Staff Reports

Eastvale – On March 13, Superintendent Dr. Lin announced that all Corona-Norco Unified public Schools will be closed from Monday, March 16 to Friday, April 3.
Dr. Lin stated that “the public health crisis created by the Coronavirus is not something any of us could reasonably have expected to happen, and we are in uncharted waters as we work to prevent the spread of the illness.”
“We have been following the direction of public health experts to keep our school community — students, staff, family members and visitors — safe in the midst of a growing health crisis,” he said. “We are now at a point where the balance has shifted and the appropriate path is to close schools. Additionally, President Donald Trump declared a national emergency.”
Therefore, the CNUSD schools will be completely shut down and all activities on or off campus will be cancelled. However, Dr. Lin said they will evaluate and determine if the return date will change. “Parents and staff will hear from CNUSD directly in the event that the return date of April 6, 2020 changes,” stated the Superintendent.
He also said that there are plans for CNUSD students to continue to learn during the closure. The statement included a link to three phases of learning while the schools are closed. During Phase 1 (between 1 and 5 school days), students are encouraged to engage in enrichment activities and read grade level materials. During Phase 2 (between 6 and school 21 days), information will be sent via email and posted on the district website regarding “how to support students with additional enrichment activities they can complete from home.” Then in Phase 3, (longer than school 21 days), further communication will be sent via email and posted on the district website with “specific instructions for completion of school curriculum from home.”
CNUSD did acknowledge that they are aware all students do not have regular access to technology or the internet. Therefore, hard copies of the materials will be provided, and more information will be released at a later date. Direct access to both electronic and paper resources options are currently available on cnusd.k12.ca.us.
“This is a difficult decision, but necessary, as we try to slow the spread of the virus,” stated Dr. Lin in his statement. “Corona-Norco Unified School District serves a wide-range of communities including a high-needs population, and our schools provide a social safety net for our children. The closing of any school has real consequences beyond the loss of instructional time. This is not an easy decision and not one we take lightly.”
Since this is a rapidly changing situation, CNUSD staff advises that parents and families check their email regularly and visit cnusd.k12.ca.us for frequent updates. Dr. Lin stated they will communicate via email, Facebook and Twitter during the course of this closure, as well.
“These are unprecedented and challenging times, but we will get through this as a community,” concluded Dr. Lin.