• Community Resources and Local Information

    Where Can I Pick Up Food?

     June 30th was the last day that CSD provided free meals for the 2019-20 school year.  For the summer, food is available at the following locations:

    The location is Dartmouth at @Union Elementary SD and Fisher Middle School in Los Gatos School District.

     
    Union School District

    Dartmouth Middle School

    5575 Dartmouth Dr.

    Serving Monday, Wednesday, Friday 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

     

    Los Gatos Union School District

    Fisher Middle School

    19195 Fisher Ave.

    Serving Monday, Wednesday, Friday 11:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.

    CA Meals for Kids Mobile APP

    The CA Meals for Kids mobile application helps you find nearby California Afterschool and Summer Meal Programs Sites through your iOS, Android, or Microsoft devices. The Emergency Meal Sites section may be used during school closures due to emergency situations. https://www.cde.ca.gov/re/mo/cameals.asp

    Reaching Out Food Center

    We understand the challenge that some families will face with the District closure for this period of time. If you are in need of food resources, there are local agencies that can help. We encourage any family that is in need to visit the Reaching Out Food Center, 2315 Canoas Garden Avenue, San Jose, CA 95124, (408) 267-4691. They are open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. until 12 noon. Just bring a photo ID and a bill with your address on it. Note that Reaching Out does not register your personal information with the U.S. Government, and you will be given free, nutritious groceries no matter what.

    Free Meals for Seniors

    Adults 60 years and older can pick up a free prepared meal at their local community center.

    The Senior Nutrition Program has 35 sites, find one near you by visiting bit.ly/svstrong-senior.

    It’s easy. Simply call your preferred location the day before, and when you pick up your meal just provide your name, birthday, and zip code. New participants who have not registered or reserved a meal can still pick up a meal the same day as long as meals are available. New participants will be given a registration form to return by mail.

    The City of San José is leading the countywide food distribution system in response to County and State Orders to shelter in place during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through Silicon Valley Strong, the City is working with non-profit community partners, food delivery companies, school districts, faith, and community organizations to ensure food security for our most vulnerable populations.

    The list of non-profits, faith-based, and City nutrition sites where meals are served is updated every Monday. Residents can also use a Food Distribution Map to find a nutrition site in their neighborhood.

    For More Information:

    • Visit siliconvalleystrong.org
    • Call 2-1-1, a 24-hour multi-lingual service
    • Text your zip code to 898211
    • Free Groceries: receive free fresh fruit, vegetables, and pantry samples by calling 1-800-984-3663 or text “GETFOOD” to 408-455-5181.

    Food Distribution Map

    The City of San José launched a food distribution map (bit.ly/SCCFoodMap) with important information on county-wide food distribution sites to ensure food security for those in need. In collaboration with the County of Santa Clara, non-profit community partners, school districts, and faith-based organizations, the Silicon Valley Strong coalition now has 129 food distribution sites operating Monday through Friday. Visit siliconvalleystrong.org for more information on how to access food resources or to donate. Also, call 2-1-1, a 24-hour multi-lingual service, or text your zip code to 89821.

    Childcare Program for Health Care Workers

    Childcare Program for Health Care Workers in the County. County Office of Education SupportsCounty-Wide Child Care Programs for Emergency Service Workers: County Wide Childcare Program.

    Can I get unemployment benefits information?

    Parents who cannot work because of their child's school closures may be eligible for Unemployment Insurance Benefits. Please call the OLSE Advice Line for help in determining eligibility and assistance with applications or visit sccfairworkplace.org or call the OLSE Advice Line: (866) 870-7725.

    Help for PG&E Customers Facing Hardships

    Pacific Gas and Electric Company is offering billing and service modifications, effective immediately, for customers experiencing hardships as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure that the lights stay on and the gas continues to flow. For details, visit www.pge.com/covid19 or call 1 (800) 743-5000.

    Unemployment Hotline Now Open 7 Days a Week

    The California Employment Development Department call center is now open every day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Residents are encouraged to use UI Online for the fastest and most convenient way to file or reopen your claim, certify for benefits, and get up-to-date claim and payment information. Smartphone and tablet users can use UI Online Mobile.

    Customers can call 833-978-2511 for technical help with accessing UI Online and other general unemployment insurance questions. Representatives will not have access to your claim or payment information. New claims can be filed at 1-800-300-1516. 

    EDD will also start assisting residents with the new federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program starting Tuesday, April 28. PUA benefits are distinct from unemployment benefits and cover the self-employed, employees who lack sufficient work history, gig workers, and independent contractors. Read the FAQ about eligibility and benefit amounts.

    Temporary Housing Provided to Every Known Homeless Person with COVID-19

    Over the weekend, the County of Santa Clara announced that it and its city and community partners have responded to COVID-19 in the homeless community by providing appropriate housing for every homeless individual who has tested positive or is suspected of having COVID-19.

    We have done this by moving people into hotel rooms, non-congregate temporary housing, and by opening additional shelters with appropriate social distancing. The County has placed all 35 homeless individuals or households who tested positive for COVID-19. Additionally, we have proactively housed 236 homeless individuals in hotel/motel rooms, and another 277 homeless individuals in shelters that have social distancing protocols in place. 

