As health and safety remain a top priority for us this time, we face unprecedented school closures for the next three weeks, which may be extended for longer period of time. According to CDC, school closures of 8 weeks or more may better mitigate coronavirus spread. However, it does not mean that all educational activities should be halted. I would like to strongly urge providing distance learning for students in the San Jose Unified School district. Before the school closed a petition had already been started to digitalize SJUSD classes. (https://www.change.org/p/students-digitalize-sjusd-classes-to-prevent-covid-19-spread 

CDC recommended, “in places where school closures are necessary, the anticipated academic and economic impacts and unintended impacts on disease outcomes must be planned for and mitigated. Provision of academic support (e.g., tele-ed)...” (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/considerations-for-school-closure.pdf  Governor Newsom also already signed the executive order to ensure state funding to fund distance learning.  ‘The order provides that even if schools close temporarily because of COVID-19, school districts must continue delivering high-quality educational opportunities to students through other options, distance learning and independent study.’ (1) 

As of March 13,  neighboring school districts such as the Santa Clara unified school district , Los Gatos-Saratoga Joint Union High school district, and Cupertino Union School District will provide distance learning despite their physical closure. (2)  (Update:)  Mountain View Whisman school district will provide online/off line packages.  Given the fact that students have been given mandatory school work online already, there is a platform available. We should not be allowing the COVID-19 to impede on our education.

[Addition] 

There are 36 school districts under the Santa Clara County School district. There are only 4 school districts not implementing distance learning as of March 20.  However, among 4 school district without any plan, SJUSD is the only school district with high schools.  Check each school district website. 

Reference 

(1) Governor Newsom Signs an Executive Order Ensuring State Funding for Schools, Even in Event of Physical Closure” 
 “Order mandates that school districts use dollars to fund distance learning and high quality educational opportunities, safely provide school meals, and arrange for the supervision of students during school hours”  https://www.gov.ca.gov/2020/03/13/governor-newsom-signs-executive-order-ensuring-state-funding-for-schools-even-in-event-of-physical-closure/?utm_content=121411563&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&hss_channel=fbp-162076961537

(2) Excerpt from neighboring school district where some optional learning opportunities will be provided 

• A. Santa Clara unified school district 

There will be no school work assigned to students during the three week closure. Beginning Monday, March 16, optional learning opportunities will be available for students through our district website at www.santaclarausd.org While our special education centers will also close, students and families will continue to have access to services from the regional centers they currently rely on.

While our schools are closed, teachers will be working on compacting their educational plans for the remainder of the school year to ensure all students receive essential learning this school year.

(excerpt from https://www.santaclarausd.org/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&DomainID=8&ModuleInstanceID=10&ViewID=6446EE88-D30C-497E-9316-3F8874B3E108&RenderLoc=0&FlexDataID=5881&PageID=9

• B. Los Gatos-Saratoga Joint Union High school district 

Any school closure would be based upon the facts and conditions of a specific situation and, were our schools to be subject to closure, we have plans in place to ensure that instruction will continue through the use of online tools. (excerpt from  https://docs.google.com/document/d/16PSENfRJ2tx7hW-SuvNjHJIo1repQRlofJL5aPy2EKc/edit 

• C. Cupertino Union School District 

Based on the current and best information we have today, and in partnership with the Santa Clara County Public Health Department and the Santa Clara County Office of Education, we have decided to close schools to students for three weeks beginning Monday, March 16, 2020, through Friday, April 3, 2020. Families will receive information by Thursday, March 19, 2020, about our plan to support student learning over this time period.

In the meantime, feel free to pull ideas and resources to support students at home until you hear more from us on Thursday.  Our website has a variety of resources available for families, in addition to family and community resources to help support students with stress and anxiety around this type of issue. District Website Link - https://www.cusdk8.org/Page/8768  (excerpt from https://www.cusdk8.org/)

• D. Mountain View Whisman school district 

Optional student work
While schools are closed due to COVID 19, here are optional packets containing grade level work to support students during this time. The packets also include information about online resources students may use at home to continue their learning. 

If you'd like a paper copy, on Wednesday, March 18 from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., please pick up packets from the District Office (1400 Montecito Ave), or your child's school. They also will be available at MVWSD food truck at Mistral Elementary (505 Escuela Ave) on Wednesday, March 18 from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. 

Click below for the packets (excerpt from https://www.mvwsd.org/about/communications/news___events/coronavirus_update