WUSD’s Latest Information about School Closure due to Novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19)
May 21, 2021
Please read the following updates related to the health and safety of our staff and students.
- Our district is now able to provide rapid COVID-19 tests to students and staff on site. For further information, you may reach out to your site’s health lead or you may call your school office.
- Mask use for students during recess time is no longer required per local gudielines. Please note, mandatory mask use has not yet been changed for staff and visitors.
Thank you for your continued efforts in mitigating this virus.
April 6, 2021
Good Afternoon Washington Unified,
Today Fresno County reached an adjusted case rate of 8.4, meeting red tier criteria for the 3rd consecutive week. The other two tier assessment measures met orange tier criteria for the second straight week. As a result, we are pleased to announce that we will be able to further re-open school campuses beginning on April 19th.
Your school site principal will be communicating specific details about your site’s reopening plan, including start and release times. Here are some basics:
- Beginning April 19th, students in cohorts A and B will return to campus 5 days a week. Monday schedules will remain modified for early release.
- A distance learning option will still be available for families.
- Health and safety procedures will be in place, including wearing face-coverings, temperature checks upon arrival, and social distancing.
- All students will continue to have access to free breakfast and lunch.
- Those students who choose to return to campus for instruction will need to bring their fully charged district laptop and charger each day.
- Bus transportation will be available for those students who qualify.
All school site Principals will be sending out the new schedule, along with specific details for their school site, including start and release times. Please contact your school site with any questions.
Sincerely,
Randy R. Morris
Superintendent
March 12, 2021
Meal Distribution Closed During Spring Break: We want to let you know that meal distribution will be closed during Spring Break. On Friday, March 26th, families can pick up a week’s worth of meals to have during Spring Break. This will provide our dedicated kitchen staff with a well-deserved rest. Please contact your site for more details.
February 23, 2021
This week, the Fresno County Department of Public Health notified our district that the COVID-19 case rate in our county has dropped below 25 cases per 100,000 people. WUSD has been cleared to begin Phase II: Blended Learning for students in preschool through second grade (PK-2). As a result, we will begin bringing PK-2 students back to campus beginning March 2nd. Grades 3-5 at West Fresno Elementary and Grades 3-6 at American Union can begin blended learning on March 9th. Site Principals will be contacting families with specific information about student cohorts and days for in-person instruction.
We will continue to provide free daily meals for children and mental health supports for all students. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need help. For more information, please take any of the following actions: visit our website at www.washingtonunified.org, contact your school site or call our office at 559-495-5600.
January 28, 2021
Dear Washington Unified Families,
Our district, along with school districts throughout Fresno County, recently received a letter from the Fresno County Department of Public Health. Based on this latest policy, we are postponing our anticipated February start dates for in-person instruction. Students will remain in distance learning at this time.
As outlined in the letter, we will open schools in our Blended Learning phase once Fresno County reaches a COVID-19 case rate of 25 cases per 100,000 of the population. Please be assured that we are doing everything possible to make our campuses safe for students and staff once we are permitted to open for in-person instruction.
I recognize that this is frustrating news as we were looking forward to opening campuses this month. We want nothing more than to be together again, but recognize that we must protect the health and safety of all involved by adhering to state and local guidelines. I am thankful for our teachers, staff, families, and students who have continued to engage and learn for the sake of our kids.
We will continue to provide free daily meals for children and mental health supports for our students. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need help. For more information, please take any of the following actions: visit our website at www.washingtonunified.org, contact your school site or call our office at 559-495-5600.
As information changes, we will continue to provide you with information through letters home, phone-dialers, and on our website. Thank you for your inspiring efforts everyday in supporting our kids in these difficult and unprecedented times.
Sincerely,
Randy R. Morris
Superintendent
Washington Unified School District
January 13, 2021
Please continue to check back for the most current updates. While our goal remains to be ready to safely open campuses, we are receiving weekly guidance and direction from state and local officials that greatly impact these plans. We will continue to communicate any changes to our staff, families, and community.
At a regularly scheduled meeting on January 13th, the Board of Trustees approved of the District’s plan to postpone the start dates of in-person instruction for Washington Unified Schools to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Based on the latest information about rising COVID-19 cases and ICU capacity within our region, local officials, including the Fresno County Department of Public Health and the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools, have asked that schools push back planned start dates for in-person instruction for comprehensive instructional programs.
Students will continue to learn in our Distance Learning program at this time.
WUSD has issued the following tentative schedule to begin blended learning and implementation of on-campus A/B learning groups:
- February 9th: Group A, Preschool – 2nd grade
- February 16th: Group A, 3rd – 5th grade (American Union will include 6th grade due to the fact it is a self-contained learning environment)
- Dates for grades 6-12 will be set at a later date pending further direction from state and local officials.
Your school site will be contacting you via phone dialer and a letter home with more details.
December 21, 2020
- Tuesday, January 26th: Preschool through 3rd grade will begin with group A.
- Tuesday, January 26th: Grades 9-12 will begin with group A.
- Tuesday, February 2nd: 4th-8th grade will begin with group A.
November 15, 2020
No Meal Service During Thanksgiving Break, Extra Meals Available November 20th
Meal Service will not be provided during the week of Thanksgiving Break, November 23rd – November 27th. 3 additional days of meals will be provided for pick-up on Friday, November 20th. As a reminder, meals can be picked up during school days on a grab-and -go basis at the following locations and times:
American Union Elementary School, 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM
West Fresno Elementary School, 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM
Washington Union High School, 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM
November 9, 2020
There will be no school on Wednesday, November 11th in observance of Veterans Day. Washington Unified thanks all of our veterans for your service and sacrifice! There will be no meal service on Wednesday. Families may pick up meals for both Tuesday and Wednesday on Tuesday, November 10th.
