CLOSURE UPDATE
ISSUE #6: April 17, 2020, Cambrian School District
Dear Cambrian Families,
We hope all members of our Cambrian Family are staying safe and healthy during this challenging time we find ourselves in. We are appreciative for your support, encouragement and patience as we share in this unprecedented time. As we head toward the end of the school year, our team is committed to providing meaningful, engaging distance learning for your student. I am so grateful to our team of educators for coming together under such extraordinary circumstances. Though we miss seeing children’s faces in person every day, we are encouraged by their active participation in online distance learning, and the knowledge that we are all doing our part to keep COVID-19 from spreading.
Please take a moment to read the valuable information listed below. Our team has been working hard to provide the most up-to-date, relevant information to make this chapter of our history meaningful.
On a personal note, over the past few weeks, I have seen kindness that is so palatable in our community. Though we stand 6 feet apart, we are closer together than ever. This virus has underestimated human resolve. It has tested, but miscalculated, the innovation and ingenuity of this population. And it misunderstands what good people do when bad things happen--they get strong, they get smart, and they unite. Our world, as ‘socially distant’ as it is right now, stands shoulder to shoulder to defeat an enemy that threatens our citizens, our economy and our future. As Malcolm X once said, “When ‘I’ is replaced by ‘we’, even illness becomes wellness.”
We in Cambrian School District remain united and committed to the children of our community. We are CAMBRIAN.
Board Meetings Go Virtual
Last evening’s Board Meeting was conducted through WebEx as a teleconference in response to the COVID-19 virus situation and Santa Clara County Shelter in Place Order. The public had the opportunity to participate remotely using links that were provided by the District. The meeting was held via teleconference pursuant to the provisions of the Governor's Executive Orders N-5-20 and N-29-20, which suspend certain requirements of the Ralph M. Brown Act. As always, the Board welcomed comments from the public. Public comments were remotely submitted and read by a staff member. To view the Board Briefing for the April 16, 2020, and March 19, 2020 meetings, please click here.
Second Interim Budget Update
On March 19, 2020, the 2nd Interim Financial reports were presented to the Board of Trustees. The change from 1st Interim to 2nd Interim was minimal and immaterial to the operations of the current budget year. As of this reporting period (through January 31st) we continue to present a “Positive Certification” of our budget.
This means that we are anticipating being able to meet the State required minimum 3% reserve level in the current budget year and in the two subsequent fiscal years. It is important to note, however, that we are meeting this requirement only through significant reductions to staffing and programs in the coming years based on our adopted Fiscal Stability Plan. As we begin to build the budget for the 2020-21 fiscal year our budget challenges intensify under the current global economic crisis created by the COVID-19 Pandemic.
In recent weeks economic forecasts for the State of California are indicating a recession is upon us. School districts across the state are being advised to prepare for state budget reductions in the forms of lower Cost of Living Adjustments than earlier anticipated (and possibly “unfunded”), deferred payments of our apportionments and new program dollars eliminated. Moving forward we will continue to evaluate and refine our budgetary needs and make additional adjustments as necessary to maintain fiscal stability and solvency while providing the best possible educational experience for our students.
Based on the 2nd Interim information the “‘Budget at a Glance” infographic has also been updated. Please click here to view this document outlining Cambrian’s budget, as of April 15, 2020.
Distance Learning at Home Resources
CSD is committed to providing academic continuity that honors commitment to high-quality learning for all students during. As such, CSD staff have created the Distance Learning at Home Resources website - one location where students and families can refer to if you have any questions or concerns with regards to distance learning. You can find the resources at the following district website: https://www.cambriansd.org/Page/3578.
Our staff will continue to communicate regularly and post new information, updates or changes as needed. Please contact your child’s teacher directly via email if you have specific questions regarding school work or scheduled Google Meet assigned by your child’s teacher.
We Want Your Feedback
Please complete the following Parent Feedback Form to provide us feedback or if you have specific questions regarding distance learning. Our goal is to implement distance learning to the extent possible and with feedback from you about how your children are engaged in learning at home. Staff will do our best to respond to all questions in the FAQ via the Distance Learning at Home Resources webpage. This FAQ will be updated weekly.
Synchronous & Asynchronous Learning
Teachers will communicate and deliver distance learning with students in a variety of ways. The chart below provides some examples of synchronous and asynchronous learning opportunities that teachers will be providing to engage students in continuous learning. Synchronous learning entails teachers online with students at the same time and Asynchronous learning involves the teacher and student online at different times. During distance learning your child will have both synchronous and asynchronous learning opportunities.
