How is MUSD leading in COVID 19 planning and response

Dear MUSD Students, Families, and Team Members,

As MHS teacher Ms. Bellotti said to me on the first day of school, “it feels so right,” to be back together in person! These first nine days of school have been both exhilarating and challenging. We continue to navigate through this global pandemic by implementing new strategies and directives designed to provide physical safety, and optimum conditions for learning and human development. 

It is critical that we adhere to the safety guidelines and directives of the California and Santa Clara County Public Health Departments.  We will continue to require masking for all indoors as recommended by the American Pediatrics Academy and the CPHD, and for elementary students and team members outdoors per MUSD directive.  When all persons are masked it allows for modified quarantine, which means children and youth do not miss out on in person learning. This 8/6/21 CPHD Frequently Asked Questions document outlines the safety practices we have instituted in MUSD and provides medical explanations for quarantine expectations. 

To date there have been 20 identified cases of COVID19 in MUSD schools, and with our weekly testing program, we expect that number to increase.  Our COVID19 Safety page provides updates and explanations for each of our safety protocols, including our MUSD weekly testing schedule and the latest SCCPHD Quarantine Decision Tree.  

The Modified Quarantine and notification protocols are directed by the PHD.  If you receive a notification that you or your child is a close contact, it is not always necessary that you quarantine depending on if you are vaccinated and/or are a student. If you receive one, your notification letter will inform you of next steps and if you or your child must quarantine and/or test. 

It is important that our students do not miss out on key learning opportunities, and if quarantined, students may take advantage of short-term Independent Study (IS). Short-term IS requires a signed contract by a student’s parent/caregiver and assignments provided by their teacher(s).  We do expect parents/caregivers to follow the modified quarantine procedures, staying in person for learning if permitted, staying in person for learning if permitted.

All of us have been investing time and resources to meet the needs of our learners.  Living and working through this pandemic has at times been extremely difficult and harsh.  With grace for one another we will persist through 2021-22 in a way that fosters resiliency and ingenuity in all learners.

Striving together,

Cheryl  Jordan
Superintendent

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