Closure Update
Issue #11, May 22, 2020
Dear Cambrian Families,
One of the highlights at the end of our school year that is so cherished is the recognition of our Cambrian School District Certificated and Classified Employees of the Year. Staff at each school site nominate their peers for the honor, with a member of the teaching staff and classified staff receiving the distinction at all six Cambrian Schools and the district office. Those honorees go before the committees of their respective unions – the Cambrian District Teachers’ Association and California School Employees’ Association, where a District certificated Employee of the Year and a classified Employee of the Year is chosen. A huge congratulations to the following staff members have been chosen as the Employees of the Year for their school site and/or the District Office site.
Bagby Elementary
Missy Smith, Certificated Employee of the Year
Darlis Callaway, Classified Employee of the Year
Fammatre Elementary
Dawn Vo, Certificated Employee of the Year
David Calvert, Classified Employee of the Year
Farnham Elementary
Akiko Sugihara, Certificated Employee of the Year
Renee Gundersen, Classified Employee of the Year
Price Middle School
Tisha St. John, Certificated Employee of the Year
Alice Felix, Classified Employee of the Year
Sartorette Elementary
Marla Kramer, Certificated Employee of the Year
Frewoini Kelete, Classified Employee of the Year
Steindorf STEAM Magnet School
Chau Chieng, Certificated Employee of the Year
Rafaela Ornelas, Classified Employee of the Year
District Office
Michelle Kelch, Classified Employee of the Year
If you were listening to the Board Meeting last night I announced the Cambrian School District Employee of the Year for both certificated and classified. Typically I go to the site with flowers and surprise the individual during the work day, which is so much fun to celebrate in person. This year I surprised the individuals over the phone and had flowers delivered to their house. So...please help me in recognizing our fabulous and amazing Cambrian School District Teacher and Classified Employee of the Year!
Cambrian School District Employees of the Year
Cambrian School District Certificated Employee of the Year: Chau Chieng
I am proud to announce this year’s Certificated Employee of the Year is Steindorf’s Chau Chieng. Chau carries a lot of contagious positive energy that transcends to our students, staff and families. Chau teaches English Language Arts, Social Studies, and Leadership. She has done a remarkable job facilitating the Leadership elective that all the students want to participate in. Chau is also a GLAD expert and takes the time to run workshops for her peers in the district. She also wore her parent hat and spent multiple hours running the after school play. Chau is an incredibly talented and exuberant teacher that is extremely generous with her time. She never hesitates to offer her support to her peers. She has a great ability to make connections with her students and families. Cambrian School District is very lucky to have her on our team. Congratulations!
Cambrian School District Classified Employee of the Year: Michelle Kelch
Michelle Kelch is the Classified Employee of the Year. Michelle serves in many capacities across the District and is always ready and willing to take on any new challenge. She is friendly, flexible and efficient in all she undertakes. Michelle works in Food Service and the District Office, but she has also been a consistent figure at Farnham School as a crossing guard, Art Vista Coordinator and the unofficial “keeper of the marquee.” Can you believe that for the past 18 years, she changed the marquee on a volunteer basis?! In most recent weeks during this COVID-19 crisis, Michelle has continued to show her dedication to the staff, students and families of Cambrian by working in the Price Kitchen to help get the drive-by food program up and running; as well as delivering food directly to some of our neediest families weekly during the Shelter in Place. These are just a few examples of Michelle’s hard work, dedication and commitment to ALL of the Cambrian Community. She is truly an exceptional employee and well-deserving of this honor.
Reopening in the Fall of 2020-21
As is the case with every school district in California, we are uncertain as to what the 2020-21 school year will look like. We are considering possible scenarios that may include students in the classroom, distance learning, or a blending of both options. Our staff is planning for all three possibilities until more information is available from the Santa Clara Public Health Department to make an informed decision. CSD is working collaboratively with CDTA and CSEA unions in our district to ensure a cohesive and effective plan.
I want to continue to assure you that our commitment and guiding principles will be to ensure:
The health, safety, and care of all our students and staff
The social-emotional well-being of all our students and staff
Continuing high expectations to achieve student learning
Equity will be our guiding principle for all students
I wish you and your families the very best over this coming Memorial Day Weekend. This long weekend we honor those who have given their life to serve our country, and I am truly grateful for their ultimate sacrifice. We are CAMBRIAN.
