March 13, 2020
Dear Parent/Guardian,
First and foremost, I appreciate your support during this challenging time. As the parent of three children, I certainly empathize with the stress, fear, and inquiry that this time period has caused for many parents/guardians.
At an Emergency Meeting of the Board of Trustees this afternoon, the Board approved a resolution through an emergency measure, which grants me, as the Superintendent, the authority to “take all appropriate action to respond to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.”
With the authorization allowing school districts to do so, and following today’s recommendation from the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) that all schools in Los Angeles County close and/or be dismissed for a minimum of two weeks due to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), I have decided to dismiss (“pupil free”) schools effective immediately, followed by all schools being closed through Spring Break (5 weeks).
Beginning Monday, March 16, and through the regularly scheduled Spring Break (Sunday, April 19) all schools will be dismissed and/or closed to students.
March 16 – March 18 School Dismissal (“Pupil Free”/no students)
March 19 – April 9 School CLOSURE (no students/no staff)
April 10 – April 17 Spring Break Recess
April 20 School Resumes
Additionally, all extra-curricular activities and athletics have been postponed.
We continue to prioritize the health and wellness of students and staff as our highest concern. Given the advisement of Public Health, medical experts, and other state and county entities, we have decided to allow an appropriate amount of time for students, staff, and families to follow advice of medical practitioners and experts, practice healthy habits, and lessen opportunities for the spread of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).
I recognize that my decision will impact everyone differently. Our District will be working with staff to lessen the academic gap that typically occurs over extended recesses from school. Next week, parents and students will be notified of curricular resources that can be utilized during the school closure.
Furthermore, next week, all schools will provide additional information, answer questions, and discuss next steps.
While this is an extremely difficult decision, I also am confident that it was made with the best interest of our staff and students in mind.
Robert P. Taylor, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Walnut Valley Unified School District