Good evening, this is Dave Olney, Superintendent for the Hesperia Unified School District. I want to thank our community for the support they have provided during these challenging times. The impact of the coronavirus is affecting every aspect of our lives and forcing us to find creative ways to adapt to this unprecedented situation. To protect the health of students and staff members, and to slow the spread of the coronavirus, the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health, along with the San Bernardino County Superintendent’s Office, supports the Hesperia Unified School District and all districts throughout our County, to extend all school closures through Friday, May 1, 2020. Barring any further directives, we will plan on reopening schools on Monday, May 4.
Currently, on our web page, are supplemental learning resources for students by grade. Staff is currently working on distance learning operations, allowing teachers to develop and provide their students with lessons on-line. We are also developing a plan for distribution of Chromebooks for elementary students who may need them. Should your family not have internet access, these supplemental resources are available from your school site. You will just need to contact the school, where administration is available by phone to set up a time to pick them up. If no one answers, we ask that you please leave a message. When teachers’ lessons are available, you will be able to do this with the lessons as well. We are also investigating internet providers that are offering free or low cost internet services during this time. We are creating a Frequently Asked Questions section on our website and will keep this updated moving forward. I know there are many concerns about activities for our seniors, including graduation. I want to assure you that we want to provide these opportunities for our students who have completed this milestone in their life. We will address these events as circumstances dictate.
Student meals are continuing to be offered at Cedar Middle School, Hesperia High School, and Sultana High School in a “grab and go” format from 11:00am – 1:00pm Monday through Friday. Students must be present in the vehicle to receive a meal. Even though next week is spring break, we have decided to continue serving meals at the three locations. After spring break, we will determine if we can expand serving locations.
We are all in this situation together and I am confident we will navigate through this time. Please take time to enjoy your families and take care of one another.