Important Update on Incident in the Community

Dear OPUSD Families,  I am writing to inform you about a situation that began yesterday evening and has since been resolved. After school, an individual attempted to trespass at multiple campuses in Oak Park. We immediately contacted the Sheriff’s Department and provided video footage from our campus cameras. This morning, the Sheriff’s Department informed us that the same individual was involved in an off-campus incident, which was under investigation. Out of an abundance of caution, patrol cars were stationed at OPHS, Medea Creek Middle School, and the surrounding community. The individual has now been taken into custody. We delayed sending this communication until we had clearance from the Sheriff’s Department, as they were actively working on the case. For those who may have noticed law enforcement presence near our schools, it was related to this situation, which has now been resolved. The Sheriff’s Department consistently advised us that there was no articulable threat to any of our schools and did not recommend a lockdown or shelter-in-place. We worked closely with law enforcement throughout to ensure the safety of our students and staff. Thank you for your understanding and support. The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority. Sincerely, Brad Benioff Director of Student Support and School Safety

Thursday, Jan 16 2025

OPUSD Schools Reopening Monday, January 13, 2025: Up...

Dear OPUSD Families, Over the past week, our community has endured significant challenges due to fires, high winds, and power outages. Many in our OPUSD community, including families, staff, and leadership, have faced evacuation warnings, power outages, and the emotional strain of these events. We sincerely appreciate your patience, resilience, and support as we have worked to navigate these difficult circumstances. We want to express our profound gratitude to the first responders—firefighters, emergency personnel, and law enforcement—who have worked tirelessly to protect lives, homes, and neighborhoods. Their courage and dedication are deeply inspiring. Schools Reopening Monday After careful consideration and preparation, we are reopening all OPUSD schools, district offices, and Club Oak Park tomorrow, Monday, January 13, 2025 . Power has been restored to all campuses, and our Maintenance and Operations team has inspected all sites to address any wind-related damage or debris. They will conduct additional inspections early tomorrow morning to ensure all facilities are safe and ready for students and staff. While some families and staff are still navigating the impacts of evacuation warnings, power outages, and logistical challenges, we know how important it is to provide a sense of stability for our students. Schools offer a place to reconnect with peers and teachers, access vital resources, and regain a sense of routine and normalcy. High Wind Protocols and Emergency Plans High wind advisories remain in effect through Wednesday, January 15, 2025. To prioritize safety, we have protocols in place to ensure that: All outdoor activities, including lunch, recess, and PE, will be moved indoors during high winds. Principals will communicate emergency plans in case conditions change while schools are in session. These plans will include protocols for addressing unexpected closures or adjustments.  Please look out for emails from your principals with detailed information for families later today. Please note that you will receive alerts directly from the district in an emergency through text and email.  Providing Grace, Flexibility, and Support We understand that some students and families may face difficulties returning to school immediately. To ensure all students feel supported, our schools will implement the following: Flexibility in Attendance : Absences will be excused for students unable to attend due to ongoing conditions, including evacuation warnings, power outages, or high wind advisories. Adjustments for Assignments : Teachers will offer grace with deadlines and provide opportunities for students to make up work or assessments as needed. Accessible Resources : Teachers will post assignments and materials on Google Classroom or class websites to support students who cannot attend in person. Support Services : Extended care programs and Student Nutrition Services will operate as usual to support students and staff. Caring Environments : Our staff will focus on fostering connection and emotional support for students, particularly those feeling anxious or overwhelmed. We are mindful of the unique needs of younger students, students with disabilities, and others requiring reassurance during this time. Supporting Displaced Students Please let your school office know if the recent events have displaced your family. Students displaced by natural disasters are automatically considered to be experiencing homelessness and are entitled to specific educational rights, including: Immediate enrollment, even if records are unavailable. Access to state minimum graduation requirements. Partial credit for coursework if unable to complete a full term. For more information or support, please contact your school office or Brad Benioff, Director of Student Support and School Safety, at  bbenioff@opusd.org . Instructional Days and Attendance Some of you may have questions about making up instructional days due to last week’s closures. Under the Governor’s emergency declaration and California Department of Education (CDE) guidelines, districts affected by natural disasters can apply for waivers (Form J-13A) to avoid penalties for missed instructional days and lost attendance revenue. Resources for Families We also know that the emotional impact of the past week may be significant, particularly for children. Below are some resources to help you navigate these challenges: Childhood Matters: This Ventura County-based nonprofit focuses on the emotional and mental health of children and youth. Their Calm Conversations: Explaining Wildfires to Children section offers excellent resources to support children during this time: Calm Conversations: Explaining Wildfires to Children California Wildfire Recovery Website:   wildfirerecovery.caloes.ca.gov  provides information on housing, debris removal, and financial assistance. Emergency Support and Donations:  Ventura County Community Foundation American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles Center for Disaster Philanthropy Direct Relief World Central Kitchen Disaster Relief Fund Thank you for your continued trust and partnership. If your family needs additional support, please do not hesitate to contact your school office. Together, we will provide the care, connection, and stability our students and community need during this time. Sincerely, Anais Wenn Superintendent

Sunday, Jan 12 2025

High Wind Advisory, Red Flag Warning, and Safety Pro...

