SLUSD Closure Update 3.18.20

Dear SLUSD Families,

My staff and I continue to do our utmost to support our community through this difficult, distressing, and very uncertain time. Staying connected in any way possible is more important than ever as we are required to adapt our social structures to ensure everyone’s safety. Additionally, we are receiving guidance from state officials that indicates our closure period may be significantly longer than anticipated. As we learn more about what that could look like for SLUSD, we are planning to update you weekly. However, we are also committed to updating you more frequently as it will likely become necessary. 

This is a summary of the family support resources we have prepared in anticipation of closing our schools for our initially projected three-week period. These resources are still relevant, even with the uncertainty we are collectively facing, as they provide continuity for learning, meal services, and emotional support. This information is available on each of our school websites, including our district site, under COVID-19 Resources for Families, Students, and Staff for your continued reference.

Home Learning Resources 

We have launched a comprehensive home learning resources section on our website, so your student is able to engage in educational activities while not in school. These include optional, non-graded home learning plans, designed to help review content for their classes during the closure. There are also many supplemental resources (online and printable) to help provide continuity in learning. Make a plan or schedule with your student that makes clear what your student will work on for the day. Please include time for movement and breaks to ensure that your student stays engaged. We want to encourage all students to continue learning during this time away from school.

For families who need assistance with translation:  We know you may need support if your student is in the younger grades and/or not able to read the teacher plans. For assistance, you can leave a message at the number below and your call will be returned as soon as possible.  For Spanish (510) 936-1710, for Chinese: (510) 679-7585. 

Please note that our high school students will not lose credit for missed school hours or for incomplete work during the school closure. We will be providing more details specifically related to concerns our high schoolers may have as we move forward.

Emotional Support

In troubling, uncertain times like these, SLUSD offers emotional support resources through our partner Care Solace -  the largest online database of mental health services in California. This free, confidential service allows students, families, and staff to access local mental health programs and counseling services that have been vetted to ensure accreditation, safety, and accessibility in multiple languages.

Care Solace does not require a user’s name, address, phone number, or date of birth.  Access to this service is available at caresolace.com/slusdfamilies. 

Meal Services

To-go boxed meals are free to all children 18 and under regardless of meal program eligibility during our closure. As an essential function of our school district, this service is NOT affected by the recent shelter in place order issued by Alameda County. As many of you know, we have been serving hundreds of meals each day, thanks to our dedicated team of Food Services personnel. We will continue the daily meal service for the remainder of this week.

Starting the week of March 23, we will be offering meals for every day of the week.  We will be serving on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 11-12 pm at the following locations:

San Leandro High School - 2200 Bancroft Avenue

John Muir Middle School - 1444 Williams Street

Monroe Elementary School - 3750 Monterey Boulevard

  • Monday and Wednesday meal service will include two lunches and breakfasts intended for the following days. 
  • Friday’s meal service will include three lunches and breakfasts.
  • Pickup is available in the drop off areas each location by vehicle, bicycle, or on foot.
  • There is no age or student status verification necessary. Children not residing in SLUSD are also eligible to receive meals.
  • Students will need to leave the area after receiving their meals to comply with public health advisements. Students will not be allowed to remain on campus after picking up meals.

Connectivity Resources

Comcast has made their Xfinity WiFi hotspots across the country available to anyone who needs them for free – including non-Xfinity Internet subscribers. As this is one of the most widely deployed nationwide WiFi networks, you may have access available right from your home.  For a map of Xfinity WiFi hotspots, visit www.xfinity.com/wifi. Once at a hotspot, select the “xfinitywifi” network name in the list of available hotspots, and launch a browser.

I hope you are safe, well, and facing this shared challenge with the knowledge that SLUSD is here to support. I anticipate you that have many questions about the path that lies ahead. We will answer those questions together as a strong, resilient community that has always put the needs of their children first.

Sincerely,

Dr. Mike McLaughlin, Superintendent