@ Alta Vista
March 17, 2020
IMPORTANT UPDATES
I've heard from some of you over the past few days and it sounds like people are doing well so far. This is definitely a new world for all of us - whether it is trying to find space to spread out and work from home (when everyone in your house is doing the same), keeping stir-crazy kids happy, or just figuring out what needs to be used in the fridge next - life is feeling upside down.
I would like to assure you that we have a district plan for providing at-home learning; details about the plan will be shared very shortly. When word of possible school closures started last week, our ToSAs and L&I team began diligently working to prepare templates and resources for teachers to provide continuity of learning for our students. As the situation continued to evolve, we restructured the professional development day in order for grade level and department teams to collaborate and prepare for the possibility of at-home learning. However, as you know, on Friday we were directed to close schools effective Monday and we did not have the opportunity to come together for collaboration and training.
Many of you shared that you had materials ready to go home and some parents are wondering why we didn’t start online learning on Monday, March 16. On Thursday of last week, districts received conflicting guidance from the state and US Department of Education which caused us to pause our plan. Specifically, a legal analysis of the guidance provided that: "...given the potential equity issues, and potential for related liability claims, LEAs (school districts) should consider delaying implementation at least until Tuesday March 17, when CDE (California Department of Education) and HHSA (Health and Human Services Agency) are expected to issue their guidance." This was important guidance to follow as we believe all students should have access to learning and we anticipate that potential legal issues are now being addressed by the Governor.
It is clear now that the Governor expects schools to continue to provide learning opportunities for students during these closures. We’re fortunate in Union to have access to a level of technology resources and support that many districts simply do not. Our ToSAs and Tech Department have been working on transitioning the face-to-face training we were planning to provide this week to an online format. Please rest assured that the plan our ToSAs have prepared does provide for 2-weeks of pre-built content for grades TK-5. These ready to go resources will enable us time to assess future needs and develop additional resources during the closures. Our ToSAs are ready to support us as we head down this road.
In moving our training and collaboration online, the technology department has identified Zoom as the best platform for staff sized meetings. Zoom is an easy to use online video conferencing tool that supports large groups. I am asking all staff to please sign up for a free Zoom account. You can create an account here - https://zoom.us/signup using either your Unionsd.org Google account or your school email address. If you need help signing up, email support@unionsd.org with the subject: Zoom. I just set mine up this morning and it was easy. Training webinars are also available if you would like to explore the interface, otherwise, I will be sending a meeting invite to everyone with a Zoom link. Please plan on attending our first staff meeting on Wednesday at 10:00.
I commend all of you for your dedication and willingness to help support each other and our families in this unprecedented situation that is changing day-by-day.
I look forward to seeing everyone (digitally) tomorrow at 10:00.
Thanks,
Cathy