Message from Superintendent Amerson |
|
Dear Students, Families, Staff, and Community,
This weekend we received the sobering but not surprising news that L.A. County residents will need to adhere to the State’s Regional Stay At Home Order. This will not impact our current school operations, and our full-day/full-year preschool and learning centers can remain open. However, we will continue to vigilantly monitor our in-person programs and keep our families and staff apprised if any changes are necessary.
Our Board had the foresight to continue 100% Distance Learning for our students in grades TK-12 through at least the end of the first semester as the COVID-19 data at the time of their decision pointed to a surge heading into winter break. Yet, the magnitude of what is happening now is even graver than what the experts had anticipated.
According to the press release issued today by the LA County Department of Public Health, nearly every day last week, LA County surpassed all-time highs for the daily number of new COVID-19 cases and the number of people with COVID-19 currently hospitalized. Today we hit an alarming 10,528 new cases, and in the Southern California Region that we belong to, there remains only 10.3% ICU hospital capacity left.
While we will continue to remain positive and plan for all contingencies in terms of educational options for our students, the safe return to our buildings depends on our larger community’s collective actions. For at least the next three weeks, we all need to make the necessary sacrifices to reduce the further spread of COVID-19 and alleviate the stress placed on our healthcare system. Find the specifics of the State's Regional Stay at Home Order here. Please adhere to the guidance provided by the LA County Department of Public Health that is provided below.
Starting at midnight on Sunday, December 6, L.A. County residents will need to adhere to the State’s Regional Stay At Home Order. Residents should remain at their homes and with members of their household as much as possible. Even if you don't feel sick, being around people outside your household is extremely risky. Avoid doing any activities that are not essential. Always wear a face-covering whenever outside your home, keep your distance from others not in your household, wash your hands frequently, and avoid crowds.
I am continually amazed by how our educators deliver high-quality teaching, whether in-person or remotely, under challenging circumstances, and how our students stay engaged in their learning. I am impressed by how our administrators and staff keep our operations running smoothly and how our parents and community members lend their support whenever needed. But we know these conditions are far from ideal, and if we truly want to do what's in the best interests of our DUSD Family: wear a mask, wash your hands, keep your distance, and follow the Stay at Home Order.
Be safe, healthy, and well this week!
Best,
Gordon
Gordon Amerson, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Duarte Unified School District
#ProudSuperintendent
|
|
Upcoming District Events and Reminders |
|
|
|
Organizational Board Meeting |
On Thursday, December 17, the annual Organizational Meeting of the Board of Education will be held starting at 7:00 p.m. At this meeting the President and Vice President will be appointed. The meeting will be conducted virtually. View the meeting here. Once posted, view the agenda here.
|
|
Duarte Unified School Board Election Results |
|
Three seats on the Board of Education for the Duarte Unified School District were on the November 3 General Election ballot. Based on the official certified results announced by the Los Angeles County Registrar Recorder/County Clerk, voters elected to return incumbents Ceci Escarcega Carroll and James Finlay to their positions, and elected new member, Jaqueline Ku. All three members will complete a four-year term. Sitting members, Reyna Diaz and Ken Bell, remain on the Board and were not up for election this cycle.
The final canvass of the vote was completed officially on November 30. View the canvass count reported by the LA County Registrar/County Clerk below.
Board of Education Four-Year Term Count:
James Finlay: 5,179
Ceci Escarcega Carroll: 5,144
Jaqueline Ku: 5,016
Tom Reyes: 3,988
Francisco Figueroa: 3,790
Melissa Redmond: 2,631
Ceci Escarcega Carroll has served as a member of the Board since being elected in 2018. Prior to this she was appointed to represent DUSD on the California School of the Arts Board from 2016-2018. She has been an involved member of the Duarte community for over 18 years. During this time she was active within the PTA, served as the co-chair of the District-level Community Education Council and Valley View Site Council. Mrs. Carroll also actively participates in the Duarte Education Foundation and the Duarte Rotary. Key achievements include receiving the 2016 PTA Honorary Service Award, 2017 Golden Oak Award, and California Teachers Association Coat Award. She affirms her focus will be on lending her unique perspective as an involved community member and business owner. Most importantly, she is the proud parent of two children. Her son is currently a Duarte High School student and her daughter is a DUSD graduate who is attending UCLA.
