November 10, 2021
Dear OMSD students, staff, and community members:
VETERANS HOLIDAY – SCHOOLS AND OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED
In honor of Veterans Day, on Thursday, November 11, 2021, all schools and District offices will be closed. Additionally, Friday, November 12, 2021, is a scheduled pupil-free day, therefore, no school will be in session.
As the proud son of a Veteran and father of an Army reservist who served in Guantanamo Bay and a US Marine who recently returned safely from Afghanistan, I have a deep appreciation and understanding of the service provided to our country by the men and women who serve in the armed forces.
Many of the liberties and freedoms we enjoy today are due to the sacrifice and commitment of our Veterans who have served in the United States Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, and National Guard. Our military men and women who have fought for our country are an important part of our communities, some of who work in Ontario-Montclair School District (OMSD). To the Veterans who work in OMSD and live in our community, we humbly thank you for your service.
Veterans Day provides a wonderful opportunity to reflect and be grateful for the contributions of our military community and their families.
UPDATE ON GOVERNOR’S HEALTH ORDER
Governor Newsom’s announcement in October regarding plans to make the COVID-19 vaccination a requirement for all public-school students has brought much attention to how school districts may implement these mandates. I want to reiterate, at this time, this is not a current requirement and OMSD has no current plans to require students to receive the COVID-19 vaccination and does not anticipate doing so until the State makes it a mandatory requirement.
In order to address some of the misinformation that is circulating regarding the Governor’s Health Order, I want to be clear that the California legislature has not acted to establish guidelines related to COVID-19 vaccine mandates for students. In particular, school districts throughout the State are awaiting guidance from the legislature regarding when such mandates go into effect and what exemptions will apply, including personal exemptions, that will provide parents a range of options when considering vaccine requirements for their child.
As school districts wait for further information from state lawmakers, it is important for all of us in OMSD to be mindful, thoughtful, and respectful of the multiple perspectives on the Governor’s Health Order. OMSD prides itself as a District that has historically supported and empowered parent choice. It is my hope that once the state law related to the Governor’s Health Order goes into effect, it will align with this OMSD value.
For now, OMSD continues to practice its COVID-19 Multi-Layered Mitigation Strategies Plan to protect the health and safety of our OMSD community. This Plan is based on current guidance and requirements that include masking, regular handwashing, and physical distancing.
Collaboratively and civilly, we will continue to make the safety of our students, staff, and families our primary concern.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
