Baldwin Park Unified School District: Update On Remote Learning, Wi-Fi, Spring Break And More

Press release from the Baldwin Park Unified School District:

March 27, 2020

As a reminder, school closures will extend through Monday, May 4, 2020 with a RETURN DATE FOR ALL STUDENTS ON MAY 5, 2020. These dates are subject to change based on the latest information from State and County guidance.

Dear BPUSD Community,

As a reminder, school closures will extend through Monday, May 4, 2020 with a RETURN DATE FOR ALL STUDENTS ON MAY 5, 2020. These dates are subject to change based on the latest information from State and County guidance. Rest assured, the District will communicate any updates as we navigate through this unprecedented challenge.

Below are the most current implementation plans during the District’s extended school closures.

REMOTE LEARNING

At this time, remote learning will occur in two phases, designed to minimize the learning gap and to keep our students engaged until we can return to full instruction. The District recognizes that not all students have regular access to technology or the Internet, and for that reason, schools will be reaching out to families to offer alternatives until the District has effectively rolled out digital access to all students who require support and access.

PHASE 1 – ENRICHMENT RESOURCES

March 16-April 3, 2020

Students receive enrichment activities for continued extended learning opportunities. The link on the District Website entitled “Enrichment Resources for School Closures” will connect you to recommended schedules organized by grade level and subject area with online resources. In addition, it will take you to a list of curricular links such as iReady and AR. Please note that these activities will not be graded. Some teachers have begun the transition to digital learning and have been in touch with their students to initiate class work.

PHASE 2 – SCHOOL LEAD DIGITAL LESSONS OR PACKETS

April 6-10, 2020 and April 20-May 4, 2020

Schools and/or teachers will communicate with students and families regarding digital lessons and/or assignment packets. In some cases, students will be able to engage in full virtual/online learning activities and student-teacher interaction to advance learning consistent with grade level and content specific standards. Please be advised that many teachers will be using digital platforms, such as Google Classroom and Webex. If you have concerns about your students participating in these forums, please contact your school principal via e-mail.

SPRING BREAK

April 13-17, 2020

School sites and personnel will be on break. Please take this time to engage in family-related activities. Students may continue to engage in enrichment activities, but will not be required to do so.

ACCESS TO DEVICES AND INTERNET

DEVICES

We are aware that some households do not have a device for their students to use for remote learning. The District will be conducting a survey that parents can complete to indicate their need. If you DO NOT have access to a household device, please fill out this survey, which is available on the District webpage entitled “Device Request Information,” or by clicking this link:

https://www.bpusd.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=907450&type=d&pREC_ID=1879081.

Once the District prepares the devices, families will be notified about when and where to pick them up. Distribution will occur in phases between April 1-10, 2020.

INTERNET/WI-FI

FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

The District has a limited quantity of hot spots from the Sprint One Million Project available for check out. Please use the same survey above to indicate your need.

FOR ALL OTHERS

Spectrum is offering families 60 days of free or discounted internet access through the COVID-19 Remote Education Credit program.

https://www.spectrum.net/support/internet/coronavirus-internet-offer-students/

You may qualify for this offer if you:

• Have a student of qualifying age at your service address with remote education needs
• Have not subscribed to Spectrum internet services within the past 30 days

For specific information regarding Spectrum’s access for your household, please call (855) 243-8892 to sign up for this offer.

PROGRESS REPORTS

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

Prior to school closures, Trimester 2 had already ended. The elementary schools are currently in the middle of Trimester 3, which will not end until June 4, 2020. The next report cards will not be mailed until the end of the school year.

SECONDARY SCHOOLS

Grading Period 5 was originally scheduled to close on Friday, March 27, 2020. Due to the school closures, teachers have been instructed to close Grading Period 5 effective Friday, March 13, 2020. The progress reports will be mailed after April 6, 2020, and will reflect only the work that was due and submitted prior to the school closure.

GRADUATION

At this point in time, we are planning to return on Tuesday, May 5, 2020. The return date will allow for some of the events surrounding graduations, including senior activities. It is our full intent to honor our students who have worked so hard for their diplomas.

MEAL SERVICES

The District has revised its free breakfast/lunch distribution plan to serve on Mondays and Wednesdays, with two days of meals served on Mondays, and three days of meals served on Wednesdays. The only exception will be Monday, March 30, as it is a holiday. Instead, meals will be distributed on Tuesday, March 31, 2020. In addition, the District will serve five days of meals on Friday, April 10, 2020 in order to provide meals for students during Spring Break.

Meals Served on Mondays (2 days of meals) and Wednesdays (3 days of meals)

11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Meals Served on Mondays (2 days of meals) and Wednesdays (3 days of meals)

11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Meals Served on Mondays (2 days of meals) and Wednesdays (3 days of meals)

11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Bursch Elementary School

4245 Merced Avenue

Jones Jr. High School

14250 Merced Avenue

Baldwin Park High School

3900 N. Puente Avenue

(New Location)

FACILITIES

At this time, students and parents are not allowed on school sites. Should you need to reach your school, please contact them via phone or e-mail. We are using this break as an opportunity to conduct extensive deep-cleaning and disinfecting of all District facilities. When students return to school, facilities will be completely sanitized and ready for instruction.

PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING

Despite the challenges we face from efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19, there are many things we can do to ensure our physical and emotional well-being. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provide guidelines on how to prepare, protect yourselves, and sustain your social-emotional health by managing stress and anxiety.

As information changes or becomes available, the District will provide updates to families. Please continue to visit the District Website, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages, and other online platforms. You are also encouraged to check e-mails, phone messages, or other platforms from your respective school sites and/or teachers.

We understand temporary school closures pose significant challenges for all members of our community and we appreciate your unwavering support as we all work together to address this challenge. BPUSD faculty and staff look forward to seeing all of our students back at District school sites and in our classrooms.

On behalf of the Board of Education, we thank you for your continued partnership, patience, and resilience. Please stay safe and be healthy.

Sincerely,

Froilan N. Mendoza

Froilan N. Mendoza, Ed.D.

Superintendent

This press release was produced by the Baldwin Park Unified School District. The views expressed here are the author’s own.