Dear WCCUSD Community:

We want to make sure we provided you with the latest information around the district’s COVID-19 mitigation strategy before school starts next week on Tuesday, August 16.

Following State and County Guidelines
WCCUSD follows state and county guidelines closely when it comes to COVID-19 safety. The California Department of Public Health released guidance for the 2022-23 school year, which we will closely adhere to. CDPH recommends all eligible individuals get vaccinated against COVID-19 and stay up to date on booster shots. County health officials meet on a regular basis, and we will follow the data and their recommendations, and update the public regularly. Here is the latest school information from Contra Costa County Health Services. 

WCCUSD COVID Safety Handbook
This document will be regularly updated throughout the school year and responsive to new information from local, regional, state and federal officials. The safety handbook covers everything from when your child should remain home from school to how we conduct group tracing to protocols for athletic events and field trips. Click here to view the updated handbook.

Testing
Each school will have site testing available for all students and staff, along with group tracing, for the first two weeks of school: August 16-19 and August 22-26, through the district’s testing provider, LSA. 

Starting on Tuesday, August 16, the district will be operating three central, non-school site testing locations from 8 am - 4 pm Monday through Friday: 

• Alvarado Adult School (625 Sutter Ave, Richmond)
• The district central office (1108 Bissell Ave, Richmond)
• Ohlone Elementary (201 Turquoise Dr, Hercules -note that the testing site is located in the parking lot on Pheasant Drive). 

All three testing centers will be located in the parking lot of the sites. 

Everyone who is not yet in the LSA system will have to register to take a test. If you have already registered, you will need to confirm your information is correct. Click here for more information.

Please also note that:

• LSA will provide Group Tracing testing during the entire school year for exposed groups at all sites
• Group Tracing testing will be conducted between 3-5 day from the date of exposure at the school site
• School sites will have at-home-test kits available for students and staff upon request
• School sites will distribute at-home-testing kits to students and staff before every major school break (Thanksgiving,winter & spring break etc)
• Staff and students have the option of testing with their health care provider or the County Health department, if necessary

For each school’s testing schedule for the first two weeks of school, please visit the district’s COVID-19 testing page. 

Masks
Masks are strongly recommended for all students and staff while indoors. Disposable masks are available at each school site for students. 

WCCUSD S.M.A.R.T.E.R Strategy
Shots: Vaccines are the most powerful weapon against hospitalization and serious illness.
Masks: Properly worn masks with good filtration help slow the spread of COVID-19 or other respiratory viruses.
Awareness: We will continue to stay aware of how COVID-19 is spreading, evolving variants,
communicate clearly how people should protect themselves, and coordinate our state and local
government response.
Readiness: COVID-19 isn’t going away and we need to be ready with the tools, resources and supplies we will need to quickly respond and keep public health and the health care system well prepared.
Testing: Getting the right type of tests - PCR or antigen - to where they are needed most. Testing will help California minimize the spread of COVID-19.
Education: California will continue to work to keep schools open and children safely in classrooms for in-person instruction.
Rx: Evolving and improving treatments will become increasingly available and critical as a tool to save lives.

Thank you for doing your part to keep those around you safe. 

Sincerely, 

Dr. Kenneth Chris Hurst
Superintendent