October 30, 2020
Dear Washington Unified Families,
As we continue to work towards our goal of bringing all students back to campus for in-person instruction, we wanted to provide you with this important update so that you can begin to plan for the next phase of learning in Washington Unified.
Bringing Students Back to Campus Beginning in January
Over the past few weeks, we have been bringing small groups of students back to campus for instruction, utilizing our Health and Safety COVID-19 Guidelines. We will continue to add to that number in the coming weeks in an effort to support our students to the fullest extent possible. On October 28th, the Board of Trustees approved our plan to begin Phase II, Blended Learning on January 11th. Blended Learning means that students will spend part of the week receiving instruction in smaller groups on campus, and will continue to learn at home for the remainder of the week. A Blended Learning approach allows us to open up campuses for in-person learning, while at the same time meeting the strict health and safety guidelines from state and local officials. School Sites will begin by bringing the youngest students back on January 11th and will continue to add grade levels each week. It is important to note that any family who chooses to remain in 100% distance learning, will have the option to do so.
We are currently collecting and analyzing information from families about their preferred choices for learning. If you have not completed your survey, please contact your child’s teacher or your school site. School sites will begin mailing specific Blended Learning schedules for each family on November 20th so that families will have time to prepare for the Spring semester.
Fresno County COVID-19 Tier Status
At this time, Fresno County remains in the Red Tier. While this is positive news, we have been told by the County Health Department that our county continues to see positive cases reported daily of 100 or more. This means that there is still the possibility of moving back into a status of Purple Tier. If that happens, we may need to adjust these plans for the health and safety of our staff and students. We will work diligently to keep you updated on our plans through our website, phone calls, and letters like this one. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your school site. We are here to help!
Sincerely,
Randy R. Morris
Superintendent, Washington Unified School District
October 26, 2020
Washington Union High School Family Survey: In-Person or Distance Learning
As WUSD prepares to bring more students back to campus, Washington Union High School is conducting a parent survey so that parents can let us know if they prefer In-Person or Distance Learning for their child. Click the link below to watch an informational video and take a short survey to determine your choice for the remainder of the school year.
This survey is now closed. Please contact the main office at WUHS for more information. (559) 485-8805.
September 29, 2020
Update from the Superintendent
Dear Washington Unified Families,
First of all, I want to thank you for your continued commitment to our kids. I know this has not been an easy school year. Your perseverance is inspiring and your continued efforts to support our students have not gone unnoticed. We appreciate every staff member, family member, and community member who has stepped up to help our kids engage in learning during this time. I want to provide you with an update about where we are in the return-to-school process.
We are currently finishing up week 6 of 100% Distance Learning, which is Phase 1 of our School Reopening Plan. While a few of our students with unique needs have been coming to campuses for individual support, the majority of our students are engaging in distance learning only. We are proud to have provided all of our students with devices, connectivity, daily live interaction with their teachers, high-quality standards-based instruction, and social-emotional supports. We are also thankful to our staff for continuing to offer Integrated and Designated ELD to our English Learners and special education services for all of our students who need it.
We are preparing to enter Phase 2 of our School Reopening Plan. Like all schools in California, we are bound by the State’s 4-Tier reopening framework. Every Tuesday the State updates the status of each County based on two criteria: “positivity rate” and “new COVID-19 positive cases per day per 100k population.” As of the writing of this letter, Fresno County has been moved into the “Red” tier. After the county transitions to Red it must remain in that status for two additional weeks in order for schools to open in a half-capacity socially distanced environment. This is only if the county continues to meet baselines for the Red tier.
There is also an Elementary School Waiver process through the California Department of Public Health, which would allow qualifying schools to open sooner for grades TK-6. This process has many requirements including smaller cohorts of students and maintaining physical distancing on campus.
Safety for all remains the number one priority for Washington Unified. We are taking calculated steps towards bringing kids back to school in a blended learning model. This means that students will spend part of their time learning at school and part of their time learning at home. This will allow for smaller groups of students on campus and help us to continue to meet state and local guidelines. The primary areas under planning and evaluation are: health and safety procedures, instructional delivery methods, scheduling, student grouping, and transportation. We must plan for various scenarios, including the possibility of opening school and having to shut back down. Consistency is critical for the success of our students, so we are proceeding cautiously towards our goal of bringing kids back to school.
We all want kids back and we will bring them back. Over the next couple of weeks, we will be communicating with you as the process moves along while continuing to keep a close eye on state and local health department updates.
Thank you for partnering with us to make a difference in the lives of our children and each other.
Stay safe,
Randy R. Morris
Superintendent
Washington Unified School District
September 14, 2020
School Parking Lots are now WiFi Enabled
WUSD is excited to announce that all WUSD students can utilize school parking lots to connect to WiFi from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM each day. Students who may be experiencing difficulty with internet connectivity can utilize the parking lot hubs for free. For more information, please contact your school office.
August 21, 2020
Meal Service Distribution Time Change
Beginning on August 24, 2020, Washington Unified Schools will adjust our meal service times to the following:
American Union Elementary School, 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM
West Fresno Elementary School, 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM
Washington Union High School, 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM
Meals will be provided on a grab-and-go basis and can be picked up for all children 18 and under. This change is in direct response to our stakeholders asking for earlier pick-up times so as not to interfere with daily instruction. Thank you to our community for working with us to make this adjustment!