    There is also promising news on this issue statewide. On Saturday, Governor Gavin Newsom was joined at a press conference by County Supervisors Cindy Chavez and Susan Ellenberg along with Campbell Mayor Susan Landry and San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo to give an update on Project Roomkey. A new master agreement with Motel 6 will put California over its 15,000-room goal for sheltering unhoused individuals who have or are at high risk for COVID-19 across the state. 

    San José Launches Virtual Recreation Center

    Today, the City of San José Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Services Department launched a virtual center supporting physical and mental health through online learning and creative at-home activities. This digital resource will include links to live pilot classes, recorded entertainment, online resources, and fun educational activities for all ages. The Virtual Recreation Center will feature community centers, attractions like Happy Hollow Park & Zoo, 360 degree park views, online workouts, digital excursions, and more. Learn more at bit.ly/sjvirtualrec.

    Update on Stimulus Checks

    The Federal CARES Act Economic Impact Payments (also known as stimulus checks) have started to hit individual banking accounts. Those who filed their taxes 2018 or 2019, should automatically receive a payment. Residents can check their payment status here.

    Residents who did not file income taxes in the last two years can use the IRS "Non-Filers: Enter Your Payment Info Here" application to receive their stimulus check. This tool provides a simple, easy option for people who either don’t need to file a Federal income tax return or with too little income to file. For more information, see the Frequently Asked Questions provided by Free File Fillable Forms, the certified IRS partner that is managing the tool.

    Expanded Support for California Workers

    The Employment Development Department (EDD) has launched a new call center that operates 7 days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The EDD will also stand up a one-stop shop for individuals applying for unemployment insurance and the new federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program starting April 28. PUA benefits are distinct from unemployment benefits and cover the self-employed, employees who lack sufficient work history, gig workers, and independent contractors. PUA benefits will be issued within 24-48 hours instead of the traditional 21 days for regular unemployment claims.

    The Governor also announced a $75 million Disaster Relief Fund for undocumented immigrants who are ineligible for relief benefits. Starting next month, approximately 150,000 undocumented adult Californians will receive a one-time cash benefit of $500 per adult with a cap of $1,000 per household. Funds will be dispersed through a community-based model of regional nonprofits with expertise and experience serving undocumented communities.

    Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees (GCIR), a network of foundations focused on immigration issues, has also committed to raising $50 million to support direct financial assistance to families of undocumented immigrants through the California Immigrant Resilience Fund. California has developed an immigrant resource guide to provide information about COVID-19 related assistance, including public benefits, that are available to immigrant Californians. Read the full press release here.

    Rent Freeze and New Tenant Protections Coming to the City of San José

    The San José City Council extended its temporary ban on residential evictions until May 31, matching the current end date of the countywide ban that is also in place. The Council also directed staff to bring back an urgency ordinance to prohibit rent increases until December 31. If adopted on April 21, the ordinance will cover all apartments and mobile homes that fall under the city’s rent stabilization program. It does not apply to single-family homes and apartments built after 1979 that are not covered due to state law. Learn more in the Mercury News.

    The council also supported the inclusion of tenant protections to reduce harassment and retaliation such as preventing landlords from serving an eviction notice on a tenant that they have reason to know is impacted by COVID-19 and allowing tenants who have been served eviction notices up to 7 days to provide a notice informing the landlord that they have been impacted by COVID 19. City staff will also be devising a template affidavit that tenants can submit in cases where tenants are unable to provide any other verifiable evidence of their COVID-19-related impacts, as is often the case with undocumented individuals working in the informal economy.

    City of Santa Clara Small Business Assistance Grant Program

    This program is offering grants of up to $5,000 or $10,000 for qualified small businesses and nonprofits located in Santa Clara and have at least one but no more than 25-full-time employees. The grants must be used for either payroll expenses or lease payments. Applications and instructions can be found here.

    City of San Jose Payroll Protection Program Assistance: Independent contractors and self-employed individuals can now apply for and receive loans to cover their payroll and other certain expenses through existing SBA lenders. The US Treasury Department has created a PPP Fact Sheet that contains more information. Local Businessownerspace.com (BOS) partners SBDC, AnewAmerica, MBDA, and SCORE can offer advice and may be able to help prepare loan paperwork. For more information, email covid19SJbusiness@sanjoseca.gov.

    Local Networking Groups and Webinars

    This week, the San Jose Inside posted an article about efforts by local business organizations such as the Silicon Valley Central Chamber of Commerce and the silicon valley organization to learn and connect with each other in the digital space.

    DMV Extends Expiring Driver Licenses

    Licenses for drivers younger than 70 that expire between March and May 2020 are now valid through May 31, 2020. Drivers 70 and older will automatically receive a temporary paper extension valid for 120 days. All commercial driver’s licenses, endorsements and certificates expiring between March and June 2020 are now valid through June 30, 2020. (Read the full press release here.)

     The extensions require no individual action on the part of drivers. These drivers will not receive a new card or an extension in the mail. The DMV has alerted California law enforcement of the extensions. Californians with a suspended license are not eligible.

     The DMV continues to review and process online renewals and encourages drivers who are eligible to renew their license online to do so. The DMV has also created a Virtual Office that allows customers to conduct select transactions such as title transfers and registration renewals that previously required an office visit. Customers can upload necessary documents then be contacted by a DMV customer service representative who will review the documents and finalize the process.