Dr. James Finlay was raised in Duarte and attended DUSD schools since Kindergarten and graduated from Duarte High School in 1999. Following his undergraduate degree in Biology (BYU) he earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Michigan State University. He then went on to complete a Residency and PhD in Comparative Medicine, and currently serves as the Associate Director of the Center for Comparative Medicine at the City of Hope in Duarte. Dr. Finlay and his wife of 17 years proudly send their children to schools in Duarte on the same campuses he attended a generation before. He is the third generation of family members to have served in an elected position with his mother serving on the Duarte City Council and Grandfather serving on the DUSD Board of Education. As a product of Duarte schools he has seen how far the schools have come and he looks forward to working with students, parents, teachers, board trustees, and community members to guide DUSD forward and meet the challenges that are ahead.
Jaqueline Ku graduated from San Jose State with a BA in elementary education and minor in K-8 mathematics. Mrs. Ku received her Masters of Arts in curriculum and instruction from Colorado Christian University, while receiving her teaching license in secondary mathematics. Along with her husband, she moved back to Duarte, where her husband had grown up, and in the 2018-19 school year, she taught at Duarte High School as a math teacher. She has also spent time in the Peace Corps teaching in Liberia. Currently, she works as the Global Manager for the UCLA mathematics project, where she provides logistical support for professional development offered to teachers and administrators in Southern California. Mrs. Ku shares she is excited to have the opportunity to work with the Duarte School Board to work within the best interests of our students, teachers, administrators, and staff. She looks forward to all of the important work to come.
“I congratulate Mrs. Carroll and Dr. Finlay on their return to the Board. They will continue to offer fresh ideas as well as experience to our governance team. They are prudent stewards and always seek to serve the best interests of the children and staff of Duarte Unified. Their efforts have helped guide our district through these challenging times,” stated Dr. Gordon Amerson, Superintendent of Schools.
“I am also pleased to welcome new board member, Mrs. Jacqueline Ku. As an educator, her insight into our governance needs will be beneficial to the team. I am eager to work with each member of our Board to continue the positive momentum that has positioned Duarte Unified to be a destination for education within this region.”
The recently elected board members will be officially sworn in to take the oath of office at the Special Meeting held on December 14, 2020.
|
|
Measure S for Duarte Unified Schools Passes |
|
Thank you to the Duarte community for passing Measure S for Duarte Unified Schools! We wish to thank the voters and volunteers for your support. The official results certified by the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk are provided below:
YES: 6,782 (57.30%)
NO: 5,053 (42.70%)
The passage of Measure S will position our district to repair our aging school facilities, modernize classrooms and labs, and update technology so that every student and teacher can thrive in a school setting with the safe, modern, creative spaces that they deserve. Today’s teaching and learning standards have changed, requiring more and different instructional spaces, and our schools need ongoing safety and security upgrades. Additionally, the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic are creating additional challenges for school districts trying to meet current health and safety standards.
Over the past years, Duarte Unified School District has received feedback from the community, parents, and teachers on our Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP), Competitive Advantage Plan (CAP), and Facilities Master Plan. Measure S is the result of these community conversations and provides a prudent, responsible plan to address our most critical facilities needs.
|
|
Understanding the Reopening Tier Framework |
|
Every county in California is assigned to a tier based on its test positivity and adjusted case rate. At a minimum, counties must remain in a tier for at least 3 weeks before moving forward. Data is reviewed weekly and tiers are updated typically on Tuesdays. To move forward, a county must meet the next tier’s criteria for two consecutive weeks. In addition, counties must meet the health equity criteria to demonstrate the county’s ability to address the most impacted communities within a county. If a county’s metrics worsen for two consecutive weeks, it will be assigned a more restrictive tier. Public health officials are constantly monitoring data and can step in if necessary. See how tiers are assigned and change, as well as county historical data (California Blueprint Data Chart), at the California Department of Public Health guidance page.
