MVSD Family Handbook 2020-2021
Guidelines for addressing the challenges of COVID 19
Superintendent's Message:
The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for everyone. In a short period we had to adapt to a new way of living and a new way of teaching and learning. The resilience and perseverance of our Mountain View team, our students and our families has been remarkable.
While we have all wondered what the state of education would look like this fall, for the past few months our MVSD team has worked diligently to prepare the best educational options for our students while keeping the safety of our students and staff as our top priority. A Beginning of School Task Force was formed in late June, made up of volunteer members from across the District including teachers, support staff, administrators, certificated and classified employees who worked together in subcommittees to create a plan focused on safety, logistics, instruction and social/emotional supports. The Task Force continues to collaborate with the goal of ensuring the District’s school communities are healthy and connected, and all students are receiving high-quality instruction that meets their needs. These last few weeks have been full of in-depth conversations, community engagement, planning, adjusting plans based on new guidelines, and planning some more. Throughout these days of collaboration and discussions our students and their safety was at the center of our work.
We appreciate our families and staff taking our surveys and providing input on the upcoming school year. Your responses helped guide our work. The results of the family survey indicated that 57.14% preferred an online only instructional program. When asked about a hybrid learning model, 65.66% preferred two days per week in the classroom and three days per week of virtual distance learning from home. When asked if restrictions eased and at some point during the school year we were able to bring back all students to campus, 65.43% of families prefer a combination of both classroom setting and virtual distance learning at home. More detailed survey results are included in this document.
Utilizing the work of the Task Force Committee as well as survey responses, we have planned two instructional models for the 2020-20201 school year including a Three Phased Instructional Model and an All Online Virtual Academy in order to provide options for families to choose what they are most comfortable with for their children.
The intent of this document is to provide our families and staff insight into what the 2020-2021 school year will look like based on information we have today. The information provided is based on orders set by the State of California Department of Public Health and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health that our District must follow. Additionally, the plan includes guidelines set by the California Department of Education and the Los Angeles County Office of Education. Please note this document is subject to change based on current orders set by the State of California and Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. Even with a glimpse of plans for the school year, the truth is with the uncertainty of the
COVID-19 virus we don’t know what is coming our way and we are doing our very best to plan accordingly.
We understand that each family’s situation is different and we hope the information provided will give them the information they need to make the best selection for their student.
We look forward to starting our 2020-2021 school year and providing our students with a new way of schooling that includes academic learning and social emotional support while continuing our mission of inspiring every student to succeed every day.
Sincerely,
Lillian Maldonado French
Superintendent
Table of Contents
- Message from the Superintendent
- Table of Contents
- Vision - Mission - Guiding Principles
- Online Student Enrollment
- School Office Visits
- Food Distribution
- Schoology
- English Learners/Special Education
- Attending to the Social Emotional Well-Being of Our Students
- Family Resources
- Wellness
- Family Survey Results
- Educational Options
- Learning Environment Considerations
- Instructional Program Registration
- What You Can Do
- Community Resources
- Distance Learning Sample Schedules
Vision- Mission-Guiding Principles
Vision:
Throughout the 2020-21 school year, our communities are healthy
and connected, and all students are receiving high-quality instruction
that meets their needs
Mission:
“Each member of the District will hold themselves accountable for
each student to become academically successful. Each student will
become a problem solver, critical thinker, an effective communicator
and a positive contributor to their school community.”
Guiding Principles:
• Maintaining continuity of instruction
• Keeping students and staff safe and healthy
• Ensuring access and equity for all students
• Communicating and collaborating with stakeholders, such as staff,
families, bargaining units and community partners
• Ensuring flexibility to meet the needs and advocate for all students,
while maintaining fiscal solvency
Parents register their child through the AERIES Online Student
Registration Portal which is found on our District website, click below.
As with all new students, you will be required to submit additional information in person
at the school. For preschool, please contact the Children's Center - 626-652-4250.
NEW STUDENTS TO THE DISTRICT
Students that are enrolling for the first time in the District will be required to present the
following documentation to the school site after you have completed the first step of the
registration.
