SCHOOL SITES ARE CLOSED AT THIS TIME – March 16, 2020 0 March 27, 2020
Dear NUSD Community,
At the recommendation of Dr. Matt Willis, Marin County’s Public Health Officer, I have decided to suspend site-based learning at all NUSD schools starting Monday, March 16, 2020. At this time, we intend to bring students back to our campuses on Monday, March 30, 2020. Please know that this is a fluid situation and could very possibly change. I have made this decision as a necessary precaution against the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).
As I have shared with you, I do not take this decision lightly. While there are no known cases of diagnosed COVID-19 among NUSD staff or students at this time, I believe it is highly likely that there is community spread which has gone undetected due to insufficient testing capacity. As the COVID-19 situation has unfolded and more information has become available at the state and local level, it has become clear that the most responsible action is for us to take a proactive approach. I support, and will follow, Dr. Willis’ recommendation as our local public health expert.
We are working with the Marin County Department of Public Health to determine the degree to which our schools can be open. Should your child need any resources from their school, please contact the school via the main office line prior to going to the school.
I know this will present many complex and challenging situations for our community and we will do our best to adapt and support as best we can. Please continue to let us know how we can help and use this communication as a resource.
Communication
We will provide updates via email, callouts and posts on the NUSD website and social media as needed during the closure. We will send a communication as soon as possible and no later than 4pm on Friday, March 27 regarding the reopening of schools on Monday, March 30.
Academics
At this time, site-based academic programs are canceled including Saturday School.
During this period of remote learning, the following steps will be taken:
· NUSD has established a Remote Learning Webpage with a library of resources for grades PK-12 that you can find here:https://nusd.org/remote-learning/
· Teachers in grades 3-12 will be updating Google Classrooms every day with new learning activities
· If your child needs a device or internet hotspot during the closure, please contact your school site’s main office.
· Teachers and Counselors will be responding to student emails during regular school hours.
· Students are expected to complete all assignments provided by teachers during this time.
· Assignments are meant to maintain continuity of learning, but does not replicate in-class experiences such as science labs, group discussions, etc.
· Keep checking our website https://nusd.org/remote-learning/ for the latest information and support for remote learning.
· If you do not have home access to the internet, please e-mail[email protected] or call 415-493-4299.
· For more information on Remote Learning, here is a short video by Dr. Amie Carter.
Special Education Services
For students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) will continue, to the extent possible, during the closure period. Parents/guardians of students with IEPs will be contacted by their student’s Case Manager, by the end of the day on Monday, March 16, 2020, with an outline of their student’s plan for closure period.
The Special Education Parent Meeting scheduled for Thursday, March 19, 2020, will be rescheduled to a later date.
Food and Nutritional Services (FANS)
Starting Monday March 16, 2020, NUSD FANS department will be distributing free meals to all children under the age of 18 in our Novato community at the Hill Education Center located at 720 Diablo Avenue, Novato and at Hamilton K-8 School located at 5530 Nave Drive, Novato.
· During a school closure all children under the age of 18 can pick up a free meal at:
· Hill Education Center, 720 Diablo Avenue, Novato
· Hamilton K-8 School, 5530 Nave Drive, Novato.
· Hours of service will be 11:30 am – 1:00 pm Monday through Friday.
· NUSD FANS department will have tables set up for an easy and convenient drive-through pick up or walk up service for meals to take home.
· Children can pick up a lunch and a breakfast for the following day.
We look forward to providing this service to all children in the community during this school closure to ensure children have access to healthy meals in our community.
We are also working with community partners to ensure that food banks continue at all locations during the period of school closure.
For questions and comments, please contact Cody Williams at[email protected] or by calling the FANS office at 415-892-2115.
Sports/Extracurriculars
· All extracurricular activities and sporting events, including rehearsals and practices, are immediately postponed until school is reopened.
· Away games are cancelled, even if the other venue is not subject to school closure.
· Students and non-essential staff will not be allowed on campus until school is reopened.
· Re-scheduling of cancelled sporting events will be determined on a case by case basis.
Community Use of School Facilities:
· All school facilities, including swimming pools and sports fields, will remain closed to the public during a school closure of this nature. Community access to facilities will resume when schools reopen.
· All facility rentals and Community Education classes will be cancelled or postponed until schools are safe to reopen.
We know these are very difficult times and we appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate this challenge. Please know that you, your children, and our community are in my thoughts.
Sincerely,
Kris Cosca