice, and respect and ensure that all students are provided with high levels of instruction and educational opportunities.” IUSD continues to rise to the challenge by exemplifying resilience, strength and dedication to students, families, staff and community.

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