SOUTH PASADENA, Calif. (July 22, 2020) – The South Pasadena Council PTA’s month-long, community fundraiser, “Back2Class South Pas” met its goal and raised nearly $120,000 to support South Pasadena Unified School District’s (SPUSD) efforts to secure supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE) needed to help minimize the spread of coronavirus on campuses when schools reopen.
“The South Pasadena Council PTA and school PTAs were eager to join forces with parents who had expressed an interest in helping the District during the upheaval stemming from the COVID-19 crisis,” said Council PTA President Kathleen Baumann. “The success of this fundraiser is a great example of what our wonderful community can accomplish when we work toward a common goal.”
The South Pasadena D.U.D.E.S. organization contributed a significant portion of the total amount raised by offering a special 4th of July presentation to donors along with limited-edition “I Love South Pas” face masks. Local high school students also contributed by organizing a virtual 5K race with proceeds benefiting the fundraiser.
“The South Pasadena community really came together this summer to show support for the school district,” said Superintendent Geoff Yantz. “I’m so impressed by our families’ dedication to public education and to a collaborative approach that is helping solve challenges caused by the pandemic. Thank you so much to everyone who participated.”
As a result of this successful community fundraiser for PPE equipment, SPUSD is able to use separate funding to hire additional medical staff to implement new health guidelines that may be in place when we reopen. SPUSD recently hired Abigail Silver as the new district nurse who will oversee student health services and well-being at all campuses.
“In this time of uncertainty, Ms. Silver’s highly technical nursing experience coupled with her leadership and commitment to health education will greatly assist the staff as we redefine District policies and procedures related to the protection of our school community, said Yantz.”
For the past 16 years, Silver worked as a Nurse Practitioner and Registered Nurse at New York University’s (NYU) Langone Medical Center. During this time, she worked in the Cardiac Electrophysiology Laboratory (EP) /Heart Rhythm Center, the Cardiothoracic Surgical Unit, and the Cardiac Surgical ICU/Recovery Unit. Last summer, Ms. Silver worked as a Registered Nurse at Camp Starlight in Pennsylvania. Silver earned a master’s degree in nursing from New York University and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Syracuse University. She is board certified as an acute care nurse practitioner and holds registered nurse licenses in New York, Pennsylvania, and California.
To support Ms. Silver in her role as district nurse, SPUSD may hire two licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) - one at the elementary level and one at the secondary level. These LVNs will supplement the work done by health clerks at each individual school site, including but not limited to assisting with health checks of students and staff and responding to parent questions and concerns once schools physically reopen.
“When reopening becomes a reality, SPUSD will be faced with many health and safety considerations, and we must have a strong team of professionals in place to assist with the needs of our students, teachers, and staff,” said Yantz. “The federal, state and county laws and regulations are varied and we need medical professionals on staff to assist with the implementation.”
About South Pasadena Unified School District
Established in 1886, the South Pasadena Unified School District (SPUSD) serves approximately 4,800 students within five schools including three elementary schools, one middle school and one comprehensive high school in South Pasadena, California. Nestled in the West San Gabriel Valley, SPUSD has earned a reputation for providing high quality public education, attracting families who value challenging academic programs and outstanding teachers. Consistently recognized for superior performance, SPUSD students earn honors at the local, state and national level. The District draws vital support from parents and community members through the South Pasadena Educational Foundation, local PTAs and booster clubs.
For more information, contact: South Pasadena Unified School District, Office of the Superintendent, [email protected].