• Proof of address (Utility Receipts: Gas / Electric / Water/Property Tax Receipt/Monthly
Mortgage Statement/Rental Agreement)
• Proof of age (Birth Certificate (Original or Certified copy)/County Recorder's written
statement certifying date of birth (has county seal)/Passport/ Affidavit of Parent /
Guardian
• Health/Immunization Records
• Special Education paperwork (RSP, SDC, Speech) or 504 documents
• Court documents
RETURNING STUDENTS
For those students that are returning to the Mountain View School District, you will be
required to:
• Verify current information
• Complete and update all necessary information
• Electronically sign the necessary documents
• To verify information, click here: https://bit.ly/aeries-portal
School Office Visits
Guidelines for School Office Visits
- It is highly encouraged to conduct business with office personnel remotely.
- Communicate with the school by phone or email
- Appointments are highly encouraged to visit the school office.
- All visitors must sign in providing contact information such as a phone number or email address.
- Visitors are required to wear face coverings at all times covering their nose and mouth, including all children age 2 and older.
- Visitors are encouraged to come alone.
- Visitors accompanied with children must ensure that the child stays next to the adult at all times.
- Appointments are required when picking up devices or supplies.
District Office: 626-652-4000
Mountain View Family Center: 626-652-4966
School Office Phone Numbers
- Baker Elementary School 626-652-4700
- Cogswell Elementary School 626-652-4100
- Kranz Intermediate School 626-652-4200
- La Primaria Elementary SchooL 626-652-4150
- Madrid Middle School 626-652-4300
- Maxson Elementary School 626-652-4500
- Miramonte Elementary School 626-652-4600
- Monte Vista School 626-652-4650
- Parkview Elementary School 626-652-4800
- Payne Elementary School 626-652-4900
- Twin Lakes Elementary School 626-652-4400
- Voorhis Elementary School 626-652-4450
- Children's Center/Head Start 626-652-4250
MEAL DISTRIBUTION - Making a Difference With Every Meal
5-Day Breakfast and Lunch Meal Packs
Meals will be available to Preschool - 8th grade students enrolled in MVSD.
- Cogswell School 11050 Fineview Street, El Monte
- Kranz School 12460 Fineview Street, El Monte
- Madrid School 3300 Gilman Road, El Monte
- Payne School 2850 N. Mountain View Road, El Monte
- Twin Lakes School 3900 Gilman Road, El Monte
Additional distribution sites will be added in the future.
Check the district website for updates.
If you have any questions, please contact the
Nutrition Service Department at 626-652-4082
We continue to adhere to USDA and CDE guidance for meals provisions.
Each Convenient Grab & Go
Bag Contains:
A 5-day BREAKFAST Bag
A 5-day LUNCH Bag
SCHOOLOGY LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
MVSD will be using Schoology, a learning management system by PowerSchool to efficiently manage instruction, learning, grading, attendance, assessment, analytics, state reporting, special education, student registration, communication and more. PowerSchool is the leading
provider of K-12 education application technology supporting over 45 million students in over 80 countries.
Schoology includes all the tools needed to create engaging content, design lessons and
assess student understanding.
Schoology connects everyone on the same network to boost communication and sharing in
the classroom and across the district. It will be used to communicate with students, staff,
and parents with mass updates, messages, mobile notifications and more.
Schoology keeps students engaged because it’s similar to the technologies they love to use
outside the classroom. It enables them to be active participants in a moderated classroom
community that encourages collaboration, discussion, and creativity.
Schoology keeps parents informed and engaged with anytime, anywhere access to
360-degree views of their student’s performance including:
• Tools to monitor student progress and communicate with teachers
• Real-time notifications alert parents to new grades and attendance
• Important class announcements and reminders
• Interactive calendars providing a big-picture view of student workloads,
meaning parents can help students stay on track and manage their time
• Parents can easily access important documents like IEPs
• Private communication channels enable one-on-one correspondence with
teachers to discuss student progress and growth
** Training and support on the use of Schoology will be provided for our
parents/families by the District.
English Learners
Designated and Integrated English Language Development will continue to be delivered in all
content areas to ensure access to rigorous curriculum and success in standards mastery.
Reclassification remains a goal for our English Learner students. Communication with families
will be key to the continued development toward English proficiency.
Special Education
During a partial or full closure, Special Education teachers/or staff will communicate
through e-mail, phone, and virtual platform.