Student Feedback
All teachers will offer feedback to your students as needed. Although student assignments are not graded and students are not to be penalized for missed assignments or unfinished work, feedback on the work assigned for all students is really important to motivate and engage students in continuing to learn. Please reach out to your child’s teacher for more information on how your child will get feedback on the work they have completed.
Support for English Learners
It is important to know that, during this unprecedented time of school closure, CSD and districts across California may not be able to provide all services in the same manner they were typically provided in the traditional school setting. CSD has added instructional resources to the CSD Distance Learning Resource for Families website. English Learners are to utilize the resources at the appropriate grade level. All teachers will continue to provide support and accommodations for EL students where reasonably feasible. Middle School English Learners enrolled in Sheltered EL Courses will receive assignments and instruction directly from their English Learner teacher.
Parents or guardians may contact their student’s teacher or school principal if they have any questions. The Educational Services Department is also available to assist families with any questions.
Translation Services
Translations services are available through the use of Language Line. Please contact your child’s teacher or school principal if you need second language assistance.
Requesting Support
Fill out this form if you have a question and need support with translation. A staff member will get back to you: CSD Translation Assistance Request Form.
Social, Emotional and Physical Wellness Support
We recognize that this is a very unsettling and challenging time for students, families, and our community. The Cambrian School District believes in educating the whole child and that means providing for education, social, emotional, and physical growth and enrichment. In difficult times like these, students and families may find themselves in need of some social-emotional assistance and support. We have procured a list of resources we hope that you may use to support your children during school closure at the following webpage: https://www.cambriansd.org/Page/3580
CAMBRIAN EXTENDED CARE Registration for 2020-21
We are excited to announce that our registration site for Cambrian Extended Care is now live for the 2020-21 school year! Our district-run before and after-school care program will be provided at Steindorf STEAM Magnet School, Farnham Elementary, Fammatre Elementary, Sartorette Elementary and Price Middle School. To register and learn more about what our program has to offer, please visit our registration page!
Cambrian Extended Care Registration Website: https://cambriansd.ce.eleyo.com
Please note that for the 2020-21 school year Bagby Elementary School will continue with the extended care programs currently on campus. Please go to Bagby Elementary School’s webpage to learn more!
We look forward to providing our Cambrian families with high quality extended care opportunities! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at your earliest convenience.
Christina Bingham, Coordinator of Extended Day Program
Email: binghamc@cambriansd.com
Now Hiring Extended Care Program Site Leads for 2020-21 School Year
Cambrian is hiring Site Leads for before and after school Extended Care Program starting next school year, 2020-21. If you are interested in this position please visit Edjoin.org: https://www.edjoin.org/Home/DistrictJobPosting/1292926
Now Hiring Extended Care Program Activity Leaders for 2020-21 School Year
Cambrian is hiring Activity Leaders for before and after school Extended Care Program starting next school year, 2020-21. If you are interested in this position please visit Edjoin.org: https://www.edjoin.org/Home/DistrictJobPosting/1292913
TECHNOLOGY TIPS and SUPPORTS
Video Conferencing
Cambrian is using Google Hangouts Meet to support video conferencing with our students and teachers. Please take a moment to review this notice regarding live video class session expectations and considerations. It is also important that you review these live video class session guidelines with your child.
Digital Tools for Learning
We are constantly updating our Cambrian School Disrtrict web pages to provide better support for learning at home. Please be sure to review https://www.cambriansd.org/Page/1705 periodically.
Need Support with Technology?
We are here to help you at home when your child is struggling online with their CSD device or tools. We know it can be difficult to figure out so let us help you. Do you need help with a technology issue related to using Cambrian’s digital tools? Please fill out this help request form and a member of the Cambrian technology staff will get back to you.
Support Cambrian Families During COVID-19 Emergency
The Cambrian Educational Foundation (CEF) is dedicated to the well-being of our Cambrian students, families, and staff. During this unprecedented time, a fund has been set-up to help those families that are finding themselves facing unprecedented hardship as a result of the COVID-19 Crisis. All funds will go directly towards helping those in our Cambrian Community and are tax-deductible. If you would like to take part in helping out students and families in need you can donate through the CEF website. To donate, click here.
Counseling Support
Community Resources for Reducing Stress and Maintaining Mental Health
The Santa Clara County Behavioral Health Services Department has developed some information sheets in multiple languages to help residents cope effectively during these times. Those sheets along with other resources can be found at https://www.sccgov.org/sites/bhd. You can also share this information via Facebook and Twitter.
The Mental Health Services Call Center is operating 24-hours, 7 days per week at 1-800-704-0900. The Center will make referrals to available community services. Language assistance services are available at 1-800-704-0900 (TTY: 1-800.855.7100 or 711).
The Suicide & Crisis Hotline continues to operate 24-hours, 7 days a week at 1-855-278-4204.
The Crisis Text Line continues to be available and provides free, text-based, confidential assistance to people in need in Santa Clara County. To receive text-based support from trained Crisis Text Line counselors, Santa Clara County residents can text RENEW to 741741.
The Substance Use Services Call Center operates Monday through Friday, from 8 AM to 5 PM at 1-800-488-9919.
The Uplift Family Services' Mobile Crisis Team provides 24-hour intervention to children and teens in the community who are in acute psychological crisis. To access the 24-hour/7 days a week crisis line call 1-408-379-9085 or call toll-free 1-877-41-CRISIS (412-7474).
Family Weekly Wellness Challenge
The weather is warming up and we are enjoying the outdoors. Let’s express our gratitude to celebrate our Cambrian community with sidewalk chalk art. Thursday, April 23, 2020 is Cambrian’s Day of the Employee. Create a message to a Cambrian team member who has supported you. Send us photos, post on social media and tag us #wearecambrian.
Cambrian is Kind
During the Shelter in Place our amazing Cambrian Community has flexed our kindness strength in various ways. Our community continues to provide a supportive hand to families and students everyday. Here are just a few examples of how Cambrian flexes their kindness muscles.
Our Home and School Clubs have supported a needy District family with shelter
Our District office team has delivered nutritious, free groceries to needy district families
Teachers have develiverd learning materials to students’ doorsteps
Teachers have created virtual assemblies-- so creative!
Do you need new tips on how to support your child with the new normal? Here are few webinars that can provide you with a few new tools to add to your toolbox.
PurposeFull People Toolkit Walkthrough
PurposeFull People is CharacterStrong’s K-5 Toolkit. It is intentionally designed to support any work you are already doing around Character Education and Social-Emotional Learning - and is a robust option on its own.
Managing Stress with Mindness Strategies
All children respond to stress in different ways – some responses are more productive than others. Attend this April 21st webinar to help your kids develop habits and responses that reduce their worries with mindfulness strategies.
Responding to Your Child’s Challenging Behavior
What do you do when your child’s behavior leaves you feeling frustrated and powerless to respond in a positive way? Attend this April 22 webinar to learn about some effective strategies you can use to respond to your child’s challenging behavior.
Happy Friday! From Bagby Elementary
Community Resources and Local Information
Where Can I Pick Up Food?
Families may receive free breakfast and lunch daily Monday through Friday from 11- 1 PM. A drive-up food pickup service is available at Price Middle School, 2650 New Jersey Avenue, San Jose, CA 95124.
CA Meals for Kids Mobile APP
The CA Meals for Kids mobile application helps you find nearby California Afterschool and Summer Meal Programs Sites through your iOS, Android, or Microsoft devices. The Emergency Meal Sites section may be used during school closures due to emergency situations. https://www.cde.ca.gov/re/mo/cameals.asp
Reaching Out Food Center
We understand the challenge that some families will face with the District closure for this period of time. If you are in need of food resources, there are local agencies that can help.
We encourage any family that is in need to visit the Reaching Out Food Center, 2315 Canoas Garden Avenue, San Jose, CA 95124, (408) 267-4691. They are open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. until 12 noon. Just bring a photo ID and a bill with your address on it. Note that Reaching Out does not register your personal information with the U.S. Government, and you will be given free, nutritious groceries no matter what.
Food Distribution Map
The City of San José launched a food distribution map (bit.ly/SCCFoodMap) with important information on county-wide food distribution sites to ensure food security for those in need. In collaboration with the County of Santa Clara, non-profit community partners, school districts, and faith-based organizations, the Silicon Valley Strong coalition now has 129 food distribution sites operating Monday through Friday. Visit siliconvalleystrong.org for more information on how to access food resources or to donate. Also, call 2-1-1, a 24-hour multi-lingual service, or text your zip code to 89821.
Childcare Program for Health Care Workers
Childcare Program for Health Care Workers in the County. County Office of Education SupportsCounty-Wide Child Care Programs for Emergency Service Workers: County Wide Childcare Program.
Can I get unemployment benefits information?
