News & Updates

Hello VUSD families,

 

Happy New Year! We hope everyone was able to take some time to do something meaningful to them over the Winter Break. We are reaching out, given the news that a Red Flag Wind Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service beginning this afternoon through Thursday evening with the potential for power outages. We thought we would reach out with some reminders about emergency procedures and communications. We understand that high wind warnings and potential power outages can create stress and uncertainty for families. Please know that your child’s safety and well-being are our highest priorities. As we navigate this weather together, we are here to support you and keep you informed every step of the way. Thank you for trusting us to care for your children during these times.
 
 What Happens During Wind and Power Outages
 Schools will stay open during power outages and wind events unless there’s a serious safety concern. Even without power, schools will use natural light and non-tech teaching activities, and we have backup plans to serve breakfast and lunch.

 With power outages at times also come phone outages at the school sites. Please rest assured our school sites have various cell phones to use in an emergency to call for assistance.  If you need to get an emergency message to your child during an outage, please contact the District office at 805-641-5000 and we will get a message to the school for you. 
 
 If We Need to Dismiss or Move Students Early
 In rare cases, we may need to send students home early or move them to a safer place. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Parking: Parking may be limited during emergencies. Please be patient while staff work to get students safely to their families.
2. Emergency Contacts: Students will only be released to parents, guardians, or people listed in Q Parent Connection as emergency contacts. Please check and update your emergency contact info.
3. Bring ID: Anyone picking up a student must show a valid ID.
4. Possible Relocation: If students are moved to a different place, we’ll let families know where to pick them up just as soon as that is determined.
5. During Shelter-in-Place or Other Emergencies:
   • Don’t come to the school or call during an emergency—this helps staff and first responders do their jobs.
   • Too many cars or visitors can block emergency vehicles.
   • We’ll keep you updated through our official district channels.
6. Student Supervision: If you cannot get to the school site/evacuation area to pick up your child during an unexpected dismissal or evacuation, rest assured they will remain under staff supervision until an authorized individual arrives to pick them up.

Staying Updated
 Please use our official channels to get the most accurate and timely information. Other sources may not have the correct details.
 Here’s how to stay informed:

• Download the ParentSquare app for real-time updates.
• Follow us on social media:
  • Facebook: @Venturausd
  • Instagram: @schoolventura

 
 A Few Extra Reminders

• Stay Calm: Emergencies can be stressful, but staying calm helps everyone.
• Talk with Your Child: Go over what might happen during an emergency so they feel ready.
• VUSD Expanded Learning (ASES, PEAK, ELOP, and ASSETs) is an extension of the school site and follows the same protocols.
• VCEmergency.com: We recommend you follow this website during emergencies.
• Emergency alerts: Sign up for county emergency alerts at www.readyventuracounty.org/vc-alert  
• Prepare for possible Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) and view impacted areas at https://www.sce.com/outage-center/outage-information/psps
• For emergencies, such as downed power lines, please call 9-1-1. Report downed trees or other large debris in the roadway to VPD’s non-emergency line at (805) 650-8010.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we continue to prioritize the safety of all Ventura Unified students. Working together, we can ensure that we are prepared to respond effectively.
 
 Sincerely,
 VUSD Communications

 

 

Marieanne Quiroz, Director of Communications and Public Information Officer (PIO)

Ventura Unified School District

To All Anacapa Families,

We are excited to announce that VUSD is entering a new chapter of school improvements, thanks to the support of Measure E Bond funds. Phase 1 of Anacapa's construction plans is set to begin, bringing much-anticipated upgrades to our campus.

What You Need to Know:

• Who: This project will impact all Anacapa families, staff, students, and community members who use the main parking lot.
• What: We will be installing solar panels, which will require the closure of the main parking lot to parked cars. While the lot will be closed for parking, both cars and buses will continue to have access for student drop-off and pick-up. There will be a minor change to the queue, though we do not anticipate major disruptions. Please refer to the attached map for detailed pick-up and drop-off instructions.
• Where: The main parking lot located at Mills and Telegraph.
• When: The parking lot will be fenced off starting during Fall Break, and this phase of construction is expected to last for a few months.
• Why: As part of our district-wide initiative to reduce energy costs, nearly all of our schools, including Anacapa, will be outfitted with solar panels.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Where can I park if I need to pick up my student before 2:30 pm?
  Between 9 am. and 2:30 pm., the bus lanes will be available for families needing to pick up their students. This is a temporary solution, and we kindly ask that if your visit to campus will exceed 15 minutes, please use the designated visitor spots  in front of the main office off Mills. If these spots are occupied, we ask that you park across the street and walk to campus.
• Will this impact the time it takes to pick up my student after school?
  We do anticipate some adjustments as we transition to this new arrangement, and we truly appreciate your patience and flexibility. We encourage you to allow extra time for both drop-off and pick-up during this period.
• If my student rides their bike to school, will they be affected?
  Students riding bikes will continue to enter the campus via the Mills alleyway, as usual. However, staff cars will also be using this alleyway to access a temporary parking lot, which will significantly increase traffic in the alleyway. To ensure safety, we ask all vehicles (cars and bikes) to turn right into the parking lot upon exiting the alleyway, avoiding oncoming traffic. Bike riders will take a right into the Mills lot, and then they can make a U-turn down Mills to cross at the light.  This will give all bikes and cars a full visual of any oncoming traffic.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we work through these temporary changes. We believe that these short-term inconveniences will bring long-term benefits for our school and community. Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our office at (805) 289-7900

 

For VUSD News and Updates CLICK HERE