It’s the little things that make a difference during times like these. Earlier this week, when the fire broke out north of Willits, staff contacted Ukiah Unified students and families with a Willits address to check on them. I live in Willits, and I had an unbelievable feeling of security and community when Ukiah High School counselor Jose Arroyo called me to see if we were doing okay and if we needed anything! I hope that other families feel this same warm feeling I had when my own students’ counselor reached out.  I want us to continue to be mindful that the little things add up to help make things better right now.  

These little things really matter, like when our food service staff dressed up as fruits and vegetables to greet families as they picked up food and BBQ on Wednesday. Any opportunity to bring a little bit of joy, those rays of sunshine in the orange skies looming overhead, really does make a difference! Who wouldn’t be overcome with joy to receive hot dogs from someone in a banana costume?

Thank you for your flexibility, patience, and dedication to our children’s education. When we all work together, we can help make the big challenges we are experiencing seem small. 

Food Distribution: Due to a change in regulations, we are excited to announce that we can now provide free food for Ukiah Unified students and any child in our community 18 years or younger every Wednesday at one location, Ukiah High School, from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Food distribution will happen regardless of the weather, and there will be no bus deliveries. 

Tutors: Every Ukiah Unified student now has access to tutors for academic support. You can get tutoring during the day, in the evening, and on weekends in any subject at any grade level. Bilingual tutors are available. Each campus has tailored its tutoring program to fit the unique needs of their students and families. Please reach out to your child’s teacher or the school office for specific details.

Distance Learning Tip: Hide Self View

We know that for some students (and adults), it is stressful for them to continue to see themselves on Zoom or Google during class, but they need to have their camera on for the teacher. There is an option for students to turn off “Self View” in Zoom and Google Meet. Turning off self-view allows the instructor to see the student without the student having to see themselves.

• Zoom: To turn off Self View, click on the three dots in your Zoom screen’s upper right-hand corner. A list pops up. At the bottom of the list, click on Hide Self View. 
• Google Meet: To turn off Self View, click on the tiles in the top right corner of your google Meet screen. Your picture will remain small and in the top right of your screen, but it will not appear on the main screen. Google Meet Viewing Options

Social-Emotional Support:  If your child is having difficulty dealing with this stressful situation, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. You can always view our Social-Emotional and Mental Health Resources here. For children in our Ukiah Unified schools, please call your child’s school or e-mail the school counselors for support. Helping Children Cope With Changes Resulting From COVID-19 If you are experiencing a crisis, please contact the Mendocino County Crisis Hotline at 855-838-0404, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

National Day of Service and Patriot Day: Today is National Day of Service and Patriot Day in remembrance of 9-11. Join me in honoring our first responders and military members for keeping us safe and secure. Take a moment to thank a first responder as we celebrate their hard work and dedication. Visit https://www.nationalservice.gov/ to discover ways to serve our community.

Please continue to do the little things that make a difference in everyone’s lives! Thank you for your kindness and understanding. We are all doing the best we can for our kids, and we are committed to providing the best Distance Learning experience possible. Don’t forget we are always here for you and your family!  Do not hesitate to let us know what your needs are!  Reach out to your school for more information, or call our District Hotline at 707-472-5003.