March 20, 2020
Dear Mariposa County Unified School District Family,
Yesterday, March 19th, Governor Newsom issued an Executive Order directing Californians to remain at home, except for essential activities. The order
also establishes that certain sectors have been identified as critical infrastructure with assets, systems and networks that are vital; Californians working in these sectors may continue their work because of the importance of these sectors to California’s health and well-being. Education is one of the critical infrastructure sectors.While this continues to be an ongoing, ever-changing, and challenging landscape, please be aware that our priority remains the health and safety of our staff, students, and community. We continue to monitor guidance/recommendations from our federal, State, and local leaders. Additionally, we continue to meet regularly with our District leadership and stakeholder groups to gather additional input and to formulate a clear direction for all.
Currently we are preparing for the cancelation of classes and all school-related activities from Monday, March 16th through April 10th. We will continue to honor our regularly scheduled Spring Break from April 13th to April 17th. Schools will prepare to reopen Monday, April 20th, unless conditions call for an extension.
This extension will provide an opportunity for staff to provide additional guidance, support, and resources to our students, staff, and our community. We believe this extension will allow families time to plan and prepare in advance for an extended closure.
I would like to once again assure district staff that in the Governor's March 13th Executive Order (N-26-20), assurances were provided that all employees who are not currently working because of the COVID-19 cancelation of classes, will continue to be compensated for the duration of any school closure related to COVID-19.
For all employees, during this unprecedented event, we please ask that you continue to be available and in contact with your supervisor during the professional work day.
During this time, we will continue to provide Nutritional Services to our students in our communities across our county.
Custodial crews have been dispatched to sites both yesterday and today (March 19th and March 20th) to provide a “deep cleaning” to high touch areas in classrooms. It is necessary for all staff to stay away from sites through the weekend to allow the cleaning solution the time to work.
Beginning on Monday, March 23rd, staff may begin coordinating with their supervisors regarding access to their sites as necessary.
At this time our Educational Services department and Site Principals are collaborating with our Mariposa County Teachers Association to create distance learning enrichment opportunities, lesson plan recommendations and additional resources for parents and students to access during this extended closure. We anticipate having these enrichment opportunities accessible for students and parents starting early to mid next week.
Thank you for all that you are doing to care for and support our students during a time of great uncertainty. Our team is committed to maintaining regular and ongoing communication as we gain information and make the necessary adjustments. We appreciate your flexibility and patience during this time. This is truly a community collaborative effort and will continue to progress over time.
Sincerely,
Jeff Aranguena
Superintendent
Mariposa County Unified School District
Source: Mariposa County Unified School District
