​​​​​SAN JOSE, CA - Santa Clara County Office of Education and Santa Clara County District Superintendents today offered a county wide response to the new shelter-in-place recommendations for schools based on guidance provided by Governor Gavin Newsom and State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Thurmond.

Governor Newsom and State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Thurmond have announced that school campuses in California will not be able to reopen this school year.

The 2019-2020 school year has not ended. Instead, the remainder of the school year has transitioned from in-person classroom instruction to instruction and support for students through distance learning​ options as described by The California Department of Education (CDE).

“Thank you all for your dedication as we continue to navigate the regional and state shelter-at-home order for the safety and well-being of our students and families. The unified effort as we persist through these unprecedented and challenging times together has been nothing short of remarkable,” said Santa Clara County Superintendent, Dr. Mary Ann Dewan. “We will work through this pandemic locally with the guidance of Dr. Sara Cody and the Santa Clara County Public Health Department so that we can ensure the health and safety of our students and their families as well as for our staff. We also recognize the importance of our regional collaborative with our Bay Area county partners.”

District leaders acknowledge that distance learning comes with its own set of challenges, and they are committed to providing students, families and educators with ongoing support. As all districts within Santa Clara County further implement distance learning options and academic strategies, the social and emotional well-being of all students is of utmost importance. The districts are working together to find ways to stay connected which will continue to help everyone learn together and celebrate important milestones. In the coming weeks, districts will provide families with information regarding how grades, graduation, transcripts, scholarships, summer school, and continued distance learning instruction will be handled.

“Our community is strong,” said Dr. Dewan. “Together, we will overcome the negative impact of these life-changing events. When school sites re-open, we will enthusiastically welcome back our students, staff, and families to our campuses. In the meantime, thank you for your patience, flexibility, and understanding.”