August 17, 2020
Dear Washington Unified Preschool Families,
This year, all schools in Washington Unified, including preschools, will start the year in a distance learning format along with our programs. This means that your child will learn from home. This week, you will receive a phone call from your child’s preschool teacher with important information about how to pick up materials for learning and what the daily class schedule will look like.
Daily meals will be provided on a grab-and-go basis for all children 18 and under at the following locations and times:
American Union Elementary School, 9 AM to 11 AM
West Fresno Elementary School, 9 AM to 11 AM
Washington Union High School, 9 AM to 11 AM
Instruction will begin on Monday, August 24th. For more information, please contact your child’s school office.
August 10, 2020
Distance Learning Orientation Week Schedules (Aug 17th- 21st)
American Union Elementary School
American Union Parent Conferences will take place on August 17-21 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Parent meetings will be by appointment only and teachers will be reaching out to parents to schedule their meeting. AU will begin distributing devices at this time. Students are permitted to use their own device and do not need to check one out as long as they can fully participate in learning. If a parent is unable to attend or unable to pick up a device for their child, please call the office to make other arrangements.
West Fresno Elementary School
West Fresno Elementary Parent Conferences will take place on August 17-21st. Parent meetings will be by appointment only and teachers will be reaching out to parents to schedule their meeting. WFES will begin distributing devices at this time. Students are permitted to use their own device and do not need to check one out as long as they can fully participate in learning. If a parent is unable to attend or unable to pick up a device for their child, please call the office to make other arrangements.
West Fresno Middle School
West Fresno Middle School is pleased to announce that they have finalized the Distance Learning Orientation Schedule for the week of August 17th-20th. Please click below to access the orientation schedule to find out when your child can obtain devices and meet with their teachers in a safe and healthy way.
WFMS Distance Learning Orientation Schedule
Washington Union High School
Washington Union High School will host a “Welcome Back” week for students and families. Please click on the links below for more information.
August 10, 2020
Dear Washington Unified Families,
We know that many of our families are concerned about how their children will access education during distance learning. We want to assure you that we will work with you and your child to ensure that they can continue to learn during the COVID-19 pandemic. We will put the following measures in place this Fall:
Devices for All Students
We are pleased to announce that we will be providing all Washington Unified students with a device for distance learning. Tablets and Chromebooks will be made available based on grade-level. WUSD teachers will be working with families to make sure that all of our students have access to a device. Students are permitted to use their own device and do not need to check one out as long as they can fully participate in learning.
Internet Access for All Families
In order to meet the connectivity needs of our families, we will offer several options for internet access.
- School Site WiFi Hubs: All school parking lots are being enabled for WiFi connection. Students and families will be able to access the internet before, during, and after school hours in a safe and socially-distanced way.
- The Fresno State Connect Initiative. Qualifying families can call 855-456-9995 to get connected to the internet for as little as $10 per month. Click here for more information. Families are encouraged to call right away as it may take a few days to set up service. Representatives are available who speak English and Spanish. Please note, coverage may be limited or unavailable based on where you reside.
- Hotspots: Hotspots are being made available to families as we receive shipments.
Technology Support for All Families
During distance learning, WUSD will provide technology support for families. Technicians will be available to assist with hardware and software issues. For help, you can contact your school site office to be connected with a technician.
Please check your school’s website for dates and times of device distribution or you can call your school site to find out more information. If you have any questions or concerns, school staff are available to assist you between 8 AM and 4 PM each weekday. In order to maintain the health and safety of our community, we would ask that you call the school site office to make an appointment before coming to campus.
Sincerely,
Randy R. Morris
Superintendent
Washington Unified Schools
July 28, 2020
Dear Washington Unified Families,
I hope this letter finds you safe and healthy. I want to thank you for your patience and understanding as we have worked hard throughout the summer to plan an educational program that balances what we feel is best for our students with the health and safety guidelines provided to us from state and local officials. Please read this important information about the start of the 2020-2021 school year.
State COVID Update
On Friday, July 17th, the Governor issued guidance for re-opening schools. The guidance states that school districts residing in counties listed on the state COVID-19 monitoring list, including Fresno County, cannot offer in-person instruction until the county is off the list for 14 days. This guidance means that WUSD will open the fall with a 100% distance-learning format. We want to assure parents that distance learning will not look like “emergency learning” that occurred during school closure in March. As WUSD pivots to a 100% distance learning plan, school staff are working hard to develop an educational experience for students and families that includes:
- Access to connectivity and devices
- High-quality content aligned to grade-level standards
- Academic and other supports for students who are struggling
- Services for Students with Disabilities
- Designated and Integrated English Language Development for English Learners
- Daily live interaction with a certificated teacher.
Unlike school closure this past Spring, participation in school in the Fall will be mandatory for students. Teachers and other staff members will work to ensure that every student can access materials in a way that is best for them to learn and complete daily lessons.
The Start of School
In order to prepare our parents and teachers for distance learning, the start of school will look different this year. We will start with a Distance Learning Orientation Week, so that staff, parents, and students can pick up educational materials, learn about their educational program, and connect with their teachers to ask questions before instruction begins.
- Distance Learning Orientation Week will be held on August 17th – 21st. During this week families will be able to make an appointment to check out a Chromebook and learn about their distance learning educational program. You will receive a letter from your school site Principal with details. For the health and safety of our community, site visitations will be by appointment only and visitors will be required to complete a COVID questionnaire and wear a face covering.
- Daily Meal Service: Starting August 18th, meals will be provided on a grab-and-go basis at American Union Elementary, West Fresno Elementary, and Washington Union High School from 9 AM to 11 AM every weekday.