Learning opportunities will be created by the Special Education Team utilizing learning
packets and virtual classrooms.
Contingency learning plans could also utilize textbooks, workbooks, paper packets,
documents made available on technology devices, web-based resources, and other
internet content.
Individualized education program (IEP) teams will work with families and students
with disabilities to ensure students will have access to the types of specialized services
indicated on their IEPs.
IEP team meetings will be held in accordance with current community health standards either
in person or virtual meetings.
The IEP will outline free, appropriate public education (FAPE) for a traditional school year.
However, alternative plans for learning during COVID-19 can be created for students with disabilities to address needs during a fluctuating environment with parental agreement. This alternative plan will be documented on a separate document than the IEP.
Social Emotional Well-Being
Attending to the Social Emotional Well-Being of Our Students Will be a Top Priority Throughout the School Year
District and school staff are committed to supporting students' social emotional
wellness and offering resources to ensure students transition back to school
smoothly. Support may include social emotional learning, building relationships,
community building activities, and increased access to mental health/wellness
services. Families and schools will need to work together to check how students
are feeling and assess their individual needs to provide the support our students
need during these challenging times.
Your family can access our free telehealth and virtual therapy resources made
available through our partner Care Solace. Those in need of support may
contact Care Solace 24/7 at 888-515-0595, email weserve@caresolace.org,
or access our district’s unique page: www.Caresolace.com/mvsdfamilies.
For more resources, visit our website at www.mountainviewschools.com
Family Resources
The Mountain View Family Center provides a wide variety of resources to help families
with their academic and social emotional needs. Parents can access the following by
visiting the center or by calling and speaking to one of our staff members.
- COVID-19 awareness and training in spread prevention
- Assistance with enrollment, transfers, and all registration needs
- Support navigating Remote Learning including logging on to Google classroom and connecting to Zoom meetings
- Guidance on applying for Medi-Cal and CalFresh renewals
- Community resources including food, clothing, utility assistance, and low income housing
- Tutoring services
- Mental health services including counseling and referrals to outside agencies
- Community computer lab
- Classes and webinars on parenting, emotional safety, and general school information
- College and career advising
- Support with medical needs
The Family Center is located at:
2740 Mt. View Road
El Monte, CA 91732
(626) 652-4966
Wellness
MVSD staff will take essential actions to keep staff and students physically and emotionally safe and healthy.
Our schools shall embrace individuality, strengths, and challenges with support, understanding, and encouragement.
COUNSELING AND SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING
- Offer multi-level supports for the impact of physical distancing measures
- Offer multi-level supports to overcome stress and anxiety
- Offer multi-level supports to address social/emotional needs
- Facilitate outside counseling when requested
ADJUST INSTRUCTION PRIORITIZING STUDENT HEALTH
- Provide markers to indicate distancing guidelines
- Provide instruction in proper hand-washing and use of face coverings
- Limit activities with high contact
- Provide education around minimizing spread of infectious disease
Family Survey Results
MVSD surveyed families with the following questions to find out what type of instruction they want for their child/children for the 2020-2021 school year.
For the upcoming School year 2020-2021, are you ONLY interested in a 100% Online Learning
model for ALL your children?
1,022 responses
42.86% - No
57.14% - Yes
If we are unable to have all students on campus full time, which hybrid learning model would
you prefer? Both will follow health and safety guidelines with masks and physical distancing.
Option A - Two days per week in the classroom and three days per week virtual learning.
Option B - Five days a week- half days in the classroom, Morning group/ Afternoon group,
half days virtual learning
1,022 responses
Option A - 65.66%
Option B - 34.34%
If restrictions are eased at some point during the school year, and we’re able to bring back all
students to campus following health and safety guidelines with masks and physical distancing, which of the following options would best fit your needs?
Option A - Combination of both classroom setting and virtual distance learning at home, 5 days a week.
Option B - In a classroom setting, 5 days a week
1,001 responses
Option A - 65.43%
Option B - 34.57%
Educational Options
Quality instruction and a commitment to equity for all students continues to be a focus for the Mountain View School District. We understand the needs of our students and families vary, therefore, we have provided instructional options for the 2020-2021 school year. We hope the following information will help parents and families make the best choice for their students. All parents/families will be required to choose the program of choice and complete an Instructional Program Registration for the 2020-2021 school year by August 1, 2020.
