Messages from IUSD

June 2, 2021
end of year message from superintendent walker

March 26, 2021
Thank you for your partnership

March 23, 2021
update: ca classroom distancing guidelines amended

Dear IUSD Community,

On March 20, the California Department of Public Health aligned the state’s guidance for K-12 schools with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and amended California’s guidance for classroom spacing, recommending a minimum of 3 feet of space between students seated in a classroom rather than the previous recommendation of 6 feet.  The guidelines also state that teachers and staff should continue to sit at least 6 feet apart from students and other staff.  The 6 feet distancing is still recommended when students cannot wear masks at lunch time, for vocal and instrumental music instruction, or during other similar types of activities.

No Changes to the Current Academic Models

The updated guidelines will not change existing IUSD academic models for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year.  With just over two months remaining before the summer break, it would be too disruptive to redesign current academic models, change teacher assignments, and modify campus use and safety plans.  A fundamental shift of this nature, in such a short period of time, would also make it difficult for IUSD to continue to meet the preferences of our families and the academic needs of our students. 

Positive News for 2021-22 Planning

As previously communicated, IUSD is in the initial planning phases for the summer and the 2021-22 school year.  This amended guidance, based on science and data, is positive news for IUSD’s planning. Although the District will offer both online and in-person academic models in the fall, the revised guidelines will allow for more flexibility in the classroom, further supporting IUSD’s commitment of a five-day per week program. 

While other school districts around the state and nation are only now reopening for in-person instruction, IUSD has offered in-person instruction since September 2020 and has accommodated the needs of our students and families throughout the year, when space has been available.  This is the direct result of our partnership with our staff and families.  Similar to planning efforts last year, IUSD will work collaboratively with our key stakeholders and we will provide our community with updates as they are available.

More Evidence We Are Returning to a Sense of Normalcy

As a result of our collective efforts with students, staff and families, our district continues to take more steps toward normalcy in ways we have not seen for more than a year. In addition to the updated classroom guidelines, this includes:

• Youth sports have resumed, in accordance with state and local guidelines. 
• Band and choir instruction began in November/December for secondary schools and for the traditional elementary academic model in January per state and local guidelines. 
• High schools have announced that they are planning for in-person graduation ceremonies.
• Elementary and middle schools are also planning for in-person promotion ceremonies.
• Our elementary playgrounds reopened as of last week. 
• IUSD summer programs will be offered both in-person and online.
• IUSD teachers and staff continue to receive COVID-19 vaccines as essential workers in the state’s safe reopening plans. 

Health and Safety is Our Priority

Please know that the health, safety and wellbeing of our students, staff and families remains our priority.  IUSD continues to monitor local conditions and is working closely with the Orange County Health Care Agency and the Orange County Department of Education.  As we have done since the onset of the pandemic, we will continue to share updates and to work collaboratively with our key stakeholders as we begin planning for the 2021-22 school year.

As always, thank you for your partnership and support.  

Sincerely,
IUSD Communications

Language Support Services 

 

March 19, 2021
iusd condemns hate and violence against the Aapi community

MARCH 3, 2021
IUSD EXTENDS NO COST COVID TESTING FOR STUDENTS, STAFF AND STAFF DEPENDENTS

February 22, 2021
Important updates: end of year and 2021-22 planning

Dear IUSD Community,

As we head into the final months of the 2020-21 school year, the Irvine Unified School District (IUSD) has begun initial planning for the 2021-22 school year based on current state and local public health guidelines for K-12 schools and projections for how the situation could evolve prior to the start of the new school year, beginning on August 19.  Key factors for future planning include new or updated state and local guidelines for schools, which are not anticipated until this summer, and statewide COVID-19 vaccination efforts.
 
In the absence of more information related to these key factors and given the evolving situation, in which much can change between now and August, the District has the following high-level updates and will provide more specific information in the coming months:  

• IUSD is considering academic models for the fall.  However, it is too soon to determine what those will look like under the current conditions but we do know there will be options for both in-person instruction and a distance learning option through the IUSD Virtual Academy.
• Year round schools will remain on the traditional calendar for the 2021-22 school year with the intention to return to the year round schedule for the 2022-23 school year. This will ensure year round schools will benefit from the most recent health and safety guidelines and have access to the same resources and opportunities as our traditional schools.
• Orange County school districts are awaiting updated state and local guidelines for gatherings.  Once this guidance is available, IUSD will provide an update about graduation and promotion planning and considerations. 
• IUSD continues to work diligently with the Orange County Department of Education and the Orange County Health Care Agency to provide COVID-19 vaccines to school district employees.  We anticipate our employees, who are essential workers, will have access to vaccination sites in the coming weeks.

Continued Updates

The evolving nature of the COVID-19 pandemic has presented challenges to public education, as guidance from the local and state agencies has shifted over the course of the last year.  The District will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates to our community as we have them.

In the meantime, please continue to visit IUSD’s COVID-19 resource webpage, our Opening and Safety Planning webpage and our News Center for ongoing updates, information and resources. Thank you for your understanding, partnership and support as we continue to navigate these uncharted waters together.

Sincerely,
IUSD Communications

February 22, 2021
Year Round Schools to remain on traditional calendar for 2021-22 school year

Dear Year Round Families,

As we head into the final months of the 2020-21 school year, the Irvine Unified School District (IUSD) has begun initial planning for the 2021-22 school year based on current state and local public health guidelines for K-12 schools and projections for how the situation could evolve prior to the start of the new school year.  Key factors for future planning include new or updated state and local guidelines for schools, which are not anticipated until this summer and statewide COVID-19 vaccination efforts.  

In the absence of more information related to these key factors and given the evolving situation, in which much can change between now and July, year round schools will remain on the traditional calendar for the 2021-22 school year with the intention to return to the year round schedule for the 2022-23 school year. Please know that we understand this change may be disruptive.  We are sympathetic to this reality and our schools will work with families and staff, who may have plans or prior commitments aligned with the year round calendar. In the meantime, if you have immediate questions or concerns, please contact your school directly.
When year round schools start on August 19, they will benefit from the most recent health and safety guidelines and have access to the same resources and opportunities as our traditional schools.

2021-22 Academic Models

IUSD is also considering academic models for the fall.  However, it is too soon to determine what those will look like under the current conditions but we do know there will be options for both in-person instruction and a distance learning option through the IUSD Virtual Academy.

Continued Updates

The evolving nature of the COVID-19 pandemic has presented challenges to public education, as guidance from the local and state agencies has shifted over the course of the last year.  The District will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates to our community as we have them.

In the meantime, please continue to visit IUSD’s COVID-19 resource webpage, our Opening and Safety Planning webpage and our News Center for ongoing updates, information and resources. Thank you for your understanding, partnership and support as we continue to navigate these uncharted waters together.

Sincerely,
IUSD Communications

jANUARY 21, 2021
IUSD TO OFFER NO COST COVID TESTING FOR STUDENTS, STAFF AND DEPENDENTS

January 12, 2021
COVID-19 AND SCHOOLS FACTSHEET

IUSD is truly grateful for all of our students, families and staff, who have been steadfast partners and demonstrated character, resiliency and adaptability, as we continue to navigate these unchartered waters together. We understand and greatly appreciate the many different perspectives and concerns of our families and staff, which is why IUSD has provided a variety of academic models to meet these diverse needs. Below is data and information from experts about why schools remain open and the nationwide push to open all schools and to keep them open.

Overview

• Since the onset of COVID-19, IUSD has been guided by national, state and county guidelines for schools, established by infectious disease experts and agencies, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the California Department of Public Health and the Orange County Health Care Agency.
• To date, these agencies continue to affirm that schools are effectively combating COVID-19 due to stringent mitigation strategies and have made recommendations for schools to reopen.

Experts Want Schools to Reopen and Remain Open

• Dr. Mark Ghaly, Secretary of California’s Health and Human Service Agency said, “We have not seen a connection between increased transmission and school reopening or in-person learning. We’re looking at the information to see if there is a connection and so far we have not found one.”
• In keeping with Dr. Ghaly’s statements and a growing body of evidence that schools are preventing and limiting the spread of COVID-19, the Governor recently issued a Safe Schools for All Plan, which stated, “Resuming in-person instruction is critical for kids, families and communities throughout the state.” The plan cites the important role of in-person instruction in supporting not only the academic development of students but also most critically the mental health, wellness, and social emotional needs of students, especially those who have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.
• Additionally the Governor’s budget is attaching funding for schools, those who have yet to open, with opening and keeping schools open.
• President Elect Joe Biden and Dr. Anthony Fauci have also urgently called for schools to offer in-person instruction.
• In line with the state’s plan, President Elect Biden has vowed to “reopen the majority of schools within his first 100 days in office.”
• Dr. Fauci’s mantra for limiting the spread of COVID-19 has been “bars closed, schools open,” citing evidence that schools are not the source of spread.
• In addition, Dr. Robert Redfield, CDC Director says "The truth is, for kids K-12, one of the safest places they can be, from our perspective, is to remain in school, and it's really important that following the data, making sure we don't make emotional decisions about what to close and what not to close" - and continued "I'm here to say clearly the data strongly supports that K-12 schools - as well as institutes of higher learning - really are not where we're having our challenges."

Impacts in Irvine

• In Irvine alone, the police department has experienced a 20 percent increase in youth suicide and self-harm calls, along with a 15 percent increase in runaways, putting some of our youngest residents at risk for human trafficking.
• Additionally, domestic violence, drug and alcohol calls related to youths are also up from this time last year. While IUSD continues to provide comprehensive mental health and wellness services and has invested more than $15 million over the last five years in these services, the important safety net our schools and in-person instruction provide for students has never been more apparent.
• We know that this crisis has proven to be incredibly disruptive and challenging, requiring each of us to continually adapt to and reimagine countless aspects of our lives, but our kids need us now more than ever and our role as essential workers has never been more evident or imperative.