Dear OPUSD Families, We want to provide you with the latest information regarding the  Red Flag Warning  and  High Wind Advisory  issued by the National Weather Service for Ventura and Los Angeles counties and the precautionary measures we are implementing at our school sites. The National Weather Service has issued the following alerts: Red Flag Warning Effective Tuesday, January 7, at 4 AM through Thursday, January 9, at 6 PM. High Wind Warning Winds of 30-45 mph, with gusts up to 60-70 mph, are expected. Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) Southern California Edison (SCE) is monitoring circuits for potential outages. As of Monday, more than 400,000 customers across Southern California, including 100,000 in Ventura County, are in circuits under PSPS consideration.  Protocols During high winds, all outdoor activities, including recess, lunch, PE, and Club Oak Park, will be moved indoors. Air quality is currently in the "Good" range for Oak Park ( AirNow.gov ), but we will continue monitoring conditions. Please drive carefully, as high winds may cause hazardous conditions. If travel disruptions impact your ability to get to school, notify your school office. We will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as needed. Brad Benioff Director of Student Support and School Safety

Tuesday, Jan 07 2025

District of Choice (DOC) Application Deadline is Tod...

Dear OPUSD Families and Staff, This is the final reminder that the District of Choice (DOC) application for the 2025-2026 school year closes at midnight today, December 31, 2024. We know that most of our new families join us because of recommendations from staff and families. Please help us spread the word and remind friends and neighbors who are interested in joining OPUSD. Important Information for Oak Park Residents Families living in Oak Park do not need to apply through the District of Choice program. If you are new to the district and live in Oak Park, please contact us for guidance on enrollment—you do not need to submit a DOC application.  How to Apply Deadline: December 31, 2024 (to apply for the 2025-2026 school year) Apply Here:  www.opusd.org/DOC Age Requirements: Transitional Kindergarten (must be age 4 by September 1, 2025) and Kindergarten (must be age 5 by September 1, 2025) Please note that  a separate application is required for each student. Admission Process & Priority Admission is based on space availability. If applications exceed grade-level capacity, a random lottery will be conducted. Priority is given to: Siblings of children already attending OPUSD Students eligible for free or reduced-price meals and/or foster/homeless youth Note:  This is not the same as Universal Free Meals—families must provide verification of income eligibility for the program, such as FRL documentation, CalFresh, or other categorical program. For more information, please see the   CDE website  to check if you qualify. Children of military personnel If you have any questions, please contact:  Kara Newton:  knewton@opusd.org Brad Benioff:  bbenioff@opusd.org Brad Benioff  Director of Student Support and School Safety

Tuesday, Dec 31 2024

Reminder: District of Choice Application Deadline is...

Dear OPUSD Families and Staff, This is a friendly reminder that the  District of Choice (DOC) application deadline for the 2025-2026 school year is midnight, December 31, 2024. If you’re considering enrolling a school-age child not currently attending OPUSD, please note that  a separate application is required for each student.  Siblings of current students are given priority under the DOC law, so be sure to submit their applications before the deadline if you wish to enroll them in OPUSD. Admission Process & Priority Admission is based on space availability. If applications exceed grade-level capacity, a random lottery will be conducted. Priority is given to: Siblings of children already attending OPUSD Students eligible for free or reduced-price meals and/or foster/homeless youth Note:  This is not the same as Universal Free Meals—families must provide verification of income eligibility for the program, such as FRL documentation, CalFresh, or other categorical program. For more information, please see the   CDE website  to check if you qualify. Children of military personnel How to Apply Deadline:  December 31, 2024 (to apply for the 2025-2026 school year) Apply Here:   www.opusd.org/DOC Age Requirements:  Transitional Kindergarten (must be age 4 by September 1, 2025) and Kindergarten (must be age 5 by September 1, 2025) If you have any questions, please contact:  Kara Newton:   knewton@opusd.org Brad Benioff:   bbenioff@opusd.org Brad Benioff  Director of Student Support and School Safety

Monday, Dec 23 2024