This is the latest COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) update from the San Joaquin County Office of Education (SJCOE).
Please note that circumstances can change quickly, and this information is subject to change.
San Joaquin County Superintendent of Schools James Mousalimas today announced a recommendation for schools in San Joaquin County to pursue a distance-learning model through the remainder of the 2019-20 school year while extending the closure of all public school facilities to help stop the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Superintendent Mousalimas’ recommendation was made in consultation with San Joaquin County Public Health Officer Dr. Maggie Park.
The action follows the March 31 recommendation from State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond that was supported by California Governor Gavin Newsom at the April 1 press briefing where Newsom also noted that it is very unlikely that it would be possible to send children back to school campuses before the end of the school year.
"During this unprecedented public health emergency, educational leaders in San Joaquin County have taken steps to protect the safety of our students and community by closing schools to help stop the spread of COVID-19. My recommendation is for schools in San Joaquin County to continue to do their part to protect our communities while providing for the educational needs of students through distance learning," Mousalimas said. "Even though school facilities are closed for the remainder of the school year, the school year is not over, and the learning does not stop. Our local schools are equipped to take on this challenge. They have already adapted during the current school closures to provide meals and instructional opportunities for students."
In the coming days and weeks, districts and schools will provide their students and families with information regarding how grades, graduation ceremonies, transcripts, scholarships, and continued distance learning instruction will be handled.
"We ask for patience and understanding as we are all quickly transitioning into a new way of teaching and learning to meet the health and safety impacts of COVID-19," Mousalimas said. "Working together we can and will meet this challenge."
For updates, resources, and more information about COVID-19 and schools in San Joaquin County, go to sjcoe.org/healthsafety. Students and families should also refer to their school district's website or social media for information specific to them. For updates and local information about the countywide response to COVID-19, please go to sjready.org.