2020-2021 INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS
The Mountain View School District considers the health and safety of all students and staff
members of the utmost importance when designing a plan that will provide the best possible
educational experience for students and at the same time keep everyone safe. For that reason, we determined that an in-person start to the school year is premature. We have devised a Phase Model that begins with students in Distance Learning from home and as safety permits, a phased transition to in-person learning on campus.
For the 2020-2021 school year, MVSD will be offering families with a choice of instructional options including:
- Three-Phase Return to Campus Instructional Model including Distance Learning which transitions into a hybrid of In-Person Learning and Remote/Distance Learning as safety permits and eventually a return to traditional school on campus implemented in three phases
- All Online Virtual Academy
THREE PHASE RETURN TO CAMPUS MODEL
Phase I – Students will begin the school year on August 17, 2020, with Distance Learning from home. Teachers will lead standards-based daily Distance Learning lessons, with rigorous follow-up activities to be completed virtually. Services to special populations will be provided. Access to technical support for families will be available at schools. Pending the situation with the COVID-19 cases and guidance from Public Health, we plan for Phase I to continue until Los Angeles County has met the requisites to safely return students to campus.
Phase 2 – Will include a Hybrid Instructional Model with the possibility of students returning to campus for In-Person classes 2 or 3 days per week and Remote/Distance Learning at home 2 or 3 days per week. Schools will follow all health and safety protocols to ensure the safety of students and staff. Pending the situation with the COVID-19 cases and guidance from Public Health, we plan for Phase 2 to continue until it is deemed safe to add more students on campus. Families wishing to continue Distance Learning only can chose the Virtual Academy.
Phase 3 – MVSD schools have enough space and are equipped to house all of our students on each campus while maintaining social distancing protocols. When it is deemed safe to do so, we will gradually welcome all students wishing to come back to our schools for 2-3 days a week of in-person instruction and 2-3 days a week of supervised virtual follow-up activities.
THREE PHASED INSTRUCTIONAL MODEL
- Standards-based curriculum
- Utilizes district core adoptions
- Modeled units of study developed and delivered by MVSD teachers
- Learning schedule is teacher paced
- Coordinated at the site with district support
- Attendance taken by teacher
- Supports special programs such as SEAL, Dual Language Immersion, English Learners, GATE, PBIS, Think Together
This model couples Remote/Distance Learning at home and In-Person learning
on campus as health guidelines permit.
VIRTUAL ACADEMY - ALL ONLINE INSTRUCTION
- Standards-based curriculum
- Utilizes district core adoptions
- Delivered by MVSD teachers
- Coordinated at the District with site support
- Attendance taken by teacher
- Online daily schedule
- Traditional grading
- Daily teacher support
- Online and in-person supports, such as social-emotional, technology, etc.
- Access to extra-curricular activities
What is the difference between Remote/Distance Learning and the Virtual Academy?
- Remote/Distance Learning is part of the traditional school program. It is a response to school closures to ensure the continuity of learning for students.
- The Virtual Academy provides an alternative to the Traditional School program. The educational program is delivered through a virtual setting. It includes daily live interaction with teachers and rigorous follow-up activities. It is the same as Phase 1.
Please note, school is mandatory. All programs, even distance learning, will take attendance. If your child cannot participate or attend programs on a particular day, please call the school.
If you or your child is having problems with technology or with Internet access, please let your teacher or school know as soon as possible. We are here to support you.
MVSD Virtual Academy
MVSD TK-8 Virtual Acdemy provides students and families with the option to choose a fully virtual schedule. MVSD offers a large range of rigorous courses for students from
Transitional Kindergarten through Grade 8.
MVSD has worked to assure that rigor, relevance, and relationships are essential elements
of our online coursework. This is achieved through high quality content that includes a
multimedia-rich, interactive learning experience that is aligned and delivered by highly
trained, highly qualified MVSD teachers.
- Rigor: Each online course matches the level of rigor found in our current district courses.
- Relevance: Each online course is designed to meet the learning goals and objectives of our current district courses while engaging students with meaningful, relevant content and activities, and rich, interactive digital resources.
- Relationships: Throughout their virtual learning experience, students receive support and individualized instruction from certified MVSD teachers. In addition, each online course provides substantial teacher-to-student/family communication including expectations and progress.