The implementation of programs currently by DUSD is listed below:
Grades TK-12: 100% Distance Learning at least through First Semester.
1:1 Assessment of ELL and SPED students: In-person, ongoing as needed.
Full Day/Full Year Preschool: In-person instruction as of November 2, 2020.
Learning Centers: Limited in-person enrollment during the school day for students in Grades TK-8 faciltated by Think Together as of November 9, 2020.
High School Sports Conditioning: Return to Play Plan postponed.
|
|
Beardslee Trimester Awards Assembly |
|
Beardslee Dual Language Immersion Academy held their live Trimester 1 Awards Assembly for grades TK-5. Parents, students, and staff attended each assembly. It was wonderful seeing everyone together. Congratulations to all the students who were recognized for their hard work. You can watch the recorded assemblies on the Beardslee YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOkNX7zaBv9Ka6K7GTZF_fA
|
|
Beardslee Bears Interview ABC TV Reporter |
|
Mrs. Torres’ 3/4 grade dual immersion class has monthly Latinx guests who come speak to her students about their jobs. In November, they had Luzdelia Caballero, a TV Reporter who works for ABC in Arizona be their guest speaker. Students came up with the interview questions and they even got to see the cameras and microphone she uses. It was an amazing opportunity to expose her students to different career fields. |
|
211 DHS Parent Workshop on December 10 |
|
DHS & Foothill Unity Center Holiday Hope Drive |
|
Have Coffee with Our DHS Principals |
|
Last week, Duarte High School hosted two Coffee with the Principal events - one for English speaking families and one for Spanish speaking families. We want to thank our DHS parents and guardians for attending to chat with Principal Haro and Associate Principal Earnest! Mark your calendars now for the next events that will be held on January 5 (English) and January 7 (Spanish). |
|
Upcoming DHS Holiday Spirit Days |
|
DUSD Curbside Meals FREE this School Year |
|
Even though Curbside Meals are FREE,
We NEED Your APPLICATIONS By December 31!
|
|
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has reversed its decision and will now allow school districts to offer curbside meals for free this school year. This will make it possible for Duarte Unified to once again provide all children who are 18 years old and under a breakfast and lunch combination daily, Monday - Friday.
Children do not have to be students of DUSD and do not have to be in the car at the time of pick-up. The monthly menu options, locations, and times for service previously provided will stay the same as listed below:
TIMES:
Meals will be distributed Monday - Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. except for major holidays. You will be notified in advance as to the days of curbside meals service closure.
LOCATIONS:
Andres Duarte Arts Academy (1433 Crestfield Drive, Duarte, CA 91010)
Maxwell Academy - IB World School (733 Euclid Avenue, Duarte, CA 91010)
Royal Oaks STEAM Academy (2499 Royal Oaks Drive, Bradbury, CA 91008)
Parents can pick up meals from the location that is the most convenient for them.
Any questions regarding the above information can be directed to the Duarte Unified Food Service Department at 626-599-5022 or 626-599-5023 or by email to bvolz@duarteusd.org.
|
|
Even though we are able to provide FREE curb side meals this school year, we ask that families still submit an application. The application will not be used to determine eligibility for school meals, but it will help our district qualify for additional programs and resources that can be used to help our students.
You may have already been notified in the mail by Duarte USD Food Service Department of your status whether you were automatically approved for free or reduced price meals. If you don’t receive this letter, then please fill out an application in person or online.
Online Free & Reduced meal applications are available at www.schoolcafe.com. If an application is to be filled out in person (Paper Application), then it will need to be turned in curbside during meal distribution hours.
If you have any questions about creating an online account, please call the Food Service Office at 626-599-5022 or 626-599-5023 or you may call the school café help line at 855-Pay – 2EAT or 855-729-2328.
|
|
CSArts-SGV Virtual Preview Day |
|
Prospective families be sure to check out our Virtual Preview Day! Interested students are invited to learn more about everything CSArts-SGV has to offer through this new online experience! |
|
Free Online Tutoring for DUSD Grades 6-12 |
|
West SGV SELPA CAC Holiday Mixer |
|
Duarte Chamber Champion Christmas Trees |
|
Our Duarte Chamber members are thrilled to bring you a little holiday cheer this season with our Chamber Champion Christmas Trees, which you have the opportunity to win!
- From NOW until 11:59 PM on December 13th you can purchase opportunity drawing tickets next to the tree (or trees) of your choice.
- Tickets are $5 per tree and $10 for the Grand Prize Chamber Champion Tree!
- In addition to the decorated trees, there's at least $100 worth of prizes and the Grand Prize tree is valued at over $400 in prizes.
- Winners will be announced on December 14th!
-
You can view the trees and purchase tickets here - https://bit.ly/ChaChaXmasTrees
|
|
No-Cost or Low-Cost Health Insurance Information |
|
Parent University Virtual Classes - Enroll Now |
|
Download the Free WIN APP for Resources |
|
Please help us to share that a Mobile App for LA’s Homeless and Struggling Youth, Families and Adults is in the APP Stores TODAY! With it you can search for food, shelter, jobs, and other services near you! |
|
Mental Health Support Offered by D'Veal |
|
LGBTQIA+ Parent Support Group |
|
Keep these Distance Learning Tips Handy! |
|
Please click on the links below to view the written guides and videos that contain helpful information and instructions to navigate our Distance Learning platforms. |
|
Email our Tech Support for IT Assistance |
|
100% Distance Learning Website Hub |
|
We have created a dedicated section within our website to serve as a hub of information for our 100% Distance Learning Model. Included within this section are the schedules, contact information, technology support and services, Aeries navigation directions, instructional guides and videos for Google Classroom, and much much more. It is our goal to have all of the information you may need for distance learning within just one click. Start by visiting the 100% Distance Learning Hub.
|
|
DUSD Social Media Directory |
|
As you know, you can follow @duarteusd on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube. But, we have also put together a DUSD social media directory of all the official sites operated by our district, schools, and staff for your convenience. In addition to following @duarteusd, we encourage you to follow these other sites too for important information and updates during distance learning.
|
|
COVID-19 Safety and Public Health Information |
|
The best protection against COVID-19 is to wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands, self-isolate if you are sick, practice physical distancing, and wear a clean face mask whenever in public. Also avoid the three C's: crowds, confined spaces and close contact with people outside your own household.
The Reopening Protocols, COVID-19 Surveillance Interactive Dashboard, Roadmap to Recovery, Recovery Dashboard, and additional things you can do to protect yourself, your family and your community are on the Public Health website.
Always check only trusted sources for the latest accurate information about COVID-19:
|
|
|
|
Download it Today for FREE |
Stay up to date with everything that is taking place at every school across our district by downloading the DUSD APP. Check your child's grades, attendance, lunch balances, sports scores, notices from teachers, calendar of events and more all in one place! Download our free app from the Apple App and Google Play Stores. |
|
Download the ParentSquare APP |
|
School Flyers Available Via Email |
|
|
|
Save Paper & Stay Informed |
DUSD uses Peachjar to send home school-approved flyers digitally, saving our schools time and money while eliminating paper waste. This means that now our parents can opt to receive flyers via email. |
|
See Why YOU Belong at DUSD |
|
Submit Your Newsletter Ideas |
|
Have an idea, information or a suggestion for a story for our newsletter? |
|
DUARTE UNIFIED | 626.599.5000 | communications@duarteusd.org |
|
|
|
|
|
|