Finally, we know that the uncertainties surrounding the pandemic have been difficult for many families. We want you to know that the health and safety of your children remain our top priority. We look forward to partnering with you this year to continue to serve our kids. Your feedback is valuable. If you have any input about our plan to re-open school, please call us at (559) 495-5600 or you can mail your feedback to our office at 7950 S. Elm, Fresno, CA 93706.
Sincerely,
Randy R. Morris
Superintendent, Washington Unified School District
July 15, 2020
Message from the Superintendent, Due to Rise in Fresno Area COVID Cases WUSD Considering Multiple Learning Plans for Fall
Dear Washington Unified Families,
Once again I hope this message finds you safe and healthy. These are certainly challenging times for everyone. There are so many mixed messages being communicated both nationally and locally I wanted to update you about WUSD’s plans to re-open schools in August.
We are receiving daily updates from both the County Health Department and Fresno County Superintendent of Schools about the continuing rise of COVID cases in our area. While we believe that in-person learning is best for students, we must keep the health and safety of staff and students a top priority. With that being said we must now consider multiple plans for re-opening, including 100% distance learning and hybrid learning plans. Both plans will include high-quality instruction, regular support and communication from credentialed teachers, and access to technology and support services for students.
With the start of school approaching quickly we are doing our best to finalize what fall opening will look like. Health and safety for all has and will continue to remain at the forefront of our decision making. Please continue to check our website for the latest updates.
Sincerely,
Randy Morris
July 13, 2020
The Fresno County Department of Public Health has set up numerous testing sites throughout the Valley. Visit https://www.co.fresno.ca.us/departments/public-health/covid-19/covid-19-testing-sites for more information.
June 30, 2020
No Meal Distribution on Friday, July 3, 2020, in observance of Independence Day
There will be no Summer meal distribution this Friday, July 3rd, in observance of Independence Day. Meal service will resume on Monday, July 6th.
June 26, 2020
Washington Unified to Re-open Schools in August with Hybrid Schedule that Includes Both In-Classroom and Distance Learning Days for Students
Dear Parents and Guardians,
I hope this letter finds you and your family safe and healthy. On March 13th Washington Unified, along with most school districts in the state of CA and across the nation, was forced into the unfortunate circumstance to close our schools. Since that point in time, we have been working diligently to find the best possible educational solutions for our students. While we all hope that we can soon move past the implications of COVID-19, we must plan for the current reality that school will look different when we open the fall semester on August 18th. Our priorities for serving our children remain the same. We aspire to provide a safe learning environment that promotes healthy and rigorous educational programs that meet the needs of our students.
On a weekly and sometimes daily basis, we receive guidance and information from a variety of resources that are guiding our decision making. These resources come from the Governor’s office, CA Department of Education, CA Health Department, Center for Disease Control, Fresno County Superintendent of Schools office and the local Fresno County Health Department. Those entities provide the information and guidance needed to lay out the framework of what school will look like in the fall. One of the most significant impacts of COVID-19 is the need to create an environment that maintains social distancing and face coverings. With that in mind, we will open the fall in a blended learning format. This means students will have a combination of in-seat instruction combined with distance learning. The in-seat portion will be in an environment that includes daily health screenings for every student/staff member arriving on campus, required face coverings when 6-foot social distancing cannot be attained, frequent cleaning and sanitation which include not only the cleaning of spaces/surfaces but also hand washing and the use of sanitizer.
Transportation will also be impacted significantly. At this point with the social distancing requirement buses would only be able to accommodate 12-15 students. Over 40% of our students currently utilize the bus to get to and from school. It is not possible to transport that number of students at this point. Until these guidelines are no longer required, we will need parents/guardians to arrange transportation to and from school on the days and times their child is scheduled. We know this creates a significant added burden on your schedules and we will work in every way possible to support you.
In the coming weeks, each of our school sites will be communicating the specific schedules for each of our students. Our goal is to maximize the amount of kids we can safely have on campus under current guidelines. As the guidelines change, we will continue to update you on new developments.
Be Safe,
Randy Morris
June 15, 2020
WUSD Working on Plans to Re-Open School Sites in August
We know that many families are wondering about when and how WUSD plans to reopen schools in the Fall. WUSD is actively working on our plans to reopen schools in August. We are reviewing feedback from our staff, student, and parent surveys as well as reviewing guidance from state and local officials to be able to implement increased health and safety measures. Over the next two weeks, we will be working to finalize our recommendations for the school board. We will continue to keep you informed through our website, autodialers, and letters home.
WUSD Implements CDE Health and Saftey Guidelines for Summer School
The health and safety of staff and students is a top priority at the Washington Unified School District. As we provide both virtual and in-person summer school options for students, WUSD is following the guidelines recently released by the California Department of Education (CDE) entitled, “STRONGER TOGETHER, A GUIDEBOOK FOR THE SAFE REOPENING OF CALIFORNIA’S PUBLIC SCHOOLS.”
Health and Safety precautions include, but are not limited to:
- Screening Staff and Students prior to entering school facilities
- Physical Distancing of 6 feet or more
- Education about the importance of frequent hand-washing, social distancing, and avoiding touching your face
- Individual school supplies for students to prevent shared items
- Strongly encouraging the wearing of masks to prevent the spread of illness
- Designated care and isolation locations on campus for students who are identified as showing signs of illness
Time: 10:00am to 12:00pm
Dates:
June 24, 2020
July 15, 2020
July 29, 2020
August 12, 2020
Boxes will be available while supplies last.
Thank you to the Central California Food Bank, Neighborhood Industries, the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools, Cradle to Career, and Every Neighborhood Partnership for their collaboration on this project.
