Schools dealing with virus

WHS update

A statement posted for parents by WHS Superintendent Lori Albrecht

Lori Albrecht, Wasco Union High School

After consultation with the Kern County Department of Public Health, and the other 46 Kern County School Districts and the Kern County Superintendent of Schools, the Wasco Union High School District will follow the recommendation of Gov. Gavin Newsom, and complete the 2019-20 school year utilizing alternative teaching methodologies, including online distance learning.

This is part of a concerted effort to limit the community spread of COVID-19 and address the important continued safety of our students.

In the meantime, we will continue to follow the governor’s orders, which include:

[BOX] Schools will continue to deliver high-quality educational opportunities to students, to the extent feasible, through distance learning.

[BOX] Schools will provide meals in non-congregate settings.

[BOX] Schools will arrange for, to the extent practicable, supervision for students during ordinary school hours; and

[BOX] Schools will continue to pay employees.

At this point we do not know when the current shelter at home order will be lifted.

We understand how challenging this decision is for our families, and we appreciate your support, dedication and patience. We are very grateful for all that our students, parents and staff are doing to support safety, continuity of education and addressing the nutritional needs of our students during school closures.

Over the past several weeks, we have rapidly adapted to this pandemic to provide online distance learning, “grab-and-go" meal distribution and telecommuting for our employees and will continue to do so despite the physical closure of our schools.

In the coming days and weeks, districts will receive clarity regarding how grades, graduation, transcripts, scholarships, summer school, continued distance learning instruction and a myriad of other issues will be addressed. We will communicate that information to you as soon as it becomes available.

Extended School Closure Timeline

The Wasco Union High School District and all of its schools will remain physically closed through the current 2019-20 school year, in response to the COVID-19 emergency. Teachers, students and staff will continue to work remotely to provide distance learning and other critical services.

[BEGIN BOLD]Meal Service Distribution[END BOLD]

The Wasco Union High School District will continue to provide “grab and go” daily lunches and breakfast for children 18 years and younger at the following times and locations:

Wasco High School Cafeteria: 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

Semitropic Elementary School: 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

There are also “grab and go” meal distributions provided by other school districts and available for any children 18 years and younger at the following times and locations:

James Forrest Elementary School: 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

Teresa Burke Elementary School: 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

Lost Hills -- Trailer Park: 10-11 a.m.

Lost Hills -- Lamberson Apartments: 10-11 a.m.

Lost Hills -- Martin and Tulare: 10-11 a.m.

Lost Hills -- Blackwells Corner: 10-11 a.m.

Wonderful Academy -- Wasco Barker: Park 8-9 a.m.

Wonderful Academy -- Lost Hills: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Prevention[

During school closures, it is important that staff, students and families follow the governor’s orders to stay home and minimize social contact to the extent possible.

Furthermore, the Kern County Public Health Department recommends the following everyday personal prevention actions:

--If you are sick or mildly sick for any reason, stay home! Call your doctor if you are concerned and/or if your symptoms worsen.

--Symptoms to watch for include a fever over 100 degrees; respiratory illness such as cough or difficulty breathing.

--Wash hands frequently for at least 20 seconds.

--Stay 6 feet or more away from strangers and those who are ill.

--Do not shake hands with others.

--Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

--Sneeze and cough into a tissue or your sleeve; safely throw away tissues in a safe manner.

This is a dynamic situation where information and circumstances can evolve quickly. We are grateful to you and our entire school community for your tremendous care, collaboration and understanding during these challenging times.