San Mateo County Health Officer Dr. Scott Morrow has ordered all schools in the county, including public, private and charter schools, to close from Monday, March 16, through Friday, April 3, except for administrative functions and for continuing to provide free and reduced meals to students.
In terms of preschools in the County, the order only applies to those run by a public district.
“The order requires all schools to dismiss students from regular attendance and encourages schools and school districts to implement at-home learning models if feasible,” according to the County.
Faculties and staff can use school facilities to manage at-home learning efforts. School districts can use school facilities to continue providing free and reduced meals to students.
Parents and students should contact their school or school district to retrieve essential items at school facilities, the County said.
San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools Nancy Magee said schools have been anticipating and preparing for this order “for weeks.”
“Moving an entire system to at-home or distance learning is highly complex and weighty,” Magee said. “Our districts and schools are ready for this transition, and I applaud every member of our educational community for demonstrating incredible focus, strength, and courage in this challenging time. It is certainly the time to come together in support of our young people.”
The full text of the order is available here.
Photo Credit: Rafael Lima/Climate