June 6, 2020
Meal Distribution to Continue During Summer Break With New Hours
Meal Service: Beginning Monday June 8th, our meal service through the Seamless Summer program will continue to operate through the summer. All children 18 and younger can pick up free meals at the following locations:
Washington Union High School from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
West Fresno Elementary School from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Meals will continue to be provided on a “grab and go” basis. You do not have to attend a WUSD school to qualify for a meal. Any child, 18 and under, may pick up meals.
June 1, 2020
May 28, 2020
Tomorrow is the last day for WUHS students, Grades 9-11, to Turn in Assignment Folders and School Owned Items
State Provides The California Parent and Youth Helpline to Assist Families During COVID-19 Pandemic
The California Parent and Youth Helpline provides support and resource referrals to parents and youth during the current COVID-19 pandemic, 7-days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Call or text 1-855-4APARENT (855-427-2736) for services in English, Spanish and other languages. For more information, please visit: https://caparentyouthhelpline.
May 20, 2020
No Meal Distribution Monday, May 25th as WUSD Observes Memorial Day Holiday
WUSD’s daily meal distribution will not be available on Monday, May 25, 2020, as WUSD observes the Memorial Day Holiday. All sites will be closed. Meal distribution will resume at its regularly scheduled times on Tuesday, May 26th.
WUSD District and School Site Offices to Re-open Tuesday, May 26th
All WUSD school offices will re-open for essential business beginning Tuesday, May 26, 2020. Offices will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For the health and safety of our staff and community, we would ask that all visitors follow these guidelines:
- All visitors will be required to wear a mask. Masks will not be provided by the school.
- Maintain social distancing of 6 ft. We will be limiting the number of people in our offices at one time. Visitors may be asked to wait outside.
- Site staff will post instructions to maintain a safe and healthy environment. Visitors must follow any posted instructions concerning social distancing, handling documents, etc.
- Please limit visitors to 1 person per family and do not bring extra family or friends.
- Restrooms will not be open to the public.
Please note, only main offices will be open. Classrooms, hallways, and playgrounds will remain closed at this time. If you have any questions, please contact your school site.
May 7, 2020
Contact Information During School Closure
Washington Unified is committed to keeping you informed during school closure. There are a variety of ways you can contact your child’s school site.
Phone Dialers and Text Messages
School staff have been contacting families on a regular basis using our automated phone dialer system. If you are not receiving phone dialers from your child’s school, please contact your child’s school at the number or email address below so that we can update your information. Be prepared to give your name, relation to your student, and the correct phone number.
School Website and Email
Each school has its own website that contains contact information as well as individual teacher email addresses. To email your child’s teacher, please visit your child’s school website using the web address below. Also, we have created a special Covid-19 email address for each site to help answer any questions you may have.
American Union Elementary School
Website: www.aues.washingtonunified.org
Phone: (559) 495-5650
Email Contact: auescovid@wusd.ws
West Fresno Elementary School
Website: www.wfes.washingtonunified.org
Phone: (559) 495-5615
Email Contact: wfescovid@wusd.ws
West Fresno Middle School
Website: www.wfms.washingtonunified.org
Phone: (559) 495-5607
Email Contact: wfmscovid@wusd.ws
Washington Union High School
Website: www.wuhs.washingtonunified.org
Phone: (559) 495-5680
Email Contact: wuhscovid@wusd.ws
Alternative Education Schools
Website: www.altedu.washingtonunified.org
Phone: (559) 495-5690
Email Contact: ehscovid@wusd.ws
Washington Unified School District
Website: www.washingtonunified.org
Phone: (559) 495-5600
April 28, 2020
Washington Union High School Grade Improvement Opportunities
Washington Union High School is giving all students, grades 9-12, an opportunity to improve their grades by completing assignments. Students can pick up paper packets of assignments on the following dates and times:
Thursday, April 30, 2020 from 9:00am to 1:00pm
Friday, May 1, 2020 from 9:00am to 1:00pm
For more information, please contact us at wuhscovid@washingtonunified.org
April 24, 2020
Additional Chromebook Distribution Dates
The District has developed a plan to provide one Chromebook to each family that would like to utilize this tool for distance learning. As of yesterday, schools were able to provide Chromebook access for over 1000 students! Next week, we will begin the second round of distribution opportunities for families who have not yet received a device.
American Union Elementary School: Thursday, April 30th 9:30am-11:30am
April 23, 2020
School Closure Update
On April 22, 2020, the Board of Trustees passed a resolution extending the closure of our school sites through June 5th. This decision was made based on the recommendations and information provided by both local and statewide public health officials. We will continue to provide multiple distance learning options for all students, including online options and paper packet options so that our students can continue to practice important academic skills. We will also continue to provide meals and social-emotional health services to families. Please continue to check our website for important information.
Additional Chromebook Distribution Dates
The District has developed a plan to provide one Chromebook to each family that would like to utilize this tool for distance learning. This week, schools were able to provide Chromebook access for over 650 students. Next week, we will begin the second round of distribution opportunities for families who have not yet received a device.
Washington Union High School (Grades 9-12): Monday April 27th from 1:00pm to 3:00pm in the WUHS Library
Only families with a high school student should attend. Both a parent/guardian and student must be present. Students should bring their ID cards.
We will continue to add additional schools and dates, so be sure to check back for more information.