    Donation Opportunities to Help Others in Need

    For constituents and businesses interested in making donations of cash or supplies, the Public Health Department has created a resource page with links to organizations addressing local needs.

     The VMC Foundation is collecting physical and monetary donations for medical supplies. Meanwhile, the Silicon Valley Community Foundation is collecting cash donations to provide relief for residents, small businesses, and nonprofits. The Santa Clara County Office of Supportive Housing is accepting housing related donations for those that may be homeless or in need of housing due to COVID-19. Please email housing@eoc.sccgov.org for more information.

    Corporations interested in providing medical supplies and other material assistance during this emergency are encouraged to contact the Business Operations Center to evaluate and route larger donations. They can be reached at sccboc@gmail.com.

    For those who cannot donate financially, food and blood donations are still urgently needed through Second Harvest of Silicon Valley and the Red Cross, respectively. Donations of non-medical supplies, blankets, personal hygiene, diapers, infant formula, food, clothing and other goods should be given to the local community organization of one’s choice. 

    COVID-19 Information

    Please click here to read the Santa Clara County Public Health Department's information about the Shelter in Place Order. To access further COVID-19 information from the Public Health Department, please click here.

    COVID-19 Information Website Enhanced

    The County’s COVID-19 informational website at sccphd.org/coronavirus has been enhanced and reorganized to make it easier for you and your constituents to more easily get the information you need. Links to Chinese, Spanish, Tagalog, and Vietnamese translations are now at the top of the page to better assist monolingual speakers.

    Does Santa Clara County offer coronavirus information?

    Comprehensive updates about the shelter-in-place in Santa Clara County can be obtained by calling 2-1-1, thanks to a new partnership between the County of Santa Clara and 2-1-1. Text services are available in English and Spanish and can be initiated by texting the message “coronavirus” to 211211.

    2-1-1 operators are trained professionals with experience fielding questions and providing fact-based answers. 2-1-1 phone and text services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in 150 languages through phone interpretation services. Also, the Santa Clara County Department of Public Health has created a helpful FAQ document to answer your questions. https://www.sccgov.org/sites/phd/DiseaseInformation/novel-coronavirus/Documents/FAQ-Shelter-in-Place-03-16-20.pdf

    San Jose Police Need Your Assistance!

    Help us keep our neighborhood schools safe. Please report any suspicious behavior on school property: People casing around school campuses, suspicious people and vehicles parked on campus, people carrying school property or school property in vehicles, activity on school campuses at night, or trespassing, vandalism, graffiti or other signs of criminal activity. For emergencies or crimes in progress call 911 or (408) 277-8911. For non-emergencies, call (408) 277-8900.

    Face Covering Information

    The County of Santa Clara's Public Health Department has issued expanded guidance, strongly urging all individuals to wear face coverings when out of their homes to perform essential activities. Face covering when in public for ages 12 and younger not required. The detailed guidance builds on the recommendations issued by the Public Health Department on April 2, 2020. All individuals are strongly urged to cover their nose and mouth with a face covering, such as a bandana, scarf, towel, or another piece of cloth or fabric, when leaving home. Face coverings are critical for essential activities such as doctor appointments, grocery shopping, pharmacy visits, and riding on public transit, among others.

    Santa Clara County Public Health Department Guidance on Masks

    Can I get links to more Coronavirus information resources?

    As a District, we want to keep you up to date on anything concerning the coronavirus. Below are valuable links to get your answers.
If you are having trouble viewing the document, you may download the document.
If you are having trouble viewing the document, you may download the document.
If you are having trouble viewing the document, you may download the document.
If you are having trouble viewing the document, you may download the document.

The District is working closely with the Santa Clara County Public Health Department to inform and monitor influenza and virus activity, including the recent Novel Coronavirus.

  • March 15, 2020: 

    Picking Up Medication in Health Office

    If your child has medication at the school site health office, call the school office to arrange pick up of the medication.  Health Clerks and Office Staff are available to return your child’s medication to the parent and/or guardian. Please arrange to pick up the medication by 4 PM Tuesday.  Thank you...

    School Telephone Numbers:

    Bagby Elementary (408) 377-3882

    Fammatre Elementary (408) 377-5480

    Farnham Elementary (408) 377-3321

    Price Middle School (408) 2532

    Sartorette Elementary School (408) 264-4380

    Steindorf STEAM School (408) 377-3022

     

    March 13, 2020:

    Cambrian School District schools will be closed for three weeks from Monday, March 16, 2020, through April 3, 2020. We will be back in the classroom on Monday, April 13th after our scheduled Spring Break April 6th - 10th. This closure is to plan for the implementation of guidance from the Santa Clara County Department of Public Health. School district central offices will remain open. Please click here to read details on the closure.

     

    UPDATE #1 ON COVID-19, MARCH 13, 2020

    The safety and wellness of students, families, and school personnel are the highest priorities of all Santa Clara County schools and districts. The Santa Clara County Superintendent of Schools and all county district superintendents have decided to close schools for three weeks from Monday, March 16, 2020, through April 3, 2020. We will be back in the classroom on Monday, April 13th after our scheduled Spring Break April 6th - 10th.