Facts and Data

• Since resuming in-person instruction on September 24, IUSD and the Orange County Health Care Agency have found no evidence of student-to-staff or student-to-student transmission, and only two confirmed cases of staff-to-staff transmission. In each of these cases, physical distancing practices were not followed.
• With approximately 23,000 students and more than 3,000 staff on campuses and other facilities, case rates remain extremely low and isolated. Our site rates have not come anywhere close to the state’s threshold for closing schools or other facilities.
• The Orange County Department of Education also recently stated, “Across all 27 public Orange County school districts, we’re seeing a low percentage of positive cases.”
• We join many other districts in Orange County in supporting in-person instruction for students and families.
  • Tustin, Saddleback, Capistrano, Placentia-Yorba Linda, and Orange continue at all grade levels.
  • Newport-Mesa, Laguna Beach, Los Alamitos and others continue to offer in-person instruction at elementary levels.
• The city of Irvine’s COVID-19 cases and positivity numbers remain among the lowest in the county.

Let’s Continue to Do Our Part

Health agencies and experts have established guidelines for schools to open safely and together we have been following those guidelines, which can and do make a difference according to mounting evidence here and around the world. It will continue to require a concerted effort on the part of students, families and staff to keep our schools safe and open. We deeply appreciate our partnership with the IUSD community and please know that our District is committed to carefully monitoring and evaluating this situation and work closely with the California Department of Public Health and the Orange County Health Care Agency.

In the spirit of continuous improvement, IUSD will continue to evaluate our mitigation strategies and protocols, while following all state and local guidelines. To read more about the $21 million IUSD has strategically invested in health and safety measures, including face coverings, physical distancing, use of outdoor and flexible learning spaces, smaller cohorts, enhanced ventilation systems, standalone air purification systems for each classroom and other workspaces, and disinfecting protocols, click here.

January 2, 2021
school to resume monday and safety reminders

December 3, 2020
schools not affected by state's new stay at home order

November 24, 2020
WE ARE THANKFUL FOR OUR IUSD COMMUNITY

NOVEMBER 16, 2020
IUSD SCHOOLS REMAIN OPEN

October 2, 2020
iusd launches new covid-19 dashboard

The Irvine Unified School District is committed to providing accurate and transparent information regarding COVID-19 cases on our campuses, while also maintaining privacy and confidentiality for our students and staff.  To this end, the District has created a COVID-19 dashboard reflecting confirmed positive cases among District students and staff on our campuses (in-person instruction only).  This data will be updated regularly and as cases are confirmed.  

The Dashboard also provides information about IUSD’s communication process, parent reporting requirements, information about how families and students can limit the spread of COVID-19 and links to resources.  To access the dashboard, visit iusd.org/dashboard.

In addition to updated information on the dashboard, principals or school staff will also communicate new cases directly to their communities.  Please note that our District will only communicate and provide data for confirmed COVID-19 cases.
 

 

sEPTEMBER 10, 2020
DISTRICTWIDE CHANGE TO CALENDAR AND IN-PERSON START DATES

 

 

SEPTEMBER 1, 2020
Update: in-person learning and new state framework

 

 

August 24, 2020
iusd schools on path to open for in-person instruction

 

 

august 12, 2020
2020-21 school year message from superintendent walker

 

 

july 23, 2020
ACADEMIC MODEL SELECTION CLOSED AND NEXT STEPS

 

 

July 21, 2020
Academic model updates and selection deadline

 

This is a friendly reminder to select the preferred academic model of your choice by Wednesday, July 22 at 5 p.m. Your selection will enable IUSD to allocate resources and staffing for each academic model. Additionally, when health conditions change and Orange County is removed from California’s COVID-19 watch list, IUSD will be able to pivot quickly and re-open our classrooms and campuses to students, whose families selected in-person options. Absent this process, IUSD would have to disband existing classes and establish new classes with different teachers and students upon return to in-person learning.

 

To make your selection, login into the Parent Portal and follow the instructions. Please note, if a model is not selected, students in elementary will be enrolled in the traditional model and students in middle and high school will be enrolled in the hybrid model.

 

Per the Governor’s order, issued last Friday, OC schools cannot physically re-open for in-person instruction until our county is off the state’s list for 14 consecutive days. Unless conditions change, IUSD will begin the 2020-21 school year with online instruction on August 20.

 

Academic Model and Teacher Assignment Process

 

As the academic model selection deadline approaches, we know that some of our families have questions about the difference between starting school in the IUSD Virtual Academy (IVA) versus the in-person option. We have also received questions about teacher assignments and keeping students together from the same schools and grade levels. Below is a flowchart, which includes the following:

 

• The selection process and next steps for beginning the school year. 
• To the greatest extent possible, elementary and middle school students will be in cohorts by grade level and by their neighborhood or assigned school (including IVA students). While IUSD will try our best to keep high school students together, it may be more challenging due to course sequencing and schedules.
• In addition, teachers will be assigned to students from their schools (including IVA students) to the extent feasible. This may change in some instances based on enrollment and need.
• It is possible to change academic models at the end of the semester/trimester. Our schools will work with families as needs arise.
• Just as our Virtual Academy will provide rigorous, high quality differentiated instruction, distance learning will also provide rigorous, high quality differentiated instruction and teachers in our traditional and hybrid programs will be able to access the curriculum and resources offered through our Virtual Academy. With the time to plan and learn from our Emergency Distance Learning experience, we can ensure that Distance Learning will provide tightly structured and standards aligned lessons, with frequent synchronous (live) learning, individualized support, peer-to-peer collaboration, and an infusion of new learning resources. Regardless of the format, IUSD students will receive the rich instruction, support, and connection they need from highly trained and skilled IUSD teachers and staff.

  

FAQ and Additional Resources

 

To view the above flowchart online or to download it, click here.

 

IUSD’s FAQ has been updated with additional questions we have received from our families. Click here to access the FAQ and please continue to visit our COVID-19 resource webpage and our 2020-21 Opening and Safety Planning webpage, which we continue to update.

 

The California Department of Public Health’s guidelines for California schools, on which the Orange County Department of Education has based its guidelines for OC schools, have been updated to reflect the Governor’s new mandates.

 

Please take a moment to review these resources, which provide a vast array of information that may be helpful to your family’s selection process and in preparing for the start of the new school year.

 

We are Here to Support You

 

We understand that this is a time of great uncertainty and the stress a decision such as this may cause some families. Please know that we are here to work with you and we remain committed to providing our students with the highest quality educational experience we can envision. For questions related to your school, please contact your school directly and to submit additional questions to the District, please visit our FAQ online submission form.

 

Thank you for your partnership and patience.
 

 

July 17, 2020
STATE SETS CONDITIONS FOR IN-PERSON LEARNING TO START FOR 2020-21 SCHOOL YEAR

 

As we learned earlier today, Governor Newsom announced that all public and private schools located in California counties on the state’s monitoring list for rising coronavirus infections will be required to close for in-person instruction until the counties are off the monitoring list for 14 consecutive days. Because Orange County is currently on this list, all school districts in the county, including IUSD, will be required to start the 2020-21 school year in a distance learning format until conditions improve.

 

Implications for In-Person Academic Models

 

For IUSD, this decision does not affect the Virtual Academy but will temporarily affect the following approved 2020-21 in-person academic models:

 

• Elementary - Traditional, Hybrid and TK/K
• Middle and High Schools - Hybrid and Blended
• Special Education - Hybrid and Traditional

While the current number of COVID-19 infections preclude in-person instruction at this time, we remain hopeful that the day will come when conditions in Orange County improve enough to be removed from the monitoring list. In anticipation of this day, IUSD will proceed with planning for all approved academic models with the caveat that all in-person models (hybrid, traditional, and blended) may be modified to start the school year in a temporary distance learning mode. Once we are permitted to open for in-person instruction, these affected models will revert to the originally planned design.

 

Academic Model Selection Process
 

 

Please keep this temporary distance learning requirement in mind as you select your preferred academic model. A parent must select one of the in-person options if they want their child to participate in on-campus instruction once conditions permit. Students will begin the year in distance learning with the same assigned teachers they will have once in-person instruction is allowed to start.

 

We understand that the Governor’s announcement may generate additional questions and concerns; therefore, we are extending the deadline for families to select their academic model to Wednesday, July 22 at 5 p.m. Families must select their models by this date to allow our schools sufficient time to align necessary staffing and to build schedules so that we can honor our families’ preferences and implement the Board approved academic models for the 2020-21 school year.

 

Rigorous Distance Learning

 

As you consider your choices for this fall, please understand that, even if we begin the school year in a distance learning format or spend some portion of the year in distance learning, students' experiences will be very different than in the spring of last year. Just as our Virtual Academy will provide rigorous, high quality differentiated instruction, distance learning will also provide tightly structured and standards aligned lessons, with frequent synchronous learning, individualized support, peer to peer collaboration, and an infusion of new learning resources. Our students, regardless of the format, will receive the rich instruction, support, and connection they need.

 

While we realize that the COVID-19 pandemic has generated uncertainty and fear, and our families and staff have had to adjust and make so many sacrifices, know that we remain committed to providing educational equity and excellence. Our schools will work closely with our families to ensure that our students receive the support that they need, and we will do everything in our power to deliver on our promise to create the highest quality educational experience we can envision.

 

IUSD will send a follow up communication early next week, including additional resources to support our staff and families. Thank you for your understanding and partnership.

 

JULY 15, 2020
IUSD 2020-21 ACADEMIC MODELS AND SELECTION PROCESS

 

Important: academic model selection is needed for each student by July 19.
Information and process described here.

 

IUSD remains committed to the safety, health, and wellbeing of our students, staff and families and to providing educational equity and excellence for our more than 36,000 students. The challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic remind us, each day, of the importance of this collective commitment. To that end, last night, the Board of Education made the critically important decision to approve the academic models for the 2020-21 school year.