April 17, 2020
Chromebook Distribution Opportunity for Families
The District has developed a plan to provide one Chromebook to each family that would like to utilize this tool for distance learning. Because we are trying to abide by the Governor’s social distancing mandates and in order to protect the health of our staff and families, we will spread out distribution days and sites. To protect the health and safety of our staff and students, please only come to campus on the day scheduled for your child. The distribution schedule is as follows:
Washington Union High School:
11th and 12th grade only – Thursday April 16th from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm in the library
9th and 10th grade only – Friday April 17th from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm in the library
West Fresno Middle School – Monday, April 20th from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
American Union Elementary School – Wednesday April 22nd from 9:30 am to 11:30 am
West Fresno Elementary School – Thursday April 23rd from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Students and parent/guardians must be present to pick up a device. Please have your student’s ID card or ID number available.
April 14, 2020
Hello Washington Unified Families,
We wanted to let you know that the following services are back up and running after our regularly scheduled Spring Break:
Meal Service: Our meal service through the Seamless Summer program will continue to operate. All children 18 and younger can pick up free meals at the following locations:
Washington Union High School from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
West Fresno Elementary School from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
A lunch and breakfast for the next day will be provided on a “grab and go” basis. You do not have to attend a WUSD school to qualify for a meal. Any child, 18 and under, may pick up meals.
Optional Educational Activities: Optional paper packets are available for pick up at your child’s school site on Tuesdays between 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Every child will be provided with grade-level appropriate activities so that they can continue to practice important academic skills while schools are closed. Online educational activities are available for your child on our website at www.washingtonunified.org.
Community Resources for Families: If you or someone you know is in need of community resources such as food, housing, or a list of mental health care providers, please visit the Community Resource link on our website at https://www.washingtonunified.org/community-resources/.
Chromebook Distribution: The District has developed a plan to provide one Chromebook to each family that would like to utilize this tool for distance learning. Because we are trying to abide by the Governor’s social distancing mandates and in order to protect the health of our staff and families, we will spread out distribution days and sites. Your site Principal will be sending out information about the Chromebook distribution schedule for your site. This week, the following site and grade levels are scheduled for distribution:
Washington Union High School:
11th and 12th grade only – Thursday April 16th from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm in the library
9th and 10th grade only – Friday April 17th from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm in the library
Students and parent/guardian must be present to pick up. Students must have their ID cards. To protect the health and safety of our staff and students, please only come to campus on the day scheduled for your child’s grade level.
Chromebook distribution for grades K-8th grade will begin next week. Your site Principal will be contacting families with information and we will post the schedule here on our website as well.
Please continue to practice good hygiene, handwashing, covering your coughs, and social distancing. We will continue to evaluate the situation and keep you informed as soon as we have more information. Thank you for your patience and support!
April 6, 2020
Spring Break Information
This week, Washington Unified will observe its regularly scheduled Spring Break from April 6th through April 13th. Regular meal services and Educational Packet distribution will resume on Tuesday, April 14th.
Meal Service: During Spring Break, Washington Unified will offer meal distribution to families on Monday, April 6th from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Each child will receive meals for the entire week at that time. Meal distribution will be closed from Tuesday, April 7th through Monday, April 13th. Meal service will resume on Tuesday, April 14th. For information about local food assistance, visit: https://www.washingtonunified.org/2020/03/22/local-food-assistance-during-school-closure/
Educational Opportunities for Students: No new educational packets will be available during Spring Break. Online resources and educational packets from previous weeks are still available on our website.
We encourage all families to continue to practice social distancing, frequent hand-washing and covering your coughs as part of our continued efforts to keep our community healthy and safe.
April 3, 2020
Dear Washington Unified Families,
I want to take this opportunity to update you regarding school closure. As COVID-19 continues to spread we are working with the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools and the Fresno County Department of Public Health to make important decisions about how long our schools will remain closed. At this time, Washington Unified schools will remain closed until it is deemed safe for all students and staff to return.
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. We will continue to offer meal services and educational opportunities for all students. We are committed to keeping you informed as we navigate school closure together. I encourage you to visit our district website at www.washingtonunified.org
Please continue to practice good hygiene, hand-washing, covering your coughs, and social distancing. Thank you for your patience and support!
Sincerely,
Randy R. Morris
Superintendent
Washington Unified School District
.
April 1, 2020
Meal Distribution during Spring Break to be offered on Monday, April 6th
Dear Washington Unified Families,
Next week is our regularly scheduled Spring Break. During Spring Break, Washington Unified will offer meal distribution to families on Monday, April 6th from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Each child will receive meals for the entire week at that time. Meal distribution will be closed from Tuesday, April 7th through Monday, April 13th. Meal service will resume on Tuesday, April 14th.
March 26, 2020
Dear Washington Unified Families,
I want to take this opportunity to update you regarding school closure. Unfortunately, Coronavirus 19 continues to spread throughout our county, state, nation, and world. Consequently, working in collaboration with Fresno County Superintendent of Schools and in consultation with Fresno County Department of Public Health the decision has been made to extend the school closure through May 1, 2020. At this time, school is scheduled to resume May 4, 2020. This step is being taken in a joint effort with Valley school districts to prevent the spread of the virus in our schools and community.
We know that this presents many hardships for the families in our community which is why Washington Unified will continue to provide our established meal service and distance learning activities for students.
We are committed to keeping you informed as we navigate school closure together. I encourage you to visit our district website at www.washingtonunified.org on a regular basis for the most up to date information. We will also continue to communicate through our app, on Twitter, and through our phone dialer.
Please continue to practice good hygiene, hand-washing, covering your coughs, and social distancing. Thank you for your patience and support!
