SMMUSD Schools Closed Until April 20th, Online Classes Offered Starting 3/17/2020 for 3 weeks.

Update 3/16: "The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District Board of Education approved the following closures for all schools in Santa Monica and Malibu. Closed for the next three weeks (through April 3), then our planned two-week spring break, with plans to return on April 20th. This may change based on direction from health and governmental agencies. We will be serving meals at four sites, three in Santa Monica and one in Malibu, starting tomorrow.

Background: We have been pupil free last Friday and today, with teachers and staff preparing for closure and continuity of learning." Gail Pinsker, SMMUSD

Superintendent's Message: Coronavirus Update – School Closures. 3/14/20

Dear parents, guardians and staff,

Today was our first day of our planned two-day dismissal, with staff at school and students at home. We will continue with the second day on Monday, March 16, 2020. Starting Tuesday, March 17, 2020, we will implement full closure of all schools and programs, including child care, infant toddler center, preschool, TK-12, and adult school.

Our school board is meeting on Monday to finalize the length of time for this closure. Please plan for closure for next week, starting Tuesday. In making this decision we consulted with and coordinated with the Los Angeles County Office of Education and other agencies on this decision, including with the City of Santa Monica and City of Malibu. We will have the full detail of our planned closure by Tuesday.

Here is what you can expect next:

While our school facilities are closed, beginning Tuesday, children enrolled in any SMMUSD school or program will be able to pick up free breakfast and lunch at the following schools: santa monica high school, McKinley Elementary, Rogers Elementary in Santa Monica and Webster Elementary in Malibu. We will provide additional information regarding the specific pick-up time and location at these sites before Tuesday. SMMUSD families may go to any of these schools even if not enrolled there. We request that students have their student ID number. We are providing grab and go bagged meals. If you are sick, we ask that children or adults do not come to school.

Our staff and teachers have thoughtfully developed materials and lessons to continue the continuity of learning for your student during this time. Your principal will share more with you regarding plans for your school that may include, picking up materials on a designated day, and online learning. Teachers will be available during school hours for questions through email. Our school principals will be sharing more detailed information about how families can support student learning during school closures.

Secondary families (grades 6-12) are being asked to take a short survey regarding access to internet and availability of a device at home while school is closed. We appreciate parents letting us know if either is needed and our team will be in touch with you. We want all students to continue learning during this closure. Direct link: http://bit.ly/2w6xN4z

Parents of children with Individual Education Plans will receive information from their service providers as to the activities that are available to students. We will do our best to hold scheduled IEPs via phone.

If you (or someone you know) has an appointment for a kindergarten enrollment packet, or any school tour, it has been postponed. You will hear from your school principal regarding alternative instructions.

The March 19th school board meeting planned for Malibu has been moved to Santa Monica. We encourage people to watch the live stream. We will have a survey link to provide public comment. You may come to the meeting; however, we will be practicing social distancing and we do ask that if you are sick you do not attend. We will provide the live stream link early next week, along with the agenda link.

All planned athletic activities including practices and games are postponed until further notice.

At the time of this writing the Department of Public Health has not confirmed any cases of COVID-19 at any of our schools; however, we must all recognize that the number of cases in Los Angeles County increases daily. We have made this decision out of an abundance of caution and in the interest of doing everything possible to support students, staff and families.

The reason to close a school during a pandemic is to prevent the spread of illness, according to the Center for Disease Control. During this closure we encourage both children and adults to follow social distancing recommendations from Public Health. This includes reducing close contact of people who are not regularly together, staying six feet apart from other people, limiting gatherings and avoiding public gatherings and large crowds.

Please continue to take all possible precautions to help reduce the risk of spreading germs to others. Public Health recommends everyday personal prevention actions:

Stay home when you are sick. Stay home for at least 72 hours after you no longer have a fever or symptoms of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medicines.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, and then dispose of the tissue and clean your hands immediately. If you do not have a tissue, use your sleeve (not your hands).

Limit close contact with people who are sick.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipes.

As parents and caregivers, you influence your child's reaction to information about COVID-19 and school closure. Ongoing developments regarding COVID-19 may be overwhelming, especially to younger children. Parents and caregivers can help children understand the situation better by discussing children's questions and concerns. You can watch a video about how to talk to your child about COVID-19 here.

We have additional resources in English and Spanish on our FAQ webpage, updating regularly.

We will continue to send you updates through BlackboardConnect via email and text. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter @smmusd and @MalibuPathway and our website coronavirus page: http://www.smmusd.org/coronavirus.

We know the last couple of weeks have been difficult as we deal with this unexpected health crisis. We thank you for your patience and strength as we navigate this together.

School staff will receive additional information over the weekend.

For more information about COVID-19, visit the Department of Public Health's website here.

For general information about COVID-19, LA County residents can also call 2-1-1.

Sincerely,

Dr. Ben Drati, Superintendent

Gail Pinsker

Community & Public Relations Officer

Santa Monica - Malibu Unified School District