There are many nouns (and adjectives) that whirl around in my mind to put a bow on 2020!  Courage, sacrifice, and perseverance! These are the words that most describe 2020 to me. Over the past year, we have spent every waking moment analyzing, thinking, and learning about the pandemic. Now take a deep breath. Give yourself a break and a pat on the back because you deserve it. We’re obviously not through this tough time yet, but now with the arrival of vaccines, I believe we can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I’ve told staff that thoughts of vaccines have danced in my head this year rather than the usual sugar plums.

The holidays are stressful.  When you add holiday stress to the pandemic, it can become overwhelming. Please make an extra effort this holiday season to check on each other and check in on your children.  Try to do something active outdoors with your children during the holiday break to enjoy our beautiful surroundings!  Although our numbers are bad and we are in the purple, our intention is to open as soon as conditions allow us to open safely. Help us get our schools reopened by doing your part - wear a mask, watch your physical distance, and wash your hands.

Mendocino County Public Health Schools Guidance has been updated.  The main update is the elimination of a specific number on cohort size.  Please read the updated guidance here: https://www.mendocinocounty.org/home/showpublisheddocument?id=39039

UUSD COVID Response Website: We have a new website with extensive information about our eventual return to In-Person Instruction. This site will be updated as conditions, guidance, and plans change. View the site here: https://sites.google.com/uusd.net/uusdcovidresponse/

UUSD Health & Safety Guidebook: Check out our guidebook to learn about health and safety protocols for our eventual return to In-Person Instruction.  View the guidebook here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cOo_yS7pBZPxYt-bc-JG4tG5vGqy_0OQ/view?usp=sharing

Counseling and Social-Emotional Support:  The holidays are a tough time for many. Please reach out if your child needs support. For children in our Ukiah Unified schools, please call your child’s school or e-mail the school counselors for support. You can always view our Social-Emotional and Mental Health Resources here. If you are experiencing a crisis, contact the Mendocino County Crisis Hotline at 855-838-0404, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  

Please continue to get information from official UUSD channels like my weekly communications, at www.uusd.net. 2020 has had so many challenges, and we are almost through it! I wish you and your family a relaxing and peaceful holiday. Thank you so much for your patience, love, and understanding!