By LILY TINOCO | Reporter
The Palisades Charter High School Board of Trustees passed a vaccine mandate requiring all students, 16 years of age and older, to be vaccinated against COVID-19 during a special meeting on Tuesday, October 26.
The mandate—effective January 11, 2022—requires all age-eligible students to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to access in-person learning, activities and events on the Pali High campus.
All students eligible for vaccines with full FDA approval, those 16 and older, must show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and be prepared to verify if requested on any given day, excluding students with approved medical exemptions and those who are offered conditional admissions.
“I want to thank you all for your ongoing support as Palisades Charter High School continues to address pandemic-related challenges,” Principal Pam Magee wrote in a statement sent Sunday, October 31. “While health and safety conditions are improving, the impacts of these circumstances will continue for some time. We believe this action creates a safer learning environment for all on our campus, and aligns with local and state guidance and directives related to COVID-19 vaccination for all age-eligible students. Your input during the decision-making process was carefully considered and much appreciated.”
The mandate requires students 16 years and older to receive their first vaccine dose by November 19 and their second dose no later than December 17. Newly enrolled students will be required to receive their first dose no later than 30 days after their enrollment date and their second dose no later than eight weeks after the student’s enrollment date.
Newly age-eligible students will have to receive their first dose no more than 30 days after their 16th birthday. Foster youth, homeless, migrant, military families or students with an IEP are granted conditional admission for 30 days pending review.
According to the mandate, students are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their final dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine. They can attend in-person learning, activities and events as of the 15th day from their last shot.
Parents and guardians may seek a medical exemption: Applications for medical exemptions must be submitted to the school by Friday, November 19. If approved, the student will be allowed on-campus.
Pali High does not allow for religious or personal belief exemptions, according to the letter. Fully FDA-approved, age-eligible students not meeting the vaccine requirement will not be allowed to take in-person classes on campus.
Pali High’s Virtual Academy and Independent Study Program is hosting an Information Night for spring enrollment on Wednesday, November 10, via Zoom.
Parents and guardians who would like their student to be considered for the programs for the second semester must notify the school by November 19.
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