Happenings
Dear Parents and School Communities,
After a day of worsening air quality, and uncertain forecasts for tomorrow, we have made a decision to close our schools on Friday, November 16. We have been working with the County Office of Education, our partner districts including the Acalanes Union High School District, the Governing Board and our own district leadership to make the best decisions throughout the week on behalf of our students and our district staff. We believe that closing the schools will best serve the needs of all our stakeholders.
We have been closely watching a variety of sources of information, including PurpleAir.com, airnow.gov, www.baaqmd.gov and sparetheair.org, tracking both the current status and the forecasts. We have been working with our principals to impose restrictions on activity at all of our schools throughout the week, and increasing the urgency as the air quality has declined. Based on the current forecasts and the experience of the week, the air quality is not likely to improve substantively tomorrow. There are reports of many other institutions closing their doors today and tomorrow to facilitate healthier options for students and employees of all ages. One particular challenge for us is the completion and sending of elementary report cards, which we are in the midst of finishing now. This may cause a delay in the receipt of your student’s report card. You will hear directly from your principal about the final timing of report cards.
I apologize for the inconvenience this may cause for you and your family. I want to assure you that we take this step only after careful consideration and collaboration with a wide circle of colleagues. Please direct any questions or comments to me in the district office, preferably by email at bburns@moraga.k12.ca.us.
Sincerely,
Bruce K. Burns, Superintendent
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Terry Koehne, Chief Communications Officer
Contra Costa County Office of Education
925-942-3420/925-858-2942
ALL PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS IN CONTRA COSTA COUNTY TO CLOSE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16
All 18 public school districts in Contra Costa County (as well as Contra Costa County Office of Education programs) will be closed on Friday, November 16 due to worsening air quality conditions throughout the county. Contra Costa County K-12 school districts include: Acalanes Union High School District, Antioch Unified School District, Brentwood Union School District, Byron Union School District, Canyon School District, John Swett Unified School District, Knightsen School District, Lafayette School District, Liberty Union High School District, Martinez Unified School District, Moraga School District, Mt. Diablo Unified School District, Oakley Elementary Union School District, Orinda School District, Pittsburg Unified School District, San Ramon Valley Unified School District, Walnut Creek School District and West Contra Costa Unified School District.
*The Contra Costa Community College District has also announced the closure of all three of its campuses for Friday.
The decision to close county districts was reached collectively on Thursday afternoon by the superintendents of Contra Costa County's 18 school districts and the County Office of Education. District superintendents cited numerous factors, including:
· The cumulative effect of poor air quality throughout the week have created unhealthy environments for students and staff;
· The forecast for Friday calls for worsening air quality conditions throughout the region;
· Other education agencies including Cal State East Bay were announcing closures;
· With neighboring schools closing, staff members would be faced with significant child care dilemmas.
"While it is never an easy decision to cancel school for even one day, we, along with our district superintendents felt it was in the best interest of our students, staff members and communities to do this," said Karen Sakata, Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools. “We will continue to work alongside our school districts as they communicate this decision to their communities.”
As a result of the wildfires in Butte County, air quality index levels throughout Contra Costa County and northern California have continued to worsen as defined by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District. School districts have been monitoring air quality throughout the week and have limited or cancelled outdoor activities in accordance with Contra Costa County Public Health Department guidelines.
Families should check their school and school district websites for more information. Or visit www.cocoschools.org.
Posted 11/15/18
Donald Rheem School fifth grade student council members Sivani, Sabrina, Alison, Kaelin, Logan and Will, pictured above with Board members Jon Nickens, Richard Severy, Jim Obsitnik, Heather O'Donnell, Joe Rosenbaum and Principal Sullivan. Rheem students presented at the November 13 meeting on the "Start With Hello" program which was implemented this fall to provide opportunity for students to be greeted each morning by members of the student council.
On November 13 the Moraga School District Governing Board recognized retiring Executive Assistant to the Superintendent Camille Santi, for her seventeen years of service to the District.
JM math teacher Karlene Steelman was honored at the Contra Costa County Teachers of the Year Dinner Gala 2018. Ms. Steelman represented the Moraga School District as this year's Teacher of the Year. Celebrating with her and pictured above from left to right - JM teacher Brett Lorie, Rheem principal Brian Sullivan, JM teacher Kim Lockett, Ms. Steelman, William Steelman her dad, and JM teachers Victor Zerpa, Mary Ann Shimer and Dawn Lezak.
Resources
LOCAL CONTROL ACCOUNTABILITY PLAN
Governing Board and CCCOE Approved
The MSD Coordinating Council, which oversees the monitoring and annual development of the LCAP, meets at 3:30 PM at the JM Library on 9/20/18, 11/7/18, 2/27/19 and 3/27/19. Students, staff, parents and community members are welcome to attend Coordinating Council meetings and are also welcome to speak to the LCAP at any regular Board meeting. Annual LCAP updates will be presented to all site PTAs and School Site Councils in the fall. LCAP feedback and comments may be emailed to lcapfeedback@moraga.k12.ca.us. A draft LCAP will be presented to the MSD Governing Board on June 4, 2019, and a public hearing will be held. The Board will take action to approve the LCAP on June 11, 2019.
Board Adopted:
Dec. 12, 2017
Board Adopted:
Mar. 13, 2018
About US
The Moraga School District is located in Moraga, California, beyond the Oakland hills and east of San Francisco. Our students consistently score advanced and proficient on California standardized tests while excelling in art, music, technology, physical education and a variety of intermediate school electives. The Moraga School District values the involvement of Moraga parents and families, our PTAs, the Moraga Education Foundation, and local businesses. Together we deliver to our TK-8th grade students a first class education addressing the academic, social and emotional needs of our students to succeed in a diverse global world.
Nondiscrimination Policy: MSD prohibits unlawful discrimination against any protected group as identified under Education Code 200 and 220 and Government Code 11135, and Title IX, including actual or perceived sex, sexual orientation, gender, ethnic group identification, race, ancestry, national origin, religion, color, mental or physical disability, age, or on the basis of a person’s association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics in any District program or activity that received or benefits from state financial assistance, including athletic programs. Complaint information is available at the MSD District Office, 1540 School Street, CA, 94556. For further information, call 925-376-5943
