From: Christopher Smart, Ed.D., Principal Date: 10/28/19, 4:45pm
Dear Bishop O’Dowd Community,
We know that power shut offs, poor air quality, and the nerves and anxiety created by shifting winds and fires are very hard on students, families, teachers, and staff. We continue to pray for all those affected by the fires and the power shut offs. The leadership team here at Bishop O’Dowd is doing its best to make responsible, real-time decisions regarding the operation of school – curriculars and co-curriculars. We expect to be in school all of this week. We have not received any communication from PG&E that our power is scheduled to be turned off, and the forecast for air quality here on the school campus does not indicate that it will move into the unhealthy range.
However, if we experience a power shut off or if the air quality moves into the unhealthy range, we will contact our community as soon as possible via BrightArrow, our secure email and Robo-call system with details about possible closure of school, changes to daily schedule, and postponement of co-curricular events (athletic practices, contests, club meetings, and drama rehearsals). We encourage all families to make the best decision for your student(s) regarding school attendance.
We monitor the Air Quality Index (AQI) here on campus through our own AirVisual sensor (https://www.airvisual.com/usa/california/oakland/bishop-o-dowd). If a student, teacher, or a member of our staff has asthma or other respiratory issues, we urge them to follow their doctor’s directions, and seek care in a timely manner if symptoms worsen. People with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. Everyone else should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion. If there is any medical intervention that.
Our teaching staff is well aware that, due to power shut offs and some residential relocations due to fires, many of our students have limited or no access to the Internet or WIFI. Our teachers have been advised to make all reasonable accommodations. Know that we are here to support you in any way that we can.
Please contact me if you have any specific questions or concerns. As always, thank you for your patience, trust, and collaboration during this extraordinary time.