Foothill MS Community Memo
October 31, 2020
Hello!
At the present time I understand there are a lot of questions in the community, as well as a void of information in regards to Hybrid and Distance Learning. Here is the Superintendent's Friday Letter which contains some information.
Surveys from the District will help to decide how Hybrid and Distance Learning will operate. The first survey has been pushed out to families, which is non-binding. It is an exploration to find out how each of our school communities is thinking what they may want for their child/children. The second survey, which will be binding, will be pushed out on November 16. There is a lot of information that is being developed and will be distributed prior to the deadline for the binding survey.
Currently families have shared there is misinformation on social media as well as a void of information. The District and our site have not finalized any details on exactly what the Hybrid model will look like. Therefore I cannot definitively tell you the classes, the teachers, the numbers, etc. What I can share is the proposal that a Hybrid would allow students (limited in number) to come on campus for two days for instruction, which will include some online learning those days as well. They also will have three days of independent learning, which may include assignments and possibly pre-recorded videos. Until we know what families prefer and what staff will do, we cannot determine the exact details for Hybrid at this moment.
On a completely different topic, our students have been showing off their SOAR values throughout classes, in meetings, in activities, in teacher Office Hours, and more. We have been developing students to show Success, Ownership, Attitude, and Respect. Students accumulate SOAR points that can be redeemed in our Griffin Market, with some teachers, or for future activities. There is a presentation below for students to check the points they have accumulated. Please view it with your student, it is labeled "PBIS/SOAR Rewards Points Presentation". The Griffin Market will be distributing this Wednesday, November 4, 11:15-1:15. The orders must be placed by 9am on November 4. Future dates will be posted soon. All of this is found through the Clever app when students log in through the HomeLink/Aeries portal.
Coming soon: PHOTO DAYS!! We will be scheduling two days the beginning of December for students to take their picture for their ID card and the yearbook, as well as purchase packages. You will be able to schedule your time, which will provide safety and opportunity for all. It will be essential that every student has a new ID card when we return to campus. It is used for a variety of items, such as scanning their ID for checking out materials, meals, entering events, and more. It may be an important feature if we are participating in active health screening, students will scan their ID at the temperature check and then will be accounted for on campus.
Please take care and enjoy the full moon this evening. This rare treat will not occur again until 2039. I am sincerely honored to serve the Foothill Community as your principal.
Mrs. Vaiana
“19th Annual Countywide Schools Shelter in Place Day” on November 4, 2020
Normally we practice this as a school but with distance learning I wanted to afford families the opportunity to have information readily available.
CAER (Community Awareness Emergency Response), in conjunction with the County Board of Supervisors and all city councils is designating the first Wednesday of November as “Shelter in Place Education Day”. In order to raise the awareness for your families on the proper procedures to follow in the event of a hazardous release incident, please click on the above link for information.
A Look Ahead at Dates for FMS and MDUSD
Wednesday, November 4:
- First MDUSD non-binding survey due.
Monday, November 9:
- 6 pm: MDUSD Board Meeting
Wednesday, November 11:
- No School: observance of Veteran's Day
Friday, November 13:
- Virtual Visit w/Vaiana: Principal Vaiana will host a Zoom to an open forum meeting. The link will be posted and shared on Monday, November 9. You may also sign-up to receive an email with the link.
Sunday, November 15:
- Deadline for Intradistrict transfers (see below)
Monday, November 16:
- 2nd MDUSD survey sent to families
Thursday, November 19:
- MDUSD binding survey due (2nd survey)
Monday, November 23 through Friday, November 27:
- No School: Thanksgiving Recess
Repost: INTRADISTRICT TRANSFERS...
Intradistrict transfers are for students who reside inside the MDUSD boundaries requesting to transfer to another MDUSD school.
Online Application Request Periods for the 2021- 2022 School Year. The application for Secondary Grades 6-12 will be available: October 15, 2020 - November 15, 2020.
Please note your next home school if you are moving from 5th-6th grade or 8th-9th grade.
Student Services will have a limited number of laptops available in the Board Room on October 15, 2020 from 9:00am - 4:00pm for families that need assistance completing the application.
Elementary Grades TK-5 (including Two Way Dual Immersion and Bilingual Program transfer requests): February 10, 2021 - March 10, 2021
Repost: “Unassigned Area” Applications 2021-2022
The “Unassigned Area” application for the 2021-2022 school year will be available beginning on October 15, 2020. The online application, along with more information on the process is available at mdusd.org/unassignedarea.
Reminder letters to current 8th graders that live in the “Unassigned Area” to complete the “Unassigned Area” application for high school were sent out last week. A list of students, along with a copy of the letter they received, was sent to their site administrators.
Home of the Griffins
Website: foothill.mdusd.org
Location: 2775 Cedro Lane, Walnut Creek, CA, USA
Phone: 925-939-8600
Twitter: @FoothillGriffin