Parents and Guardians,
I wanted to provide you with an update regarding COVID-19. As with all matters concerning public health, UUSD has been working closely with the Mendocino County Department of Public Health and the Mendocino County Office of Education to stay up to date on current information. There are no known cases of COVID-19 in Mendocino County at this time.
We are implementing the directives issued by Public Health which include:
Large Gatherings:
- All events/gatherings greater than 250 people must be canceled or postponed.
- Gatherings of less than 250 people are only allowed if the event can provide for at least 6 feet of space between people.
- Gatherings of people at high risk should be limited to no more than 10 people.
Schools Will Remain Open:
Mendocino County Public Health Officer Dr. Doohan is not directing schools to close at this time. Dr. Doohan is closely monitoring the situation with Bay Area school districts and through collaborative conversations with public health and school leaders, she will make the best decision for children regarding school closure in Mendocino County.
We have no plans to close schools at this time. We hope that we never have to initiate school closures, but we wanted to share our school closure plan with you in advance. The protocols below for school closure will only be implemented if we, at any time, are told by Public Health that we have to close. If we have to close any or all schools, you should assume the closure will last at least 14 days. Students and families will be notified of a school closure via email, phone, or text. School closure information will also be posted on our school websites.
Academics:
In the event of school closure, the following steps will be taken:
- If possible, students will be asked to take home all instructional materials, such as textbooks, notebooks, supplemental materials, and Chromebooks and chargers (Grades 6 - 12).
- Teachers of students in Grades 6 - 12 might have students watch videos on YouTube, participate in a Google Hangout, use online curriculum, and/or complete assignments digitally. For students who do not have internet access and for students in grades TK - 5, supplemental instruction packets will be available.
- Teachers and Counselors will respond to student and parent emails sent during regular school hours. The first day of the closure will be a teacher preparation day.
- Assignments will be sent home via Google Classroom or email. In grades TK-5, your teacher will notify you when packets are available for your child to complete. These packets will be available outside the main office in boxes labeled by class.
- Students are expected to complete all assignments provided by teachers during the closure.
- Assignments are meant to maintain continuity of learning, but will not be able to fully replicate in-class experiences such as science labs, group discussions, etc.
Thank you so much for all you do to support your children and please stay safe and healthy!
Debra Kubin, UUSD Superintendent
Resources for how to talk to children about coronavirus.
Mendocino County Health and Human Services