MLA Bulletin
March 24, 2020
A Message from the Principal
I know I've only scratched the surface of what makes MLA so special, but I'm certain it has something to do with your perseverance, your generosity, and your commitment to social justice and equity. Even during this scary time, countless families have reached out to ask how they can help. Adrienne and Ursula are delivering meals to families. Mary, Jose and Alma are wiping down chromebooks to be delivered to students. Robert is shuttling reimbursement checks back and forth to our teachers. Kimi is tracking down masks to deliver to hospitals. Anna is partnering with teachers to ensure families have groceries. Don Lucio is connecting families with resources. Tori is connecting OUSD to corporate support for rides. This is only the tip of the iceberg of what I know each and every one of you is doing to take care of yourself, your family, and each other. I'm inspired. I'm grateful.
In this bulletin you will find information about ways to help MLA families during the shelter in place, updates on after school payments, an invite to our first Zoom Asamblea, and plans for home learning moving forward. I hope this answers some of the questions you have and offers some options for how to keep your child learning and engaged with the MLA community during this time.
Finally, I want to make two important requests of our parent community:
1. Parents with students in the After School Program: please, if you are able to pay for after school during this time, continue to do so. Our after school staff is our family. The majority of their salaries depend on family payments, with only 20% of their budget coming from the District. I understand that many families are facing financial hardships themselves and respect that some families will be unable to pay during this time. However, if you are able to continue to pay or even donate, please do. Please reach out to Princess and Armando with questions. Armando@lovelearnsuccess.org.
2. Respecting Teacher Working Hours and Boundaries: our amazing staff is faced with the very challenging task of figuring out how to shift daily dual language instruction -- much of which they generate on their own -- into distance learning. This is not easy and it cannot be generated over night. Please read the guidance below around respecting teachers' work and boundaries:
- Last week, teacher focus was on reaching out to each family for wellness checks. This week, their focus is on exploring different online learning platforms, trying on different resources, and collaborating with each other to generate a plan for April 6 and beyond.
- We will share additional home learning offerings on April 6, should the shelter in place continue.
- If you have a question for a teacher, please email them or send them a message via TalkingPoints; do not use their personal cell unless they gave you explicit permission.
- Please respect teacher working hours of 8am-2:45pm.
- Teachers are asked to respond to emails and TalkingPoints within 24 hours (excluding weekends) of receiving a message.
- Thank you for all of the hard work you're doing to keep your child connected to their classroom community. Please do not schedule class zoom calls or google hangouts without the partnership of your teacher. We want to make sure every child is included!
Thank you for your support as we build a foundation for continued learning moving forward. In these uncertain times, I appreciate your trust and patience.
With love,
Bri
MLA Zoom Asamblea
Please click on this link to join:
https://ousd.zoom.us/j/438457372
Note -- you may need to download the Zoom app prior to joining us, so give yourself a little bit of time to prepare. Zoom can be accessed via smartphone and computer.
Wednesday, Mar 25, 2020, 02:30 PM
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Community Updates
- The deadline to accept enrollment offers from round 1 has been extended until April 9. Please make sure you accept your spot in Schoolmint by April 9.
- The second round lottery applications are due by April 17. The second round lottery will take place on April 30. If you are on the waitlist, new offers will be made on April 30 and beyond.
2020-2021 Hiring:
We have some exciting new roles to share with the community. If you know someone who might be a good fit for our team, please share these roles with them:
Shelter in Place Resources
- Computers: We are loaning computers to families who have internet access in their homes. If you have internet in your home and you do not have a computer for your child to use, please send an email or a TalkingPoints message to your child's crew leader or teacher.
- Internet: If you do not have internet access in your home, please visit https://www.internetessentials.com/ to sign up. If you need help, please reach out to your child's teacher via email or TalkingPoints.
- Food: The District's Grab N Go food drop-off locations will continue to operate during spring break and will distribute food on Mondays and Thursdays from 8am-12pm.
- News and Updates: Please continue to visit the District's Website for updates about school closures and resources. https://www.ousd.org/coronavirus
Follow our MLA Insta-Artists @ #artedemla
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Melrose Leadership Academy
Email: mlaschoolquestions@gmail.com
Website: www.melroseleadershipacademy.org
Location: 4730 Fleming Avenue, Oakland, CA, USA
Phone: (510)535-3832
Facebook: facebook.com/melroseleadershipacademy