November 12, 2019
Dear Staff & Parents,
We have recently experienced several power outage episodes in San Lorenzo Valley. As we head into the winter months, we may experience extreme weather conditions that may take out our power or prevent the school buses from transporting students (due to road closures). The following information is provided to keep students, staff, and parents informed:
SLVUSD SCHOOL ATTENDANCE CALENDAR
The SLV schools have a 180-day school attendance calendar for all students. If conditions exist that prevent the SLV buses from transporting students to and from school, or if extreme weather conditions exist (flooding, fire, interruption of water service), or power outages, school may be closed.
EXTREME WEATHER CONDITIONS
In the past, when extreme weather conditions have occurred, and school was cancelled, the District filed an Attendance WAIVER with the State of California to excuse our attendance for the missing day. In the past, these waiver requests have been approved by the state. However, if a school district demonstrates a pattern of closing school, the state may require the District to make adjustments to the school attendance calendar to include “weather days.” Districts may also be required to make up the school days if the criteria for “extreme circumstances” is not met.
SLVUSD SCHOOL CANCELLATIONS 2019/2020 & ATTENDANCE WAIVER
Our recent power outages have required that we close school on two days. We have submitted a waiver to the state for two power outage days. If the waiver is not approved, we may be required to make up the school days in June 2020. We will provide that information when we receive it.
COLD WEATHER CONDITIONS (November 15 – March 15)
During the late fall and winter, the San Lorenzo Valley often experiences night-time temperatures of 30 to 40 degrees. If there is a power outage that affects the schools overnight and is expected to remain off for an extended period of time, schools will be closed due to the cold temperatures in classrooms. If the power goes out after 6:00am, school will be in session for that day. The District will make every attempt to contact families regarding a SCHOOL CLOSURE before 6:00am. If it is reasonable to call school off the night before, we will make every effort to do so for the convenience of parents and staff.
LOSS OF POWER DURING THE SCHOOL DAY
If the power goes out during the school day, school will remain open. After-school activities that are inside buildings will be cancelled. Outside activities may continue as long as it is safe to do so and weather permits.
SLVUSD EMERGENCY READINESS PLAN
Areas of concern related to loss of power: light, heat, water, food, communication
|
Light |
Heat |
Water |
Food |
Communication |
|
Battery operated lanterns and/or flashlights are available depending on the class setting (additional to be purchased) |
Recommendations to dress in layers during cold weather
Emergency blankets included in class “to-go” backpacks (to be purchased) |
Water storage containers (to be stored in all front offices or cafeteria) |
School Food Service: Cold food to be provided |
1 hardwire phone in office (additional lines requested)
District radio for District Office & emergency contact
Walkie-Talkies (WT) in needed areas (additional WT to be purchased) |
As a reminder, the above supplies and materials are available for temporary use in all schools. All emergency supplies and equipment will be used on a short-term basis and not intended for daily use. The District is investigating more permanent solutions to ongoing issues related to power outages, like: generators, back-up phone systems, alternate ways to communicate with parents, and staff.
Thank you for your support and understanding and together we can keep SLV a safe place for students and staff. Please contact me with questions or concerns: [email protected] or 831-336-5195.