CUSD UPDATE
July 14, 2020
"A BEND IN THE ROAD IS NOT THE END OF THE ROAD....UNLESS YOU FAIL TO MAKE THE TURN."
- Helen Keller
Message from Superintendent Mueller
Good morning,
You may have learned San Diego and Los Angeles Unified School Districts announced yesterday that they would reopen on August 31 in an exclusively online learning environment. San Diego Unified shared that their commitment to online instruction was for the first week of school only, and that they will continue to monitor changes in conditions to determine possible timelines for a physical return to campus. Conversely, the Board of Education in Orange County yesterday approved a return to school plan for all students without requiring masks. The decision by LAUSD and SDUSD is in response to increases of COVID-19 cases across California but made without a directive from public health officials. The San Diego County Public Health Order (effective July 7, 2020) states All public, charter and private schools may hold classes or school business operations on the school campus, provided the school complies with the measures contained in the State COVID-19 Industry Guidance. This order will change between now and the end of the week, and again by the end of the month. SDUSD and LAUSD are two of the largest districts in California, while Coronado Unified is one of the smallest. This allows us greater flexibility in our ability to adapt to the changing conditions and adjust to public health guidelines.
CUSD remains committed to navigating this pandemic with responsible and hopeful decision-making. We are guided by and responsive to directives from Public Health Officials. We strive to do what is best for our district staff and student body. We understand that our re-entry plans must be flexible, inclusive, and practical, with a focus on the overall health and well-being of our shareholders. While we are prepared to open the school year in a rigorous online learning environment, the Fall Task Force will continue to focus efforts on further on-campus and distance learning options, as well as hybrid contingency planning. Hosting a community forum on July 23 to present current reopening plans and strategies will bring our parent voice into the decision-making process.
As positive cases have spiked across our county, our primary concern remains the long term health and safety of our staff, students, and community. Current conditions lend themselves to continued precautions like closures, masks, and distancing. If school was starting in the next few weeks, opening in an online environment would be the prudent course of action to take. I understand that the continuing uncertainty is challenging and that many would like to know what our return in late August will look like. People are seeking reassurances, safety and predictability right now and uncertainty has drawbacks. We are aware that parents and staff need to plan and make decisions for their families in part based on reopening plans. However, in these evolving times, flexibility is also essential and we need the ability to adjust and respond to current conditions. As a district, we will not commit to 100% distance learning at this time, although this option remains an available choice for our families. If conditions permit, we want the option to have our staff and students on campus aligned with current guidance from public health officials, including how to respond if a student or teacher tests positive for COVID-19. To date, this critical information has not been provided.
A successful response to this pandemic requires a concerted whole community effort. Schools exist within the communities we serve; we are interdependent and all plans must be responsive to current public health conditions. Precautions, mitigation, protocols and schedules for any school reopening plan continue to be as dependent upon what is happening outside our jurisdiction as within. This responsibility is shared by us all. Wear your mask, maintain social distance, and wash your hands. We need to work together to decrease the spread of this virus.
Respectfully,
Karl Mueller
Superintendent
CUSD is excited to announce a new partnership with Champions to provide before and after school childcare and enrichment opportunities beginning this Fall.
Child-development research shows that three important things impact a child’s future success: social-emotional skills, executive-function skills, and opportunities for inquiry-based learning. With almost 30 years of experience, Champions has developed a curriculum that is carefully designed to build on these three areas in a fun and engaging environment. Their daily learning activities highlight group problem-solving, leadership, focus and self-regulation skills, and frequently follow a child’s own interests to spark self-guided learning. We are excited to partner with Champions to provide meaningful opportunities for Every Child, Every Day to feel connected, challenged, and inspired.
Additional information about Champions can be found by following this link.
CUSD Grab-and-Go Meal Service: Will continue each Monday through the end of August!
Grab-and-Go Meal Service at Village Elementary and Silver Strand
When: Every Monday (except Holidays)
Location: Multi-Purpose Rooms at VES (H Street, with the line forming along Green Field on 7th Street) and Silver Strand Elementary
Distribution Time: 11:00AM - 1:00PM (while supplies last)
Our next distribution day will be Monday, 7/20 beginning at 11AM. All families with children 18 and under will be able to pick up free breakfast and lunch meals via curb-side pick-up. Each child will receive one bag that contains 7 days’ worth of meals for breakfast and lunch. Meals may consist of packaged, refrigerated, and/or frozen items (heating instructions will be provided). District and school staff will start "Grab and Go Distribution" of meal bags at 11AM, and will stop once all bags are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
All meals will be distributed curb-side to decrease the risk of exposure. Bags will be placed into automobile trunks-they will not be handed through the vehicle window for the protection of both our staff and vehicle occupants. Only those in cars will be served meals during this pick-up window, no walk-ups or bicycles are allowed in order to maintain social distancing protocols. If you are unable to pick-up meals by car or during the scheduled distribution time, please email Charity.Campbell@coronadousd.net on or before the Friday before pick-up at noon and we will schedule an alternative window to pick-up a meal.
Meals may not be distributed to students. Students who are receiving meals are encouraged to be physically present at the time of pick-up. Additionally, adults may pick up meals for students not present by printing and submitting this form at the time of pick-up. No meals will be distributed to parents/guardians without a child present or a form submitted at time of pick up due to state regulations.
Meals are available for all children aged 18 and under. Children are not required to be students of Coronado Unified School District. Our incredible Child Nutrition Service team members and volunteers have served over 124,260 meals since this program began. We are prepared to serve meals weekly to over 830 children (11,620 meals in total). As demands increase, we will continue to increase the number of meals we prepare in order to accommodate the needs of our entire school community. This is free for all children, regardless of meal status - please spread the word!
Register Now For The 2020-2021 School Year
Please check our website for the newest additions including New K-8 Enrichment Activities for English Language Arts and Mathematics!
Caught Being Awesome!
As our educators, parents, and community come together to connect, challenge, and champion our students during our district closure, we are humbled by the outpouring of compliments during these trying times. What a positive testament to our CUSD family!
Click here to recognize an employee or volunteer who goes above and beyond to make a difference. Those who are "caught" will receive a copy of the positive words that were shared about them and a "Caught Being Awesome" decal. Please take a minute or two to brighten someone else's day!
Important Resources and Document Links
Adhere to Social Distancing
About CUSD
Email: information@coronadousd.net
Website: coronadousd.net/
Location: 201 6th Street, Coronado, CA, USA
Phone: (619) 522-8900
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoronadoUSD/