Message from Superintendent Amerson |
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Dear Students, Families, Staff, and Community,
We are requesting your input to update our Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP). The LCAP is a three-year plan that describes how our schools support the success of all students. This plan is required by the state of California to direct resources through the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF). The full text of our current plan is available for review on our district's website here.
Duarte Unified’s LCAP addresses seven priority areas:
- Quality Workforce
- Diverse Educational Options
- Achievement Gap
- Community Partnerships
- 21st Century Facilities
- Rigorous Instructional Program
- Transparency and Communication
We annually update the plan based on how our students are doing. We ask for feedback from parents, teachers, staff, and students on what is going well and where we need to improve in order to best support all students. This information will assist to inform the development of the plan that will be brought to the Board of Education in June 2021.
To gather your feedback, we're again using an online tool called Thoughtexchange. All of our voices matter, so your participation is crucial and valued. You'll be asked to respond to one question:
What are the most important priorities our district needs to think about in order to support all students over the next three years?
Although our students are engaged in Distance Learning right now, we will return to our school buildings when it is safe to do so. In light of this, please share your thoughts about the most important priorities our district needs to think about in order to support all students over the span of the next three years.
By using Thoughtexchange, you can tell us your ideas, rate the ideas shared by others, and learn what's important to the group. Your thoughts and stars will be kept confidential. You can come back as often as you'd like to participate and, in fact, we ask that you do come back to star some of the new ideas shared since you first participated.
This exchange will be open until February 26, 2021.
Here are some quick tips to get you going:
- Come into the exchange to share your thoughts. Remember to say why each thought is important.
- Consider and rate the thoughts of others using stars (rating 30 thoughts is ideal).
- Thoughtexchange keeps confidential who shared each thought and rating.
- When enough participants have shared and rated thoughts, you will be able to explore and discover the results.
- You can participate in English or Spanish by selecting your language preference.
If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Nadia Hillman, Assistant Superintendent Educational Services, by email to nhillman@duarteusd.org or by calling 626-599-5011.
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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Upcoming District Meetings and Events |
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Regular School Board Meeting |
On Thursday, February 11, a Regular Meeting of the Board of Education will take place starting at 7:00 p.m. Board meetings are currently being held remotely. Meetings can be viewed live online or for video playback here. View the agenda once posted here.
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Lincoln's Birthday & Presidents Day Holidays |
School will not be in session on February 12, in honor of Lincoln's Birthday. School will also not be in session on February 15, in honor of the Presidents Day holiday. Classes will resume on February 16. Have a safe and relaxing four-day weekend! |
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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. 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.
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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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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Valley View Virtual Career Day Event |
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On Friday February 5, Valley View held a Virtual Career Day. Career Day is a long standing tradition at Valley View and being online was not going to stop our students from getting a chance to explore different careers. Special thanks to our guest speakers who gave of their time to share their work experience with our scholars and to the PTA and Student Council who helped to make it a success.
Valley View Career Day Guest Speakers:
Deputy Sheriff Valenzuela
Wildlife Biologist Ann Berkley
Animal Control Juan Oseguera
Paleontologist Joey Raum
Police Officer Osmond (drone specialist)
Engineer/Edison Angelica Sindelair
Emergency Room Nurse Chad Johnson
Superintendent Gordon Amerson
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Dragon Kim Foundation FREE Music Class |
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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.
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CSArts-SGV Virtual Preview Day |
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School News Roll Call New Edition |
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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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