Parents who cannot work because of their child's school closures may be eligible for Unemployment Insurance Benefits. Please call the OLSE Advice Line for help in determining eligibility and assistance with applications or visit sccfairworkplace.org or call the OLSE Advice Line: (866) 870-7725.
Help for PG&E Customers Facing Hardships
Pacific Gas and Electric Company is offering billing and service modifications, effective immediately, for customers experiencing hardships as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure that the lights stay on and the gas continues to flow. For details, visit www.pge.com/covid19 or call 1 (800) 743 5000.
Update on Stimulus Checks
The Federal CARES Act Economic Impact Payments (also known as stimulus checks) have started to hit individual banking accounts. Those who filed their taxes 2018 or 2019, should automatically receive a payment. Residents can check their payment status here.
Residents who did not file income taxes in the last two years can use the IRS "Non-Filers: Enter Your Payment Info Here" application to receive their stimulus check. This tool provides a simple, easy option for people who either don’t need to file a Federal income tax return or with too little income to file. For more information, see the Frequently Asked Questions provided by Free File Fillable Forms, the certified IRS partner that is managing the tool.
Expanded Support for California Workers
Starting Monday, April 20, the Employment Development Department (EDD) will launch a new call center that will operate 7 days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The Unemployment Insurance Branch will be upstaffed with 1,340 employees, including 740 EDD employees and 600 employees from across state government.
The EDD will also stand up a one-stop-shop for individuals applying for unemployment insurance and the new federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program starting April 28. PUA benefits are distinct from unemployment benefits and cover the self-employed, employees who lack sufficient work history, gig workers, and independent contractors. PUA benefits will be issued within 24-48 hours instead of the traditional 21 days for regular unemployment claims.
The Governor also announced a $75 million Disaster Relief Fund for undocumented immigrants who are ineligible for relief benefits. Starting next month, approximately 150,000 undocumented adult Californians will receive a one-time cash benefit of $500 per adult with a cap of $1,000 per household. Funds will be dispersed through a community-based model of regional nonprofits with expertise and experience serving undocumented communities.
Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees (GCIR), a network of foundations focused on immigration issues, has also committed to raising $50 million to support direct financial assistance to families of undocumented immigrants through the California Immigrant Resilience Fund. California has developed an immigrant resource guide to provide information about COVID-19 related assistance, including public benefits, that are available to immigrant Californians. Read the full press release here.
Rent Freeze and New Tenant Protections Coming to the City of San José
The San José City Council extended its temporary ban on residential evictions until May 31, matching the current end date of the countywide ban that is also in place. The Council also directed staff to bring back an urgency ordinance to prohibit rent increases until December 31. If adopted on April 21, the ordinance will cover all apartments and mobile homes that fall under the city’s rent stabilization program. It does not apply to single-family homes and apartments built after 1979 that are not covered due to state law. Learn more in the Mercury News.
The council also supported the inclusion of tenant protections to reduce harassment and retaliation such as preventing landlords from serving an eviction notice on a tenant that they have reason to know is impacted by COVID-19 and allowing tenants who have been served eviction notices up to 7 days to provide a notice informing the landlord that they have been impacted by COVID 19. City staff will also be devising a template affidavit that tenants can submit in cases where tenants are unable to provide any other verifiable evidence of their COVID-19-related impacts, as is often the case with undocumented individuals working in the informal economy.
Business Resource Roundup
City of Santa Clara Small Business Assistance Grant Program: This program is offering grants of up to $5,000 or $10,000 for qualified small businesses and nonprofits located in Santa Clara and have at least one but no more than 25-full-time employees. The grants must be used for either payroll expenses or lease payments. Applications and instructions can be found here.
City of San Jose Payroll Protection Program Assistance: Independent contractors and self-employed individuals can now apply for and receive loans to cover their payroll and other certain expenses through existing SBA lenders. The US Treasury Department has created a PPP Fact Sheet that contains more information.
Local Businessownerspace.com (BOS) partners SBDC, AnewAmerica, MBDA, and SCORE can offer advice and may be able to help prepare loan paperwork. For more information, email covid19SJbusiness@sanjoseca.gov.
Local Networking Groups and Webinars: This week, the San Jose Inside posted an article about efforts by local business organizations such as the Silicon Valley Central Chamber of Commerce and the silicon valley organization to learn and connect with each other in the digital space.
