SLUSD Non-Essential Events Postponed Through April 13 – Schools Remain Open

March 12, 2020

Dear San Leandro Unified Community,

We are sharing the most updated information regarding developments with COVID-19 as it relates to our community. As anticipated, the Alameda County Public Health Department (ACPHD) announced new recommendations and guidance to protect residents from the increased possibility of community transmission. Additionally, the California Department of Public Health issued recommendations for the postponement of all non-essential gatherings in coordination with guidance from the California Governor’s office.

With the health of our students and community foremost in mind, and in alignment with these new recommendations, SLUSD will be postponing or canceling all non-essential events through April 13. This includes student events such as the following:

Field trips (including both one-day trips, overnight trips, and other student travel)
School assemblies, both indoor and outdoor
Performances and concerts
Evening gatherings at schools (including community-wide events, and open houses)

These district activities and operations will continue:

All essential operational functions, including our schools, offices, and facilities
Classroom education, including lunch, PE, recess, and after-school programs
On-campus athletics practices and on-campus performing arts rehearsals
Faculty meetings at schools and school board meetings

We will be addressing the status of athletic events as we receive guidance from the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF), the governing body for high school sports in California, and our other athletic partners to communicate that information as it becomes available. We are also reaching out to community organizations that have reserved space at our facilities to adhere to these new public health recommendations.

All government and public health officials are very explicitly not recommending closing schools at this time. Per their guidance, “Closing a school is a serious decision that requires balancing the safety of students and staff and the disruption caused to parents, guardians and the community.”

These are extremely difficult decisions during a challenging time, especially knowing the time and energy put into organizing these important events. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we confront this unprecedented situation and put the wellbeing of our community first.

Sincerely,

Dr. Michael McLaughlin

Superintendent