Dear CVUSD Families,
 
On February 28, 2022, the state announced that beginning March 12, it would move from a mandatory mask policy in K-12 schools to a strongly recommended policy. This announcement reflects the progress being made in our fight against the pandemic as exemplified by declining case numbers and increasing vaccination rates.
 
On March 3, 2022, the ACPHD aligned with the state’s recommendation that masking for TK-12 indoors is not required but strongly recommended. We have successfully navigated through the Pandemic following all mitigation measures  recommended by ACPHD.  As we have done the last two years, CVUSD will follow the  latest guidance from the Alameda County Public Health Department related to masking. Beginning March 14th, although not required, students and staff are strongly recommended to wear masks indoors at all times while at school. We ask for your patience especially during the week of March 14th as we work with our team to communicate information and expectations with everyone.
 
All other successful mitigation protocols listed below  will remain in place.

• Offering free COVID testing throughout the district.
• Following contact notifications and tracing protocols, including group notification guidance for K-12 schools.
• Providing adequate ventilation.
• Promoting vaccination.  
• Reminding the community to stay home and test when experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms. 

 
We  acknowledge that the County lifting the mask requirement may cause anxiety for some people, especially those who are at higher risk for COVID or live with someone who is at higher risk. We will continue to strongly recommend wearing masks indoors and make them readily available at all school sites. With this change, it is important for parents and students to discuss their family’s expectations for mask wearing at school. As a district, we always strive to create an environment that is kind, respectful, safe, and free of judgment. We ask for your partnership in reminding students to respect the choices of others, even when they differ from their own.
 
We have learned a lot together during this pandemic. We know how to ramp up mitigation measures during surges and adjust as appropriate. And now, due to high vaccination rates and drastic decline in the number of cases, Alameda County is able to roll back the requirement on masking.
 
I truly appreciate your patience and  know that our success during this pandemic is the result of your attentiveness, appropriate mitigation measures, and the Department of Public Health’s leadership and reliance on science. I ask for your continued vigilance to keep your students home and test when experiencing any COVID-19 symptom. Thank you for your support and understanding.

Regards,

Parvin Ahmadi
Superintendent