Updated: March 13, 2020

Below are some answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs). Updates will be ongoing. The same simple steps that prevent the spread of ordinary flu viruses work against COVID-19 and other illnesses.

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
  • Cough into a tissue or your elbow (not your hand). Then throw tissue away and wash hands.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home when you are sick
  • Keep students home if temperature is above 100.0 F (37.8 C) or they report not feeling well, appear weak or ill
  • Consult your health care provider if you or your child has special health conditions that put you at increased risk
Frequently Asked Questions
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Should I expect a response from the District for my general questions, requests, and suggestions?

No. Due to the volume of emails, it is not realistic to expect personal responses at this time. Themes of questions or thoughts will appear in the FAQ page. If you have specific information regarding the health of a child or adult, please contact your site immediately. Like the District, general questions should not expect an immediate response. The staff is dedicating their time to planning and working with agencies proactively.

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Will school events (field trips, sports, etc.) be canceled?

This is a difficult decision, as we know many of you have been looking forward to these events. All upcoming school and district related large gatherings (more than 100 people) are canceled through the end of the school year. This includes events where students, staff, parents, and outside community members come together in close proximity to one another. Specific upcoming events that are now canceled include:

  • All field trips
  • All school dances, including prom*
  • Group assemblies greater than 100 people 
  • Professional learning events
  • Parent education events
  • School open houses
  • PAUSD Career Fair
  • PAUSD Leadership Institute
  • All elementary and middle school performances

* Update

PAUSD is also shifting revising cancelation of prom to a postponement of a decision. It is our intention to allow space for conversations with our two high schools about how to mitigate concerns related to the County Public Health Department. We fully understand the importance of prom as a culminating event and hope to find an acceptable solution. Again, our desire is to find a way to protect a valued tradition without jeopardizing the health and safety of our students.

Additional Restrictions

To the extent possible, and in an effort to limit the exposure in our community, the following restrictions are now in place:

  • Parents & visitors will not be permitted on school grounds during the school day. Should any parent have a question regarding whether or not they can participate in an activity, please contact your site administrator.
  • Outside rentals of PAUSD facilities will be canceled until the end of the school year. Exceptions will be made on a case by case basis for groups that serve only PAUSD students.
  • High school athletic events and performances are canceled.

Events Currently Scheduled to Proceed

The following events are currently scheduled to proceed as planned, however, these events may be canceled given the dynamic and rapidly evolving situation.

  • Senior week events, including Baccalaureate and Senior Showcase/Awards
  • Graduations & Promotions
  • Summer School
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If I elect to keep my child at home, can my child receive online instruction?

Please be informed that we do not have the capacity to provide instructional support for well students who stay at home. If a student has extenuating health circumstances, please contact your site administrator to identify appropriate next steps.

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Will families be notified if a PAUSD staff member or student tests positive with COVID-19?

If a PAUSD staff member or student tests positive with COVID-19 the Santa Clara County Public Health Department will notify the Superintendent, at which time a communication plan will be put into action to notify the appropriate individuals affected.

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What can I do to ensure the safety of myself and others?

Health Guidelines Remain the Same

The same simple steps that prevent the spread of ordinary flu viruses work against COVID-19 and other illnesses.

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
  • Cough into a tissue or your elbow (not your hand). Then throw tissue away and wash hands.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Keep students home if temperature is above 100.0 F (37.8 C) or they report not feeling well, appear weak or ill.
  • Consult your health care provider if you or your child has special health conditions that put you at increased risk.
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Are additional cleaning measures in place?

Custodial staff at every PAUSD school continues to follow the recommended cleaning procedures daily, with extra effort on areas considered high-risk (e.g., bathrooms, athletic areas, cafeteria/kitchen, health room/nurse's office) and high-touch points (e.g., door handles, hand railings, lockers, and shared desks.)

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What is happening with CAASPP testing?

On Monday, March 9, 2020 The Palo Alto Unified School District posted a message stating the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) would not be administered on our schools, over the threat of community spread of COVID-19.

Governor Gavin Newsom warned school districts the previous week that there may be more school closures in the weeks and months ahead.

“The purpose of CAASPP is to give us a snapshot of how students are doing under normal circumstances,” said Austin. “These are not normal circumstances and the test results would likely not result in valid comparisons.”

During an evening phone call on the same day with State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Thurmond, and Santa Clara County Superintendent, Mary Ann Dewan, the Palo Alto Unified School District has decided to postpone CAASPP testing until late April through May for all sites instead of cancelling completely. The State and County leaders now fully understand our concerns about maintaining high-level instruction and the potential for low participation rates. They are also aware that any school closures between now and the end of the school year could derail any testing efforts for PAUSD and school districts across California.  If our conditions stabilize, the postponed testing window could provide meaningful data. This is a rapidly evolving health situation and may take many turns before any potential test is administered.