Cupertino Schools to Reopen for Hybrid Learning on April 5th

The Cupertino Union School District (CUSD), will reopen on April 5, 2021, for Hybrid Instruction on all 25 school campuses. The District is nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley, spanning six cities, with approximately 1,600 employees serving just over 15,600 students in 19 elementary schools, one K-8 school, and five middle schools. Approximately 50% of the CUSD students have chosen to return in-person and 50% will remain in distance learning for this school year. The numbers of hybrid and distance learning students vary on each school campus.

Following an eagerly anticipated April 5, 2021 reopening, the District will expand from a model where students are on campus for two days, to a model where students are on campus four days a week. All hybrid students in the elementary school will be on campus for four days starting April 26, 2021, and middle school students on May 3, 2021.

Teachers will balance the demands of concurrent teaching, which is an entirely new way of teaching for staff. CUSD teachers and support staff have been amazing and flexible throughout the pandemic and continue to adapt to these adjustments working tirelessly to make learning meaningful for all students, those at home and in person.

In the fall, CUSD expects students to be on campus every day for a full instructional day. The District is committed to making this a reality for students.

Superintendent Yao shared, “This past year has been more challenging than perhaps any other that we have ever experienced. And, it is in times of adversity that we often experience our most extraordinary growth as individuals. The successful rollout of the vaccines, the diminishing transmission rates in our county, and the ability to now serve more students in school are all outstanding landmarks on our road to recovery and “getting back to better.”

Board President Jerry Liu remarked, “Cupertino Union School District students, teachers, and families are taking a big step forward on April 5 with our return to campus, and we will remain vigilant in providing a safe learning environment for our learners and staff. There is still much work ahead of us, but this return marks a significant milestone on the path back to our regular instructional schedule this August. “

The CUSD Trustees and Superintendent Yao thank all staff and community for their hard work, support, and understanding this past year.

Schools are required to adhere to the California Department of Public Health's COVID-19 and Reopening In-Person Instruction Framework. Modifications for campus instruction include implementing distancing inside and outside the classroom, ensuring sufficient ventilation, promoting health hygiene, cleaning and disinfecting, self-screening for symptoms and exposure, and instituting measures to be taken in the case of a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19. The District Re-Opening plan and other required documents are updated readily and found on the District’s website at https://www.cusdk8.org/reopeningupdates.