 

The Board also voted to require face coverings/masks at all times on IUSD campuses and in classrooms for all staff, students, and visitors. Face coverings/masks may only be removed when maintaining physical distancing of six feet or more and at the direction of a teacher or other staff, or when drinking, eating, or participating in recess/physical activity. Persons with a medical or mental health condition, or disability that prevents wearing a face covering may be exempt per state guidelines. Click here to read more.

 

The academic models outlined below are aligned with state and local guidelines for schools and designed to meet the interests of our students, staff and families. School principals will provide information with directions for families to make their academic model selection. You will have today, July 15, through Sunday, July 19 to make your selection, please check your email for this important communication.

 

Elementary Schools (TK-6):

 

• IUSD Virtual Academy, hybrid, TK/K and traditional models.

Middle and High Schools (Includes 6-8 grade students at K-8 schools):

 

• IUSD Virtual Academy, hybrid, and blended program (grades 9-12 only) models.

Special Education:

 

• Elementary: IUSD Virtual Academy, hybrid and traditional models.
• Secondary: IUSD Virtual Academy, hybrid and blended learning (9-12). Traditional model is only available for Moderate/Severe programming and Autism Specific Programming.
• Pre-K Early Childhood Learning Center and Irvine Adult Transition Program: IUSD Virtual Academy, hybrid and traditional models.

Click here for more details about IUSD’s academic models for the 2020-21 school year.

 

Additional Resources:

 

Click here to access the Planning FAQ and the 2020-21 Opening and Safety Planning resource page for a wide range of information that can support your decision-making process.

 

Thank you for your engagement and partnership.

 

July 2, 2020
HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT IUSD'S 2020-21 PLANNING?

 

 

July 1, 2020
face covering update

 

As districts in Orange County continue to prepare for schools to reopen in August, all of these rapidly developing plans are being built in reference to the guidelines issued by the California Department of Public Health, the Orange County Health Care Agency, and the Orange County Department of Education.  In Superintendent Walker’s June 25 communication to the IUSD community, the information provided reflected the current guidelines for Orange County schools as set forth by the above agencies.  As it relates to the wearing of masks in classrooms by students, the IUSD Board of Education has not formally considered, and therefore has not made a decision, whether the District should go beyond the current state and county guidelines. 

 

There has been some confusion or misinformation that IUSD has made a decision about masks that is “anti-mask” or “anti-science.”  IUSD would like to assure our community that neither assumption is correct.   The Board and District leadership will continue to examine the guidelines for Orange County schools, which are evolving, while monitoring health conditions in our county and state before making final decisions.  This includes masks and face coverings for both students and staff.  Please note, however, in anticipation of the start of the new school year, IUSD has already procured enough cloth coverings and face shields to support free access for all students and staff.  In addition, IUSD is working with the California Office of Emergency Services to secure an additional 141,000 cloth and disposable masks for students.

 

Throughout the COVID-19 public health crisis, IUSD has closely monitored the impact of the pandemic, worked with expert agencies and adapted, as necessary, to support the health and wellbeing of our more than 36,000 students and over 4,000 staff, while maintaining our promise to provide academic excellence and equity.  This process has centered on student and staff safety, which will remain a priority and will help guide our decisions. 

 

During the regularly scheduled July 14 Board of Education Meeting, the Board will consider the Task Force recommendations and further details about the proposed academic models and related guidelines for schools. If the current county and state guidelines about masks do not change in the future, the District will consider at a later time whether to adopt more stringent requirements.  

 

To watch the Board Meeting online, click here or tune into Cox Channel 39.

 

June 29, 2020
COMMUNITY UPDATE AND SPECIAL BOARD MEETING CHANGE

 

Dear IUSD Community,

 

Today, we informed our year round families that the Orange County Health Care Agency has not finalized the guidelines required for schools to safely open to students and staff in time for the start of year round schools on July 15. Schools are legally required to attest to their compliance with certain guidelines, which cannot happen while the guidelines themselves are still in flux. In light of this information, and in acknowledging that approximately 70% of our year round families want some form of in-person, on campus instruction, we will be adjusting the start of the year round school calendar to August 20, to coincide with the traditional school calendar for the 2020-21 school year. We have every intention to go back to the year round calendar for the 2021-22 school year.

 

Since the onset of COVID-19, IUSD has closely monitored the impact of the pandemic, worked with expert agencies, and adapted, as necessary, to ensure the health and wellbeing of students and staff, while maintaining our promise to provide academic excellence and equity. When year round schools open on August 20, they will benefit from the most recent guidance and have access to the same resources and opportunities as our traditional schools.

 

Please note, we have canceled the July 1 Special Board Meeting and moved the staff presentation of the proposed academic models to our regularly scheduled July 14 Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. We will also be developing additional resources, including a comprehensive FAQ, to answer the many questions we’ve received and to help families and staff develop a better understanding of each of these options.

 

Thank you for your understanding and partnership, as we work to support our students and teachers during this unprecedented time.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Terry L. Walker
Superintendent of Schools
Irvine Unified School District

 

Click here for the full message to year round families.    
 

 

 

June 29, 2020
CHANGE TO YEAR ROUND CALENDAR FOR 2020-21

 

Dear Year Round Families:

 

On behalf of the IUSD Board of Education and District leadership, I want to thank you for your patience and understanding as staff and the 2020-21 Task Force plan for the new school year. The evolving nature of the COVID-19 pandemic has presented many challenges to public education and unfortunately, guidance from the local and state agencies continues to shift, including ongoing debates about significant health guidelines. We will continue to monitor these guidelines and make any necessary adjustments.

 

To that end, the Orange County Health Care Agency recently informed all Orange County school districts that they have not finalized the guidelines required for schools to safely open to students and staff. Schools are legally required to attest to their compliance with certain guidelines, which cannot happen while the guidelines themselves are still in flux. In light of this information, and in acknowledging that approximately 70% of our year round families want some form of in-person, on campus instruction, we will be adjusting the start of the year round school calendar to August 20, to coincide with the traditional school calendar for the 2020-21 school year, and the opening of all other IUSD schools. We have every intention to go back to the year round calendar for the 2021-22 school year.

 

Since the onset of COVID-19, IUSD has closely monitored the impact of the pandemic, worked with expert agencies, and adapted, as necessary, to ensure the health and wellbeing of students and staff, while maintaining our promise to provide academic excellence and equity. When year round schools open on August 20, they will benefit from the most recent guidance and have access to the same resources and opportunities as our traditional schools.

 

Please know that we understand this change may be upsetting, disruptive and generate many questions. We are very sympathetic to this reality and our schools will work with families, who may have plans or prior commitments aligned with the year round calendar. In the meantime if you have immediate questions or concerns, please contact your school directly.

 

Also, please note that we are now canceling the July 1 Special Board Meeting and moving the staff presentation of the proposed academic models to our regularly scheduled July 14 Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. We will also be developing additional resources, including a comprehensive FAQ, to answer the many questions we’ve received and to help families and staff develop a better understanding of each of these options.

 

Thank you for your understanding and partnership, as we work to support our students and teachers during this unprecedented time.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Terry L. Walker
Superintendent of Schools
Irvine Unified School District
 

 

 

June 25, 2020
IUSD 2020-21 fAMILY SURVEY NO.2 AND UPDATE

 

Dear IUSD Community,

 

As we continue our planning for the 2020-2021 school year, we know that designing academic models that meet the diverse needs of our students and families is critically important. We appreciate the feedback and considerations you shared in our first family survey. The Board of Education and the IUSD 2020-2021 Task Force carefully reviewed these responses to understand your preferences for online, blended, and traditional academic models. Final recommendation of these academic models will be brought to the Board of Education for approval at the July 1, 2020 Special Board Meeting.

 

The models outlined below were designed to meet the interests of our students, staff, and community and align with the California Department of Public Health guidelines and Orange County Department of Education guidelines.

 

Please carefully review the contents of this letter and each academic model before completing the IUSD Family Survey No. 2. The survey is open through Monday, June 29 until 5:00pm.

 

Academic Models Aligned to Local and State Guidelines

 

The guidelines established by the California Department of Public Health, the OC Health Care Agency, and OC Department of Education informed all our planning efforts and the design of each academic model. These guidelines include promoting handwashing, encouraging face coverings, cleaning and disinfecting, allowing for physical distancing, and creating smaller cohorts of students, when possible. For more information about these practices and protocols in our schools click here.

 

While our families identified the protocols listed above as important considerations, two, in particular, have drawn significant attention – masks and the use of classroom spaces on our campuses.

 

Masks and Face Coverings

 

IUSD schools will follow the local and state guidelines related to masks, face coverings and face shields. Current guidance from the OC Health Care Agency states, “face coverings should be worn by students, staff and visitors when six feet of distancing is not feasible and other exemptions do not apply.” To clarify, face coverings, including face shields, are recommended but not required. Additional face covering guidelines include:

 

• Teach and reinforce use and potential benefit of cloth face coverings, masks, or face shields, especially when physical distancing is not feasible.
• Encourage all staff to use face coverings or face shields.
• Recognize that some people have medical or mental health conditions that prevent them from effectively or safely wearing a face covering.

IUSD will provide our staff with both masks and face shields in accordance with these guidelines. For additional information about face coverings, please see the links to the guidelines listed above. Should this guidance change, IUSD will inform our families.

 

Click here for more information about face masks.

 

Classroom Spaces

 

Local and state health guidelines recommend that schools maximize space between seating and desks to the extent possible. Teacher and other staff desks will be placed at least six feet from student desks. When physical distancing is more difficult, it is recommended that schools consider the use of study carrels or partitions when possible.

 

Changing Academic Models

 

IUSD understands that some families may wish to change to a different academic model during the school year. Our schools will do their best to accommodate these requests and will provide additional information regarding the process for initiating a change.

 

Academic Models

 

The State Legislature announced this week that schools should return students to in-person instruction to the greatest extent possible. To that end, all IUSD families will have the option to return their children to an in-person model of instruction at their neighborhood school or prior approved school of choice.

 

Please click here to access the survey and an overview of each academic model for Elementary, Middle and High School Programs, including our Year Round Schools.

 

As you consider the different academic models, we anticipate that you may have additional questions. IUSD staff is working on Frequently Asked Questions  and a 2020-21 Planning webpage, which will both be available soon. In the meantime, if you have specific questions you would like addressed, please add them to the open-ended response option in the survey or email them to info@iusd.org.

 

Special Education, English Learners, and Students who receive additional supports

 

Students who participate in the District's Special Education programs or services, have 504 plans, or receive language development support may select any of the academic models offered. For students who are in Special Education and/or receive related services, access to those related services will be provided to the fullest extent possible either in person or virtually.

 

Flexible and Adaptable Planning

 

The rapidly evolving nature of the COVID-19 pandemic has required IUSD to work closely with state and local agencies and officials to understand the implications for our schools and adapt as needed to serve our students and families. Please know that the safety of students, staff and our community is our priority; therefore, we will continue to be vigilant and adjust as needed to ensure our practices align with the current conditions, while maintaining academic excellence and equity for all students.

 

We understand that living in an environment of constant change can generate frustration, fear, and a sense of uncertainty. Please know that our District will continue to follow expert health guidance and provide our community with the most timely and accurate information available. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we engage in this complex and important work.

 

Finally, I would like to thank you for your partnership. Our parents play an important role in helping us deliver on our promise to provide the highest quality educational experience we can envision. Our current circumstances have challenged us all, but together we will ensure that our children continue to learn at the highest levels and to thrive both in school and beyond.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Terry L. Walker
Superintendent of Schools
Irvine Unified School District

 

 

 

April 15, 2020
IUSD Grading During Distance Learning

 

Dear IUSD Community,

 

As previously communicated, in accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order to stay at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, all IUSD schools will continue to provide emergency distance learning through the end of this academic school year. The District’s goals during this time are to provide learning activities that build appropriate grade-level skills and content knowledge, maintain a connection between students and teachers, and account for the variety of demands this unique time places on students, families and staff. This transition to distance learning requires a different approach to student grading that will hold students harmless from the difficult circumstances they may face.

 

We know some students may struggle to process new material or demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of course content under these extraordinary circumstances. Our lower income students and students with special needs may experience even greater challenges, while students whose families have been impacted by this disease may not have the ability to fully engage in distance learning. In recognition of the anxiety, stress and inherent educational inequities that exist across our nation, institutions of higher education are encouraging a credit/no credit model as the most equitable approach to codifying student learning.

 

To this end, during last night’s Board Meeting, after thorough discussion and deliberation, the Board of Education approved IUSD staff’s recommendation to move to “credit/no credit” grades for the final reporting period of the 2019-20 school year for all students. The Board’s decision included direction from the State Board of Education that requires districts to implement grading practices that “do no harm” to students during emergency distance learning. This decision also included guidance from UC, CSU, state community colleges, Stanford’s Challenge Success, admissions officers from elite universities and feedback from IUSD principals, teachers and leadership, the Orange County Department of Education and Orange County school districts. Please review our frequently asked questions for more information on this topic.

 

In response to the pandemic, colleges and universities are leading the way in the transition to credit/no credit option. In order to eliminate the inevitable inequalities presented by distance learning, CSUs and UCs will accept credit or passing grades for A-G courses in winter/spring/summer 2020. The message from higher education institutions is clear: students will NOT be penalized for grading changes enacted by school districts in response to COVID-19.

 

Colleges lean heavily on an official document from all high schools called the School Profile. School Profiles explain circumstances to colleges, including graduation requirements, grade point average calculations, honors courses, average SAT/ACT scores, and other elements that make schools unique. In this case, the shift to credit/no credit in the face of a national pandemic will be described and accepted without penalty. The move is temporary and will be discontinued when students and staff return to school in 2020-21.

 

Furthermore, Stanford’s Challenge Success program and Joe Feldman, author of Grading for Equity have issued grading guidelines for distance learning:  Guidance on Grading/Crediting Policies During COVID-19  and Recommendations for Grading During COVID-19 . Their research suggests that stress related to COVID-19 will negatively impact student academic performance. In order to ease this negative impact, our District’s transition to credit/no credit will allow students and families to eliminate the pressure of performing competitively in this altered school environment. It reassures families that student work during this pandemic will be valued, but students will not be penalized for not being able to perform competitively under these circumstances. Our goal is to continue to support our students’ learning, build connections with them, and find ways to support them during distance learning.

 

Teachers, staff and administrators will remain focused on keeping our students highly engaged, connected, and invested in their learning. Teachers will continue to have daily contact, to assign work, to provide feedback on the work, to host online discussion forums when age appropriate, and provide resources to ensure that our students have a variety of opportunities to strengthen their understanding of essential learning targets. IUSD remains committed to preparing students to be successful at the next level.

 

For more information and resources, please continue to visit our dedicated COVID-19 resource webpage at iusd.org/COVID19. Included on this page is information about distance learning, mental health and wellness resources and contacts, food and other assistance for families in need, enrichment resources, and more.

 

Thank you for your understanding and partnership.

 

Sincerely,

 

Terry L. Walker
Superintendent of Schools
Irvine Unified School District

 

Additional Resources: 

 

• Orange County Health Care Agency FAQ
• Arabic Translation of Update: IUSD Grading During Distance Learning  - 4/15/2020 عربى
• Farsi Translation of  Update: IUSD Grading During Distance Learning  - 4/15/2020 فارسی
• Japanese Translation of  Update: IUSD Grading During Distance Learning  - 4/15/2020 日本語
• Korean Translation of  Update: IUSD Grading During Distance Learning  - 4/15/2020 한국어
• Mandarin, Chinese/Taiwanese (Simplified) Translation of  Update: IUSD Grading During Distance Learning  - 4/15/2020  简体中文
• Mandarin, Chinese/Taiwanese (Traditional) Translation of  Update: IUSD Grading During Distance Learning  - 4/15/2020正體中文
• Spanish Translation of  Update: IUSD Grading During Distance Learning  - 4/15/2020 Traducción Española

Additional Language Support:

 

 

 

April 1, 2020
Governor Directs CA Schools to Remain Closed through 2019-20

 

Dear IUSD Community,

Today, Governor Newsom and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Thurmond announced that all California schools will remain closed to students through the end of the 2019-20 school year, as a result of increased COVID-19 cases throughout the state. The extension of school closures reaffirms the Governor’s previous statements and his intention to continue “stay at home” orders to protect the public health.

What this Means for IUSD
While schools will remain closed to students, I would like to emphasize that distance learning and IUSD services will continue, including school counseling services, mental health and wellness supports, grab-and-go meals, Chromebooks and connectivity, and more. Please continue to visit iusd.org and iusd.org/COVID19 for ongoing updates, information and resources for students and families.

Early Planning Has Enabled Continuity of Learning
Education is an essential service and IUSD leadership and staff recognize the extraordinary responsibility to support continuity of learning and services for our more than 36,000 students. To that end, within days of closing campuses to students and the public, IUSD implemented Emergency Distance Learning. Our principals, teachers and support staff will continue to provide the highest quality distance learning we can envision, utilizing a variety of carefully vetted tools and resources.

More Information to Follow
In the coming days, we will share updates from state and higher education agencies that will provide important clarification about grades, graduation and other related topics. We also know that policy changes are being made at the collegiate level to ensure that student admissions are not adversely impacted by COVID-19. In the meantime, please visit iusd.org/COVID19, which includes frequently asked questions and other updated resources.

Discussing this News with Students
Finally, although IUSD and many in our community anticipated the possibility of this new announcement, it may be very disappointing and difficult to process for some. Please take a moment to discuss this news with your children and to listen and acknowledge how they are feeling.  For information about IUSD mental health and wellness supports and resources, click here.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership.

Terry L. Walker
Superintendent of Schools
Irvine Unified School District

 

 

Additional Resources: 

 

• Orange County Health Care Agency FAQ
• Arabic Translation of Update: Schools to Remain Closed  - 4/1/2020 عربى
• Farsi Translation of  Update: Schools to Remain Closed  - 4/1/2020 فارسی
• Japanese Translation of  Update: Schools to Remain Closed  - 4/1/2020 日本語
• Korean Translation of  Update: Schools to Remain Closed  - 4/1/2020 한국어
• Mandarin, Chinese/Taiwanese (Simplified) Translation of  Update: Schools to Remain Closed  - 4/1/2020  简体中文
• Mandarin, Chinese/Taiwanese (Traditional) Translation of  Update: Schools to Remain Closed  - 4/1/2020 正體中文
• Spanish Translation of  Update: Schools to Remain Closed  - 4/1/2020 Traducción Española

Additional Language Support:

 

 

March 31, 2020 Update

 

Update (March 31): IUSD is aware of statements made by the State Superintendent of Schools, Tony Thurmond, indicating that it is unlikely California school sites will reopen before the end of the school year, bolstering comments made by Governor Gavin Newsom a couple of weeks ago. IUSD has been closely monitoring this situation and following all guidance from federal, state and local officials and expert health agencies, in addition to collaborating with other Orange County school districts. We are in the process of working with these organizations to determine what this means for our school district and next steps. As we have more information, we will keep our community informed.

IUSD emergency distance learning and services continue as planned. For more information and ongoing updates, visit iusd.org/COVID19.

 

Additional Language Support:

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 27, 2020
With Gratitude and Respect

 

Dear IUSD Community,

 

Two weeks ago today, the Irvine Unified School District closed our schools to the public due to the COVID-19 health crisis. As your superintendent, an educator and a father, I have a deep appreciation for the challenges this has presented our community. At a time when it would be easy to find more wrong than right, more negative than positive, I have witnessed our staff, families and students make the conscious choice to face these challenges with grit, resiliency, adaptability, grace, compassion and hope.

