Most of you have probably already heard that all OUSD schools will be closed from 6pm at least through Spring Break (April 5). I can say with absolute certainty that this decision was not made lightly, and that those who made the decision balanced the essential function of schools with our need to protect public health.
Safety is always our top concern. More than anything I want all of our community to stay safe during this time. OUSD recognizes that many children rely on our schools for breakfasts and lunches. “Grab and Go” breakfast and lunch meals will be available for our students. In Northwest/West Oakland, Sankofa Elementary, West Oakland Middle and Hoover Elementary will be open at the following times and children will be able to pick up multiple days worth of food to take home according to the following schedule:
• Monday: 8:00-12:00 (3 breakfasts/3 lunches per student)
• Thursday: 8:00-12:00 (2 breakfasts/2 lunches per student)
• Food is available to any child under 18.
• Please bring a grocery bag or cooler to bring food home for the week.
Additionally, Chabot families are organizing systems to support each other during this time. While school is closed, if you find yourself needing food or other supplies delivered, please reach out to any of us in the office (Jessica.Cannon@ousd.org, Celia.Bermeo@ousd.org, eve.isbell@ousd.org, Margaret.Thorp@ousd.org ) – we can connect you to ways to have groceries delivered funded by Chabot Families. Also, we do have dried goods in a Food Pantry – please stop by the office today between 3:30 and 6 if you would like some.
Also, please make sure to keep me and the office up to date about your health and your family’s health. Although we will not be at school, we will all be working remotely and checking email during normal work hours. If you learn that anyone in your family has been exposed to or diagnosed with Covid-19, please let us know.
We will continue to send out frequent updates through Room Parents, Broadcasts, and School Messenger. We will make every effort to keep our web site up to date. Please check your emails frequently.
Another one of our main goals is to ensure that every Chabot student has access to the resources necessary to continue his/her learning at home. While we know that work packets and on line assignments are no replacement for face to face instruction, we also recognize that maintaining an academic routine and practicing their skills will be very important for our young children.
We want to make sure that every Chabot student has access to a computer. We are arranging check outs of a limited number of Chromebooks for families who do not have a computer or families whose primary computer needs to be used by a parent for work. If you would like to take advantage of this opportunity, please come to A5 between 3 and 6 pm today.
Teachers have begun creating Continuity of Learning Plans. These will continue to evolve over the next school days. You can access your grade level plan through the link above or on our website. If school remains closed for a more extended time, we will make every effort to move to Google Classrooms, especially for Grades 2-5.
The most important thing any student should do at home is read, read, read! Read as a family, read out loud, read silently – talk about what you read, write about what you read, draw about what you read. Luckily, in today’s world, almost every piece of literature can be accessed on line. Additionally, our library will be open for students to check out extra books today after school.
Another great learning option is to work on your Science Fair project – please see the complete SCIENCE FAIR PACKET for details. Ms. Ward will have boards available today after school in the Science Lab.
As parents, our first concern is always our children. I can say that the number one thing your children need right now is you. Double down on attachment, bend the rules, stay up late, cuddle, be close, be silly . . . . fill your homes with love.
These are tough times, there is no doubt. In the deepest place of my heart, I believe that challenging times give us all the opportunity to be our best selves and to come together as community in ways we may not have envisioned before. I am holding each of you and your families in my hearts and in my prayers.
With deep respect,
Jessica Cannon
