Ceres Unified and the overwhelming majority of other school districts in the state of California will keep their campuses closed for the remainder of the spring semester to combat the spread of the deadly COVID-19 coronavirus.
“Although the extension of school closures and implementation of social distancing practices has created challenges and hardships, we know this is the most effective way to slow and disrupt the transmission of this pandemic,” Ceres Unified stated in its coronavirus update notification to families today. “All of us as parents, teachers, district staff, administrators, and community members are facing these challenging times together.”
School districts in Stanislaus County previously extended school closures through May 1.
When public schools closed on March 19, there were just two confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the country.
As of today, there were 44 positive tests.
“We now have further guidance and directives from State Superintendent of Instruction Tony Thurmond and Governor Gavin Newsom to keep schools closed through the end of the current school year,” Ceres Unified officials said. ”With this new information and an abundance of caution, the Ceres Unified School District, in cooperation with the Stanislaus County Office of Education and other Stanislaus County school districts, is taking a safety-first approach and immediate action to extend school closures through the end of the 2019-2020 school year.
“We appreciate the incredible resilience with which CUSD students, families, and staff have responded to this ever-evolving situation, and want to assure you that the 2019-2020 school year is not over. Between now and spring break, we will provide additional information to facilitate the continued transition to distance learning instruction for the remainder of the school year. Please know that CUSD teachers, administrators, and staff are here to provide support throughout this crisis, and we will continue to work collaboratively and diligently to engage with students and parents and ensure students feel connected to school.”
Ceres Unified will continue to provide breakfast and lunch for students 18 and under at school sites and other locations, plan for high school graduation ceremonies even if they’re rescheduled to a later date, assist with school enrollment for 2020-21, and update its website with additional resources and materials to support parents.
“In the coming days and weeks, we will provide information regarding graduation, grades and transcripts, scholarships, and summer school,” Ceres Unified officials further stated.
California's 977 school districts serve more than 6.2 million students.
