Dear San Benito High School parents, students, staff and community:
In these uncertain times, we appreciate the flexibility and understanding from our community as we navigate the uncharted waters of school closure in the wake of COVID-19 concerns.
San Benito High School District will continue to share information with the public as it becomes available. We are in touch with county health officials and are communicating with the other school districts in the county to ensure coordination of response and services to our families.
Delivery of Instruction This Week
On Monday, March 16, SBHS staff and administrators will be on campus, preparing for a continuity of service for our students during the closure, which as of now is scheduled through Friday, March 20. District employees will continue to work in a variety of capacities in order to continue to support students and families in our district.
The school remains in a state of dismissal through March 20, meaning no instruction will be delivered to students this coming week. A March 13 executive order from California Governor Gavin Newsom mandates that school districts must “continue delivering high-quality educational opportunities to students to the extent feasible through options such as distance learning,” so departments across campus will work this week to solidify next steps.
On Tuesday, March 17, we anticipate that the State of California will respond regarding equitable learning opportunities and further guidance to schools and districts regarding school closures.
On Wednesday, March 18, superintendents from throughout the county will meet to discuss new information and a potential extension of the school closure.
Campus Access
In order to adhere to social distancing recommendations, people who are not District employees will not be allowed on campus during the campus closure, unless they have made prior arrangements. Campus supervisors will be on duty, directing those with appointments to check in at the main office.
Food Service During School Closure
The SBHS District Nutrition Services program will continue to provide meals at no charge for ALL San Benito High School students during our school closure. We will use a drive-through system and students must be present with their student ID to receive a meal. The District will provide a lunch for that day and a breakfast for the following day.
Beginning Monday, March 16, student meals will be available for drive-through from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Baler Alley.
Students who need to pick up meals in person may do so, but meals may not be consumed on campus. We will encourage families to continue to be proactive in reducing the risk of COVID-19 by not allowing anyone to congregate at the school site once meals have been distributed.
Deep Cleaning of Campus
Throughout this week, campus custodial crews will continue to spray and wipe down classroom and office surfaces and clean and sanitize student restrooms throughout campus. Common areas such as locker rooms, gyms and weight rooms will be off limits once they have been cleaned and disinfected.
Classrooms, offices, door rails and any high-touch areas have been sprayed, wiped down and cleaned regularly. Starting Tuesday, March and running through Friday, March 20, Chromebooks in all classrooms will be disinfected.
A Community Effort
And to our families, we thank you for your patience and trust as we work together to maintain some sense of normalcy in these difficult times. These next weeks will be difficult and we are not certain what lies ahead after that. You have our unwavering commitment to do all we can do to help you and your students.
We will continue to do our best to keep you informed. Facts and circumstances may change quickly so we encourage you to check our website www.haybaler.org, follow San Benito High School on Facebook, @BalerNews on Twitter and Instagram or call the following phone hotlines.
If you have questions or concerns, please contact School Nurse Tess Smith at 831-637-5831, ext. 126 or by email at [email protected]. You may also direct questions to the following offices:
- Principal’s Office: Kaycee Day, ext. 172
- Human Resources: Karla Ornelas, ext. 145
- Superintendent’s Office: Carol Heiderich, ext. 132
Thank you for your support.
- San Benito High School Superintendent, Dr. Shawn Tennenbaum
- Principal, Adrian Ramirez
- The San Benito High School District Board of Trustees
