Dear CVUSD Families & Staff:

As you may be aware, there has been a call for a nationwide shutdown on Friday, January 30, encouraging “no work, no school, and no shopping.” While families make decisions that are best for their own children, we want to share that Castro Valley Unified School District schools will be open and operating as usual on January 30.

As a public school district, we are required to follow California Education Code attendance requirements. Under Education Code section 48205, middle and high school students may receive one excused absence per school year for participation in a civic or political event, provided the school is notified in advance. Please refer to the school handbook for your respective middle (Canyon MS, Creekside MS) and/or high school (CVHS, Redwood HS) student(s) should you need specific information about the preapproval of absence process. 

Outside of this specific provision, and without advance notification, absences must be marked as unexcused for participation in a civic or political event. Please note that the district does not receive state funding for students who are absent, regardless of the reason for the absence. 

We recognize that families may be navigating complex and uncertain circumstances, and we respect each family’s right to make decisions they believe are best for their children. Our schools remain committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and supportive learning environment for all students every day, and we look forward to welcoming students to campus on January 30.