Dear VCS Community,
Since our last communication, we are grateful to confirm there are still no cases of COVID-19 within our VCS community, and the health department has not changed its guidelines. Based on the information available, we made the following decisions.
New Decisions since the 3/6/20 Communication
- All school-sponsored trips, both domestic and international, are canceled for the remainder of the school year.
- JH/HS Chapel will be held in classrooms via in-class discussions or Livestream.
- Elementary Chapel may either be held in classrooms or via small groups in the sanctuary.
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions (FAQ).
School-day Education and Activities
Is the school planning to close?
We will not close the school unless recommended by the Santa Clara County Health Department (SCCHD) and the Santa Clara County Office of Education. The SCCHD is not recommending school closure; however, VCS is prepared to continue online education from home if necessary.
School Attendance Questions/Concerns
VCS is exceeding the health and sanitation guidelines set by the SCCHD, and we are following their recommendations for campus activities. We encourage students to attend school, except when parents believe school attendance poses an unacceptable health risk.
Should I send my student to school if someone in my residence has a compromised immune system?
No one living in our residence has a compromised immune system, but I still want to keep my child home. What do I do?
If a student resides with an adult with a compromised immune system or a parent determines the risk of on-campus learning is too high, we will respect a parent's decision to consider at-home education via VCS online resources for JH/HS and support for elementary student learning. However, greater digital communication between student/teacher and student/counselor will be necessary. Due to these unusual circumstances, absences due to health-risk concerns are excused. Valley endorses parents as the primary educators of their children. If you choose to keep your child at home, you are also choosing not to have them participate in after school co-curricular activities.
After-school Activities and Events
Will after-school activities continue (i.e., Chess, Golf, Theatre)?
Because after-school activities differ significantly in contact and location, please look for upcoming communications from AMSE, Athletics, BEI, and Conservatory. For the elementary school, please contact the after-school coordinator.
During these challenging times, I find encouragement in Psalm 91:9-11, “If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home. For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go.” (NLT)