 

Our teachers and staff have been working around the clock to support students and families, as we settle into this temporary “new normal.” Within days of closing our school sites, IUSD’s emergency distance learning was up and running. In the last two weeks, IUSD’s Nutrition Services has served more than 52,000 meals to students, while our IT team has distributed more than 4,000 Chromebooks. Our families have jumped in with both feet and are working with our teachers and schools to provide continuity of learning for students during this unprecedented time.

 

As we continue to move forward, together, I felt compelled to reach out to you and express my gratitude and respect for our community with a brief video message.

 

I have always maintained that it is the “US” in IUSD that makes our District stronger and over these last two weeks this has never been more true. We are committed to working with you and to continually improving how we serve all of our more than 36,000 students.

 

On behalf of the IUSD Board of Education and staff, we hope you enjoy your spring break. For updates and resources, including an FAQ, visit iusd.org/COVID19.

 

Thank you for your continued support and partnership.

 

Terry L. Walker
Superintendent of Schools
Irvine Unified School District

 

Additional Resources: 

 

• Orange County Health Care Agency FAQ
• Arabic Translation of Update: With Gratitude and Respect  - 3/27/2020 عربى
• Farsi Translation of  Update: With Gratitude and Respect  - 3/27/2020 فارسی
• Japanese Translation of  Update: With Gratitude and Respect  - 3/27/2020 日本語
• Korean Translation of  Update: With Gratitude and Respect  - 3/27/2020 한국어
• Mandarin, Chinese/Taiwanese (Simplified) Translation of  Update: With Gratitude and Respect  - 3/27/2020  简体中文
• Mandarin, Chinese/Taiwanese (Traditional) Translation of  Update: With Gratitude and Respect  - 3/27/2020 正體中文
• Spanish Translation of  Update: With Gratitude and Respect  - 3/27/2020 Traducción Española

Additional Language Support:

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 24, 2020
School Closures Extended to May 1

 

Dear IUSD Students and Families,

In recent weeks, the State of California escalated its efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19, through the executive order issued by Governor Gavin Newsom last Thursday, calling for California residents to stay at home, with exceptions for attending to essential needs. Over the weekend, a presidential Major Disaster Declaration also acknowledged the scope of this crisis and bolstered California’s emergency response efforts.

 

Locally, the Orange County Health Care Agency tightened restrictions on public and private gatherings last week and the Orange County Superintendent of Schools, Al Mijares, expressed his support for Orange County school districts to extend school closure dates. “Keeping children home from school is a drastic measure, one that shows how seriously health officials and educators are taking this public health threat,” said Mijares. “We must do our part now to flatten the curve.”

Based on these conditions, directives and preventive measures, the Irvine Unified School District Board of Education and I have extended the closure of our schools through Friday, May 1.

 

If we learn, prior to May 1, that circumstances have changed and that we can safely reopen our schools, IUSD and our dedicated staff will do so at our earliest opportunity. To that end, the District will continue to monitor closely the guidance from federal, state and local authorities and coordinate our actions and responses with expert health agencies and other OC school districts.

 

Partnership with our Families
As we continue to navigate this dynamic and unprecedented time, our partnership remains critical. The information and resources included below are intended to help IUSD and our families ensure that students remain engaged, connected and supported. Please continue to monitor and review the online information, updates, and resources on our dedicated webpage at iusd.org/COVID19, on iusd.org and on District social media (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter).

 

Education and Services Continue
As previously communicated, education is considered an essential service under the Governor’s executive order, so our teachers, administrators, and staff remain engaged in maintaining district operations and continuity of learning for all students. Although our school sites are closed to the public, our facilities remain open to staff so that education, support, and other services can be provided.

 

Mental Health and Wellness Supports and Resources
The outbreak of COVID-19 can result in various forms of stress, especially for students who may be struggling to process all of the implications of this health challenge and the impact of social distancing. IUSD’s Prevention and Intervention team, as part of the District’s Speak Up We Care initiative, has developed resources that may be helpful for students and families. This includes information about available IUSD supports, how to talk with children and teens about COVID-19, community mental health providers and resources, maintaining a sense of connection, and other healthy practices. Our staff will continue to be actively engaged with students both academically and in support of social-emotional wellness. More than ever, it is critical that our students sustain a sense of hope, confidence, and optimism. Click here to learn more.

 

Emergency Distance Learning
Distance Learning (EDL) opportunities will continue through May 1, excluding Spring Break. Principals and teachers will consistently communicate with parents and students, so please remain in close contact and reach out to your school, if you have questions or need additional support.

Our principals, with support from District staff, will remain in close contact with their teachers to ensure they have the resources needed as they diligently work to provide distance learning to our TK-12 students. Teachers will continue to access school sites, while observing California Department of Public Health guidelines, and obtain technological support, office equipment and other educational resources as needed.

 

Thank you for your partnership last week during our initial launch of distance learning. As EDL extends into the coming weeks, district leadership, principals, teachers, and staff will continue to work with students and families, soliciting feedback and adjusting instruction to optimize learning outcomes and support our families.

Technology Support and Internet Access
IUSD’s Information Technology team has been working around the clock to provide students access to devices and the internet during this time. As a reminder, Distance Learning opportunities can be accessed from any device at home, the District will continue the Chromebook checkouts for those in need. Please note, to adhere to social distancing guidelines, the technology checkouts will require an appointment in advance. To request an appointment, complete this Technology Access Form. After completion of the form, you will be provided with pick-up location options.

For questions about devices and IUSD-related technology, email helpdesk@iusd.org. For questions about internet access, including free and low-cost internet options, please visit our Support Center.

Meals and Community Resources
Last week, our Nutrition Services staff served more than 24,000 grab-and-go meals to IUSD students. The District will continue to provide free breakfasts and lunches to any student who needs them through the extended closure, at the same locations and hours of service, excluding Spring Break (March 30-April 3).

Beginning April 6, 2020, Nutrition Services will be providing free breakfasts and lunches to any IUSD student who needs them on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the same locations and hours of service currently in place. The meals provided on Monday will include meals for Monday and Tuesday, meals provided on Wednesday will include meals for Wednesday and Thursday, with meals provided on Friday for that day. This change is being made to reduce parent trips and better align our practices with the principles of social distancing.

 

IUSD has connected with our community partner Families Forward, to augment IUSD meals and to help link families to food assistance over the Spring Break and/or for long-term assistance. Click here to learn more and for additional community resources, including housing services for any family experiencing a crisis as a result of COVID-19. The District will keep this page and information updated to help connect our families to vital resources.

 

Looking Forward
On behalf of the Board of Education and the District leadership team, we fully appreciate the impact this extraordinary situation is having on our students and families. We look forward to this crisis coming to an end and welcoming our students back to their schools.  In the meantime, we will continue to communicate regularly and collaborate with other school districts and institutions of higher education to address questions that could impact our students, including transcripts, graduation requirements, promotions and other end of the year activities.

 

Thank you, again, for your patience and unparalleled support. We encourage you to consistently visit iusd.org/COVID19 for updates, resources, information, and frequently asked questions. We recognize the dynamic challenges this environment creates, so please reach out if there is anything the IUSD team can do to better serve you.

 

With gratitude and respect,


Terry L. Walker
Superintendent of Schools
Irvine Unified School District

Additional Resources: 

 

• Orange County Health Care Agency FAQ
• Arabic Translation of Update #9: School Closure Extended to May 1  - 3/24/2020 عربى
• Farsi Translation of Update #9: School Closure Extended to May 1  - 3/24/2020 فارسی
• Japanese Translation of Update #9: School Closure Extended to May 1  - 3/24/2020 日本語
• Korean Translation of Update #9: School Closure Extended to May 1  - 3/24/2020 한국어
• Mandarin, Chinese/Taiwanese (Simplified) Translation of Update #9: School Closure Extended to May 1  - 3/24/20200  简体中文
• Mandarin, Chinese/Taiwanese (Traditional) Translation of Update #9: School Closure Extended to May 1  - 3/24/2020 正體中文
• Spanish Translation of Update #9: School Closure Extended to May 1  - 3/24/2020 Traducción Española

Additional Language Support:

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 19, 2020
COVID-19 Update: Governor's stay at home order

 

Dear IUSD Community,

 

Governor Newsom has issued an open-ended statewide “Stay at Home”  order.  While IUSD learns more about what this means for our organization in the coming days, education is still considered an essential service.  This means that we will continue to provide free breakfasts and lunches to any IUSD student who wants one at the same locations, days and times. 

 

Chromebooks will also still be distributed tomorrow (March 20) to families who have an appointment.  Please note, to support social distancing guidelines, the technology checkouts will require an appointment in advance.  To request an appointment, complete this Technology Access Form.

 

Distribution will now only be held at the District Office (5050 Barranca, Irvine) during your designated appointment time. However, please know that IUSD Emergency Distance Learning opportunities can be accessed by any device at home, including mobile phones.  For tech support, email helpdesk@iusd.org.  

 

Once IUSD has more information, we will provide an updated anticipated return date for schools.  In the meantime, Emergency Distance Learning opportunities will continue as planned.

 

Please continue to check www.iusd.org/COVID19 for updates and information.  As IUSD has more information, we will keep our community informed.

 

Thank you for your partnership and understanding as we navigate these unprecedented times together.

 

Sincerely,

 

Terry L. Walker
Superintendent of Schools
Irvine Unified School District

 

Additional Resources: 

 

• Orange County Health Care Agency FAQ
• Arabic Translation of Coronavirus Stay at Home Update - 3/19/2020 عربى
• Farsi Translation of Coronavirus Stay at Home Update - 3/19/2020 فارسی
• Japanese Translation of Coronavirus Stay at Home Update - 3/19/2020 日本語
• Korean Translation of Coronavirus Stay at Home Update - 3/19/2020 한국어
• Mandarin, Chinese/Taiwanese (Simplified) Translation of Coronavirus Stay at Home Update - 3/19/2020  简体中文
• Mandarin, Chinese/Taiwanese (Traditional) Translation of Coronavirus Stay at Home Update - 3/19/2020 正體中文
• Spanish Translation of Coronavirus Stay at Home Update - 3/19/2020 Traducción Española

Additional Language Support:

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 15, 2020
Reminders for the Week Ahead

 

Dear IUSD Community,

 

As communicated last Friday, the Irvine Unified School District (IUSD) closed our schools and facilities out of an abundance of caution and after careful deliberation. Although, there were no confirmed or connected cases to IUSD, the public health crisis created by COVID-19 warrants that we take steps to prevent the spread of illness.

