Greetings Bell HS Family,
I hope this message finds you and your family in great health and sound in mind.
This week Superintendent Beutner made the announcement to have high schools return to CIF City Section competition. This decision was made knwing the rate of COVID-19 cases has continued to decline, state and Los Angeles County health authorities recently released new guidance which allows students ages 13 and older to participate in outdoor sports competitions and practices.
Specifically, “One step on our path to recovery from the pandemic is to allow students at schools in Los Angeles Unified to resume athletic conditioning for all sports. After careful consideration, we have also decided to allow students to participate in California Interscholastic Federation Season 1 and Season 2 competitions, including practices, skills-building sessions and two-team competitions.
All sport activities will be held outdoors, and participation in these is voluntary. Athletes, coaches and trainers must adhere to strict health and safety protocols which include appropriate protective equipment, masks, social distancing and informed consent by a student’s parent or guardian. Participation in weekly COVID testing is also required for all who are involved in sports.”
Los Angeles Unified, CIF City Section and Bell High School will follow the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health guidelines and will resume the following athletic activities:
- CIF Season 1: Cross country and Football.
- CIF Season 2: Baseball, golf, soccer, softball, outdoor swimming, tennis, track and field and traditional game day cheer.
As a school community we will keep you updated if there are further changes in Los Angeles County Department of Public Health guidelines or L.A. Unified plans in this area.In accordance with CDC guidelines and CIF City Section guidelines the following requirements are a must:
- All coaches and athletes must test negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours prior to entering the campus. A negative test result must be provided weekly.
- All coaches and players must pass LA Unified screening protocol prior to entering campus utilizing the health check on Daily Pass App (Power App).
- Maintain at least 6 feet of distance between coaches and participants and facilitate physical distancing between participants to the maximum extent possible.
- Face coverings must be worn pre- and post-workout.
- All students have their personal water bottles labeled.
- All student athletes enter through the Baseball Gate on Pine Ave at your designated time.
- Spectators may NOTenter campus or line up at check in. They must remain in their car while dropping off or picking up students.
- Hands must be sanitized pre and post conditioning (sanitizers and PPE supplies will be on site)
All athletes are to contact their coaches and zoom for additional information. All student-athletes will have to complete all eligibility requirements including but not limited to a sports physical and meet a minimum of a 2.0 grade point average for participation in competition. Officially, Bell HS will resume practice on Monday, March 8, 2021. Please check with your coaches for dates and times.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact the Bell HS Athletic Directors Ms. Castillo at sxc6258@lausd.netor Ms. Vega at mev7619@lausd.net
In conclusion, I will continue to reiterate, If we are to return to any model of face to face learning, EVERYONE must do their part by wearing a mask, practice social distancing, wash your hands, Covid test and remain home. We Can Get Through This!
In Partnership,
Rafael L. Balderas, Principal
