Placerita Prospector
Placerita Jr. High School - March 15 2020
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This Week at Placerita 3.15.2020
Good Evening Placerita Families...
I do not believe any of us anticipated that we would be out of school for the next three weeks (plus Spring Break). This is like nothing that has ever happened in any of our lifetimes. I would like to let you know that we are willing to do whatever we can to help reduce the stress.
First... Tomorrow morning from 8:00 AM - 12 noon we are going to be collecting any work that students have to turn in that they didn't get to turn in before they left on Friday. We will be out in front and you can only walk up and leave after dropping off or drive through for drop-off. You need to make sure that your students know to have two things on any paperwork they drop off. They will need their name and their teacher's name in the upper right corner of their paper.
Please take a good look at the information below from our Superintendent if you have not seen it and also all the information from the District about how to be connected at home. We will also be sending out a full list of class codes for students to use to get connected to their classes if they missed it or have not seen it yet.
Official Google Classroom G Suite Class assignments will officially begin on Wednesday, March 18th. We will send and post more information as it becomes available.
If your student already completed the Tech Survey last week in their science class and are on the list for not having a computer at home, you will be contacted by a separate email for a time to drop in to pick up your Chromebook.
That’s it for tonight, let's make the best of it this week. We can do this.
Mr. Turner
Latest Message from the Superintendent
I am sending you this email as a follow-up to our earlier communication about the closure of all Hart District Schools. Many of you have called or emailed with concern over the escalating series of restrictions, cancellations, and closures passed down this week. I understand your frustration and I believe you are due an explanation.
For several weeks, we have been in regular contact with the LA County Department of Public Health (LADPH) and the LA County Office of Education (LACOE) as we tracked the progress of COVID-19. Per their recommendations, we initiated progressively restrictive precautionary steps to slow/stop the spread of the disease. Last night’s memo followed directly from a new list of directives that were shared with us only yesterday morning. At that time, LACOE’s specific recommendation was not to close schools unless directed to do so by the Health Department.
This morning that situation changed swiftly and dramatically. First, LA Unified, the State’s largest school district, conducted an emergency meeting and announced its imminent closure. Next, LACOE convened a virtual meeting of the 80 Superintendents in the county and recommended the closure of all schools. Once we received that word, we immediately began taking steps to implement the Count Office of Education’s recommendation.
All District schools will now be closed from Monday, March 16th through Friday, April 3rd. The following week of April 6th - April 10th is our previously scheduled Spring Break. Unless events dictate otherwise, students should expect to return to campus on Monday, April 13th.
We have anticipated this potential outcome for some time and have been planning behind the scenes for student learning to continue through the use of Google Classroom online. Your student is likely familiar with this resource as many teachers already use it as an effective teaching tool. If not, please have your student reach out to a teacher for better understanding. Monday and Tuesday of next week have been set aside as time for teachers and students to connect in this new format and to iron out some of the many challenges that will arise from such a rapid transition. Expect additional assistance and direction in the coming days. Wednesday is the day students should plan to begin this temporary period of distance learning.
This closure is in support of the recommendations from public health officials to encourage “social distancing” to slow the spread of the Coronavirus. Therefore, we recommend that students stay home during the closure as much as possible and avoid gathering in public places. In addition, we can maximize the effectiveness of these efforts by reinforcing these simple preventative measures:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Get vaccinated for the flu.
Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time of uncertainty. We do not make these decisions lightly as we know they have a significant impact on our families and our community.
I wish you a safe and healthy weekend,
Mike Kuhlman
Superintendent
William S. Hart Union High School District
Video from the District about our Distance Learning Program
More Information from the District about Distance Learning
Google G Suite for Education
Google G Suite for Education has many options when it comes to engagement and collaboration online. If you are unfamiliar with these programs, please visit the Hart District Google Support Site at: https://google.hartdistrict.org
We recommend the following applications:
- Google Classroom - Create assignments and discussions with students working remotely.
- G Suite - Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, etc.
- Google Chat - Online text chat.
- Google Meet - Online video conferencing for up to 100 people.
WiSH Education Foundation Chromebook Program
If you are a Hart District student and do not have a computer at home to use for school work, you are automatically eligible to receive a FREE used Chromebook. This WiSH Education Foundation program is run through each school site. If you are in need of a device, please contact your school site for steps on how to get one. You can go to your school's website and use the "Contact" options.
Free or Reduced Cost Home Internet Service
- AT&T - Reduced Cost
- Charter / Spectrum - Free for 60 Days
You may call 1-844-488-8398 for Spectrum services.
HOW to Access Google Classroom from Home
Class Schedule during the Next Three Weeks
Click below to open a PDF of the above Learning Plan
Suggested at Home Schedule
Our Crisis Flyers are still functional
Placerita Jr. High School
The William S. Hart Union High School District prohibits unlawful discrimination against and/or harassment of any student on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, national origin, immigration status, ancestry, religion, age, marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, or sexual orientation at any District site and/or activity.
Email: jturner@hartdistrict.org
Website: www.placeritajuniorhigh.org
Location: 25015 Newhall Avenue, Santa Clarita, CA, USA
Phone: 661-259-1551
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1506369076295455/
Twitter: @placeritajhs