Dear Parents/Guardians:
Thank you for your patience and diligence these last two weeks as we navigate the challenges of the recent surge in COVID-19 cases. As reflected in our community at large, we continue to see more positive COVID-19 cases among Acalanes High School students and staff.
We remain committed to mitigating risks and providing a safe school environment for in-person learning. As stated today in a joint release by Contra Costa Health Officer Dr. Ori Tzvieli and County Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey, preserving full-time, in-person learning for our students must remain a priority. We do feel the precautions we are taking at Acalanes create a safe learning environment. The administration and staff are rooted in the belief that in-person learning is what is best for students, their academic growth, and their mental health. Our vaccine requirement for staff, high vaccination rates for students, high-quality HVAC systems, masking, and testing programs are helping us stay as healthy as possible. We are determined to keep Acalanes open, so teachers can teach and students can learn.
During the current surge in cases, which our Health Officer believes will continue at least another week, contact tracing for all on-campus exposures is taking longer than it did earlier in the pandemic. We have added staff to help address this challenge, but both the County and Acalanes have an unprecedented number of students to trace and advise based on vaccination status. Parents should assume an elevated risk for exposure at school, monitor their children for symptoms, and utilize community testing programs as needed.
Ensuring the health and safety of students and staff members is Acalanes’ highest priority, and in-person instruction is our most effective educational model. Through a strong adherence to safety protocols and a strong partnership with parents/guardians, we can foster both safety and high levels of learning. You may access additional health and safety information and resources via the following links:
Thank you for your continued support of Acalanes
Acalanes Community Always,
