Soaring over MDE
Week 19
No School Monday
This week we will not have a story. Instead, we have included 2-videos to watch with your children. The videos are both roughly 6-minutes long and discuss the importance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his life.
In our newsletter this week, you will find the most recent update regarding the reopening of schools. This letter was sent earlier this week from Dr. Clark, Superintendent. I know this is not the result that we had hoped for however, the safety of our staff and students has to be at the forefront of all decisions.
Please remember that both Ms. Ramos and I are always available to talk with you via Zoom or phone, regarding any concern or issue you or your students may be having. We are continuing our random phone calls to all students through the end of the year. I hope when you see us calling you will be as excited to answer as we are to call!
This week, I had 12 students join me for the Wednesday Principal's Pals lunch bunch at 11:30am. Most were from Ms. Howisey's 3rd grade class! We got to see a bearded dragon (with costumes), a chicken, and a dog. We also did a pretty fun scavenger hunt. I hope more students join us next week! We will be doing an art lesson together in addition to sharing. ZOOM LINK
Have a wonderful weekend and enjoy the beautiful weather!
Sincerely,
Katie Sanchez
Distance Learning Will Continue in the 3rd Quarter
Dear MDUSD Families and Staff,
The MDUSD Governing Board met yesterday and concluded that distance learning must continue into March, 2021. This was also my recommendation, and comes as Contra Costa County continues now in the Purple Tier—the worst possible pandemic status—in which public health authorities are against reopening schools and larger social gatherings. Walnut Creek USD, Pittsburg USD, Antioch USD, and West Contra Costa USD confirmed that they have the same standing—distance learning must continue into the 3rd quarter.
This is not where we had hoped to be right now, but it is the reality of the pandemic in our area. The California Department of Public Health recommendation is clear that students should not be on campus while our county is in the Purple Tier.
In this moment, our focus as a school district must be on how to improve distance learning and how best we can meet the needs of students, with emphasis on social-emotional wellbeing and mental health supports. I would encourage all to continue best practices for safety, to keep wearing face coverings, continue social distancing, and to wash hands frequently. These remain the best way to fight the virus and improve our metrics.
For now, distance learning will continue. Going forward, our communication with you will continue weekly, and our Governing Board will revisit reopening plans in March.
Respectfully,
Superintendent Adam Clark, Ed.D.
Mt. Diablo Unified School District
For the rest of the Friday Letter from the Superintendent click HERE
Mt. Diablo Elementary School
Email: sanchezk@mdusd.org
Website: https://mtdiabloelementary.mdusd.org/
Phone: (925)672-4840