As a reminder, IUSD schools and facilities will be closed to students and the public from March 16 to an anticipated return date of April 6. Below are important dates for our families:

 

• Monday and Tuesday will be off days for students, while staff uses those days to prepare for Emergency Distance Learning (EDL) opportunities that will be available starting Wednesday. Please continue to check your email for additional communications that will be sent on Tuesday, March 17.
• Spring Break for year round schools is March 23 to April 3 (No EDL options during this time).
• Spring Break for traditional schools is March 30 to April 3 (No EDL options during this time).

Although the District Office and school sites are closed they remain staffed. For questions related to your school, please contact the front office.  If you have questions for the District, after reviewing the information on iusd.org/COVID19, including our frequently asked questions (FAQ) page, email info@iusd.org.

This is an unprecedented time that has caused disruptions throughout every level of our society. We know that our families may have many questions and concerns related to IUSD schools and services, which is why we have developed an FAQ webpage to answer questions related to childcare providers, meals for students who need them, access to devices and connectivity, among many other questions. Please visit this page often; staff will continue to update it as information is available.

You will continue to receive communications throughout this time from me and my team and your schools. Please ensure that your contact information is up to date in Parent Portal.

On behalf of the Board of Education and IUSD staff, I want to thank our community for their support and understanding as we work through this time together. If we practice patience and understand that adapting quickly is critical, we will be able to continue to serve and support our students and families. 

Thank you for your partnership.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

 

Terry Walker
Superintendent of Schools
Irvine Unified School District

 

Additional Resources: 

 

• Orange County Health Care Agency FAQ
• Arabic Translation of Coronavirus Reminders for the Week Ahead - 3/15/2020 عربى
• Farsi Translation of Coronavirus Reminders for the Week Ahead - 3/15/2020 فارسی
• Japanese Translation of Coronavirus Reminders for the Week Ahead - 3/15/2020 日本語
• Korean Translation of Coronavirus Reminders for the Week Ahead - 3/15/2020 한국어
• Mandarin, Chinese/Taiwanese (Simplified) Translation of Coronavirus Reminders for the Week Ahead - 3/15/2020  简体中文
• Mandarin, Chinese/Taiwanese (Traditional) Translation of Coronavirus Reminders for the Week Ahead - 3/15/2020 正體中文
• Spanish Translation of Coronavirus Reminders for the Week Ahead - 3/15/2020 Traducción Española

Additional Language Support:

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 13, 2020
ALl IUSD Schools to Close Effective March 16

 

Dear IUSD Community,

After careful deliberation, the Irvine Unified School District (IUSD) has made the decision to close all IUSD schools and facilities effective Monday, March 16 with an anticipated return date of Monday, April 6. The public health crisis created by COVID-19 has put our institutions, including K-12 school districts, in uncharted territory and we must take steps to prevent the spread of illness. In addition to proactive actions taken by IUSD, we will continue to follow the guidance of public health experts to protect our students, families, staff and the entire IUSD community.  As we have more information, we will communicate with our community and provide updates on iusd.org/COVID19.

The IUSD Board of Education held a special emergency Board Meeting today at 12:30 p.m. to discuss school closures and the rapidly changing COVID-19 situation. The Board of Education authorized me to take the necessary action to protect students and staff, including the closure of all IUSD schools and facilities.

“On behalf of the IUSD Board of Education, our first priority is the safety of our students, staff, families and community,” said President of the Board of Education Betty Carroll. “We stand prepared to support our Superintendent and District staff with all available resources as they work diligently to proactively protect and support our more than 36,000 students.”

 

What this Means
As a result of this rapidly changing situation, we are now at a point where public safety concerns warrant the closing of schools. While our school facilities will be closed, plans to support student learning, nutrition services, and childcare options, will be implemented.

IUSD will utilize Monday and Tuesday of next week to continue our planning efforts so that we can transition effectively to a distance learning environment that supports the diverse needs of our students.

 

Please know that IUSD understands that the closing of any school has significant consequences beyond the loss of instructional time and will result in challenges for many of our families. We are committed to providing available resources to support our families.

Next Steps
Additional information regarding these supports and services will be shared as soon as possible. On behalf of our school administrators, teachers and District, I thank our community for your understanding as we work to implement distance learning and provide continuity of instruction and services. The circumstances in California and the nation will undoubtedly pose challenges; however, if we practice patience and understand that adapting quickly is critical, we will be able to continue to serve and support our students and families.      

Social Distancing Guidance
Expert health agencies advise that to effectively support social distancing and the extraordinary measure of closing schools, students should stay home and minimize social contact as much as possible to keep caregivers and adult family members safe. While children have not been shown to be a high-risk group for serious illness from this virus, these steps are critical in supporting public health as they can transmit the virus to those most vulnerable.

Public health officials recommend that families make arrangements for childcare during closure that avoid leaving children with elderly people who are more vulnerable to the impact of the virus.

 

Stay Connected to IUSD
IUSD will communicate with you often and as we have new information. In the meantime, continue to visit iusd.org/COVID19 and District social media (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter) for updates. Please make sure your contact information is up to date in Parent Portal.

 

If you have questions, after reviewing the resources available at iusd.org/COVID19, please send them to info@iusd.org. We will do our best to answer questions in a timely manner and will regularly update our frequently asked questions.

Our District has always maintained that it is the “US” in IUSD that makes us stronger and successful as a district. This has been a stressful time for families and I thank you for your understanding of the many unique considerations of K-12 school districts in serving our diverse population. By working together, we can and will continue to support our students through this difficult time.

Thank you for your partnership and support.

Sincerely,

Terry Walker
Superintendent of School
Irvine Unified School District

 

Additional Resources: 

 

• Orange County Health Care Agency FAQ
• Arabic Translation of Coronavirus - Effective 3/16/2020 All IUSD Schools Closed - 3/13/2020 عربى
• Farsi Translation of Coronavirus - Effective 3/16/2020 All IUSD Schools Closed - 3/13/2020 فارسی
• Japanese Translation of Coronavirus - Effective 3/16/2020 All IUSD Schools Closed - 3/13/2020 日本語
• Korean Translation of Coronavirus - Effective 3/16/2020 All IUSD Schools Closed - 3/13/2020 한국어
• Mandarin, Chinese/Taiwanese (Simplified) Translation of Coronavirus - Effective 3/16/2020 All IUSD Schools Closed - 3/13/2020 简体中文
• Mandarin, Chinese/Taiwanese (Traditional) Translation of Coronavirus - Effective 3/16/2020 All IUSD Schools Closed - 3/13/2020 正體中文
• Spanish Translation of Coronavirus - Effective 3/16/2020 All IUSD Schools Closed - 3/13/2020 Traducción Española

Additional Language Support:

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 12, 2020
COVID-19 New State Guidelines for Public Gatherings

 

 

Dear IUSD Community,

 

Effective immediately, the Irvine Unified School District (IUSD) is following and implementing the newly issued guidelines from Governor Newsom and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). We continue to work with these agencies as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Orange County Health Care Agency (OCHCA), the Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) and other Orange County K-12 school districts. This is a rapidly evolving situation and the District will continue to update our community as we have new information, including our COVID-19 webpage.

 

Please note, similar to all OC K-12 school districts, at this time, there is no recommendation for closing schools. With the information we have now, IUSD schools will remain open with the following modifications, in accordance with CDPH guidelines, until further notice.

 

• All field trips are canceled and/or postponed. (The District is looking into reimbursement options; schools will provide parents information regarding refunds when available.)
• All non-essential small and large gatherings, meetings, events, assemblies, school open houses, performances, festivals and other activities will be canceled or postponed.
• Routine athletic events can continue without spectators in attendance. Larger events such as tournaments or invitational meets (more than 250 people) will be canceled or postponed.
• Please note, mandatory and self-quarantine guidelines have not changed. For information about current guidelines and travel restrictions, review CDC guidelines and visit iusd.org/COVID19 for information related to IUSD.

I would like to reiterate that local and state public health officials have informed IUSD and other OC K-12 school districts that it is appropriate for schools to remain open and maintain as normal a schedule as possible. However, by taking these important social distancing steps now, we are supporting the public health of our community.

 

Principals will communicate to their school communities regarding postponed or canceled events and activities. IUSD will continue to keep our community informed as we have new information.  In the meantime, please visit iusd.org/COVID19 for updates and information.

 

Thank you for your support.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Terry Walker
Superintendent of Schools
Irvine Unified School District

 

Additional Resources: 

 

• Orange County Health Care Agency FAQ
• Arabic Translation of COVID-19 New State Guidelines for Public Gatherings - 3/12/2020 عربى
• Farsi Translation of COVID-19 New State Guidelines for Public Gatherings - 3/12/2020 فارسی
• Japanese Translation of COVID-19 New State Guidelines for Public Gatherings - 3/12/2020 日本語
• Korean Translation of COVID-19 New State Guidelines for Public Gatherings - 3/12/2020 한국어
• Mandarin, Chinese/Taiwanese (Simplified) Translation of COVID-19 New State Guidelines for Public Gatherings - 3/12/2020  简体中文
• Mandarin, Chinese/Taiwanese (Traditional) Translation of COVID-19 New State Guidelines for Public Gatherings - 3/12/2020 正體中文
• Spanish Translation of COVID-19 New State Guidelines for Public Gatherings - 3/12/2020 Traducción Española

Additional Language Support:

 

 

March 10, 2020*
COVID-19 Update from Supt. Walker

 

Dear IUSD Community,

The Irvine Unified School District (IUSD) continues to closely monitor new developments related to the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19), engage in preparedness planning and work with expert partner agencies. Please take a moment to read the following update.

