COVID-19 VACCINE LOCATION UPDATE

Please note, if you have scheduled an appointment to receive the COVID-19 Vaccine outlined below, the location will be the parking lot of the Duarte Performing Arts Center, not at the City of Hope. A confirmation email with details will be provided to all appointment recipients.
Dear Students, Families, Staff, and Community,

I am pleased to share that Duarte Unified has partnered with the City of Hope and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health to provide access to the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Currently, we can serve all employees that are age 65 and older of the following school districts:
 
Arcadia Unified School District
Azusa Unified School District
Baldwin Park Unified School District
Duarte Unified School District
El Monte City School District
El Monte Union High School District
Monrovia Unified School District
San Gabriel Unified School District
 
 
In addition to educators, we are also able to offer first dose appointments to all members of Duarte and nearby communities who are age 65 and older.
 
 
The first round of appointments will be scheduled for Saturday, February 20, and Sunday, February 21, 2021. During this first dose appointment, all participants will be scheduled for their second dose of the vaccine that will take place on Saturday, March 20, and Sunday, March 21, 2021. Both vaccination appointments will be conducted at the parking lot of the Duarte Performing Arts Center that is located in Duarte, California. A confirmation email with details will be provided to all appointment recipients.
 
As there is a limited supply, we urge you to complete the appointment request forms now. Also, please share this information with everyone you may know who needs the vaccine. As soon as LA Public Health permits vaccinations for people in the next phases, we will meet those needs as well.
 
I am grateful to our team members and our partners at City of Hope and LA Public Health for working quickly together to provide this service. Having the vaccine accessible to our educators is important to return our students and staff safely to our buildings. But, I am also proud that this partnership will help the entire community of Duarte and our neighboring school districts. We have long lived by the motto better together, and it’s times like these that seeing it in action warms my heart. 

Be well, everyone, and have a great week!

Best wishes,
Gordon

Gordon Amerson, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Duarte Unified School District
#ProudSuperintendent
Upcoming District Meetings and Events
the text happy presidents day written in a chalkboard and a flag of the United States_ on a rustic wooden background
Presidents Day Holiday
School will not be in session on Monday, February 15, 2021, in observance of the Presidents Day Holiday. Classes will resume on Tuesday, February 16, 2021. Have a safe and relaxing holiday.
piggybank_house.jpg
Bond Measure E COC Meeting
Members of the Measure E Citizens’ Oversight Committee (COC) will meet virtually on February 17, 2021, from 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM. View agenda by clicking here.
LCAP Thoughtexchange & Stakeholder Meetings
Parents, staff, students, and community members are invited to join a virtual update on the Duarte Unified School District's Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP). During the meeting, participants will be introduced to the Thoughtexchange digital platform where all stakeholders may share their thoughts on what is going well and where we need to improve in order to best support all students. 

Click on the following link to share your thoughts and see what others are saying: https://my.thoughtexchange.com/942310913

This exchange will be open until February 26, 2021.

These thoughts will inform the development of the three-year plan that will be brought to the Board of Education for approval in June 2021. Translation services will be provided during each meeting and the Thoughtexchange is accessible in Spanish.
Please choose the meeting date from the three options listed below that is most convenient for you to attend.

February 17, 2021 at 5:00 PM 
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 944 1397 0615
Passcode: 2AaMbs


February 18, 2021 at 10:00 AM 
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 934 5382 9762
Passcode: q2dLzr

February 22, 2021 at 5:00 PM
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 997 9864 2900
Passcode: 53c5yj

If you have questions, please contact Dr. Nadia Hillman, Assistant Superintendent Educational Services, by phone (626) 599-5011 or email nhillman@duarteusd.org.
Reopening Tier Framework Explanation & Status
LA County Tier Status:
Purple Tier

Every county in California is assigned to a tier based on its test positivity and adjusted case rate. Data is reviewed weekly and tiers are updated typically on Tuesdays. 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 for elementary and fewer than 7 cases per 100,000 residents to reopen for middle and high school.

