Milpitas Unified School District and the City of Milpitas Support Small Businesses, Education, and Access to Food
Milpitas, CA – April 18, 2020 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The City’s Office of Economic Development presented a free Business Recovery and Resilience Webinar on Thursday, April 16, providing Milpitas businesses with information on the CARES Act and state loan applications, disbursement of funds, relief programs, youth employment and internships, and other vital resources in response to COVID-19.
The webinar was co-hosted by the Silicon Valley Small Business Development Center, the Small Business Development Corporation of Orange County, the Milpitas Chamber of Commerce, and Milpitas Unified School District, along with the Office of County Supervisor Dave Cortese, Office of Assemblymember Kansen Chu, Office of Congressman Ro Khanna and the Office of Senator Bob Wieckowski. More than 130 people participated in the webinar. The event was recorded and a link to the webinar is posted on the City’s website.
The City of Milpitas and the Milpitas Unified School District are also working with the Milpitas Food Pantry, Meals on Wheels, and other community partners to ensure every Milpitas resident has access to food during this time. Prepared meals are available through MUSD for students 17 years of age and younger, while Meals on Wheels delivers prepared meals to the homes of seniors 60 years and older. The City of Milpitas provides takeout meals to seniors on weekdays. Grocery pickup is also available from the Milpitas Food Pantry and Second Harvest, which works with nonprofits and faith-based groups to offer grocery pickup in multiple locations. Find more information about grocery pickup and other community resources on the City’s COVID-19 resource page.
This week, a Covid-19 testing site for patients of the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center (SCVMC) opened in the City of Milpitas at the Milpitas Sports Center. The testing site, which utilizes drive-up testing for safe social distancing, is available only to SCVMC patients who have been screened and have a physician’s referral and a pre-booked appointment. The City of
Milpitas is proud to play a part in helping identify and prevent the spread of Covid-19 as we work to keep our community safe.
The City of Milpitas also launched a community survey to learn what information is most needed to assist the community during this time. The survey only takes a minute to complete, is open to all residents, and is available in English, Spanish, Chinese, and Vietnamese.
Due to the impact of COVID-19 and in support of the Milpitas small business economy, Milpitas Unified School District has established a new school-business partnership program called MUSD Alliance Partners (MAP) for Future-Ready Learners. Small businesses can now register to become a founding alliance member. MAP Future-Ready Learners is powered by Milpitas Unified School District, MHS Digital Business Academies, Calaveras Hills, Milpitas Adult Education and MHS Workability Program.
“The Milpitas business community is the greatest source of work experience pathways for MUSD learners, ages 16-45 years+,” said MUSD Superintendent Cheryl Jordan. “MAP for Future Ready Learners provides our business partners with a streamlined process for developing their future workforce now. Meet MUSD learners eligible for internships, apprentice programs, job shadowing, and employment opportunities in Milpitas.”
With the Milpitas community’s mental health and wellness in mind, Superintendent Jordan recently branded a new letter-writing initiative for a strong MUSD community during COVID-19 and beyond. Titled Dear Milpitas Parent & Community Letters Initiative, the Milpitas Neighbor pen pal program will connect residents ages 18 and older with one another so they can share their thoughts, struggles, coping strategies, and ideas during this time of social distancing.
Additionally, MUSD continues to alert families of the latest important information and resources to assist them during these challenging times. The Student Nutrition Team continues to distribute No Cost Grab & Go Meals biweekly from four distribution locations within the city.
In consultation with Santa Clara County Office of Education Superintendent Dr. Dewan, Santa Clara County Superintendents, MUSD secondary principals, District and teacher leaders, including our Milpitas Teachers Association, MUSD has established Credit/No Credit for final reporting on student outcomes for Spring 2020. The MUSD credit/no credit system will allow for students to demonstrate competency on formative assessments and assignments provided by teachers through MUSD Educate Everywhere.
Milpitas Unified School District and the City of Milpitas will continue working together to protect the wellbeing of families, residents, and businesses throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Stay informed. Information is changing frequently:
MUSD Coronavirus Webpage: MUSD Coronavirus Webpage with Updates
City of Milpitas Coronavirus Webpage: City of Milpitas Coronavirus Updates
Public Health Website: http://sccphd.org/coronavirus
Public Health Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sccpublichealth/
Public Health Instagram: @scc_publichealth
Public Health Twitter: @HealthySCC
