Superintendent Community Update
April 1, 2021
Dear JUHSD Community,
Spring Break is happening next week! While we are cautiously optimistic that we are nearing the end of the pandemic, I want to ask each of you to please remain persistent and stay the course. Mitigation strategies are still critical at this juncture: wearing masks, social distancing, avoiding large gatherings, and frequent handwashing. We are so close to coming out of this incredibly difficult year, and I want to make sure we continue all of the great work we have done to overcome the spread of COVID-19.
With that in mind, the State of California and San Mateo County continue to advise against any non-essential travel outside the Bay Area or 120 miles from your home. I request that all staff and families follow this advice to the greatest extent possible. Should you choose to travel, please read the information at the county’s travel page.
I hope that you find many opportunities to enjoy this much-deserved break. The sun is shining, the number of COVID-19 cases continues to decrease, and we are beginning to see signs of a return to normal. On that note, here are a few updates:
Tentative Dates for Hybrid Instruction: The following return to campus dates have been agreed upon with the AFT 1481 union and we are awaiting Board approval. I am sharing them with you as potential return to campus dates for hybrid instruction, but these dates are not final until the Board approves them. The Board and I have scheduled a special session on Monday for Trustees to vote on the agreement.
- Twelfth Grade Hybrid Instruction begins Thursday, April 15th.
- Ninth Grade Hybrid Instruction begins Monday, April 26th.
- Eleventh Grade Hybrid Instruction begins Monday, May 3rd.
- Tenth Grade Hybrid Instruction begins Monday, May 10th.
The ability to return to campus and stay on campus depends on the whole community’s commitment to following strict guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19. All parents and students who have selected the Hybrid model will be required to sign a safety commitment form prior to entering campus. Students will be required to submit daily health screenings and temperature checks, maintain social distancing at all times, and wear a mask.I am also pleased to report that our COVID Safety Plan was approved by the San Mateo County Office of Education, and is available on our website.
Changes to Your Child’s Instructional Model: We have received numerous requests to change student assignments from Hybrid to Distance Learning and vise-versa. As a result, we have made a districtwide policy for handling these requests as follows:
- If you are assigned to hybrid and would like to return to distance learning, please complete this form.
- We are not able to honor requests to switch to Hybrid Learning at this time because it will significantly alter our Return to Campus Plan. If there are extenuating circumstances and there is a need for your child to attend an in-person hybrid setting, please contact your child’s principal. There will be an opportunity at the beginning of May to opt-in to have your child participate in the hybrid model.Food Services Schedule Change: Today, Friday April 2nd, Food Services is distributing a 7 day meal pack from 1-3 pm. There will be no food services during Spring Break next week. The next food distribution will take place on Wednesday, April 14th. Following that, each Wednesday, from 1-3 pm, food will be distributed for five days for any child under 18. There will be no other food distributions. For additional information including locations, please visit the Food Services page of our website.
Board Meeting Highlights: We hosted our first in-person Board meeting in over a year this week. Many important updates were shared, including an update on hybrid learning, a presentation by the Student Advisory Council on their Student Distance Survey Results, and an update from each school site about Instructional Coaching. I was very proud to join the Board of Trustees and our Student Trustees in signing a Resolution Condemning Hate. Please read the meeting summary at this link.
In-Person Graduations: Schools are making tentative plans for in-person graduation with very limited spectators. All plans will be subject to change depending on the county tier level at the time of the event. Your school principal will share more information as it becomes available.
Free Community Resilience Model Training Program: The JUHSD Wellness Counselors have developed a parent workshop to share tools and skills for kids of all ages. The training will take place Saturday, April 17th. Please view this flyer for additional information.
Wellness Resources: COVID-19 continues to take a toll on everyone. To reduce some of the emotional strain, our Wellness Counselors continue to offer a wonderful range of resources for students, families, and staff. Please take a moment to explore these programs and services on our website at https://www.juhsd.net/domain/561.
In closing, I wish those of you who celebrate Easter a wonderful time hunting for eggs this weekend. For those who celebrate passover, Happy Passover and Chag Pesach Sameach. And for you baseball fans, happy Opening Day. Go Giants!
Warmly,
Toni Presta
Superintendent
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