In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released new guidelines for getting students safely back to school during the COVID-19 pandemic.

These are all data points DUSD uses to inform decisions made by our Board of Education specific to the local operations of Duarte Unified.

The current declining rates of COVID-19 in Los Angeles County are a positive sign. However, reaching the COVID-19 rate threshold set by the state is just one of several factors to consider before beginning the phased re-opening of in-person instruction.

Implementation of programs currently approved by DUSD are 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: Conditioning & Return to Play Plan updated.
Vaccine Information and Updates
Questions about the COVID-19 vaccine? When will I be able to get vaccinated? How do I know the vaccine is safe and effective? The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LADPH) has developed a website dedicated to Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccine Distribution in Los Angeles County to answer the public’s questions and provide news and information about the COVID-19 vaccine.

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. 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.

LACOE & LA Public Health Town Hall
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and Los Angeles County Office of Education are inviting education staff to a town hall at 6 p.m. on Thursday, February 18 focused on reopening protocols and vaccination safety and distribution. The town hall will provide an opportunity to hear updates and ask questions. More details will be released in the coming days.
Celebrating Black History Month
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
Kindergarten & New Student Enrollment
Registration for Kindergarten & New Students for the 2021-2022 school year is underway!

Register now online at: register.duarteusd.org 

If you need assistance with online registration, please contact your school’s office. 
DUSD Curbside Meals Information
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.
Dragon Kim Foundation FREE Music Class
The Dragon Kim Foundation's Music Program is offered at no cost to DUSD elementary students in grades K-5 who are interested in making music in a fun and interactive class setting. Our Spring semester, beginning Friday, 2/19, at 3:30 pm, will be entirely virtual. Students and teachers will meet Fridays on Zoom for 40 minutes of music instruction and exploration. Students will learn the fundamentals of music through movement, games, and singing. Taught by CSArts-SGV faculty, the Dragon Kim Foundation's Music Program also brings in current CSArts-SGV students to mentor our young musicians. We will always proceed according to DUSD COVID-19 protocols. The safety of our students, teachers, and families is paramount to us. We look forward to welcoming your child this year! Apply here.

El programa de música de la Fundación Dragon Kim se ofrece sin costo a los estudiantes de primaria del DUSD en los grados K - 5 que estén interesados en hacer música en un ambiente de clase divertido e interactivo. 
Nuestro semestre de primavera, comenzando viernes, 19 de Febrero, a 3:30p, será completamente virtual. Los estudiantes y maestros se reunirán en Zoom durante 40 minutos de instrucción y exploración musical. Los estudiantes aprenderán los fundamentos de la música por el movimiento, los juegos y canto. Impartido por profesores de CSArts-SGV, el Programa de Música de la Fundación Dragon Kim también atrae a estudiantes actuales de CSArts-SGV para guiar a nuestros jóvenes músicos. Procederemos de acuerdo con los protocolos de COVID-19 del DUSD. La seguridad de nuestros estudiantes, maestros y familias es primordial para nosotros. ¡Esperamos darle la bienvenida a sus hijos este año! Aplicar aquí.
CSArts-SGV Virtual Preview Day
School News Roll Call New Edition
Free Online Tutoring for DUSD Grades 6-12
Health Care Resources
No-Cost or Low-Cost Health Insurance Information
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
Mindful Mondays Presented by D'Veal
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
Andres Duarte Arts Academy: ADtechsupport@duarteusd.org
Beardslee Academy: BDtechsupport@duarteusd.org 
Maxwell Academy: MXtechsupport@duarteusd.org 
Royal Oaks STEAM Academy: ROtechsupport@duarteusd.org 
Valley View Academy: VVtechsupport@duarteusd.org 
M.I.T. High School: MITtechsupport@duarteusd.org 
Duarte High School: DHStechsupport@duarteusd.org
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:
Earthquake Preparedness
Got the DUSD App?
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