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Lake County schools plan for school dismissals through May 1
The safety and wellness of students, school personnel and the community are the highest priorities, the superintendents said in a Thursday afternoon statement.
This guidance was based on consultation with Lake County Health Officer Dr. Gary Pace and Lake County Superintendent of Schools Brock Falkenberg.
School facilities may remain open to staff for the purposes of performing tasks deemed essential by the school district.
Students will continue to learn from home, and meals will continue to be provided for all children under 18. Check with your local school for details.
Previously, Lake County school districts had announced that they would suspend in-person classes at least through the Lake County health officer’s shelter in place order, which was set to end on April 10.
Then Gov. Gavin Newsom called for individuals to stay at home state-wide and prohibited mass gatherings of more than 10 people indefinitely.
Following this order, and in consultation with Lake County Public Health officer, schools are preparing to conduct distance learning through May 1.
LCOE and school district leaders will meet regularly to reassess the situation and determine next steps.
Should the governor’s order end before April 30, school districts will be flexible and consider resuming classes earlier.
“Our goal is to get students back into the classroom as soon as it is safe to do so,” said Falkenberg. “We understand the challenges to our students, families and community. Dismissals have become necessary to safeguard our community’s health and to “flatten the curve” to protect our local health care system from becoming overwhelmed.”
Above all, LCOE continues to recommend that everyone practices prevention and hygiene protocols, including:
– If you are sick for any reason, stay home. Call your doctor if you are concerned and/or your symptoms worsen.
– Symptoms to watch for include a fever over 100 degrees; respiratory illness such as cough or difficulty breathing.
– Wash hands frequently for at least 20 seconds.
– Stay six feet or more away from strangers and those who are ill.
– Stop shaking hands with others to reduce the spread of germs.
– Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
– Sneeze and cough into a tissue or your sleeve; safely throw away used tissues.
School districts and the Lake County Office of Education will continue to work closely with local health officials during this health crisis.
Resources for schools and families related to COVID-19 can be found at the following websites.
Kelseyville Unified School District: www.kvusd.org
Konocti Unified School District: www.konoctiusd.org
Lake County International Charter School: www.lcics.org
Lake County Office of Education: www.lakecoe.org
Lakeport Unified School District: www.lakeport.k12.ca.us
Lucerne Elementary School District: www.lucerne.k12.ca.us
Middletown Unified School District: www.middletownusd.org
Upper Lake Unified School District: www.ulusd.org
For more information about the county response to COVID-19, visit http://health.co.lake.ca.us .