April 9, 2020
Dear Parents,
When we announced school closure on March 13 due to COVID-19, we took our first step toward distance learning by transitioning from classroom instruction to
flexible learning. We are now formalizing our Distance Learning Plan (DLP), which starts for your student on Monday, April 20.
No Distance Learning environment can possibly replace the face-to-face classroom experience. However, with your support, time and investment, learning continues. Our talented educators and administrators have and continue to work tirelessly to keep students on track for when face-to-face classroom learning resumes.
Our DLP takes the best of our Flexible Learning Options program, and includes the feedback from staff members and parents shared in our ThoughtExchange. Our goals for Distance Learning are to keep students engaged, focus on the essential skills that will allow them to be successful, and to maintain social connections with other students and teachers to provide stability and decrease social isolation during school closure. Our whole team is committed to providing rich learning opportunities while caring for our students’, and each other’s, emotional health.
Our Distance Learning Plan highlights:
* Access for all students with both e-learning using the internet and at-home learning using consumable materials, such as workbooks
* Video lessons by teachers that align to the District-adopted curriculum
* Lessons in STEAM, Physical Education, and elementary art and music
* Weekly activities designed for students, as well as resources for parents
* Regular check-ins and office hours with teachers
* Guidelines for amount of at-home instruction for students
* Internet access for students through hotspots, and extended wifi coverage at six strategic locations
Please review these webpages for all of MVWSD’s Distance Learning Plan’s links, directions and resources. There are many important items here. Specifically, I want to call your attention to:
Parents’ Role in Distance Learning
How MVWSD is securing video conferencing
FAQs about MVWSD’s Distance Learning and COVID-19 school closure
On Monday, April 20, you will receive information from your principal and from your child's teacher about your child’s learning schedule for the week. During the week of April 13, Flexible Learning Options will continue for students.
Thank you for being on this journey with us. During this public health crisis, together we are building a system of learning that will be very rewarding for students and families. I am grateful everyday for our community, our amazing educators and your support.
Respectfully,
Ayindé Rudolph
Superintendent
Important dates coming up:
Distance Learning Plan instructional materials pick up during the week of April 13. Your principal will be emailing and/or calling you with specifics about how and when you can come to school to pick up your students’
consumable materials. During Distance Learning instruction, students will be assigned work in both online platforms and on paper. While not mandatory, next week is your opportunity to get your children’s workbooks if you’d like them to work in both formats.
Free meals: While MVWSD is closed due to COVID-19, we are providing
free meals to students who rely on us for support. Free meals for children under the age of 18 will be at Gabriela Mistral Elementary (505 Escuela Ave) parking lot from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. every weekday
Chromebook distribution: Over the past couple of weeks, we have been surveying our community to determine which of our students are in need of a device. During the week of April 13, MVWSD will again offer one Chromebook for each household to those who are in need. It’s important that each of our families has one Internet-ready device (laptop, iPad, etc) in their house for schoolwork. Our priority for distribution is to the families without a device. If your child needs a Chromebook/internet access, please contact your Principal or School Community Engagement Facilitator.
Distance Learning Plan begins: Monday, April 20