Message from Superintendent Amerson |
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Dear Students, Families, Staff, and Community,
Governor Newsom lifted the regional Stay at Home Order last week, and we have seen the COVID-19 case rate decline. However, Los Angeles County is now the epicenter of the pandemic in the U.S., and we must stay vigilant. We have returned to the tier system, and schools within LA County remain in the purple. As a reminder, our students will continue with distance learning through at least March 1, as already determined by our Board.
The roll-out of vaccinations by the LA Department of Public Health moves forward, and it has been shared that educators within LA County should have access to the vaccine soon. Please view the information provided in this newsletter below for details.
I can't emphasize enough how proud I am of our staff and students for continuing to do their best under these circumstances. I have seen this first-hand during my Learning Walk observations. Before remote learning, my team and I would have the opportunity to visit classrooms across the district in-person. Since being in distance learning, we have adapted this strategy to a virtual format.
These virtual learning walks are giving us a real honest look at the challenges and successes our teachers and staff are experiencing in distance learning. In real-time, I can see the commitment both teachers and staff are making to ensure true learning is happening while also creating safe and nurturing virtual classroom environments. Virtual pats on the backs and affirmations are abundant, along with higher level questioning and assessments. They are finding the right balance between the academic expectations and social-emotional development of our students that is so critical right now.
As we head into February, there are many reasons for us to be optimistic about the future. But, please continue to mask-up, keep a safe distance, wash your hands, and follow the health orders. We still need to do our part to keep ourselves and those we love safe. Please also regularly check the district website duarteusd.org and our social media sites @duarteusd on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for updates.
Be well, everyone, and have a great week!
Best wishes,
Gordon
Gordon Amerson, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Duarte Unified School District
#ProudSuperintendent
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Reopening Tier Framework Explanation & Status |
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LA County Tier Status:
Purple Tier
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.
Governor Newsom’s recent 2021-22 State Budget proposal to the Legislature allocates $2 billion for California's Safe Schools for All Plan to support safe returns to in-person instruction with priority for the youngest children and those with the greatest needs first. While all schools will be eligible to apply to receive funds by meeting certain criteria, schools must be in counties with a seven-day average of fewer than 25 cases per 100,000 residents to reopen.
The implementation of programs currently by DUSD is listed below:
Grades TK-12: 100% Distance Learning at least through March 1, 2021.
1:1 Assessment of ELL and SPED students: In-person, ongoing as needed.
Full-Day/Full-Year Preschool: In-person instruction for qualifying students.
Learning Centers: Limited in-person enrollment during the school day for students in Grades TK-8 facilitated by Think Together.
High School Sports Conditioning: Return to Play Plan postponed.
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Vaccine Information and Updates |
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COVID-19 vaccination is open now to all healthcare workers. This includes school nurses and other school health services staff. If you are a healthcare worker affiliated with a school who has direct or indirect in-person contact with patients or infectious materials; we encourage you to visit the LADPH Vaccination for Health Care Workers webpage for information on how to access vaccination.
LADPH is also providing vaccinations for all LA County residents 65 and older and long-term care facilities residents.
Click here to book an appointment. Residents with disabilities or without computer access can call 833-540-0473 between 8:00 am and 8:30 pm 7 days a week for assistance with appointments.
They are cautioning vaccine supply is still extremely limited. They urge patience as they work urgently with our federal and state partners to expand capacity and supply in the weeks ahead.
All staff who work for educational agencies are part of Phase 1B – Essential Workers. This means all school staff, including classified staff, are eligible to be vaccinated in Phase 1B. Once LA County reaches Phase 1B, anyone working for an educational agency, or other sectors included in Phase 1B, will be able to be vaccinated. Anyone who lives or works in LA County is eligible for the vaccine. Phase 1B is scheduled to begin in early February. Visit vaccinatelacounty.com for FAQ and to find out when you can receive the vaccine.
There is currently no vaccine available for children under the age of 16. When it becomes available for children, the State of California will determine if the vaccine will be required of TK-12 students. Visit http://vaccinatelacounty.com for more information.
Currently, individuals 16-years and older are in Phase 2 of the LA County vaccination rollout. It is estimated they can begin receiving vaccines in mid-May or early June. Visit vaccinatelacounty.com for FAQ and to find out when you can receive the vaccine.
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Celebrating Black History Month |
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During the month of February we celebrate Black History Month, and the theme this year is the Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity. The theme is chosen by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), a national organization. The theme of family provides a unique opportunity to explore the African-American experience both past and present. You can view the virtual events happening throughout the month by visiting the ASALH web site.
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National School Counseling Week |
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DUSD Curbside Meals Information |
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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.
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Royal Oaks Science Olympiad Success |
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As part of their Science class, several Grade 7-8 Royal Oaks STEAM Academy students were able to virtually participate in this year's national Science Olympiad -an academic science-education competition. This was the first year Science Olympiad was held virtually and students at Royal Oaks participated in 12 out of the 23 events. Out of 197 teams throughout the country, Royal Oaks placed 124th. Some highlights include:
- Aashtha Dixit (Grade 8) and Brandon Edwards (Grade 8), placed 26th in the Disease Detective event.
- Selena Banuelos (Grade 7) and Bella Barellano (Grade 8), placed 36th in the Write It CAD It event (it's a communication of information event).
- Aashtha Dixit (Grade 8), placed 54th in the Road Scholar event.
- Brennan Chang Ho (Grade 8) and Paolo Cordero Grade 8) placed 60th in the Reach for the Stars event.
- Ian Arango (Grade 7) and Selena Banuelos (Grade 7) placed 62nd in the Game On event.
- Brandon Edwards (Grade 8) placed 65th on the Heredity event.
"Although this was a practice event, it was held on a national scale. So, placing that high amongst other schools in the country it pretty good," stated Mr. Hata, Royal Oaks science teacher who annually oversees participation of Royal Oaks students in the Science Olympiad. "I am very proud of everyone who participated that day!"
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Duarte High School Events |
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CSArts-SGV Virtual Preview Day |
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Free Online Tutoring for DUSD Grades 6-12 |
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Parent University Workshops |
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No-Cost or Low-Cost Health Insurance Information |
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Download the Free WIN APP for Resources |
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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! |
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Mental Health Support Offered by D'Veal |
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LGBTQIA+ Parent Support Group |
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Mindful Mondays Presented by D'Veal |
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Keep these Distance Learning Tips Handy! |
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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. |
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Email our Tech Support for IT Assistance |
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100% Distance Learning Website Hub |
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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.
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DUSD Social Media Directory |
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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.
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COVID-19 Safety and Public Health Information |
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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:
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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. |
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Download the ParentSquare APP |
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School Flyers Available Via Email |
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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. |
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See Why YOU Belong at DUSD |
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Submit Your Newsletter Ideas |
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Have an idea, information or a suggestion for a story for our newsletter? |
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DUARTE UNIFIED | 626.599.5000 | communications@duarteusd.org |
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