    This closure is to plan for the implementation of guidance from the Santa Clara County Department of Public Health. School district central offices will remain open.

    Please click here to read about the Cambrian District school closure.

     

     Update on COVID-19, March 11, 2020

    Dear Cambrian Families and Staff,

    Our students, staff, and families are our highest priority here in Cambrian School District. I want to update you on our local efforts to respond to and prepare for the ongoing developments related to the COVID-19 virus. Since our March 6 message to Cambrian families, we have received updated guidance from the Santa Clara County Public Health Department and the Santa Clara County Office of Education. The Santa Clara Public Health Department currently is not recommending closing schools.

    School Closure Factors

    Among other reasons, individuals under 18 years of age have been identified as a low-risk group relative to COVID-19. If a staff member or student in a specific school is confirmed to have COVID-19, the Public Health Department will consider, based on the specific facts and circumstances of that case, whether closure of that school is warranted. The Santa Clara County Public Health Department’s guidance is that the disruption caused by school closure currently outweighs the potential benefits of using school closure to slow disease transmission. Closing schools is a last resort and will be done with great care, transparency, and in partnership with public health officials. These recommendations may be updated upon further evaluation and public health needs.

    No school closures will occur without the authorization of the Santa Clara County Public Health Department in consultation with the district and the County Superintendent of Schools. Closure may be of short duration to allow deep cleaning to occur, or of longer duration, depending on the circumstances of the situation, and will be decided on a case by case basis.

    Closing school is a decision that is not taken lightly as it causes significant community disruption. There are several important factors to consider:

    • Children are not a high-risk group for serious illness from COVID-19.

    • There may be an increase in exposure for the most vulnerable people in our community since older individuals may be designated to care for children at home so the parents can work.

    • As much as possible, children should be allowed to carry on with their education and normal daily activities.

    • School closures are very disruptive as not every parent has the time off or the financial security to stay home from work with their child.

    • Potential workforce shortages due to closed schools may negatively impact our health care system’s response to COVID-19.

    Any individual who is diagnosed with COVID-19, or determined to have come into direct contact with someone diagnosed with the virus, will be subject to quarantine and monitoring by Santa Clara County Department of Public Health and will not return to school until medically cleared to do so. Were either of these situations to arise (confirmed student or staff diagnosis or direct contact), all members of the school community would be notified. Any school closure would be based upon the facts and conditions of a specific situation and, were our schools to be subject to closure, we have plans in place to ensure that instruction will continue through the use of online tools.

    Attendance

    We recognize that some children have underlying health conditions, such as weakened immune systems, that put them at higher risk. Parents of children with underlying health conditions should consult with their family physician about whether their child should stay home from school.

    In addition, we are cognizant of the fact that while children and healthy adults are considered low risk for the virus, a small number of our families do have students or members of the household who are considered high risk due to age and/or underlying medical conditions and this creates additional concern regarding exposure. If this situation pertains to your family, we encourage you to first reach out to your medical professional to seek guidance and, if based upon this guidance, you feel that school attendance poses an unacceptable risk to your student or a member of your family, that you then contact the school administration to discuss your specific situation and options.

    School Events and Travel

    The most recent guidance from the Santa Clara County Department of Public Health provides four considerations in evaluating events:

    1. The size of the gathering

    2. The mix of individuals from various areas and age brackets

    3. The ability of individuals at events to remain at arms length distance from each other and

    4. The duration of the event.

    Cambrian School District has put the following measures in place, effective immediately. These decisions were based on guidance from the Santa Clara County Department of Public Health and the four considerations listed above. We are working with a time frame of up until April 10th, but as information changes so may the date and stipulations or changes.

    • All non-essential, non-instructional events should be cancelled or postponed if they are in spaces that do not permit participants to remain at arms length distance from one another. Individuals in high-risk categories should not attend. Individuals who are not feeling well should not attend the event.

    • All out-of-county district-sponsored events involving travel should be canceled or postponed.

    • Middle school sporting events may continue if spectators present stay at arms length distance from each other. Spectators in high-risk groups are discouraged from attending. If individuals are not feeling well they should not attend the event.

    • At the present time, the Public Health Department recommends that non-essential travel of both students and staff be suspended due to the potential to increase the risk of transmission of COVID-19 into other communities. As such, all field trips are canceled or postponed until further notice.

    • District-sponsored out of state travel (competitions, tournaments, etc) is canceled pending further updates. Disneyland for our Middle School has not been canceled at this time.

    • All school wide assemblies where the entire school gathers will be postponed.

    • For essential meetings (i.e. school board meetings), seating accommodations will be made to ensure adequate distance between attendees.

    Other Measures

    • Only volunteers that are involved on an ongoing basis may continue to serve for the time being. We want to limit the number of contact points within the school community at this time. If you are sick, please stay home. We also encourage those volunteer individuals who are in a high-risk category to consider staying home.

    • On-campus indoor events/performances/competitions/etc. will be limited to no more than 100 spectators. Depending on the available space in a particular venue, attendance may be further restricted to provide sufficient arm’s-length social distance between those in attendance.

    • Individuals displaying symptoms of illness or at higher risk should not attend any school events regardless of size.

