Superintendent's Message re Red Tier

​Superintendent’s Statement on Alameda County Moving to the Red Tier and What This Means for Our Schools
 
September 28, 2020
 
Greetings EUSD Community,
 
I sincerely hope that you and your family are staying well and safe during this uncertain time. Understandably, some of our families, students, and staff have questions regarding the school district’s reopening plan and how this relates to the health indicators and guidance from the State and County levels. We remain focused on refining systems and support for students and families as new guidance is received from the Alameda County Public Health Department (ACPHD).
 
Last week, Alameda County moved from the purple to red tier under the State of California Blueprint for a Safer Economy.  After 14 consecutive days in the red tier, schools could consider re-opening campuses for in-person instruction. However, there is still quite a bit of preparation that includes coordinating with local health agencies to provide staff with regular COVID testing and training for contract tracing before schools will be ready to open. 
 
The ACPHD has the authority to take a more incremental approach to re-opening to minimize significant increases in disease transmission, even as the County meets the State’s less restrictive criteria. They will use the next two weeks (through October 6) to ensure our county metrics remain stable and will release a phased plan for reopening that includes schools.  Here is a letter from the Alameda County Superintendent, Karen L. Monroe, that provides additional information.
 
Please keep in mind that even in the Red Tier, the risk level remains “substantial,” as shown in the illustration below, and requires continued focus on preventing community spread of the virus.

 
We will continue to collaborate with our labor partners, Board of Trustees, site leaders, staff, and community stakeholders to determine our next steps. You have our continued commitment to approaching any return to on-campus learning with safety as the highest priority.  Updates will be provided as additional information is received.
 
In the meantime, our staff continues to work diligently to provide the most optimal learning environment for our students during this time. Below is a summary of a few resources we are offering during distance learning:
 
TK-8 Learning Hub
In order to provide students with additional support during distance learning, the district will offer an in-person “Learning Hub” in Grades TK-8.
 
Due to limited capacity, we provided enrollment priority to students who receive special education services and students who were recommended by staff to receive in-person support during distance learning due to extenuating circumstances.

The program will operate four (4) days per week, similar to the distance learning program, from 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM.  The start date was Monday, September 21, 2020, for the first group of students and we will continue to stagger enrollment over the next few weeks, prioritized by need.
 
The program is staffed with certificated teachers and instructional aides to ensure that students are accessing virtual lessons and/or assignments with their classroom teacher(s). Both breakfast and lunch will be provided to the students who participate. We will also adhere to proper safety precautions that include social distancing, masks, and cleaning/sanitizing protocols.
 
If additional information is needed, please contact Anna Yates’ Front Office at (510) 601-4917/4918.
 
Meals
The Food Services Department will continue to provide Grab-and-Go meals to any child under the age of 18 regardless of their affiliation with EUSD.
 

●       Mondays: 10:00 am -12:00 pm (3 breakfasts and 3 lunches per child will be provided)
●       Thursdays: 10:00 am -12:00 pm (2 breakfasts and 2 lunches per child will be provided)
 
In partnership with the Alameda County Food Bank, we are also providing bagged groceries for families and community members.  Meal pickup will be located at 1100 47th Street, Emeryville, CA (near Emery High School).  Please remember to wear a mask and bring a bag when you come to pick-up meals.
 
Parent Support
Our Parent Outreach Coordinator, Ms. Erika Santana, is offering office hours every Monday from 12:00 p.m. -1:00 p.m. or by email, for families that may need support or questions answered (se habla espanol).  Link For Office Hours

 
In closing, we will continue to keep you informed as we receive additional information and move forward to best serve and support our community. Your continued patience and understanding is much appreciated.
 
Sincerely,

Quiauna Scott, Ed.D., Superintendent