On February 5th, Jurupa Unified School District, in partnership with Albertsons, hosted a COVID-19 vaccination clinic at Rubidoux High School. Advance appointments were made available to JUSD employees, after which the offer to get vaccinated was extended to employees from neighboring school districts. A total of 1,570 vaccinations were given. Denise Hernandez, Director of Human Resources, coordinated the clinic.
“I made a million calls and Albertsons called me back and I’m so, so grateful,” she said on the day of the event.
Mrs. Hernandez secured the Moderna vaccines from Albertsons, then took the lead organizing the clinic at Rubidoux High School, an ideal location due to its size, parking availability, and ease of access.
In the weeks leading up to the event, Daniel Brooks, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, sent routine emails providing information about the clinic and the link to make an appointment.
“We’re so excited about bringing this opportunity to our employees,” said Mr. Brooks. “We wanted to do what we could to make sure our folks are going to feel confident and ready for whatever comes next.”
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Appointments were accessible, costing Jurupa employees no sick or vacation time. Staff members from across the district were present onsite to provide direction, assistance, and information. Todd Moerer, Assistant Principal of Rubidoux High School, oversaw preparations at his site and called the event “a whole team effort.”
Continue reading for reactions from employees who received the vaccine:
“I think it’s amazing,” shared Ashley Adams, Assistant Principal’s Secretary at Jurupa Valley High School. She chose to get vaccinated for her daughter, who has special needs. “I didn’t have to go far. It’s local. A good opportunity to get back to normal. That’s my goal.”
“I want to protect myself and I want to protect others,” said Heather Millward-Pena, Resource Specialist from West Riverside. She has a difficult time getting shots, but believes the COVID-19 vaccine is worth the discomfort. “I think it’s very important that we’re all protected. JUSD is doing their job to protect us.”
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“I’m so grateful to our district,” shared Roberta Pace, Director of College & Career Readiness. “I have friends and colleagues who work in other districts and they’re not getting any information or support to make this happen for them.”
“It’s hard to get a vaccine anywhere,” said Vytas Bliudzius, Computer Technician. “There’s no reason not to [take advantage].”
“I honestly believe we were given a gift,” stated Lucia Bluidzius, ASB Bookkeeper for Rubidoux High School. “We have the opportunity to not have to drive so far, to have it here in our home community. I thank anybody who was involved in getting us this wonderful gift.”
Dr. Jose Araux, Principal of Rubidoux High School, was excited to be part of the process. “Jurupa Unified [is supporting] our staff so we are able to provide services to students as soon as possible,” he said. “It’s so important to be protected, because our main objective is to come back to class in a safe environment for our students and our staff. And this is one of the first steps that we are taking to ensure that we achieve that goal.”
