April 1, 2020
Dear Alameda County Education Community,
Following the Governor’s press conference earlier today, it is now clear that California’s schools will be engaged in distance learning for the remainder of the school year.
Our students’ learning and our teachers’ instruction is not ending, though campuses remain physically closed. Every day of instruction matters, no matter whether it takes place in a classroom or at the kitchen table. There is no question this puts an even bigger burden on families at a time when anxiety is already high. Asking parents and caregivers to take on the daunting task of supporting learning experiences that our incredible, professional teachers normally provide - on top of their needs that many of our families have to continue their own work responsibilities or to ensure their bills can be paid - adds even more stress to everyday home life.
We remain united with our six regional counties in placing the health and learning needs of our students front and center. To that end, school sites may remain open to staff for the purposes of performing tasks deemed essential by school districts and county offices of education. Schools will continue to prioritize childcare for our emergency workers and ongoing meal distribution for our students and families who rely on this crucial service.
The State will provide guidance on grading and graduation requirements for school districts. It is important that these issues are addressed as soon as possible to assist students and families, as well as our school districts, who have been wrestling with these and many other questions.
Schools still play a vital role in our communities. That much will not change in these ever-changing days.
We will continue to provide updates as often as warranted in these fast-changing days. Please refer to our website for the most updated information at acoe.org/publichealth.
Standing in partnership,
L. Karen Monroe
Superintendent of Schools
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