Coronavirus Update: School Closed 3/16 - 5/1
UPDATE (3/31/2020): SCHOLARSHIP PREP SCHOOLS WILL REMAIN CLOSED THROUGH FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2020. EARLIEST EXPECTED DATE FOR INSTRUCTION TO RESUME IS MONDAY, MAY 4, 2020.
With the closing of numerous schools and districts throughout the state, we are making the difficult decision to close our three campuses from March 16th to March 27th. We will use this time to evaluate the appropriate path forward. We understand that this is extremely short notice for our families. However, the countermeasures being implemented throughout the nation are happening at a rapid pace so as to best protect the health and safety of our communities from the further spread of the novel coronavirus virus (COVID-19).
We understand that our schools provide a social safety net for our children, and the closing of any school has real consequences beyond the loss of instructional time. We have been following the guidance of public health experts on how we can keep all who are part of our school communities -- students, staff, family members and visitors -- safe in the midst of a growing health crisis.
While our school facilities will be closed, plans are being established for students to continue to learn during this time.
Will Scholarship Prep provide online learning?
We are considering all options to maintain routines and consistency for students, including online learning. Our schools have prepared a digital resource library that can be accessed by families now by clicking on the link. This will not take the place of regular classroom instruction but will supplement student learning at home. These activities are meant to provide optional opportunities for student learning while they are absent from school. We will also provide families with information on potential Chromebook distribution sometime next week.
Lost instructional time
We will communicate any changes to the school year calendar, if necessary, directly to families as soon as decisions are made.
Providing Meals
We will be able to provide cold lunches free of charge to all students starting on Monday, March 16th from 8:00am-10:00am (previous messages may have stated a later time, but that is incorrect) for the duration of the closure. If you would like, please come to the campus during that time. We are grateful to the state of California and our food providers, Revolution Foods and Top Notch Catering, for the quick action and the ability to provide this support to our families.
Status of before and after school child care
Before and after school child care programs are canceled because the school buildings are closed. We know that closing our schools will impact our most vulnerable families and we recognize that working families depend on the consistency and predictability of supports and services our schools offer. We are working with partners such to determine how to best mitigate the impact closing schools will have on working families.
Continue healthy and precautionary habits
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after going to the restroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not available, hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol can be used. Use of soap and water is best. Use verbal salutations in place of handshakes and hugs, and don’t share utensils or cups. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands. If you do not have a tissue, use your sleeve/elbow (not your hands). Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Check out our COVID-19 resource guide for more information on staying healthy during the school closure period and beyond.
Keeping families, staff, and students informed regarding COVID-19 and school closure
We will continue to do our best to keep you informed. Facts and circumstances may change quickly so we encourage you to check our website www.scholarshipschools.org regularly or our Facebook page. As soon as new information becomes available, families will receive notifications through phone and email messages. Staff have been asked to check their work email daily.
Next Steps
We thank you for your patience and trust as we work together to maintain some sense of normalcy in these difficult times. We have created a FAQ list that will be kept up to date as new information is provided, as well as a thorough community resources list for each of our school communities found on our coronavirus information page. These next two weeks will be difficult and we are not certain what lies ahead after that. You have our unwavering commitment to do all we can do to help you and your children.
Thank you for your support.
Sen. Gloria Romero (Ret.) Jason Watts
Executive Director Chief Operating Officer
For more information, please visit our live, updated page on COVID-19, which includes resources for students and families.
With the closing of numerous schools and districts throughout the state, we are making the difficult decision to close our three campuses from March 16th to March 27th. We will use this time to evaluate the appropriate path forward. We understand that this is extremely short notice for our families. However, the countermeasures being implemented throughout the nation are happening at a rapid pace so as to best protect the health and safety of our communities from the further spread of the novel coronavirus virus (COVID-19).
We understand that our schools provide a social safety net for our children, and the closing of any school has real consequences beyond the loss of instructional time. We have been following the guidance of public health experts on how we can keep all who are part of our school communities -- students, staff, family members and visitors -- safe in the midst of a growing health crisis.
While our school facilities will be closed, plans are being established for students to continue to learn during this time.
Will Scholarship Prep provide online learning?
We are considering all options to maintain routines and consistency for students, including online learning. Our schools have prepared a digital resource library that can be accessed by families now by clicking on the link. This will not take the place of regular classroom instruction but will supplement student learning at home. These activities are meant to provide optional opportunities for student learning while they are absent from school. We will also provide families with information on potential Chromebook distribution sometime next week.
Lost instructional time
We will communicate any changes to the school year calendar, if necessary, directly to families as soon as decisions are made.
Providing Meals
We will be able to provide cold lunches free of charge to all students starting on Monday, March 16th from 8:00am-10:00am (previous messages may have stated a later time, but that is incorrect) for the duration of the closure. If you would like, please come to the campus during that time. We are grateful to the state of California and our food providers, Revolution Foods and Top Notch Catering, for the quick action and the ability to provide this support to our families.
Status of before and after school child care
Before and after school child care programs are canceled because the school buildings are closed. We know that closing our schools will impact our most vulnerable families and we recognize that working families depend on the consistency and predictability of supports and services our schools offer. We are working with partners such to determine how to best mitigate the impact closing schools will have on working families.
Continue healthy and precautionary habits
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after going to the restroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not available, hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol can be used. Use of soap and water is best. Use verbal salutations in place of handshakes and hugs, and don’t share utensils or cups. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands. If you do not have a tissue, use your sleeve/elbow (not your hands). Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Check out our COVID-19 resource guide for more information on staying healthy during the school closure period and beyond.
Keeping families, staff, and students informed regarding COVID-19 and school closure
We will continue to do our best to keep you informed. Facts and circumstances may change quickly so we encourage you to check our website www.scholarshipschools.org regularly or our Facebook page. As soon as new information becomes available, families will receive notifications through phone and email messages. Staff have been asked to check their work email daily.
Next Steps
We thank you for your patience and trust as we work together to maintain some sense of normalcy in these difficult times. We have created a FAQ list that will be kept up to date as new information is provided, as well as a thorough community resources list for each of our school communities found on our coronavirus information page. These next two weeks will be difficult and we are not certain what lies ahead after that. You have our unwavering commitment to do all we can do to help you and your children.
Thank you for your support.
Sen. Gloria Romero (Ret.) Jason Watts
Executive Director Chief Operating Officer
For more information, please visit our live, updated page on COVID-19, which includes resources for students and families.
