COVID-19 Response & Information

• As we continue to monitor our health and safety guidance through the California Department of Public Health, Union School District allows opportunities for adults on campus to support programs at school. We thank all of our parent/guardian volunteers who have donated hours of their time to support our schools.

  • • All volunteers must follow school rules, health guidance and agree to the Volunteer Code of Conduct provided by the school site prior to volunteering on campus.

    • Just as all students and staff members, volunteers cannot come onto campus if sick, experiencing symptoms, or directed to isolate per state and county health guidance.

• As usual, elementary school parents/guardians may walk their child to the classroom door, parents/guardians must stay outside of the classroom and may be on campus for the first 10 minutes prior to the start of the school day. Non-staff adults will need to leave campus as soon as the bell rings. Middle school parents, please continue to follow the guidelines set by your school in regards to dropping off items/food for your child. And as always, adults may not enter campus during the school day without checking in with the front office first.

• After school, parents may come onto campus after the school bell rings at dismissal time to pick up their student from their specific classroom.  Please remain outside your child’s classroom door unless you have an appointment.

Prior to coming to school

• In order to prevent transmission, it is critical for individuals to remain home if sick. 

• If not experiencing symptoms, a student or staff may attend school/work.

• Student guardians and staff should monitor daily for symptoms including fever over 100.0 degrees Fahrenheit, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion, nausea or vomiting and diarrhea.

• If they have experienced symptoms, students/staff members may return to school when:

  • • At least 24 hours have passed since resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications AND other symptoms have improved

    • Once student/staff member has returned to school, masking for a full 10 days following the start of symptoms is recommended.

Once at school

• Should a student develop symptoms while on campus, they will be brought to a CARE area and a staff member will contact the family with next steps.

• In the event of a confirmed case of illness, custodial staff will use high-grade sprayers with a sanitizing product that is EPA approved for use against COVID-19.

• EPA cleaning solutions are approved for use in classrooms.

• Staff and classrooms have access to paper towels and spray bottles of a cleaning solution to wipe down any shared surfaces.

• USD strongly recommends but will not require that students and staff get tested for COVID-19 prior to returning to school following official school breaks. 

• Before visiting off-campus locations (e.g. field trips) students and staff may be required to test for COVID-19 by the organization/company they are utilizing or visiting. Staff will communicate with families regarding testing requirements prior to any field trip that requires a negative COVID-19 test.

• Wearing a face mask while on campus is recommended, but not required for staff and students.

• No person will be prevented from wearing a mask as a condition of participation in an activity or entry into a school, unless wearing a mask would pose a safety hazard (e.g., tumbling sports).

• Each school site has a supply of face masks in case one is requested.

• Masking is an individual choice, and we will respect others regardless of their individual choice to wear a mask or not.

• While visiting off-campus locations (e.g. during field trips or transportation to/from field trips) students and staff will follow all protocols as defined by the organization/company they are utilizing or visiting.

• While visiting off-campus locations (e.g. during field trips or transportation to/from field trips) students and staff will be required to follow all protocols as defined by the organization/company they are utilizing or visiting.

• • Routine, frequent and proper hand hygiene (soap and water or hand sanitizer) is one of the best ways to avoid spreading germs. Everyone should continue the habit of washing  hands frequently at home and at school.

  • Schools will continue to teach and reinforce washing hands throughout the school day, as well as hygienic practices such as avoiding contact with one's eyes, nose, and mouth, and covering coughs and sneezes among students and staff.

  • Handwashing stations are situated in various locations on campus, and hand sanitizer is available in all classrooms.

• • Union School District encourages all staff and age-eligible students to get vaccinated.

  • For more information, including how to schedule an appointment or find a drop-in vaccination site, visit www.sccfreevax.org 

• Properly installed and maintained Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems are key to ensuring healthy indoor air quality in school learning environments.

• The HVAC systems at all sites in the district have been evaluated by a licensed contractor to ensure proper air circulation.

• Ventilation systems across the district are outfitted with MERV-13 filters which are replaced three times per year. A record of the filter change date is recorded in each classroom.

The following links contain additional information regarding state and county health guidance and district plans.

• 2023-24 COVID-19 School Guidance (CDPH)

• USD COVID-19 Cal-OSHA Safety Plan

• Santa Clara County Public Health Department

• CA Dept of Public Health Guidance for K12 Schools

• CA Dept of Public Health Guidance for Face Coverings

• 2022-23 6-Month Update USD Reopening School Guidance

Santa Clara County Emergency Operations Center Community Resources

COVID-19 Vaccine

The first COVID-19 vaccines have been authorized for use in the United States. All individuals age 12 or older are now eligible for vaccination. For more information, including how to schedule an appointment or find a drop-in vaccination site, visit www.sccfreevax.org 

Public Health Orders

On June 15th, California ended its Blueprint for a Safer Economy, and enacted a new Health Officer Order with limited restrictions (related to face coverings, mega-events, and settings serving children), see here for details: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/Order-of-the-State-Public-Health-Officer-Beyond-Blueprint.aspx  

As of June 21, 2021, most local Health Orders have been lifted or are being phased out, see here for details: https://covid19.sccgov.org/public-health-orders 

COVID-19 Testing

To find a free and easy COVID-19 testing location near you, visit www.sccfreetest.org   

County Services

For updated information about County service impacts, visit https://www.sccgov.org/sites/opa/opa/covid19/Pages/home.aspx 

General Information

For information about COVID-19 response efforts in Santa Clara County, guidance for businesses and workers, local data, testing resources, Public Health Orders, and other resources, visit: www.sccgov.org/coronavirus