Dear La Habra Staff and Community,
Yesterday, Governor Newsom, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Thurmond, and County Superintendent, Dr. Mijares announced that all California schools will remain closed to students through the end of the 2019-20 school year, as a result of increased COVID-19 cases throughout the state. The extension of school closures reaffirms the Governor’s previous statements and his intention to continue “stay at home” orders to protect the public health.
As one of the largest crises we have had to deal with in our time, COVID-19 has impacted numerous aspects of our daily lives from education to employment to social relationships. It is in these times that you see the immensity of courage and love that our teachers, staff, and families are providing to each other. It is now, truer than ever, that LHCSD is stronger together to face and overcome these challenges!
Words cannot convey the gratitude we have for our teachers, staff, and families for the outpouring of patience, support, and kindness as we carefully work together to navigate the unprecedented challenge of Coronavirus (COVID-19).
In this first week of Distance Learning, our focus has been on ACCESS. We continue to ensure that students have the necessary tools to stay connected with their teachers as we approach a new way of teaching and learning. What that looks like may appear different for each child, grade level, and classroom as teachers continue to work hard to connect with and engage their students in learning.
Our nutrition services staff will continue to prepare and provide free meals for all children under the age of 18. This will be available Monday to Friday from 10:30 - 12:30 at Las Lomas, Walnut, and Washington Middle School.
Connectivity and having a learning device is critical and we will continue to support our families. If your child does not have a device, please go to our website at https://www.lahabraschools.org/ and click on Need A Device. You can also click on Distance Learning Tech Support, fill out the form and you will receive a call from our technology department.
After more than 30 years in education, I would have never imagined this major disruption to our education system. There is a profound sense of sadness for our students, families, teachers, staff, and community; however, I am hopeful that the physical closure of our schools will keep our families and community safe and healthy during this time.
My heart goes out to each and every one of you as we all try to find balance in our new reality. Although we are physically apart, we are still in this together as a team. We will continue to teach, engage and support our students through distance learning. Please continue to take care of each other and stay healthy. We miss you and the children.
Joanne Culverhouse, Ed.D.
Superintendent