On March 13th, Washington Unified joined with schools across the nation and closed its doors in an effort to fight the spread of COVID-19. Since Day 1 of school closure, Washington Unified staff have rallied together to make sure that every member of the community knows that we are here to support each other through this difficult time.
The decision to close campuses was not made lightly. “We realize the significant impact of this decision on our students, their families, and our community, however, out of an abundance of caution we believe this to be the best course of action to help reduce the impact of any potential spread of the virus,” stated Superintendent Randy Morris. “The health and safety of our staff and students is our top priority, which is why we are working closely with The Fresno County Superintendent of Schools and the Fresno County Department of Health to take necessary measures to help combat the spread of COVID-19.”
Even though campuses are closed, WUSD is committed to providing essential services to families, including daily meals, daily lessons and activities, and mental health services. Staff is uring families to continue to practice good hygiene, handwashing, covering your coughs, and social distancing.
With school closure about to enter its second month, teachers and staff are committed to reminding students that they are not alone. Teachers have reached out to their students in many ways, making phone calls to check-in, sending emails, posting on social media, and even hosting virtual learning sessions.
Academic Support
Teachers have been working hard to develop educational packets and online activities so that every child can continue to learn during school closure. Teachers understand that many parents aren’t equipped to help students with every subject, so they are available by phone and email to assist students who need help! You can contact our main office number at (559) 495-5600 if you need support.
Social-Emotional Support
School site counselors are working through school closure and are available for those students that may need to talk about social-emotional issues. Use the site contact number above to request a phone call from your child’s counselor. Also, many community resources are available to help families during this time with individual or family counseling.
Click here for a list of mental health resources for families: WUSD Social-Emotional Support Guide
Elementary and Middle school students can fill out our online referral form if they need to talk with a counselor: Online Counseling Referral Form
Also, all students can use the WUSD tip line to reach out for support: WUSD Tip Line
Finally, the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools has put together the following resources for families:
2-1-1 Fresno County: Information and Referral Helpline
Mental Health Resources for Fresno County Rural Communities
FresYes: Helping Seniors and Those at Risk
Families in Schools: Resources to Support Student and Family Success
Help Me Grow Fresno County
Local Food Assistance
Washington Unified is offering a daily meal service for all students 18 and under through the Seamless Summer Meal Program. A lunch and breakfast for the next day can be picked up at Washington Union High School and West Fresno Elementary School Monday through Friday from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. If you or someone you know needs additional food assistance, there are community resources available as well. Click here to access a list of community organizations providing food for families: Local Food Assistance
Communication
If you are not receiving our auto-dialers about school closure, you may have opted-out of our auto-dialer system at some point in the past. If you would like to opt-in to receive information, please call (559) 495-5600.