Download the 2020-2021 School Year Planning: A Guide to Address the Challenges of COVID-19.
The San Joaquin County Office of Education (SJCOE) announced the release of new guidance for local schools as they prepare to enter the 2020-2021 academic year. The guidance was developed in close collaboration with the county's 14 school district superintendents and approved by the San Joaquin County Public Health Officer. The SJCOE document -- 2020-2021 School Year Planning: A Guide to Address the Challenges of COVID-19 -- is intended to be used as a tool for schools and districts to reopen while minimizing health risks as they develop their own plans for the new school year.
"Since school districts in San Joaquin County made the difficult decision to close campuses in March to help slow the spread of COVID-19, educators have been working to provide for the immediate needs of their students while looking ahead to reopening campuses. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to reopening schools. This new guidance allows school districts, charter schools, private schools, and SJCOE programs to take the next step toward meeting the challenge of providing a quality education to students in a way that is safe for students, staff, families, and the community," San Joaquin County Superintendent of Schools James Mousalimas said. "Educational leaders engaging with their school communities will be able to use these guidelines as they finalize and implement plans that take into consideration the needs of their students and families."
The SJCOE recommendations align with the California Department of Public Health's COVID-19 Industry Guidance: Schools and School-Based Programs. The San Joaquin County Public Health Officer, Dr. Maggie Park, updated the local Stay-At-Home Order that allowed for the reopening of schools as of June 12.