In response to COVID-19, school districts across our country had to act swiftly and implement distant learning programs to ensure students continue to learn during the shelter-in-place orders. Ukiah Unified School District and CSEA Chapter 194 are no exception. 

Our community has had several tragedies over the past several years - including the devastating wildfires, public safety power shutoffs, and now COVID-19. During these difficult times, there is even more pressure on our students and their families. Whatever we can do as a school district to support and encourage healthy and safe learning habits will assist in the mental health of our students and community.

I have never been more proud to be an employee and a parent of the Ukiah Unified School District. It has been inspiring and amazing to watch us all come together to do whatever we can to support our students and each other during this crisis. Ukiah Unified staff continue to deliver food to students, keep facilities clean and safe for when students can return, and ensure our students have Chromebooks to aid in this virtual learning environment, keeping students engaged and connected to their teachers and classmates. 

As public school employees, we are all considered essential workers, and this means we remain on the front lines to continue to serve our students and community. We are very fortunate at Ukiah Unified to have great leadership that genuinely cares about children. The flood of classified and certified staff that signed up to volunteer to prepare and deliver meals, assist in getting learning packets and Chromebooks together, and in continuing to work hard to make sure our facilities are properly cleaned and maintained is awe-inspiring.

All of us play a crucial role in student success, and during this time, it should not go unseen. The selfless service of others is what true kindness and humanity are built on. This pandemic required us to distance ourselves from each other physically; however, it cannot break the human bond. Even though we cannot physically be together, we can communicate via technology and continue to hold virtual get-togethers. Social distancing does not have to mean isolation. 

Let’s continue to reach out to each other, check on the elderly, and check on your friends and family. We will get through this together. I want to thank every Ukiah Unified employee for all their hard work and selfless service to our community. I am very proud to be a part of this great team!