(The following is a message from the Belmont-Redwood Shores School District.)

Hello BRSSD Community,

This message will address an extension to the dismissal of students until May 1 and a clarification regarding my previous message on teacher-student videoconferencing.

Dismissal of Students Extended to May 1
Earlier today, we received this press release from the San Mateo County Office of Education. The dismissal of students from public schools throughout the Bay Area has been extended until May 1, 2020.

This makes BRSSD’s planning for the return from Spring Break on April 6 all the more important. Additionally, we are developing optional resources for families to help engage students academically over the break, given the current Shelter in Place order for San Mateo County. We will share more information at the end of the week.

Clarification Regarding this Morning’s Message
This morning, I sent you a message stating that a class’s morning meeting was recorded and put on the local news and social media. It was actually a still photograph of a student participating in a morning meeting via videoconference, with other classroom participants on the computer screen. I apologize for giving the misimpression that the meeting/lesson was video recorded when it was not. Nevertheless, this incident raises the importance of student and staff privacy, and we are committed to putting safeguards in place before resuming videoconferencing on April 6.

Thanks for your support and patience on both of these topics. We will continue to work on providing the best educational program possible for your student and improving week to week.

Sincerely,

Michael Milliken
Superintendent