    Prevention Practices

    The same simple steps that prevent the spread of ordinary flu viruses work against COVID-19 and other illnesses:

    • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

    • Cough into a tissue or your elbow (not your hand). Then throw the tissue away and wash hands.

    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.

    • Avoid contact with people who are sick.

    • Avoid large gatherings and remain at arm’s length from others whenever possible.

    • Stay home when you are sick.

    • Keep students home if they experience elevated body temperature, persistent cough, shortness of breath or respiratory congestion, runny nose, and/or are feeling weak. It is better to err on the side of caution and not expose others in the school community to any illness.

    • Consult your health care provider if you or your child has special health conditions that put you at increased risk.

    Travel Guidelines as Spring Break Approaches

    With Spring Break approaching, we want to remind our families that should you travel to any area designated by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as higher risk, you will be subject to CDC post-travel quarantine guidelines. These guidelines protect the health of everyone in our community, and we urge you to be aware of them and to comply with them.

    We will continue to monitor these decisions. Starting this week, the Santa Clara County school district superintendents are meeting twice weekly via phone with the County Office of Education and County Public Health Department officials. Also, the Governor and State Superintendent have met to discuss a number of contingencies for addressing continuing education should closures become warranted, addressing funding issues, testing windows, and the impact of canceling events/contract obligations. To date, there have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 within the Cambrian School District. We believe that our schools are safe places for our students and staff and we are working very closely with the Public Health Department to ensure that we minimize the risk of transmission of illness and to keep all members of our school community safe. We will keep you updated as circumstances and guidelines evolve.

    We continue to closely monitor the situation, work with county and state officials, and will keep our district families informed when there are updates. Cambrian School District is a wonderful community of caring individuals who put the greater good above their own self-interest. I am grateful for your patience and your resilience as we all learn to temper increased distance with deeper care for one another.

     
    Big picture
     

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) (March 11, 2020)

    Has there been a confirmed case of COVID-19 in CSD?

    • To date, there have been no confirmed cases within the school district.

    What happens if a school closes?

    • If a school should close, the notice will be sent to district families. We urge families to have a contingency plan in place for child care should a school close on short notice. To the best of our ability, instruction via online lessons, work packets, reading lists, etc, will be provided in some form. The type of work may vary depending on grade level.

    What if I or my child have an underlying health condition that puts me at higher risk for COVID-19 complications?

    • Some children and adults have underlying health conditions, such as severely weakened immune systems, that put them at higher risk. Families affected by members with underlying health conditions should consult with their primary physician about whether their child(ren) should stay home from school.

    What if my child or I have a cough or feel ill?

    • Students, parents, and staff with respiratory infection symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, and/or a fever should not come to school.

    • If students or staff feel sick with a fever (including chills or night sweats) cough, and/or shortness of breath, they should stay home from school until at least 24 hours after the fever has gone, without the assistance of any medication. Also, they should contact their health care provider.

    What if my child or a staff member becomes ill while at school?

    • Students who become ill at school will be sent to the health office. If the student has a fever and respiratory symptoms, the student will be isolated in the health office, and parents will be contacted to pick up the student immediately.

    • Staff members with respiratory infection symptoms or fever should contact the office so adult supervision for the classroom can be found and the staff member should then go home immediately.

    Can we still volunteer on campus?

    • We recommend that adults who fall into the higher-risk categories such as over-60 or with an underlying health condition, not volunteer at this time. Any adults with coughing, respiratory illness or fever should NOT be on campus. And of course, adults who have traveled recently to a level 2 or level 3 country should be in self-quarantine for two weeks.

    • We have asked teachers to limit the need for volunteers at this time to reduce the amount of contact points within the school community.

    My family plans to travel over Spring Break. What should I be aware of?

    • At the present time, the Santa Clara County Public Health Department recommends that non-essential travel of both students and staff be suspended due to the potential to increase the risk of transmission of novel coronavirus into other communities.

    • If your family plans to travel in the coming weeks, including Spring Break, be aware of the CDC travel restrictions to/from level 2 and level 3 countries (currently: China, Iran, Italy, Japan, South Korea). If your family visits a country or place that is at Level 2 or 3, your child will be required to stay home in self-quarantine for 14 days upon return. Any absence due to quarantine or illness will be excused. Visit the CDC Returning Travelers webpage for additional guidance.

    What does a quarantine entail?

    Students and adults who are on quarantine cannot attend a school or after-school activities. Per the CDC, quarantine means staying home for 14 days and practicing social distancing.

    • Take your and/or your child’s temperature with a thermometer two times a day and monitor for fever. Also, watch for a cough or trouble breathing.

    • Stay home and avoid contact with others. Do not go to work or school for this 14-day period.

    • Do not take public transportation, taxis, or ride-shares during the time you are practicing social distancing.

    • Avoid crowded places (such as shopping centers and movie theaters) and limit your activities in public.

    • Keep your distance from others (about 6 feet or 2 meters).

    • If my child stays home, is the absence considered excused or unexcused?

    • Children have not been shown to be a high-risk group for COVID-19. Student learning and education will continue as long as schools are open. All existing policies for student attendance remain in place.

    What steps is the district taking regarding school cleaning and hygiene?

