In this update:

  • Board Meeting Update 
  • Care Solace - New resource for staff and families!
  • California Healthy Kids Family Survey - Please take the family survey!
  • Ralston Parent Education Night Video

Board Meeting Update
Last night a reopening update was presented to our Board of Trustees. We are pleased that each school site has launched at least one learning pod with a small group of students attending in person. We continue to monitor San Mateo County metrics to fully implement our hybrid/distance learning plan. We are encouraged by downward trending virus rates:

  • Currently, the adjusted case rate is 17.9 placing San Mateo in the Purple Tier. We move to the Red Tier when the adjusted case rate is 7 and the Orange Tier at 3.9. Three weeks ago, it was 36.3, two weeks ago, 25, and this week it dropped to 17.9.  
  • San Mateo’s current positivity rate is 4.4%. The positivity rate has already entered Orange Tier metrics.
  • In addition to the above data, our R-eff number, or effective virus reproduction number, is 0.80. Anything below 1 indicates that virus spread is slowing and starting to fade. This means that infected individuals spread it to less than one other person.

BRSSD will continue to monitor these metrics. Reopening will take place when both the adjusted case rate and positivity rate reach Orange Tier metrics. You can find the Reopening presentation from the Board meeting here.

Our Board of Trustees has also committed to furthering our equity work. Educational equity, as defined by the National Equity Project, means that each child receives what they need to develop to their full academic and social potential. They further elaborate that working towards equity in schools involves ensuring equally high outcomes for all participants in our educational system, removing the predictability of success or failures that currently correlates with any social or cultural factor. The Belmont-Redwood Shores Board of Trustees is committed to furthering our efforts to support all students as we continue our second year with the Equity Network. Part of our work this year will include listening sessions with our community and students. You can find additional details, including dates and times, within the presentation.

Our next Board meeting will be on Thursday, March 4th. Additional information can be found on our District website.

Care Solace
In partnership with the Sequoia Health Care District & San Mateo County Office Of Education, the District has partnered with Care Solace to support our commitment to health and wellness. Care Solace is an online resource with a live 24/7 concierge meant to help individuals find local mental health related programs and counseling services. Care Solace is a tool for school staff and families to connect with community-based mental healthcare resources and providers. Their proprietary care navigation system taps into a vast database of mental healthcare resources to find carefully vetted local therapists and programs in minutes, free of charge. Care Solace is now available for use by district families and staff at no cost. Care Solace does not require a name, address, phone number, or date of birth. All information entered on the Care Solace tool is confidential and securely stored. You can find additional information here.

California Healthy Kids Family Survey
We encourage all families to participate in our yearly California Healthy Kids Survey.

The California Healthy Kids Survey (CHKS) is a health and wellness survey that measures if our schools have a positive learning environment. If students feel they have opportunities for meaningful participation if they feel cared about and held to high expectations, and what students (anonymously) have to say about their health behaviors. All families are invited to take the survey. The link will be active until February 12th.

We encourage you to complete a survey for each of your students. Please select the survey for the school that your child attends.

Ralston Parent Education Evening Video
On Wednesday evening, the Ralston PTA held a parent education evening, “A Conversation about Coping with Uncertainty,” with Dr. Christine Carter. Dr. Carter discussed strategies for supporting kids during these uncertain times. If you were unable to attend, you can watch the recording here. 

Have a wonderful weekend,
Dan Deguara
Superintendent