IUSD has also developed a COVID-19 webpage, which has the latest news and information. Check this webpage regularly for new updates.

Updated CDC Self-Quarantine Guidelines

 

• Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expanded the self-quarantine guidelines by asking travelers, who have returned from a country with widespread transmission (including China, Iran, Italy, Japan and South Korea) to stay home for 14 days from the time they left the affected area. For more information, visit cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/after-travel-precautions.html.
• In accordance with California Department of Public Health (CDPH) guidelines, those who have been in close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 should also be excluded from school for 14 days from the day of their last exposure.
• It is IUSD’s expectation that students, staff and those visiting our campuses follow these guidelines to help protect the public health and prevent the spread of the virus. This includes spring break travel.
• Students who meet this criteria for self-quarantine, should contact their school’s principal, who will work confidentially and collaboratively with families to support the continuation of instruction throughout this process.

IUSD Actions and Preparedness

 

• Orange County Health Care Agency (OCHCA) has informed the community that the risk remains low for Orange County. However, as testing is more widely available, cases may increase, requiring school districts, municipalities, businesses and individuals to be prepared.
• Since my last communication, District leadership and the appropriate staff have been participating in weekly conference calls led by the Orange County Health Care Agency for Orange County K-12 school districts to receive the most recent and relevant guidance for schools.
• IUSD has increased hand sanitizer stations, illness prevention posters and reminders about proper hand washing throughout our campuses, in addition to increased custodial cleaning crews. While these measures already exist on our campuses, we want to reinforce and support good practices, which are key to preventing COVID-19 and other illnesses.
• IUSD’s COVID-19 planning includes a wide range of options to safely provide instruction, including online and/or other distance learning options.
• IUSD has developed a COVID-19 resource webpage at iusd.org/COVID19 that includes updates, frequently asked questions and other important information.
• For questions about COVID-19 and related medical guidance; federal, state and county health guidelines; travel advisories; health screenings at U.S. ports of entry; quarantines and other government agency related questions, visit:
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  • Orange County Health Care Agency (OCHCA)
  • OCHCA COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions (OCHCA)
  • California Department of Public Health (CDPH)
  • OCHCA also has an information line, with live operators. Call 1-800-564-8448.

Fieldtrips and Questions about School Closures

 

• IUSD continues to follow guidance from CDPH for public gatherings and community events. At this time, there are no recommendations from the CDPH for canceling school activities, including field trips, or closing schools in our area.

We’re in this Together

 

• Students, staff and others visiting our schools and District facilities should stay home when sick and follow all expert agency guidelines.
• Continue to follow and reinforce proper handwashing and other efforts to reduce the spread of illness, including sneezing or coughing into a tissue or elbow/upper arm, washing frequently touched surfaces, and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. Click here for IUSD health guidelines.
• Please know that IUSD understands parent concerns and the anxiety this situation may cause for students and families. The District will continue to work closely with expert partner agencies and provide our community with accurate and timely information as this situation evolves.
• I also ask that our community do its part to assess and evaluate information you may be hearing on social media or in the community. It is important for us to spread knowledge, not rumors. If you have question, please contact your school principal first.
• Parents/guardians are encouraged to visit iusd.org/COVID19 for the latest news and information, including frequently asked questions. This site will be updated as the District has new and confirmed information from expert agencies.

By working together, we can support accurate information and help protect the public health of our community. Thank you for your partnership and support.

Sincerely,

Terry Walker
Superintendent of Schools
Irvine Unified School District

*Last updated March 10 , 2020 at 7:32 p.m. to add Japan to the CDC self-quarantine guidelines. 

 

Additional Resources: 

 

• Orange County Health Care Agency FAQ
• Arabic Translation of Coronavirus Update From Superintendent Walker - 3/10/2020 عربى
• Farsi Translation of Coronavirus Update From Superintendent Walker - 3/10/2020 فارسی
• Japanese Translation of Coronavirus Update From Superintendent Walker - 3/10/2020 日本語
• Korean Translation of Coronavirus Update From Superintendent Walker - 3/10/2020 한국어
• Mandarin, Chinese/Taiwanese (Simplified) Translation of Coronavirus Update From Superintendent Walker - 3/10/2020  简体中文
• Mandarin, Chinese/Taiwanese (Traditional) Translation of Coronavirus Update From Superintendent Walker - 3/10/2020 正體中文
• Spanish Translation of Coronavirus Update From Superintendent Walker - 3/10/2020 Traducción Española

Additional Language Support:

 

 

 

 

 

 

For translated versions of previous communications, please see the communication archive section below.

 

February 27, 2020
Coronavirus Update & Spring Break Travel

 

Dear IUSD Community,

IUSD continues to closely monitor the situation regarding the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19), while working with expert partner agencies to ensure we are providing our community with medically accurate and timely information. As you may be aware, on February 25, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) made statements during a briefing that signaled a change in tone from previous communications by asking individuals, communities, governments, businesses and schools to be prepared should the United States experience an increase in COVID-19 cases. In response, the County of Orange declared a COVID-19 emergency yesterday afternoon. County officials stated that although there are currently no cases of coronavirus in Orange County, their goal is to ensure resources are available and that all residents and visitors to Orange County are prepared.

Health Guidelines Remain the Same
Although these new developments may cause concern for some in our community, the Orange County Health Care Agency (OCHCA) has informed Orange County school districts that the following guidelines, published in my February 2 letter, have not changed.

 

• Travelers to the United States, who have been in China’s Hubei province within 14 days, will face a mandatory quarantine and will be monitored by public health officials.
• Travelers to the United States from mainland China will face enhanced screening and a self-quarantine of up to 14 days to ensure they do not pose a health risk.
• OCHCA will exclude students under mandatory quarantine from school for 14 days from their last exposure and will communicate with Orange County school districts, colleges and universities to ensure high-risk students remain out of school for the identified period.
• Students under voluntary self-quarantine should be excused from school during this period.

IUSD is monitoring global coronavirus advisories and we will update our community if the CDC changes its mandatory or voluntary quarantine requirements to include additional countries.  Regardless, we are informing all families, including new families, about the guidelines and that the District expects them to be followed to support public health.  As a public institution and in accordance with state law, IUSD is not authorized to refuse access to a healthy student.  We will continue to monitor and adapt to the situation as needed.  For additional questions related to travel and health guidelines, you may also contact the OCHCA by clicking here. 

To read the full letter I sent to IUSD families on February 2, click here.

Spring Break Travel
As a reminder, if our families travel to mainland China or the Hubei province over the upcoming spring break, they will be subject to the above guidelines and any new guidelines that may be implemented. For a list of countries with COVID-19 travel advisories, visit travel.state.gov. We ask that if you travel to any affected countries that you follow all related guidelines to support the health and safety of our community.

Newly Enrolled Students
IUSD schools are providing guidelines to families of students enrolling in the District, which are available in Arabic, Farsi, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin and Spanish and can be found by clicking here.

According to the Health and Human Services declaration issued on January 31, federal and state officials are screening travelers entering the U.S. at ports of entry. IUSD cannot and does not have the ability to monitor travel of our students and their families. If we become aware that students enrolled in our District have traveled from affected regions, we provide families with the guidelines from expert health agencies and work confidentially and with compassion to support our students.

However, in accordance with state law, IUSD cannot ask for forms of identification related to immigration status. This includes asking for passports and checking travel status.

To support public health, IUSD follows the guidance of expert agencies, as outlined above, and we expect our community to do so as well. This community effort will help ensure the health and safety of those who attend, work and visit our campuses.

IUSD Preparedness
Over the last five years, IUSD has invested nearly $14 million in the safety and security of our campuses and District, which includes emergency preparedness and management planning. As part of this commitment to safety, IUSD is in the assessment phase of continuity planning that began in 2019, so that in the event of an earthquake, wildfire, widespread medical emergency, and other human made or natural disasters, the District will be able to continue instruction and maintain the operations of our school district.

Our planning efforts are geared toward a wide range of options for safely serving students that could include blended and/or online learning in the event of an emergency. IUSD will continue to develop plans, as part of our normal preparedness efforts, and our staff will account for any new developments related to COVID-19. To learn more about IUSD safety resources and investments, visit iusd.org/safety

What Parents and Students Can Do
IUSD has and will continue to communicate with our students and families about the importance of:

 

• Following all expert healthcare agency guidelines and IUSD’s health guidelines for students.
• Keeping children home when they are sick.
• Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or coughing into your elbow/upper arm (“vampire cough”) and teaching these habits to your children.
• Frequent handwashing.
• More healthy habits can be found by clicking here.

Updates and Information
As communicated, in my two previous letters, the District is committed to keeping our community informed. As we have updates, we will continue to provide that information to our community in a timely manner.

 

Language Support
Our language support team is in the process of translating this letter into Arabic, Farsi, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin and Spanish and will post them to iusd.org in the coming days. In the meantime, below are links for language support, please contact our team directly.

Thank you for your support and engagement. Through our continued partnership, we can support the health and wellbeing of our students.

Sincerely,

Terry L. Walker
Superintendent of Schools
Irvine Unified School District

 

*This letter was last updated on 2/27/20 at 6:30 p.m.

 

Additional Resources:

 

• Orange County Health Care Agency FAQ
• Arabic Translation of Coronavirus Update & Spring Break Travel عربى
• Farsi Translation of Coronavirus Update & Spring Break Travel فارسی
• Japanese Translation of Coronavirus Update & Spring Break Travel 日本語
• Korean Translation of Coronavirus Update & Spring Break Travel  한국어
• Mandarin, Chinese/Taiwanese (Simplified) Translation of Coronavirus Update & Spring Break Travel  简体中文
• Mandarin, Chinese/Taiwanese (Traditional) Translation of Coronavirus Update & Spring Break Travel 正體中文
• Spanish Translation of Coronavirus Update & Spring Break Travel  Traducción Española

Additional Language Support:

 

 

 

 

 

 

For translated versions of previous communications, please see the communication archive section below.