Sincerely,
Randy R. Morris
Superintendent
Washington Unified School District
March 20, 2020
Meal Distribution Update
Attention Washington Unified families. Our meal service is offered weekdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at West Fresno Elementary School and Washington Union High School for all children 18 years old and younger.
March 19, 2020
Dear Washington Unified Families,
Our team has been working hard over these past few days to put together a plan for your child’s education during school closure. I am impressed by the resilience of our community as we work to support each other during this unprecedented time. It is our goal to continue to provide you with the resources and support you need to make sure that your child is successful.
Optional Educational Activities
Paper Packets Available for Pick-Up on Tuesdays: On Tuesday, March 24th, optional educational activity packets will be available for pick up at your child’s school site between 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Every child will be provided with grade-level appropriate activities so that they can continue to practice important academic skills while schools are closed. Packets will be provided each Tuesday and will also be available to download on our website at www.washingtonunified.org. All work is optional and will not be collected or graded at this time.
Online Educational Options: Also, beginning Tuesday, March 24th, we will post online educational activities for your child on our website at www.washingtonunified.org.
Meal Service for Children
Our meal service through the Seamless Summer program will continue to operate. All children 18 and younger can pick up free meals at the following locations:
Washington Union High School from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
West Fresno Elementary School from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
A lunch and breakfast for the next day will be provided on a “grab and go” basis. You do not have to attend a WUSD school to qualify for a meal. Any child, 18 and under, may pick up meals.
Community Resources for Families
If you or someone you know is in need of community resources such as food, housing, or a list of mental health care providers, please visit the Community Resource link on our website at https://www.washingtonunified.org/community-resources/.
Please continue to practice good hygiene, handwashing, covering your coughs, and social distancing. We will continue to evaluate the situation and keep you informed as soon as we have more information. Thank you for your patience and support!
Sincerely,
Randy R. Morris
Superintendent
Washington Unified School District
March 17, 2020.
Beginning tomorrow, March 18, 2020, all campus offices and our district office will be closed to the public in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19. If you need to contact our staff, please call (559) 495-5600. Our school sites will continue to offer meals for students on a “grab and go” basis at the following locations:
Washington Union High School from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
West Fresno Elementary School from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Optional Educational Resources have been added to our website. We will continue to update you as we get more information.
March 16, 2020, 3:15 p.m.
Modified District Office Hours
Washington Unified has made the difficult decision to close our schools in order to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. All school campuses will be closed starting on Monday, March 16th, and will resume Tuesday, April 14th. Our district office will be open on a modified schedule from 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Medication at School
If you were not able to pick up your child’s medication from your school site today, you may pick it up tomorrow, March 17, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The district office is located at 7950 S. Elm Ave, Fresno, CA 93706. If you have any questions about your child’s medication that is stored at school, please call our office at (559) 495-5600.
Washington Unified COVID-19 Update Letter for Families
Click here to read Washington Unified’s COVID-19 Update letter for families. The letter, dated March 16, 2020, is provided in English and in Spanish and will be mailed home.
March 16, 2020
School Closure
All school campuses will be closed starting today, Monday, March 16th, and will resume Tuesday, April 14th, which is when our district is regularly scheduled to return from spring break. This includes all preschool and extra-curricular activities. We are hopeful that we will resume classroom instruction after spring break, but we will continue to evaluate what is best for our kids and community. During this time of school closures, we highly recommend that students and families continue to practice health and safety measures such as handwashing and social distancing.
Medication at School
School offices will be closed, except for families who need to pick up medications stored at school. If your child needs medication that is stored at school, you may pick it up today between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Meals for Students
Starting tomorrow, March 17, 2020, Washington Unified will provide meals through the “Seamless Summer” Program on weekdays only. All children 18 and younger can pick up free meals at the following locations:
Washington Union High School from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
West Fresno Elementary School from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
A lunch and breakfast for the next day will be provided on a “grab and go” basis. You do not have to attend a WUSD school to qualify for a meal. Any child, 18 and under, may pick up meals.
Educational Resources
Staff are meeting today to continue to put together a plan to provide optional educational resources for our students during the closure. We will update you by auto-dialer and on our website once we know more.
Communication
Finally, we will be mailing an informational letter home to families this week that will provide important information for you. We will also continue to use our auto-dialer system and our website to provide up to date information.
March 15, 2020
Dear Washington Unified Families,
As many of you know, Washington Unified has made the difficult decision to close our schools in order to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. 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.
School Closure
All school campuses will be closed starting Monday, March 16th and will resume Tuesday, April 14th, which is when our district is regularly scheduled to return from spring break. This includes all preschool and extra-curricular activities. We are hopeful that we will resume classroom instruction after spring break, but we will continue to evaluate what is best for our kids and community. During this time of school closures, we highly recommend that students and families continue to practice health and safety measures such as handwashing and social distancing.
Medication at School
School offices will be closed, except for families who need to pick up medications stored at school. If your child needs medication that is stored at school, you may pick it up between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Meals and Educational Resources
Staff will meet Monday to continue to put together a plan to provide meals and educational options for our students during the closure. We will update you by auto-dialer and on our website once we know more.
Communication
Finally, we will be mailing an informational letter home to families this week that will provide important information for you. We will also continue to use our auto-dialer system and our website to provide up to date information.
March 13, 2020, 3:35 p.m.
Dear Washington Unified Families, in an effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and in a joint effort with our neighboring school districts, Washington Unified schools will be closed effective immediately and school will resume on April 14th. We did not make this decision lightly and know that this has a significant impact on every member of the community. Please continue to check our website at www.washingtonunified.org for more information. We will continue to communicate with families via auto-dialer and through our website.
