March 5, 2020

Dear Parents/Guardians:

It has been a challenging few weeks for us all as the Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to evolve. We remain in daily contact with county health officials regarding the spread of the virus and discuss responses to possible scenarios.  

This afternoon, the Public Health Department (PHD) announced six new confirmed cases of COVID-19, and new guidance regarding large gatherings. It was reported that one of the new cases is at a local San Jose day care facility and another is at the Children’s Discovery Museum. Both facilities will be closed for a few days.  

The County Public Health Department is not recommending closing schools at this time.  If a staff member or student in a specific school is confirmed to have COVID-19, the PHD will consider the facts and circumstances and determine the need to close. They further explained the reason they are not recommending school closures at this time is because children have not been shown to be at high risk group for serious illness from this virus. The exception may be those with serious compromised health conditions, such as those with weakened immune systems.  

While school will continue, we are also conducting deeper cleanings at our schools.  Additionally, out of an abundance of caution, we will suspend field trips that will not allow for students to have arms length distance from one another.  For instance, a planetarium field trip might be cancelled or postponed, but a hike to the park could continue.  

There is much news circulating about this and we will continue to respond to the dynamic situation as advised by the PHD, in collaboration with the Santa Clara County Office of Education. This is a new situation for all of us, and I know there is much concern and anxiety in the community. We share those concerns and continue to make the safety of students and staff our highest priority.

Please continue to protect yourselves and your families through the usual practices of hand-washing, covering your coughs/sneezes, staying home if you or your child is not feeling well, remaining calm and staying informed.

Links to information are on the Public Health Department’s website: https://www.sccgov.org/sites/phd/Pages/phd.aspx 

Thank you for your cooperation and continued support in helping keep our schools and students safe.

Sincerely,

Shelly Viramontez, Ed.D., Superintendent