Angels Camp – Last school year, school sites began to offer the community a place get information, charge cell phones and get water during the Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events. School campuses providing a valuable service to the community did not stop there. As challenging as this year has been, the schools continued to provide for the community. School gymnasiums where converted into back up medical facilities in anticipation of hospital impactions due to the current COVID-19 pandemic. Although students have not been allowed back on campus, the community continues to receive benefits from the resources schools can offer.

In the most recent days, school campuses once again are providing for the community. During this unprecedented heat wave, school sites have been converted into cooling centers across the county. These cooling centers provide shelter from the heat and are complying with state guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Fire season now is upon us and schools are an invaluable resource and are being used as evacuation shelters for those in need. As the definitions of essential, valuable, necessary and compliant change on a daily basis, schools continue to be a reliable asset to the community.

During these challenging times arises a strengthened commitment to the community. Superintendent of Schools Scott Nanik says that “strong relationships are being built between the Calaveras County Office of Education (CCOE) and county government, county public health and the county office of emergency services. These relationships tremendously benefit the community, resources are being pooled and needs are being better met.”

Collaborating on strengthening the community relationships is Al Alt, Calaveras County CAO, saying “CCOE has been an amazing partner to the County of Calaveras in our efforts to serve our communities in this trying time. Together, we have brought resources and services to our citizens that wouldn’t have otherwise been possible. Thank you CCOE!”

Superintendent Nanik expressed, “I would like to commend school site administrators and superintendents for their support and flexibility on behalf of the community. Their cooperation has been a tremendous benefit. We have banded together and I couldn’t be more appreciative.”

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