The Saugus Union School District (SUSD) announced Thursday students in the dual language immersion program are able to return to campus next month in “small cohorts.”

SUSD officials sent an email to parents Thursday detailing the change allowing classes of up to 12 students on-campus for two-and-a-half-hour periods starting on Jan. 11. 

“We are excited to inform you that our dual language immersion program students will be able to return to campus after winter break,” the email reads. “Our DLI program is special to us and we know the learning needs of our future bilingual students is in a critical stage as they learn the foundations of reading and writing in two languages.”

In September, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health announced in-person teaching is allowed for “small cohorts” of students requiring specialized instruction.

K-12 schools are allowed to offer in-school services for a small cohort of students with individualized education plans (IEPs), students requiring instruction for English as a Second Language (ESL) or students needing assessments or specialized in-school services, according to Dr. Muntu Davis, county health officer.

Those cohorts of students are allowed to be on campus as long as the school is able to fully implement the health officer’s reopening protocols, according to public health officials.

“This will get children who are in the most need of in-person learning back into their classrooms,” Davis said.

Those receiving services are required to maintain small group cohorts of no more than 12 students and two supervisors and it will be a stable group of people to maintain safety for both students and teachers, according to public health officials.

See Related: In-Person Teaching Allowed For ‘Small Cohorts’ Of K-12 Students In L.A. County

“Because our DLI classrooms are smaller than most classes within Saugus Union we have the ability to bring back high needs groups of students in small cohorts,” the email reads. 

SUSD plans on having two groups, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, to ensure the district meets the guidelines brought forth by public health.

“Please know that providing the best quality education possible while keeping the safety of our students, families and staff is key and will remain at the top of our priority list,” district officials said.

The small cohorts allow custodial staff to sanitize the room in between classrooms, according to the SUSD.

Public health officials have visited each school site within the district and have given the SUSD the “highest level of praise” for their protections in place. 

Saugus Union has already allowed other small cohorts on campus, including English learners and special education students.

“We know this is a small step towards our work for clearance for a full return to school, but this is an important step in the future of our bilingual and bi-literate DLI students representing our school and our community,” SUSD officials said. 

The additional small cohort is expected to be allowed on SUSD campuses starting Jan. 11.

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