No school for juvenile hall

Since Thursday, the wards have been breaking out into five self-sustaining units, one of which contains the four infected wards. None of the units have been going to class since Thursday and probably will not return to class for at least a few more days.

"They are a little bored with being in just their units," Peterson said.

Now kids are occupying themselves with a range of activities including games, tutoring, reading, and watching television, he said.

In the meantime, Chief Probation Officer Loren Buddress said officials are working out a way to decentralize the schooling program and break it down for each individual unit. Peterson said officials are also working on "establishing a program for kids to call their parents." Whether that plan materializes depends on the facility's resources.

Normally, parents are allowed two half-hour visits a week. Wards at Hillcrest are not allowed to make phone calls, except in circumstances when they earn the privilege.

A parent, who wished to remain un-named, said she hasn't heard yet if her upcoming scheduled visits will be canceled. The cancellation of visits is especially tough, she said, since kids are not even attending school.

In the meantime, Buddress said Monday the wards are receiving the best possible medical attention from the county's Health Department.

Yunmi Choi can be reached by e-mail at yunmi@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 109. What do you think of this story? Send a letter to the editor: letters@smdailyjournal.com.