Dear OUSD Community,

Last night, Governor Newsom issued an open-ended statewide “Stay at Home” order to support the State’s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. How the order will be enforced is unclear at this time, but officials said they expect residents to follow the mandatory order.

While we work to learn more about what this means for our organization in the coming days, education is still considered an essential service. School sites will remain closed to the public, and teachers will continue to facilitate online distance learning. The school sites identified as essential services to families will serve meals and remain open for that purpose. If you have questions about school closure, please call (714) 628-4466 or email schoolclosures@orangeusd.org.

We continue to provide free breakfasts and lunches to any OUSD student who wants one at the same locations, days and times. A flyer with more information is on our website under School Closure Resources.

Our district also continues to offer remote learning services to students. We are aware that there are many questions about grading during this time and District Leadership will be meeting with the Orange Unified Education Association next week to discuss grading criteria while distance learning is in place. More information will follow.

It’s important to note that our online learning platforms can be accessed from any device, including mobile phones. Staff will continue to be available by phone to support ongoing services and programs. If you have questions about technology, please call (714) 628-5372 or email techsupport@orangeusd.org.

For those in need, loaner devices will still be distributed today (March 20) at the District Office (1401 N. Handy, Orange) from 9 AM until 3 PM. Following today’s distribution, appointments will need to be made for device pickup to support social distancing guidelines. To request an appointment, complete the Technology Access Form. Kindly note that we are currently out of hotspots but will contact those who have submitted a request for one as soon as our latest order arrives. Otherwise, OUSD facilities are closed to the public.

Please continue to check our website and social media accounts for updates and information. We will alert you to any change to our student dismissal period as we receive additional guidance through our daily communication with federal, state, and local officials.

Thank you for your partnership and understanding as we navigate these unprecedented times together.

Sincerely,

Gunn Marie Hansen, Ph.D.

Superintendent of Schools

Orange Unified School District