DMV Extends Expiring Driver Licenses
Licenses for drivers younger than 70 that expire between March and May 2020 are now valid through May 31, 2020. Drivers 70 and older will automatically receive a temporary paper extension valid for 120 days. All commercial driver’s licenses, endorsements and certificates expiring between March and June 2020 are now valid through June 30, 2020. (Read the full press release here.)
The extensions require no individual action on the part of drivers. These drivers will not receive a new card or an extension in the mail. The DMV has alerted California law enforcement of the extensions. Californians with a suspended license are not eligible.
The DMV continues to review and process online renewals and encourages drivers who are eligible to renew their license online to do so. The DMV has also created a Virtual Office that allows customers to conduct select transactions such as title transfers and registration renewals that previously required an office visit. Customers can upload necessary documents then be contacted by a DMV customer service representative who will review the documents and finalize the process.
Donation Opportunities to Help Others in Need
For constituents and businesses interested in making donations of cash or supplies, the Public Health Department has created a resource page with links to organizations addressing local needs .
The VMC Foundation is collecting physical and monetary donations for medical supplies. Meanwhile, the Silicon Valley Community Foundation is collecting cash donations to provide relief for residents, small businesses, and nonprofits. The Santa Clara County Office of Supportive Housing is accepting housing-related donations for those that may be homeless or in need of housing due to COVID-19. Please email housing@eoc.sccgov.org for more information.
Corporations interested in providing medical supplies and other material assistance during this emergency are encouraged to contact the Business Operations Center to evaluate and route larger donations. They can be reached at sccboc@gmail.com.
For those who cannot donate financially, food and blood donations are still urgently needed through Second Harvest of Silicon Valley and the Red Cross, respectively. Donations of non-medical supplies, blankets, personal hygiene, diapers, infant formula, food, clothing and other goods should be given to the local community organization of one’s choice.
COVID-19 Information
Please click here to read the Santa Clara County Public Health Department's information about the Shelter in Place Order.
To access further COVID-19 information from the Public Health Department, please click here.
COVID-19 Information Website Enhanced
The County’s COVID-19 informational website at sccphd.org/coronavirus has been enhanced and reorganized to make it easier for you and your constituents to more easily get the information you need. Links to Chinese, Spanish, Tagalog, and Vietnamese translations are now at the top of the page to better assist monolingual speakers.
Does Santa Clara County offer coronavirus information?
Comprehensive updates about the shelter-in-place in Santa Clara County can be obtained by calling 2-1-1, thanks to a new partnership between the County of Santa Clara and 2-1-1. Text services are available in English and Spanish and can be initiated by texting the message “coronavirus” to 211211.
2-1-1 operators are trained professionals with experience fielding questions and providing fact-based answers. 2-1-1 phone and text services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in 150 languages through phone interpretation services. Also, the Santa Clara County Department of Public Health has created a helpful FAQ document to answer your questions. https://www.sccgov.org/sites/phd/DiseaseInformation/novel-coronavirus/Documents/FAQ-Shelter-in-Place-03-16-20.pdf
San Jose Police Need Your Assistance!
Help us keep our neighborhood schools safe. Please report any suspicious behavior on school property: People casing around school campuses, suspicious people and vehicles parked on campus, people carrying school property or school property in vehicles, activity on school campuses at night, or trespassing, vandalism, graffiti or other signs of criminal activity. For emergencies or crimes in progress call 911 or (408) 277-8911. For non-emergencies, call (408) 277-8900.
Face Covering Recommended When in Public
The County of Santa Clara's Public Health Department has issued expanded guidance, strongly urging all individuals to wear face coverings when out of their homes to perform essential activities. The detailed guidance builds on the recommendations issued by the Public Health Department on April 2, 2020. All individuals are strongly urged to cover their nose and mouth with a face covering, such as a bandana, scarf, towel, or another piece of cloth or fabric, when leaving home. Face coverings are critical for essential activities such as doctor appointments, grocery shopping, pharmacy visits, and riding on public transit, among others.
Santa Clara County Public Health Department Guidance on face coverings
Can I get links to more Coronavirus information resources?
As a District, we want to keep you up to date on anything concerning the coronavirus. Below are valuable links to get you answers.
Santa Clara County Public Health Website http://sccphd.org/coronavirus
CAMBRIAN SCHOOL DISTRICT
Email: foremand@cambriansd.com
Website: www.cambriansd.org
Location: 4115 Jacksol Drive, San Jose, CA, USA
Phone: (408) 377-2103
Facebook: facebook.com/CambrianSchoolDistrict
Twitter: @Supt_Andrews