    • Please know that student and staff safety is a top priority. As such, we are instituting enhanced cleaning of our school sites and reinforcing handwashing best practices. Sinks, drinking fountains, and bathrooms are disinfected every night. In the classrooms and multipurpose rooms, high contact touchpoints are sprayed with disinfectant and left to dry per best practice. The district increased the disinfecting of classrooms, multipurpose rooms, and high contact touchpoints to an every-night basis.

    • Teachers are making time throughout the day for children to wash their hands and encourage students to practice good hand hygiene, and cough/sneeze into tissues or inside elbows.

    What else can I do to keep my family safe and healthy?

    • Have a plan in place if schools are closed temporarily.

    • Think about how to care for loved ones at home if they or you get sick, including how to prevent other family members from becoming infected.

    • If you can, obtain a two-month supply for your medications or consider using a mail-order pharmacy.

    • Wash your hands! Frequent handwashing is easy and under your control. Handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is the most effective way to contain the spread of illness and disease, including COVID-19, among students, staff or parents.

    • Don’t touch your face, eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.

    • Keep your child home from school if she/he is sick. Don’t go to work if you are sick.

    • Cough into the crook of your arm or into a tissue, and encourage your child to do the same.

    • Use a barrier, such as a paper towel or tissue, to touch commonly touched surfaces, such as bathroom door handles and elevator buttons.

    • Bump elbows or bow instead of shaking hands.

    • Regularly clean frequently touched surfaces at home.

    How Do I Stay Informed?

    • We encourage all families to stay informed with factual information from the following websites:

    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

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

    World Health Organization (WHO)

    https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

    Santa Clara County Public Health Department

    https://www.sccgov.org/sites/phd/DiseaseInformation/novel-coronavirus

    Learn about COVID-19 symptoms at:

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

    CDC Fact Sheet (English):

    https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/2019-ncov-factsheet.pdf

     

    Update on COVID-19, March 6, 2020

    Dear Cambrian Families,

    The Cambrian School District, the Santa Clara County Office of Education and the Santa Clara County Public Health Department continue to work together in response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

    Our District staff is monitoring the situation closely and working directly with the County of Santa Clara’s Public Health Department. We are taking proactive steps to protect the health of our community and implementing recommendations that are meant to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in our community and reduce the number of people infected, and especially protect those who are most vulnerable to severe illness.

    We want to keep you informed on these recommendations and be proactive in communicating all information as it is available. Cambrian School District is fully aware of the disruptions these required actions may cause. These required actions were determined utilizing all currently available information. These recommendations are effective immediately and may be updated upon further evaluation and public health needs.

    SCHOOL RECOMMENDATIONS:

    The County Public Health Department is not recommending closing schools at this time. If a staff member or student in a specific school confirmed to have COVID-19, the Public Health Department will consider, based on the specific facts and circumstances of that case, whether closure of that school is warranted. If that would transpire we would be in contact immediately as to the next steps and the Public Department of Health would advise.

    The reason the Santa Clara County Public Health Department is not recommending school closures at this time is that children have not been shown to be a high-risk group for serious illness from this virus. As much as possible, children should be allowed to carry on with their education and normal daily activities. As we have been communicating, our custodial staff is taking extra measures to wipe down desks, door handles, and sinks (areas that are high touch zones). All staff is committed to teaching excellent personal hygiene and frequent hand washing. We recently added portable hand washing stations to increase accessibility for all students.

    No school closures will occur without the authorization of Public Health in consultation with the district and the County Superintendent of Schools. Closure events may be of short duration to allow deep cleaning to occur, or of longer duration, depending on the circumstances of the situation, and will be decided on a case by case basis.

    CONSIDERATIONS USED TO DETERMINE POSTPONING OR CANCELLING NON-INSTRUCTIONAL EVENTS OUTSIDE OF THE SCHOOL DAY:

    The most recent guidance from the Santa Clara County Department of Public Health is that there are four considerations in evaluating events:

    1. The size of the gathering

    2. The mix of individuals from various areas and age bracket

    3. The ability of individuals at events to remain at arms-length distance from each other and

    4.The duration of the event.

    We will continue with after school sports District-wide. All middle school sporting events will continue to occur but spectators present are encouraged to stay at arms-length distance from each other. Spectators in high-risk groups are discouraged from attending. We will continue to monitor these decisions.

    HYGIENE RECOMMENDATIONS:

    We encourage students to practice excellent personal hygiene, such as:

    • Wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.
    • If soap and water are not available, alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be used in a pinch
    • Avoid close contact with other people; keep at least an arm's length away from others when possible
    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
    • Covering their cough or sneeze with a tissue - if available - or into their elbow

    GUIDANCE FOR PEOPLE AT HIGHER RISK FOR SEVERE COVID-19 ILLNESS:

    The County Public Health Department is recommending that persons at higher risk of severe illness should stay home and away from crowded social gatherings of people as much as possible such as parades, conferences, sporting events, and concerts where large numbers of people are within arm’s length of one another

    THOSE AT HIGHER RISK INCLUDE:

    • People over 50 years of age. The risk increases significantly thereafter and escalates with age, with persons over age 80 in the highest risk category.
    • People, regardless of age, with underlying health conditions including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, heart disease, or chronic lung diseases like COPD, as well as those with severely weakened immune systems.

    GUIDANCE FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE SICK:

    Stay home when you are sick. Do not go out in public when you are sick. Avoid medical settings in general unless necessary. If you are ill in any way call your doctor's office first before going in and let them know your symptoms.

    GUIDANCE FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC:

    • Even if you are not ill, avoid visiting hospitals, long term care facilities, or nursing homes to the extent possible. If you do need to visit one of these facilities, limit your time there and keep 6 feet away from patients and employees of the facility.
    • Do not go to the emergency room unless essential. Emergency rooms need to be able to serve those with the most critical needs. If you have symptoms like cough, fever, or other respiratory problems, contact your regular doctor first.
    • Stay home when sick and away from others in your household.
    • Practice excellent personal hygiene habits, including washing your hands with soap and water frequently, coughing into a tissue or your elbow, and avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
    • Stay away from people who are ill, especially if you are at higher risk for serious illness.
    • Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects (like doorknobs and light switches). Regular household cleaners are effective.
    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth unless you’ve just washed your hands.
    • Get plenty of rest, drink plenty of fluids, eat healthy foods, and manage your stress to keep your immunity strong.

    Check and subscribe to Public Health's website and social media pages:

    Public Health Website: http://sccphd.org/coronavirus

    Public Health Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sccpublichealth/

    Public Health Instagram: @scc_publichealth Public Health Twitter: @HealthySCC

    As more information becomes available, we will keep you informed. Thank you for your cooperation during this quickly evolving time. In the Cambrian School District, nothing exceeds the importance of the health and well-being of students, families, and staff.

     
    Sincerely,
     
    Dr. Carrie Andrews
    Superintendent

     

    Update on COVID-19, March 3, 2020

    Dear Cambrian Families,

    The Novel Coronavirus now known as COVID-19 continues to evolve and is a rapidly changing situation day by day. We continue to be in daily communication with the Santa Clara County Office of Education and County of Santa Clara Public Health Department. The County of Santa Clara Public Health Department confirms a total number of eleven COVID-19 cases in Santa Clara County. At this time, of the total confirmed cases in the county, only two have been determined to be community transmission; four are travel-related; three are close contacts to known cases, and the two new cases remain under investigation.

    The County of Santa Clara is working closely with a team from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) that is onsite with the Santa Clara County Public Health Department. “It is important to remember that, for about 80% of the population, this disease will be mild. While many people in our community may get sick, the vast majority will recover. The added measures are being used to protect those in our community who are likely at greatest risk for having severe disease,” said Dr. George Han, Deputy Health Officer for the County of Santa Clara.

    Who is at higher risk?

    Information about risk factors for COVID-19 infection is evolving, but the best evidence currently available makes clear that the risk of severe illness begins to increase at age 50 for those who contract COVID-19, and increases with age (i.e., an 80-year-old person is at greater risk than a 70-year-old person). The highest risk group is persons age 80 and over. People with underlying medical problems also are at higher risk for severe disease, including persons with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, heart disease, or chronic lung diseases like COPD, as well as those who are immunocompromised.

    What should I do if I am at higher risk?

    The Santa Clara County Public Health Department is recommending that persons at higher risk avoid mass gatherings such as parades, sporting events, and concerts where large numbers of people are within arm’s length of one another. This would not include typical office environments, grocery stores, or shopping centers, where it is unusual for large numbers of people to be within arm’s length of one another.

    Dr. Cody has been working closely with public agencies and school districts to keep us informed on what we can do during this time as the Santa Clara County Public Health Department continues to monitor and investigate cases daily. Santa Clara County Public Health Department has released an update on the COVID-19 as of March 3, 2020.

    What you need to know:

    • Currently, the health risk to the general public in Santa Clara County from Novel Coronavirus COVID-19 remains low, and schools are being asked to take common-sense precautions to prevent the spread of all infectious diseases.

    • The Santa Clara County Public Health Department has a webpage dedicated to Novel Coronavirus COVID-19 at sccphd.org/coronavirus.

    • If you have more questions about the Novel Coronavirus COVID-19, please contact the Santa Clara County Department of Health at (408) 885-3980 M-F, 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.

    The Santa Clara County Public Health Department has recently issued new guidance for schools and school districts, which Cambrian is actively following. Following are specific areas on what is advised, what we are doing so far and what we need to do next. These hygiene practices will undoubtedly help slow down the spread of COVID-19 and other influenza strains.

    Public Health Department recommendations:

    • Keep your hands clean by washing them frequently, especially after you touch common surfaces such as doorknobs, elevator buttons, handrails, light switches, countertops, and tables. It is one of the most important steps you can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. Always cover your cough and stay home when you are sick.

    • Stay away from people who are sick and stay home if you are sick.

    • Work on not touching your face because one-way viruses spread is when you touch your own mouth, nose or eyes. If you do need to touch your own mouth, nose or eyes, wash your hands before you do so.

    . What is happening and what we can do next:

    • Our Cambrian custodial team is disinfecting all commonly touched objects and surfaces. Specific cleaning attention before or after the instructional day is being given to areas such as sinks, door handles, and light switches.

    • The District has ordered antibacterial hand sanitizer for all learning environments that do not have access to handwashing stations. We readily accept your donations of hand sanitizers during this high-use time.

    • We reinforce hygiene practices such as washing hands and advise students to avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Of course, there be flexibility with the instructional time given the increase in the time needed for students to wash hands.


    At home, you can encourage, promote, and schedule times for students to wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. You may use this video.
    Custodians will be ensuring soap/towels are in all District sink locations, which will be re-stocked daily. Our District nurse is monitoring students who may have a medical alert and/or are immune-compromised. In this instance, teachers will be asked to supply school work. If a student returns from travel in one of the destinations listed on the Centers for Disease Controls Prevention (CDC), they will be asked to self-quarantine for 14 days and student school work will be provided. Information for Travelers is available here. After the 14 days of self-quarantine, the student may return to school.

    As always, we will update you as we receive information from the Santa Clara County Public Health Department. Thank you for working together to support the Cambrian community during these unique times.

    Kind Regards,

    Dr. Carrie Andrews

     
     

    Update on COVID-19, February 27, 2020

    Dear Members of the Cambrian Community,

    On February 25th, 2020 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), held a press conference and shared that the immediate risk of the novel coronavirus (now referred to as COVID-19) to the public is still low at this time. It was also shared that although the risk at this point in time is low, COVID-19 could begin spreading in communities and we all should begin preparations now. Our schools are taking the necessary steps to prepare and the health and safety of our students is our priority. We recognize that the unknown can be concerning and will continue to provide regular updates as we have them.

    We are working closely with the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE). SCCOE is in daily contact with the Santa Clara County Public Health Department and also monitors the California Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s information updates daily.

    All schools in California are required to have Emergency Safety Plans that address emergency situations and articulate protocols and roles of staff. School staff is required to review these plans together annually, and subsequently review if future emergencies are foreseen or occur, and update the plans as needed. Currently, Cambrian staff is taking extra precautions by frequently cleaning touched surfaces and objects to assure a healthy learning environment at our schools for all students and staff. We also continue to encourage and remind students to be diligent and wash hands with soap for at least 20 seconds.

    In case of an emergency, it is our district’s protocol to notify parents and guardians via our communication program Blackboard, which will send emails and texts to you directly.

    As a reminder, if your child is sick, please keep them home from school. To help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including the coronavirus and flu, the Santa Clara County Public Health Department has shared these important tips:

    • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
    • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
    • Stay home when you are sick.
    • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
    • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
    • Individuals with chronic health issues and/or individuals experiencing severe symptoms should be evaluated by a medical professional.

    If you'd like additional resources regarding COVID-19, please click the following links:

    Coronavirus COVID-19: What You Should Know

    Stop the Spread of Germs

    What To Do If You Are Sick

    Coronavirus Frequently Asked Questions

    Cambrian School District will continue to update you as necessary, but if you have questions about these topics, please contact Maggie Spehar, Director of Student Services at speharm@cambriansd.com.

    We thank you for your cooperation and support as we work together.

     

     

    Dear Cambrian families, 

    The District is working closely with the Santa Clara County Public Health Department to inform and monitor influenza and virus activity, including the recent Novel Coronavirus. 

    Please click here to find out more information on the coronavirus. 

     Update on Novel Coronavirus, February 1, 2020 

    The County of Santa Clara Public Health Department received confirmation on January 31, 2020, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that an adult male resident of the county has tested positive for the novel (new) coronavirus.  This is the first case of novel coronavirus for Santa Clara County and the Bay Area. The risk to the general public remains low as a result of this case.
     
    The County of Santa Clara Public Health Department is working closely with the CDC and the California Public Health Department, and other partners as this continues to be a rapidly evolving situation. Information will be updated as it becomes available.
     

    Update on Novel Coronavirus, January 31, 2020 

    Santa Clara County health officials Friday afternoon said that a man who resides in Santa Clara County has tested positive for the Novel Coronavirus. County Health Officer Dr. Sara Cody said the man recently traveled to Wuhan, returned January 24 to the Mineta San Jose International Airport and then became sick after getting home.

    He has been “self-isolating” at home since returning and only left to seek outpatient medical treatment on two occasions. Dr. Cody mentioned the patient has not been sick enough to require hospitalization and that county Health Officials are investigating/monitoring health officials, airlines, and home contacts.

    Dr. Cody reiterated the importance of common-sense precautions to prevent the spread of all infectious diseases:

    1. If you’re sick, stay home.
    2. Wash your hands and don’t touch your eyes, nose, and mouth.
    3. Recommends getting your Flu shot.

    Dr. Cody emphasized that there is no evidence that the virus is spreading anywhere in the county, Bay Area or Northern California. The two other confirmed cases in California are in Los Angeles and Orange Counties and are being monitored closely.

    Federal Health and Human Services declared a public health emergency and announced significant entry restrictions due to the Coronavirus outbreak. Americans returning from China will be allowed into the country but will face screening at select ports of entry and required to undertake 14 days of self-screening to ensure they don’t pose a health risk.  Those returning from Hubei province, the center of the outbreak, will be subject to up to 14 days of mandatory quarantine.

    To view the Press Conference: https://cbsloc.al/37LZopB