Good afternoon GUSD families --

California, and Santa Clara County, is experiencing extreme and dangerous heat.  Temperatures in Gilroy reached 111 degrees yesterday.  The National Weather Service (NWS) has extended the Excessive Heat Watch through Wednesday, September 7, for the coastal and bayside areas of the Bay Area, which includes Santa Clara County and Gilroy.  Additionally, a Spare the Air Alert has been issued in the Bay Area through Wednesday, September 7.  To ensure the safety of our students, when the temperatures reach the 90's and/or when a Spare the Air Alert is in effect, our school staff members will keep students indoors.  

In addition, after school programs, including outdoor athletics for middle and high school students, will be held indoors, moved to a later (and cooler) timeframe, or canceled. Please watch for more detailed communication from school principals, after school leaders, athletic directors, and coaches regarding these safety measures. 

In the meantime, please encourage your children to:

• Stay hydrated
• Limit physical activity during peak heat hours of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Wear light weight, light colored, and loose-fitting clothing to keep cool.
• Rest often and find shady places to cool down when outdoors.

The Gilroy Library, located at 350 West Sixth Street, is open from 1-9 pm today and tomorrow as a cooling center.  The Morgan Hill Library and Centennial Recreation Center are also available cooling centers this week.

For more information and resources, visit: https://emergencymanagement.sccgov.org/residents/hot-weather-safety. 

Thank you,
Dr. Deborah A. Flores, Ph.D.
Superintendent
Gilroy Unified School District