By Madeline King

Editor-in-Chief

On April 1, California Governor Gavin Newsom and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced that school campuses in California will not reopen for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year. Based upon these state recommendations and in consultation with the Santa Clara County (SCC) Public Health Department and SCC Office of Education, Superintendent Michael Grove announced the same day that all public schools within the county will be closed for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year, including LGHS. While schools will not reopen, instruction will continue through alternative distance learning options.

Grove also confirmed that the district will not be able to provide significant school and senior events –  including junior and senior prom, graduation, and grad night – in their traditional ways. However, the district highlighted they are “acutely aware” of the negative impact the extended school closures have on the community, and especially high school seniors, and are actively discussing alternatives for some of these highly anticipated events to be announced as information becomes available.

On Tues., Mar. 31, SCC Health Officer extended the “shelter in place” order – originally issued Mar. 16 – until May 3 after confirmed cases in the six most populous Bay Area counties increased more than eight-fold. The new order included several new restrictions, such as mandating social distancing at all times, further scaling down of essential businesses, prohibiting the use of playgrounds, public parks, shared public facilities, and similar recreational areas, and prohibiting most construction. 

While schools will remain physically closed, the state will continue to fund local education agencies (LEAs) to provide school meals, pay employees, and “[deliver] high-quality educational opportunities.” 

The SCC added that they will continue to navigate the developing conditions of the pandemic locally with the guidance of SCC Health Officer and Director Dr. Sara Cody and the SCC Public Health Department to ensure the safety of students, staff, and their families.

“We are extremely proud of the ‘can-do’ spirit, collaboration, and perseverance exhibited by our staff, our students, and our community in these challenging times,” said Grove. “We wish you and your families well and we look forward to continuing to serve you through this spring.”

(Sources: Santa Clara County, SCC Public Health, California Department of Education)