Gilroy Extends School Closures Till May 1

Press release from the Gilroy Unified School District:

March 25, 2020

Dear GUSD staff and families —

I am writing to share some updated information regarding school closures in the Gilroy Unified School District. At 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 25, the Santa Clara County Department of Public Health, in partnership with the Santa Clara County Office of Education, announced that all districts in the County pdf will extend their school closures through Friday, May 1, 2020, in a concerted effort to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 virus in our communities. Six Bay Area counties are extending their school closures through May 1, as we work hard to protect our vulnerable community members. School will resume Monday, May 4, 2020.

Information is limited at this point, but I will have more information for you in my weekly message on Friday, March 27, regarding this latest announcement.

Our leadership teams will be working the rest of the week to determine what this latest news means for our students, staff members and families. We continue to try our best to meet the needs of all we serve. There are many unknowns as this school year progresses, but there are also many things I am certain of:

1. We can all follow the shelter in place orders issued by Governor Newsom and the Public Health Department. By remaining socially distant, we are doing all we can to lessen the spread of this virus.
2. We can continue to be aware of our hygiene practices. We can wash our hands frequently, cover sneezes and coughs, and stay home when sick.
3. We can practice self-care by exercising regularly, spending time outside in nature, reading books, and resting.
4. We can reassure our children that all will be well, and this too, shall pass.
5. We can utilize resources available to our communities and families to encourage learning and promote health and wellness.
6. We can ask questions when needed. Please send any school-related questions, concerns, or suggestions to our hotline contact information: Questions@GilroyUnified.org or 669.205.5590 and a member of our team will be in touch as soon as they are able.

I am impressed by the composure our students continue to exhibit as they navigate this abrupt change in their lives. I am inspired by the creativity and adaptability our staff members continue to show as we ask them to provide learning opportunities and resources for our school communities. And I am grateful for the families who have demonstrated unwavering commitment in supporting the 11,000 students in Gilroy, while trying to maintain a sense of routine and optimism through these exceptionally challenging days and weeks ahead. I am so grateful to be a part of this most resilient community.

Take care of each other,

Dr. Deborah A. Flores,

Superintendent, Gilroy Unified School District

This press release was produced by the Gilroy Unified School District. The views expressed here are the author’s own.