Good evening, Jurupa Unified Community:
Our first week back from the winter break has proven to be incredibly challenging. High winds and fire danger resulting from unprecedented Santa Anas have resulted in Public Safety Power Outages affecting a large portion of our community, including some of our schools. We understand how frustrating and worrisome our current situation is, and want to assure you that we are doing everything we can to continue to provide safe learning environments, meals, and other resources for students and families.
Currently, the following schools are without power: Granite Hill, Mission Bell, and Peralta elementary schools. If any schools are added to that list, that school community will be notified. We are providing emergency power via generators and portable lighting for our MPRs, school offices, and restrooms so that teaching and learning can continue. We understand this is not an ideal situation, and not how we would choose to operate our campuses; however, we also know that our schools provide safety, security, food, and other resources many of our families rely upon. For that reason, we aim to keep campuses open whenever possible. It is important to note that although schools without power are open, families have a choice to send their children to school in these conditions or to keep them home when at-home care is available.
Please know that we make these decisions after carefully analyzing conditions. We also are in constant contact with emergency personnel, Southern California Edison, and other officials so that we have the most accurate and up-to-date information. Should we need to close schools or make any schedule changes, we will continue to update you as we have throughout the past several days. Keep in mind that new information and changes may come on short notice so it is important to stay connected to ParentSquare and JUSD social media accounts.
We also would like to share the following information from Southern California Edison about Public Service Power Shutoffs and Preparing for Power Outages. The City of Jurupa Valley also has included a resource page on its website: Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) | Jurupa Valley, CA.
JUSD is a strong and resilient community of caring individuals who look out for one another. We are extremely proud of the dedication of our teachers, staff, and administration, who are not only educating but caring and providing support for our children through these challenging circumstances. Time and again, we see the strength, kindness, and character of our students, staff, and families. At times like these, it is essential that we continue to support one another, and most especially, that we keep the needs of our JUSD students and families first and foremost.
Thank you, once again, for your patience and support.
Sincerely,
Trenton Hansen, PhD
Superintendent
