To All San Diego Unified Families,
The San Diego Unified School District will close all schools effective Monday, March 16. With suspected community spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in San Diego County, it has been determined that closing all schools is a prudent public health and safety measure we hope will help slow the spread of this virus. Classes will resume Monday, April 6, unless conditions call for an extended closure.
This decision was not made lightly, and it is understood that this order significantly impacts our families and stakeholders. We know our schools build and foster community for students, staff, families, and neighbors throughout San Diego. The district is working diligently to develop specific measures to ease the burden on San Diego Unified’s students, families and employees:
- San Diego Unified, in collaboration with community partners, is committed to ensuring a nutritious breakfast and lunch remain available to students who rely on school meals. We are developing a drive-thru/walk-up daily meal distribution service at designated schools to be posted on our coronavirus COVID-19 website. The health and well-being of our students is our top priority, and we want to do our part to keep students well fed.
- We are working with community organizations and districts across the state to provide learning opportunities to students during the closure. We will post information on our website with educational resources by content area and grade level.
- The district understands that many working parents will need child care, and we are working with community partners to offer safe and supervised settings for children to gather.
- Additional details about these programs will be communicated to families through School Messenger.
In addition to the above actions, public health experts continue to emphasize the critical importance of adjusting personal behavior. Wash hands frequently with warm water and soap for 20 seconds and regularly clean frequently touched surfaces (e.g., door knobs, phones). When soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. At home, try to avoid relying on older relatives or those with underlying health conditions to care for young children who may expose them to the virus.
District staff will remain available to answer questions, and any new information will be shared quickly on the district’s new informational website. Together, we can all help slow the spread of this pandemic to protect those among us who are most vulnerable to this virus.
Be well,
Cindy Marten
Superintendent
