Dear WCCUSD Families,
Today, Governor Gavin Newsom suggested that schools would remain closed for the rest of this academic year due to the COVID-19 outbreak. This is disappointing but expected news. With the number of COVID-19 cases increasing, public health experts have instituted a number of measures they hope will slow the spread of the disease. I encourage you to follow the stay-at-home orders issued by the county health officer and follow the guidelines that have been provided in order to keep yourself, your family and your community safe.
While school facilities are closed, learning will not stop. State Superintendent Tony Thurmond said that our energies need to be focused on providing distance learning opportunities for the rest of the school year.
As I mentioned in last night’s message, a more robust distance learning plan will be implemented beginning on April 13. More information about the plan, including more guidance for parents and students, will be coming over the next few days. In the meantime, we need to prepare for the extended school closures.
The County Health Officer has strengthened the previous stay-at-home orders, limiting travel to essential businesses and services. Travel to facilitate distance learning is considered essential business, so on Friday, April 3, schools will be open from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. for students and families to pick up the materials needed to continue instruction at home during the extended closures. Strict Social Distancing Protocols will be in place during this distribution period.
Similarly to the March 19 materials pick up, we will ask that you be mindful of the social distancing guidelines and stay at least six feet away from anyone who is not a member of your household. This is an opportunity for students in Grades TK, K or 1 to pick up paper packets or devices and students in Grades 2-12 to pick up devices, if they have not already done so. Principals will reach out to you with specific information about the materials pick up for your child’s school.
Board of Education Meeting
The Board of Education is meeting tonight at 6:30 p.m. in a virtual meeting. This meeting will be virtual and meet the standards set in the Governor’s Emergency Order issued on March 12, 2020. Members of the public can access the meeting via Zoom or by telephone. Directions to access the meeting are available on the agenda.
Additional Resources
The District has opened a one-stop shop where you can get answers or be directed to resources. The call center will be open Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to support families and staff during the school closures. You can email questions@wccusd.netor call (510) 943-4444 or (510) 943-4443 for Spanish.
Information about meals, wifi access and other resources can be found on the District website (www.wccusd.net/districtclosure).
Student meal pick up will continue from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 17 locations in the District. All children 18 and under are eligible to receive meals regardless of household income or school they attend.
For all the news about school closures, please check the District’s web page at www.wccusd.net/districtclosure. You can also receive information through our social media platforms. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Finally, if you are not receiving updates for the District, make sure we have your correct contact information by completing this Google Form.
Thank you again for your support.
In Partnership,
Matthew Duffy
Superintendent