Cambrian School District Budget Update
If the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us anything, it is that we are certainly headed into unconventional times. As information is constantly evolving and changing, we continue to mitigate and understand the reality of what may be our “new normal” and the difficult decisions we will be forced to make in these uncharted waters. This pandemic has ruptured our state economic structure and we are faced with dire consequences in our local school budget. With the recently announced 10% reduction to the Local Control Funding Formula and other education-related budget proposals in the Governor’s May Revise, Cambrian is facing a loss of approximately $2.7M in the upcoming fiscal year budget. That loss potentially grows to roughly $3.9M over the following two fiscal years as we anticipate continued flat funding at the very least.
The staff and Governing Board will continue their work in the coming year to create a fiscally solvent, academically successful environment for our District students, staff and community. I appreciate your input, patience, and support as we continue to passionately pursue the best path moving forward.
Student Distance Learning Survey REMINDER!
Our student's voices are so important!
Another reminder was sent out to all students in grades 2-8 to participate in the Student Distance Learning Survey. So far, we received almost 50% of students in grades 2-8 responding and we would love to see the response rate close to 100% if possible. This survey is intended for students only and requires the student to login with their Cambrian user ID. If you would like to see the content of the survey, please refer to the message sent last week which has a link to the survey questions. This survey is optional but we highly encourage your student’s participation. We really need to hear from all our 2nd-8th graders. Thank you for your support!
Distance Learning at Home Resources
In light of school closures due to COVID-19, your child’s end of the year report card will not reflect individual attainment of the standards, due to the fact we cannot ensure how the standard was taught or assessed. The end of year reporting is an opportunity for your child’s teacher to provide some feedback on your child’s participation and work completion from the time of school closure through the end of the year.
We want to express our heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to all of the parents, siblings, family members, and friends who supported your student during this pandemic. We understand what a huge undertaking this was for all families and we can assure you that when we are able to welcome students back to school we will utilize all of our resources within the comprehensive assessment system to determine student ability levels and plan instruction to fill gaps and continue to deliver learning at a high level!
We wish you a healthy and happy summer and invite you to continue checking the district website at https://www.cambriansd.org/ for weekly updates and Virtual Summer Learning Opportunities & Resources should you wish to continue the at-home learning with your child throughout the summer.
We can’t wait to see our students “in-person” when we are able to return!
Virtual Summer Learning Opportunities & Resources
We are finalizing plans to support students and families with independent virtual summer learning opportunities in reading and mathematics. In addition, students will get the chance to explore other enrichment learning opportunities and important skills. The following Imagine Learning Resource is an example of what students can do to keep up with their literacy and math skills:
The virtual summer program and resources website will be launched, with the highest priority placed on providing access to online resources at no cost to our students and families. Technology support will continue to be provided throughout the summer to support virtual learning for students and families who chose to continue to engage in learning over the summer. The Virtual Summer Learning Opportunities & Resources website will be dedicated to supporting the programs. Ongoing districtwide communication will be provided with updates as needed. Look for more detailed information in next Friday’s newsletter.
Technology Tips
Borrowed a Cambrian School District Chromebook or iPad?
If you are leaving the district or have an 8th grader in your family, and you borrowed a Cambrian School District Chromebook or iPad, please plan to drop the borrowed device off at the District Office (4115 Jacksol Dr.) during one of the following dates/times:
Monday, June 1 from 2-3 pm
Tuesday, June 2 from 9-10 am
Wednesday, June 3 from 4-5 pm
Thursday, June 3 from 9-10 am
If you are not able to make one of these times or you would like to keep the Chromebook for the summer so your child can participate in some of our Virtual Summer Learning Opportunities, please contact Matt Hill at hillm@cambriansd.com.
All other grades: we will not be collecting devices until August at the earliest. Please see the following message.
Updated Distance Learning at Home Web Portal
We have updated our distance learning web pages to make them easier to navigate and have added a few new resources. Please check it out!
Need Support with Technology?
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 respond.
New Student Registration Reminder for 2020-21 School Year
Enroll now. If you have not done so already please do so as registration is being taken online. The online registration process is posted at Cambrian School District Enrollment
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.
Family Care Kit
Cambrian partners with Counseling and Support Services for Youth (CASSY) to support the social emotional learning of our students. CASSY has developed a Self Care Kit for families during the Shelter In Place. Use this link to learn more about how to promote Self Care during this Shelter in Place.
Counseling Support
Does your student need a trusted adult to discuss worries, anxiety about the changes in their world? Call the Cambrian student support line at (408) 377-2301. You will receive a response within 24 hours.