 

February 2, 2020
Update From Superintendent Walker: revised guidelines

 

Dear IUSD Community,

Last Sunday, I communicated with you about the outbreak of pneumonia in China, caused by the Novel Coronavirus and concerns this may raise in our community.  As committed, IUSD continues to monitor this situation and work closely with expert agencies such as the Orange County Health Care Agency (OCHCA).  Below are revised health guidelines for schools from OCHCA in response to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ national public health emergency declaration issued Friday, January 31, 2020. 

Updated Federal Guidelines

As part of the emergency declaration, which went into effect today (Sunday, February 2) at 11 a.m. PST., Americans returning to the United States, who have been in China’s Hubei province within 14 days, will face a mandatory quarantine and be monitored by public health officials. Americans returning to the United States from other parts of China will face enhanced screening and a self-quarantine of up to 14 days to ensure they do not pose a health risk. 

Updated Guidelines for Orange County Schools
In response to the new federal guidelines, OCHCA will exclude students under mandatory quarantine from school for 14 days from their last exposure and will communicate with Orange County school districts, colleges and universities to ensure high-risk students remain out of school for the identified period.  Students under voluntary self-quarantine should be excused from school during this period. 

To support public health, IUSD follows the guidance of expert agencies and we expect our community to do so as well.  This community effort will help ensure the health and safety of those who attend, work and visit our campuses. 

It should be noted that according to OCHCA, at this time, there is only one confirmed case of the Coronavirus in Orange County (a man in his 50s who is isolated and in good condition). The risk to the public in Orange County and throughout the United States remains low.

Guidelines for IUSD Students Under Mandatory and Self-Quarantine
Please know that the District is committed to maintaining the privacy of our students.  Our schools will work with students and families under mandatory or self-quarantine with sensitivity and confidentiality. 

Mandatory Quarantine

 

• OCHCA will notify IUSD of any students under mandatory quarantine, who have been excluded from attending school due to recent travel from China’s Hubei province within 14 days.
• Once IUSD has received notification these individuals are cleared to return to campus, schools will communicate with affected families to make arrangements.
• Schools will work with students to support continued learning at home.
• Related absences will be excused.

Self-Quarantine

 

• Students who have recently returned from other parts of China are asked to self-quarantine and provide schools with documentation and/or a doctor’s note.
• Schools will work with students to support continued learning at home.
• Related absences will be excused.

IUSD understands that missing school, for any reason, can cause concern and stress for our families and students.  We will work collaboratively with families throughout this process.  However, to maintain a healthy and safe environment for all students and families, these guidelines have been put into place. 

In addition, we ask parents, caregivers or others, who may be under mandatory or self-quarantine to remain off campus as well. 

Masks
At this time, public health officials say there is no need to wear facemasks in the United States. However, as a precaution, students are allowed to wear facemasks on all IUSD campuses, if desired. Please note, IUSD students, who are sick must follow IUSD health guidelines and should not be sent to school sick, even if they wear a mask. 

Additional Information and Resources
For information about healthy habits to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus, IUSD health guidelines and FAQs from IUSD and OCHCA, click here.

IUSD staff will continue to closely monitor this situation, which is evolving as countries and expert health agencies learn more about the Coronavirus.  As we have updates, information and resources from OCHCA or other agencies, the District will provide them to our community.

Language Support
Our language support team is in the process of translating this letter into Arabic, Farsi, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin and Spanish and will post them to IUSD.org in the coming days.  In the meantime, below are links for language support, please contact our team directly. 

Thank you in advance for your partnership.  Together, we can keep our community healthy and safe.

Sincerely,

 

 

Terry L. Walker
Superintendent of Schools
Irvine Unified School District

Click here to read the Orange County Health Care Agency FAQ and click here for IUSD’s updated FAQ.

 

Additional Resources:

 

• Orange County Health Care Agency FAQ
   
• Arabic Translation of Coronavirus Information and Health Guidelines عربى
• Arabic Translation of Coronavirus February  2, 2020 FAQs عربى
   
• Farsi Translation of Coronavirus Information and Health Guidelines فارسی
• Farsi Translation of Coronavirus February  2, 2020 FAQs فارسی
   
• Japanese Translation of Coronavirus Information and Health Guidelines 日本語
• Japanese Translation of Coronavirus February  2, 2020 FAQs 日本語
   
• Korean Translation of Coronavirus Information and Health Guidelines 한국어
• Korean Translation of Coronavirus February  2, 2020 FAQs 한국어
   
• Mandarin, Chinese/Taiwanese (Simplified) Translation of Coronavirus Information and Health Guidelines 简体中文
• Mandarin, Chinese/Taiwanese (Simplified) Translation of Coronavirus February  2, 2020 FAQs 简体中文
• Mandarin, Chinese/Taiwanese (Traditional) Translation of Coronavirus Information and Health Guidelines 正體中文
• Mandarin, Chinese/Taiwanese (Traditional) Translation of Coronavirus February  2, 2020 FAQs 正體中文
   
• Spanish Translation of Coronavirus Information and Health Guidelines Traducción Española
• Spanish Translation of Coronavirus February  2, 2020 FAQs Traducción EspañolaAdditional Language Support:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 26, 2020
UPDATE FROM SUPERINTENDENT WALKER

 

Dear IUSD Community,

 

You may have heard news reports about a new coronavirus that has caused an outbreak of a respiratory illness and that there has been a confirmed case in Orange County. We understand this may be a source of concern for our community and ask that you read the following important information.

 

Overview

The first known cases of 2019-nCoV — short for “2019 novel coronavirus” — were reported in December in the Chinese city of Wuhan. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause respiratory illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as MERS. A novel coronavirus — often shown as “nCoV” — is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans.

The Orange County Health Care Agency (OCHCA) says the risk for school children in Orange County is minimal. Internationally the illness has primarily affected adults – elderly patients with pre-existing conditions.

 

According to the OCHCA, the Coronavirus is spread, similarly to other illnesses like the flu and common cold, through coughing or sneezing by those who already have it. Symptoms can include fever, coughing and difficulty breathing. 

 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and OCHCA Guidance

 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the OCHCA recommends taking these daily precautions for this or any other illness:

 

Travelers who are sick should stay home and call health care providers.

 

If you have recently been to Wuhan, China and have developed fever with cough or shortness of breath within 14 days of your travel or have had contact with someone who is suspected to have novel coronavirus stay home and call your health care provider immediately. If you do not have a healthcare provider or if you need to be seen at a hospital, do not go directly to the hospital. Please call the emergency room to get instructions before going in.

 

Stay home when you are sick.

 

Stay home from work and school and try to avoid errands when you are sick. This will help prevent spreading the illness to others.

 

“Students and staff with influenza symptoms including a fever, a cough or sore throat should stay home and not attend classes or participate in other group activities for at least 24 hours after the fever resolves without the use of fever-reducing medications,” says Pamela Kahn, Orange County Department of Education’s coordinator of Health and Wellness.

 

Avoid close contact.

 

Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.

 

Cover your mouth and nose.

 

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Flu and other serious respiratory illnesses, like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), whooping cough, and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), are spread by coughing, sneezing or unclean hands.

 

Clean your hands.

 

Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub. Here is a three-minute video from the CDC about proper hand washing: https://youtu.be/eZw4Ga3jg3E

 

Practice other good health habits.

 

Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food.

 

For more information, visit the Orange County Health Care Agency’s website at: ochealthinfo.com/phs/about/epidasmt/epi/dip/prevention/novel_coronavirus

 

IUSD Guidelines

 

If your child is sick, please follow these guidelines for when to keep your child home:

 

• A temperature of 100 degrees or above
• Students must be fever-free without fever-reducing medication (such as Tylenol or Motrin) for at least 24 hours before returning to school
• Vomiting and/or diarrhea. Student may return to school 24 hours after last episode
• Uncontrollable cough or wheezing or shortness of breath
• Suspected communicable disease (i.e. chicken pox)
• Suspected infections
• A rash of unknown origin – student may return to school when written authorization is received from the health care provider
• Students must stay home for the first 24 hours on antibiotic therapy

Next Steps

 

IUSD staff will continue to closely monitor this situation and work with the appropriate agencies. We will provide additional updates as needed.

 

Please know that the safety of students and staff is our top priority. If we all follow these important guidelines, we can help keep our community healthy. Please share this information with your family and caregivers. If language support is needed for this information, please see the following resources below.

 

Thank you in advance for your partnership.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Terry L. Walker
Superintendent of Schools
Irvine Unified School District

Additional Resources:

 

• Orange County Health Care Agency FAQ
   
• Arabic Translation of Coronavirus Information and Health Guidelines عربى
• Arabic Translation of Coronavirus January 28, 2020 FAQs عربى
   
• Farsi Translation of Coronavirus Information and Health Guidelines فارسی
• Farsi Translation of Coronavirus January 28, 2020 FAQs فارسی
   
• Japanese Translation of Coronavirus Information and Health Guidelines 日本語
• Japanese Translation of Coronavirus January 28, 2020 FAQs 日本語
   
• Korean Translation of Coronavirus Information and Health Guidelines 한국어
• Korean Translation of Coronavirus January 28, 2020 FAQs  한국어
   
• Mandarin, Chinese/Taiwanese (Simplified) Translation of Coronavirus Information and Health Guidelines 简体中文
• Mandarin, Chinese/Taiwanese (Simplified) Translation of Coronavirus January 28, 2020 FAQs   简体中文
• Mandarin, Chinese/Taiwanese (Traditional) Translation of Coronavirus Information and Health Guidelines 正體中文
• Mandarin, Chinese/Taiwanese (Traditional) Translation of Coronavirus January 28, 2020 FAQs 正體中文
   
• Spanish Translation of Coronavirus Information and Health Guidelines Traducción Española
• Spanish Translation of Coronavirus January 28, 2020 FAQs  Traducción Española

Additional Language Support: