Message From Superintendent Escalante For Hermosa Beach

Press release from the Hermosa Beach City School District:

March 20, 2020

A transcript of today's phone message from Superintendent Escalante to the HBCSD community about the latest COVID-19 updates...

Hello HBCSD Parents

This is Superintendent Pat Escalante calling for the first time in my career to check on parents, not children, during this time of school closure. I know that your world has been turned upside down and that you have many new responsibilities and concerns on your mind. As we move into the weekend, I am reaching out to let you know that in addition to providing continuing instruction through remote learning for your children that I am also checking in to make sure that you and your family have the resources you need to stay well.

There are a couple of items that I want to share with you.

Beach City Health District is providing emotional and physical wellness resources online for parents and families. You can easily access these resources on their website

Because this is an extremely fluid situation, LA County office of education has a daily call with Superintendents to update us on these ongoing changes. The district website and social media platforms contain updated information.

Per the governor’s directive, school districts are continuing to provide instruction to students. Remember - school is in session (just learning a new way) and it is required that all students login and check in with their teacher on a daily basis for attendance purposes. Please keep in mind that remote learning isn’t going to be the same experience for everyone; the neighborhood child next door, may have a different experience than your child and it’s ok. The teachers are the professionals, they know their students, and they are using platforms that they and their students are comfortable with to minimize anxiety and to maximize learning.

The parks and school play areas are closed. Do not congregate in these areas and please stay off the play structures even though you may be wiping off the equipment before play. Both the city and the district will be monitoring these areas. Getting outside with family members for fresh air is recommended but children should not be out of the house and playing with friends

Right now the school closure date has been extended beyond the projected April 13 re-opening. This experience has changed from a sprint to a marathon. Tentatively, schools will remain closed through the remainder of April, some district are closing through early May. I am working with MB and RB to do our best to align our reopening. Scheduled spring break – April 6-10 will continue; there will be no instruction during that time.

Meal distribution is continuing for any child K-12th grade. Distribution centers are in Torrance and listed on the district website at hbcsd.org. Children must be present to receive a meal.

We may not be physically together, but we are in spirit and we are very proud of our community, our families and the support we are extending to each other. Stay well, wash your hands, and keep learning.

This press release was produced by the Hermosa Beach City School District. The views expressed here are the author’s own.