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PPS: First Day of School Closure Update
3/16/2020Dear PPS Families and Staff,
We recognize that our schools are the critical hubs of our community. Since we first considered the possibility of having to close schools, ensuring that we could still be able to provide meals to our students has been a primary focus. Our Nutrition Services team never hesitated in their willingness to step in, because they feel so strongly about their mission. And now, during an unprecedented time that is confusing and anxiety-causing for many, staff are providing a measure of comfort by ensuring our students are fed.
This morning I had the opportunity to personally thank many of our Nutrition Services workers and earlier, our Head Custodians. Both groups of employees will be our frontline workers in how we respond to the COVID-19 coronavirus situation in the coming weeks. We are thankful for their dedication and service at this critical time.
While today is the first day of our extended spring break, our custodial teams are continuing to place a detailed attention on our school facilities. I am grateful for their focus and attention on minimizing the spread of the virus through the enhanced cleaning work to which they have committed a great deal of time and energy. On a typical school day, our custodians are already busy working to maintain clean learning environments for our students and teachers. I am thankful for our custodians also demonstrating this extra degree of commitment and attention. We appreciate the direct role they play in promoting the safety and health of our students and staff, which is our most important responsibility.
We have a number of teams also working to provide an array of resources to support students’ learning while home during this extended school break. We are continually updating our website to expand the digital content and lessons that are available to students. In addition, we have posted current information regarding meals and available health services. Please check pps.net/coronavirus regularly.
Finally, please make every effort to follow published health-related guidelines such as regular handwashing and social distancing. During this health crisis, it is not recommended that students be congregating with groups of people or friends at this time. We still have time as a community to slow down the spread of coronavirus.
We are in uncharted waters, but please know that PPS, in collaboration with local and state authorities, is doing its best to support our broader community as the reality of this unprecedented crisis continues to evolve.
Sincerely,
Guadalupe Guerrero
Superintendent