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Message from the Superintendent

April 29, 2020

Message from theSuperintendentApril 29, 2020
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Dear OUSD Staff and Community,


Governor Gavin Newsom made comments yesterday about a possible earlier start to the 2020-21 school year in July or August to offset “learning loss” that could be occurring as students continue classwork remotely. To help avoid confusion, I wanted to reach out to let you know that Orange Unified School District plans to begin the 2020-2021 school year as scheduled, with student instruction starting on Wednesday, August 19. If guidance from local and state authorities necessitates a change to the planned start date, we will notify staff and the community immediately.


The proposal to start the school year earlier than scheduled was made during the governor’s daily briefing as he outlined a plan to resume some businesses and reopen schools. Depending on how the dynamic situation with COVID-19 unfolds in the coming days, weeks, and months, we anticipate that adjustments will need to be made to comply with Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines and accommodate best practices to continue to support the health and safety of our students, staff, and community. The Orange Unified School District Leadership Team is engaged in ongoing pandemic planning which includes social distancing measures and school site safety protocols to ensure staff is ready when schools reopen to meet the needs of students.


I’d also like to remind families that the interim grading policy, distance learning policy, answers to frequently asked questions, and resources to support the ongoing nutrition needs, well-being, and mental health of our families is available on our website at orangeusd.org/resources.


Please check the orangeusd.org website and follow Orange Unified on social media to keep up to date with our latest news and information.


Thank you for your continued support.


Sincerely,

Gunn Marie Hansen, Ph.D.

Superintendent of Schools