Afterschool program is still fully staffed today. Parents can pick up their child at normal times and buses will continue to run this evening.
March 13, 2020, 11:22 a.m.
This is a reminder that school is in session today. We are aware of false reports that WUSD schools have been canceled. All WUSD schools are in session at this time. Please visit our website for the most up to date and accurate information.
March 13, 2020, 10:00 a.m.
This is an important update from Washington Unified School District to update our community about the District’s response to the Governor’s statewide directive to cancel non-essential gatherings or functions of more than 250 people. As indicated in this directive, schools will remain open. We are defining essential functions as anything that is essential to the operation of a school site, student learning and/or governance of our district. Most importantly, we will continue to be in close and frequent communication with Fresno County’s Public Health Department and follow their best practices, act calmly and thoughtfully, and keep the best interest of our students and staff at the forefront.
With numerous events on our campuses each day, the following steps have been taken to follow the Governor’s directive and to continue to reflect recommended best-practices for schools.
- School remains in session. Our school-age population remains at a low risk for contracting COVID-19. We will continue our daily cleaning and disinfecting routines, encourage and remind students of good hand hygiene and proper procedures to cover coughs and sneezes, etc. It is important for us to recognize the low risk to students and the need to carry on critical functions such as classroom learning should go on. What is currently proven about the COVID-19 virus – that it presents a low risk to students and healthy adults – should provide encouragement that holding school is the right choice at this time.
- Through Monday, April 13, all activities, competitions, and events have been postponed. Decisions about possible rescheduling will be made as more information and guidance becomes available. While student-aged individuals and healthy adults are at low risk in this outbreak, we recognize that the elderly or those with underlying health conditions may attend non-essential community events held by Washington Unified.
- A partial list of these postponements through April 13 include:
- Parent-teacher conferences will be held by phone or scheduled by teacher individually
- All school and club athletic competitions
- All Open House Events scheduled before April 13
- All visual and performing arts music festivals and concerts/plays
- All student rallies, assemblies, dances
- Fundraising dinners and events held by school booster groups
- ELAC, DELAC, LCAP, and other large parent and community gatherings
- Outside organizations requesting to use Washington Unified facilities may also be notified that the district is unable to accommodate their rental given the Governor’s directive
- For more information about specific site events please check the school websites
- Field trips
- Off campus staff trainings and meetings
- Normal school co-curricular practices will still be permitted. Please consult school websites and coaches/advisors for regular updates.
The decision to take these steps was difficult but made with heartfelt consideration of the health and safety of our students, staff and community. We are saddened that some of the impacted events may not be able to be rescheduled before the end of the school year. We will be re-evaluating events currently scheduled for after Spring Break and updating our community accordingly according to guidelines provided by the State of California and Fresno County Health Department. Individual coaches, directors and advisors will provide additional information to families about specific events and activities.
March 12, 2020, 6:20 p.m.
March 12, 2020
Click here to read the Updated WUSD Field Trip Policy and Procedures.
Updated FAQs
Q). Are schools being closed because of the coronavirus?
A). Not at this time. Public health officials do not recommend the cancellation of classes as an effective action in this situation at this time. We are in contact with the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools (FCSS) Health Department and the Fresno County Department of Public Health on a daily basis and will continue to follow the advice of health officials to ensure we respond appropriately based on the facts we have.
Washington Unified urges all staff and families to take common-sense precautions to prevent the spread of infectious germs:
- If you are sick, stay home.
- Avoid close contact with those who are already sick.
- Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing with a tissue or the crook of your arm. Throw used tissues into the trash.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. If you don’t have access to soap and water, hand sanitizer with an alcohol content of 60% or more is a great alternative.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects or surfaces.
Q). What about field trips and conferences? Are they being canceled?
A). WUSD Field Trip Policy and Procedures.
Q). Is WUSD canceling activities?
A). At this time, all school and club athletic competitions are canceled until April 13th. As we get closer to April 13th a decision will be made as to whether or not games can be rescheduled or made up. During this time, teams can continue to practice. We are in contact with the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools (FCSS) Health Department and the Fresno County Department of Public Health on a daily basis and will continue to follow the advice of health officials to ensure we respond appropriately based on the facts we have. We will comply with the Governor’s directive to postpone or cancel community events in California of more than 250 people. Schools remain in session and do not fall under the Governor’s current directive. Additional information about specific events and about plans for the coming weeks will be posted online and delivered directly to parents via auto-dialer. If you are not sure about an event or activity, please contact your school site for more information.
Q). Should students and staff wear masks at school?
A). Health professionals continue to tell us that wearing a mask if you are not experiencing symptoms is not an effective plan for avoiding a virus. Masks should only be worn if you are sick and showing signs of respiratory challenges, much like you would if you were coughing and sitting in the doctor’s office waiting to be seen.
Q). What is the district doing to address COVID-19?
A). The District Cabinet is holding daily briefings in an effort to assess the situation and is communicating multiple times a day with site administrators regarding important updates. The district will continue to work closely with the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools and the County of Fresno Department of Public Health to create plans of action. We will be continuing to provide supplies to help sites sanitize frequently used surfaces like laptops, tablets, phones, counters and doorknobs. Washington Unified staff will continue to monitor and communicate regularly to students, staff and parents through our usual district communication tools, including auto-dialers, emails, and on our website.
Q). Where can we go for more information?
A). CDC, California Department of Public Health, and County of Fresno Department of Public Health websites are all great resources for up to date facts about COVID19. You can also find information on our district website at www.washingtonunified.org.
March 8, 2020
Click here to read a Letter to Washington Unified Families dated February 28, 2020