• DELANO UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT

    NEWS RELEASE

    March 13, 2020

    DUSD Response to COVID-19

    Delano Union School District continues to take a proactive role in addressing the health and well-being of our students. The circumstances associated with COVID-19 have presented our District with unprecedented challenges. Using the information that is available to us, we are making plans and decisions that are prioritizing the health needs of students, family, and staff. This is an ongoing situation, with new developments and significant uncertainty. The District is in direct contact with the State of California, Kern County, the Kern County Superintendent of Schools, and all state and local public health agencies. To navigate through this difficult time, we will partner with local educational and governmental agencies, and we request patience, understanding, and flexibility from our DUSD family and the Delano community.  

    “Our goal is to provide a safe and healthy environment for students and staff,” states Mrs. Rosalina C. Rivera, DUSD Superintendent. “That’s what we need to do right now. We are prioritizing essential functions and services, and unfortunately that means limiting or discontinuing non-essential activities. We do this with deep regret. These are very difficult decisions, and we share in the disappointment that will be experienced by students, staff, and families.”

    Superintendent Rivera calls for community-wide understanding. “We are all worried about our family, friends, and most importantly, our precious children. We all have a responsibility to adjust, we all have to do our part. Rest assured that DUSD will conduct operations in a manner that serves the broader public health needs of our community.”

    DUSD has been proactive in promoting excellent personal hygiene, including but not limited to hand washing and other forms of personal preventative practices. In addition, DUSD has implemented an active and vigorous cleaning schedule.

    DUSD will be limiting the accessibility of our school sites. Parents and guardians will be allowed access to the front office; other visitors are discouraged from non-essential visits to our school campuses. Vendors will be allowed on campus only for delivery of essential supplies and materials. The use of district facilities by outside entities will be suspended until further notice.

    DUSD is reviewing all events and activities, in light of the fundamental health and educational needs of our students. Some events and activities may be canceled or postponed in order to fulfill our public health obligations.

    DUSD has developed a Continuity of Instruction Plan in the event of school closures. We will use all means at our disposal to continue to meet the educational needs of our students.

    Parents/Guardians are requested to contact school sites for the purpose of updating contact information. DUSD will make every effort to keep families informed regarding plans, decisions, and new developments.

    Public health information is available from a variety of reliable sources. We urge our students, staff, and families to use reliable sources to remain informed as to COVID-19.

    California Department of Public Health:

    https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/ncov2019.aspx

    Centers for Disease Control:

    https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

    There are many media reports in connection with COVID-19. The quantity of media coverage can contribute to a sense of alarm or panic.  DUSD encourages all persons to stay focused on known facts and reliable information.

    Personal protective measures can and should be used immediately and for the foreseeable future, including:

    • Washing hands with soap and water, and using hand sanitizer when available.
    • Clean and disinfect frequently touches surfaces daily. If surfaces are dirty, clean them using detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
    • Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
    • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your elbow.
    • Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
    • Staying away from work, school or other people if you become sick with respiratory symptoms like fever and cough.
    • Follow guidance from public health officials.

    Additional information will be made available as necessary and appropriate.

    1405 12th Avenue     Delano, CA 93215     (661)721-5000