Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Austin Beutner released this message on Monday evening, March 23, an update on the district’s status amid the novel coronavirus outbreak.

This past week marks the start of a new chapter for all who are part of our school community.

Students are learning in different ways, teachers are teaching in different ways and families are struggling to support their children in their studies while balancing other responsibilities.

I wish I could tell you it will all be back to normal sometime soon but it does not look like that will be the case.

Schools will remain closed through May 1 and we will provide additional updates well before May 1 on what will come next.

In the interim, we want to continue to help all students learn and will be making a significant effort to help this happen.

The update I provided to our entire school community on March 23 is available at lausd.net.

On March 23, we also started providing meals at the eight temporary homeless shelters set up by the City of Los Angeles.

And, our LA Students Most in Need, a fund to help students and families, is up and running. For those who wish to help, donate calfund.org/lastudentsmostinneed.

Families can call (213) 443-1300 with any questions or visit lausd.net. I will also be providing regular updates on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook on @AustinLASchools.

Thank you for your continued patience and support.