Throughout the learning experience, students receive support from certified MVSD
teachers who provide one-on-one instruction. The Virtual Academy is intended for a
full-year program. With that said, families may request to move their child from the Virtual
Academy to the Three Phased Instructional Model, but please remember this will involve
a change of teachers. Please speak with your child’s teacher and then principal regarding any concerns.
Students will have access to:
- Quality instruction
- Credentialed teachers
- Counselors
- Extra-curricular activities
LEARNING ENVIRONMENT CONSIDERATIONS
THREE PHASE MODEL (Coupled with Remote Learning as needed)
Pros
- Provides Remote/Distance Learning at home and In-Person learning on campus as health guidelines permit.
- Traditional structured learning environment in a familiar setting
- Allows for student collaboration and social interaction
- Creates good routines for students
- Structured learning schedule
Cons
- Required social distancing & PPE
- Based on Public Health guidance, the program may toggle between face-to-face instruction and Remote Learning
- If toggled to Remote Learning, students will need childcare and support at home
VIRTUAL ACADEMY
100% online learning
Pros
- Students complete all instruction online from home
- Online daily schedule with teacher support
- Low safety risk
Cons
- Limited direct interaction with other students with needed parent support
- Special Programs such as GATE, etc. are not available in this format
Can a student move from one program model to the other at any time?
Families may request to move their child from one program or another, but please remember
this will involve a change of teachers. Please speak with your child’s teacher and then principal regarding any concerns with any program and allow for time to make course corrections where needed. Ultimately, we will work with you to select the best instructional setting for your child.
INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM REGISTRATION
All parents are required to complete Instructional Program Registration for the
2020-2021 school year by August 1, 2020.
In order to best support the needs of our families for the 2020-2021 school year,
please visit our district website http://www.mtviewschools.com and click on the Instructional
Program Options link to choose the Instructional Model for your child/children.
Instructional Model Choice:
Instructional Model Choice A
Three Phase Model
- Phase 1 - Distance Learning Model - all students remain at home.
- Phase 2 - Hybrid Model - 2-3 days in-person learning and the rest of the week in Distance learning.
- Phase 3 - Hybrid Model - Safely accommodating all students on campus to do in-person and virtual learning on campus.
Instructional Model Choice B
Virtual Academy
- 100% online instruction from home.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
To Ensure the Health and Safety of Everyone in our Community, and the Academic Success of all our Children, Please Commit to:
Successful Distance Learning:
- Read all communications from the district, school, and teachers
- Contact your child's school or teacher if you have any questions, concerns with
- distance learning or need help with technology
- School is mandatory. Make sure your child participates every day, including
- Preschool, Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten
- Call the District Office if you can't reach your school (626-652-4000)
- Encourage your child to ask questions
Staying Healthy:
- If you experience any symptoms, please stay home
- Wear personal protective equipment (face coverings that covers the nose and mouth, for adults and children ages 2 and older)
- Follow the processes and guidelines for SOCIAL DISTANCING - Stay at least 6 ft. apart from anyone who doesn't live in your home
- Clean and disinfect high touch areas in your home at least twice a day
- Practice proper hand washing and sanitizing
- Cough and sneeze into tissues or your elbow
- Get the whole family up and dancing every day!
Let's Stay SAFE and WELL
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
LAW ENFORCEMENT RESOURCES
El Monte Police Department
626-580-2100
Temple City Sheriff Department
626-285-7171
MENTAL HEALTH HOTLINES
Youth Hotline
877-968-8491
Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741
National Suicide Prevention Hotline
800-273-8255
National Domestic Violence Hotline
800-799-7233
Child Abuse Hotline
800-540-4000
HELP CENTERS
Didi Hirsch Suicide Prevention Center
877-727-4747
Mental Health Access Line
800-854-7771
Domestic Violence LA County
800-978-3600
LA County Social Service Helpline
Phone #211
Substance Abuse & Mental Heal Services
Administration (SAMHSA)
800-662-43-57
LOCAL MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
Pacific Cinics
626-453-3399
Foothill Family Clinic
626-993-3000
Asian Pacific Clinic
626-287-2988
Care Solace
888-515-0595 or access through