Tehachapi Unified School District

Students need whooping cough vaccination

The Tehachapi Unified School District is advising parents to be aware of a new law pertaining to vaccinations required for students.

On September 29, 2010 California wrote into law Assembly Bill 354, 2011 Pertussis (Whooping Cough) Immunization Requirements for Students. Whooping cough (pertussis) has been widespread in California during 2010. The California Department of Public Health recommends, and Assembly Bill 354 requires, that all Californians 10 years and older receive a booster shot against pertussis (also known as “Tdap”).

For the 2011-12 school years only, all students entering 7th through 12th grades will need proof of a Tdap booster shot before starting school. This requirement:

· Begins July 1, 2011. · Does not affect students enrolled in summer school.

TUSD has a large number of students in grades 7-12 who have not shown proof of the Tdap immunization by turning in an updated shot record to their school’s front office health clerk or secretary.  This is a requirement for attending school during the 2011-2012 school year.  All students who will be in grades 7-12 in the 2011-2012 school year must submit proof of receiving this immunization (or a signed parent waiver for personal beliefs or medical exemptions only) before they can begin classes.

Education roundup: Wendy Walsh drops ACLU reps in wrongful death ...

Wendy Walsh, the mother of a 13-year-old Tehachapi student who committed suicide reportedly after being bullied in school for being gay , has axed the American Civil Liberties Union as her representative as she pursues a wrongful death case against Tehachapi Unified School District.

As of last week, she is now being represented by local attorney Daniel Rodriguez.

“She just thought it would be better to go with a lawyer who had experience handling these types of cases,” said Rodriguez, who has 30 years of experience and has worked several high-profile wrongful death cases.

Tehachapi Unified’s school board in April rejected a wrongful death claim filed by Walsh, as is routine. The filing and rejection of a claim is often the precursor to a lawsuit.

Seth Walsh hanged himself in his backyard in September, and partly blamed his school. Wendy Walsh claims Tehachapi Unified officials ignored complaints of bullying against Seth, while Tehachapi Unified officials say they followed protocols.

Concurrent with the potential lawsuit is a battle by Walsh and to create an anti-bullying system at all California schools. Also in April, Seth’s Law, an Assembly bill named in memory of her son, passed the California Assembly Education Committee.

Proponents, which include the ACLU, argue it will help create a safe school environment for all students, but in particular for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals.

Rebecca Farmer, an ACLU spokeswoman, responded to being dropped by Walsh: “She has been such an inspiring advocate to work with and we’re continuing to push for changes in state and national laws that would benefit all LGBT students … and these efforts have been strengthened so much by Wendy lending her voice and support.”

The U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights continues to investigate the district’s handling of bullying claims connected with Seth’s death, officials said Friday.

Bakersfield City School District’s board is expected to announce its interim superintendent during Tuesday’s meeting , where it will also be looking at the district’s budget as it relates to the governor’s recent revisions, and discuss changes to the way school board elections are held.

In closed session Tuesday, the district is recommending the board ratify the interim superintendent’s contract. Current Superintendent Michael Lingo will retire in June, but stick around for as long as three months as an unpaid consultant.

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