Parent Support for Grief due to COVID-19
Who knew that we would be sheltering in place for this long? The uncertainty, living in close quarters, and being stuck at home are creating challenging dynamics in the family.Consider attending this webinar on Family Dynamics during Shelter in Place
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
May is Mental Health Month. This week’s challenge we want to see how your family practices Mindfulness. As a family consider trying Mindfulness activities three times this week and document it. Post it on social media. Tag us and we will feature you in next week’s newsletter. #wearecambrian.
Virtual Field Day Coming Up!
Cambrian is Kind
Cambrian Staff continues to maintain connections with students and families virtually during Distance Learning to increase our connection as a community! At Bagby our staff continues to update using the Bagby BNN youtube channel. Farnham’s Falcons, Sartorette SuperStars and Fammatre Falcons are preparing virtual Talent Shows. Our Steindorf Stampede’s Aesa Medower has created Steindorf Student At-Home-Activities Website, watch this tutorial on how to login. Price students have been getting together to play Kahoot and also posting Flipgrids that allows them to see other's project/lab videos.
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. Cambrian School District will provide weekend breakfasts and lunches for Saturday and Sunday at Friday pickups as well.
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.
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
Outdoor Recreation Advice for Memorial Day Weekend
Many residents traditionally use the long weekend as an opportunity to get out of the house and get some fresh air. As we move into our next phase of the Public Health Order, there are many outdoor recreation opportunities available to residents. However, please remind your constituents that they should remain cautious and continue practicing physical distancing while outdoors, especially this holiday weekend. Congregate activities are still not permitted, and residents cannot recreate with people outside their household.
Many State and County parks are open to the public. Boating reservations for recreational power and non-power boating activities will resume this weekend at Calero, Coyote Lake, and Stevens Creek (non-power boating only) County Parks. Boating is limited to single boaters or members of the same household only. Reservations must be made in advance. Other activities such as hiking, archery, golf, and disc golf are also available at County Parks.
Learn more here.
The California Department of Parks and Recreation has released new visitor guidance and an educational video to help limit the risk of exposure to the virus in the outdoors. Residents can plan ahead by visiting the webpage of their local outdoor destination before leaving home to find out if it is open. Since parking is temporarily very limited or non-existent at park units across the state, staying close to home is also encouraged.
Under the updated Order in effect, outdoor museums, outdoor historical sites, and publicly accessible gardens may now be opened to the public. Outdoor recreation facilities such golf courses, skate parks, batting cages, and tennis courts have been and remain open. However, strict physical distancing from people not in one’s household must be followed during any of these activities. Critical Guidance for Face Coverings must be followed as well. Residents can find more guidance about recreation activities here.
San José Senior Nutrition Program Sites Closed on Memorial Day
With the Memorial Day closure of San José Senior Nutrition Program (SNP) sites, a limited number of boxed shelf stable meals will be offered on Friday, May 22 during regular curb-side service. To receive a box of shelf stable meals for the Holiday weekend, individuals must meet the same eligibility criteria as the SNP. They will have to provide their SNP number or first and last name and zip code. The shelf stable meal box will be available on a first come, first serve basis. More information is available here.
Home-Delivered Pet Food
The Santa Clara County Senior Nutrition Program (SNP) and Animal Services are partnering to offer free, home-delivered pet food and related essential pet needs, like kitty litter, to SNP and Meals on Wheels participants. This program is subject to funding availability and will end on June 30.
Interested participants can call (408) 686-3900 (Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Weekends from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.). The following information should be ready before calling: name, home address, SNP gold card number, phone number, type of pet, brand of food, and special dietary needs. Download an informational flier.
Changes to San José Temporary Eviction Moratorium
This week, the San José City Council made several amendments to its temporary eviction moratorium, effective immediately. The eviction moratorium now runs through June 30, 2020.
Affected tenants who accrue unpaid rent during the eviction moratorium have until December 31, 2020, to pay back at least 50% of the unpaid rent. Affected tenants have until June 30, 2021, to pay back the remainder of their unpaid rent that accrued during the eviction moratorium. These dates are subject to change if the City Council extends the eviction moratorium beyond June 30.
For more information visit www.sanjoseca.gov/evictionmoratorium or contact the San José Housing Department at RSP@sanjoseca.gov or 408-975-4480.
FAQs about the Local Health Officer Shelter in Place Order
The Santa Clara County Department of Health makes regular updates to the FAQ documents for our local Public Health Order as new information becomes available. Your constituents can access them in the following languages:
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.
Clinics Open for Immunization Services
Please click here to review a list of local clinics providing immunization services for families.
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
Face Covering Recommended When in Public 12 and under not required.
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 other 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 Masks
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 your 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