Dear Parent/Guardian,

In consultation with The Kern County Superintendent of Schools, Kern County Public Health, and in light of Governor Newsom’s Executive Order N-33-20, which directs “all individuals living in the State of California to stay home or at their place of residence except as needed to maintain continuity of operations of the federal critical infrastructure sectors, ”Pond Union Elementary School has extended its school closures through at least May 1, 2020, to limit the community spread of COVID-19.  

We understand how challenging these decisions are for our families and we appreciate your support and patience. We are very grateful for all that our students, parents and staff are doing to support safety, continuity of education and feeding our children.

Over the past week, we have rapidly adapted to the emergency to provide remote learning, “grab-and-go" meal distribution, and telecommuting for our employees and will continue to do so despite the physical closure of our schools.  

We will continue to provide updates via email, auto dialer and text message as this situation evolves.

Extended School Closure Timeline 

 Pond Union Elementary School will remain closed through May 1, 2020, in response to the COVID-19 emergency.   The first day back at school for students will be Tuesday, May 5, 2020.  Teachers and staff will return on Monday, May 4, 2020, to meet with administrators, receive professional development and to prepare classrooms for the return of students the next day. 

Meal Service Distribution 

Pond Union Elementary School will continue to provide “Grab and Go” lunches and breakfast for the following days to children 18 years and younger at the following times and locations:

Monday and Wednesday from 11:00am-1:00pm at Pond Elementary.

Prevention 

During school closures, it is important that students and families follow the Governor’s orders to stay home and minimize social contact to the extent possible.

Furthermore, Kern County Public Health recommends the following everyday personal prevention actions:  

• If you are sick or mildly sick for any reason, stay home! Call your doctor if you are concerned and/or if your symptoms worsen. 
• Symptoms to watch for include a fever over 100 degrees; respiratory illness such as cough or difficulty breathing. 
• Wash hands frequently for at least 20 seconds. 
• Stay 6 feet or more away from strangers and those who are ill. 
• Stop shaking hands with others to reduce the spread of germs. 
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. 
• Sneeze and cough into a tissue or your sleeve; safely throw away used tissues. 

This is a dynamic situation where information and circumstances can evolve quickly. We are grateful to you, community members and our community leaders throughout our county for their tremendous care, collaboration, and understanding during these challenging times.

Sincerely, 

Alex Lopez
Superintendent