Sent on Behalf of Superintendent Francisco Escobedo, Ed.D:
As many of you may have heard, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced a statewide “shelter-in-place.” This latest directive aligns closely with actions taken earlier this week by our San Diego County officials, which means we will continue limiting gatherings to no more than 10 individuals and enforcing social distancing. This order by Governor Newsom will ensure all counties are following the same guidance to limit the spread and severity of COVID-19. The Chula Vista Elementary School District is comprised of staff, parents, students, and our community partners. As role models in our community, it is incumbent upon us to do our part.
In a unified effort to protect the health of students, staff and school communities, our District and other school districts countywide, in collaboration with the County Department of Public Health, made the collective decision to remain closed indefinitely. We will send you weekly updates while our schools are closed until further notice. We are taking a proactive and aggressive approach to maintain the health, safety and well-being of our schools and communities.
The Governor’s order does not change or impact the role of CVESD, which is considered essential, nor our duty to carry out the following essential services:
- Meals being prepared and distributed to students
- Any function associated with keeping the continuity of learning moving forward.
As we all adjust to a new reality for both our professional and personal lives, I wanted to provide a message of encouragement and support to you, our Chula Vista Elementary School District staff. These are truly unprecedented times, and we have been called on to make tough decisions that affect each of us. Please know, the Board, District Leadership Team, and bargaining groups are collaborating to make decisions with the health and safety of our community—students, families, and staff—as our top priority.
I want to thank you for your continued cooperation as we persevere through this unique situation. We appreciate your willingness to follow our directives and your flexibility to adjust as new information necessitates a change in plans.
Despite the difficult circumstances, it is heartwarming to see the creative ways our teachers are delivering educational support. We are working with Chula Vista Educators (CVE) to establish a unique, innovative learning environment to continue our students’ academic and emotional growth. In addition, Chula Vista Classified Employees Organization (CVCEO) has been assisting us in finding new ways to keep essential District operations afloat. At times like this, our community relies on us to showcase a sense of calm, grit, and professionalism. We have done a great job of that thus far. I want to especially thank Child Nutrition Services and Maintenance staff members for their heroic efforts in keeping students fed. Overall, thousands of meals were distributed each day of the week across our 46 schools. This was no small feat. Meal service is also continuing during Spring Break.
Together, we will get through this historic period of change, however long it may last. Rest assured we will continue to keep you updated as future decisions are confirmed.
Again, thank you for your ongoing support, flexibility, understanding, and grit. Please remember to focus on remaining calm, keeping your family and loved ones safe, and practicing self-care as needed. We will get through this together.
Sincerely,
Francisco Escobedo, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Loma Verde Elementary School 