Message from Superintendent Amerson |
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Greetings DUSD Families, Staff and Community,
Thank you to everyone who participated in our Distance Learning Thoughtexchange. This process provided us with significant data on which to reflect and consider for possible action. In total, 1,078 stakeholders participated, sharing 1,161 thoughts and rating 27,733 thoughts of other participants.
Our team has reviewed all of the thoughts and ratings and I am very pleased to report that we have high levels of overall satisfaction with the current Distance Learning model by each of the four stakeholder groups surveyed as shown below:
Parents of Preschool and Elementary Students: 74% satisfied
Parents of Secondary Students: 75% satisfied
Teachers/Staff: 77% satisfied
Students: 52% satisfied
You can dig deeper into each of these exchange results by viewing the summary reports below:
It is noteworthy that the most concerning issues during Distance Learning last year were no longer identified as problems in this year’s Thoughtexchange. Last year, parents and students reported that they wanted more live interaction with the teacher. Based on the results of this year’s stakeholder engagement, the amount of time dedicated to synchronous versus asynchronous learning is no longer a pressing issue.
With over 3,500 laptops in circulation to ensure all of our students have a device, it is not surprising that hardware is now the predominant concern. With the support of the Board of Education, we have already initiated actions to remedy device related issues. As of October, all teachers were provided new laptops with headsets. Also, we have ordered new Chromebooks for students to replace those using older laptop models and additional hotspots for families with multiple students in one home.
It was revealing that tech issues aside, a main reason for our students’ lower satisfaction with Distance Learning as compared to parents and teachers/staff, stems from their feeling that they are not being provided enough time to complete assignments and the workload they are being given needs to be evaluated. Teachers have already begun working collaboratively to address this concern and determine the most essential standards necessary on which to focus their instruction. There continues to be the need to balance student accountability for rigorous learning expectations with the need for appropriate pacing in a virtual environment. This was a central topic for discussion during our Professional Development Day held last Monday.
We will continue to delve further into the Thoughtexchange data to refine our Distance Learning model and we are appreciative of the wealth of information we have received. As of this writing, LA County remains within the most restrictive purple tier and until it is safe for our students and staff to return, we will continue to work together to make our Distance Learning model the best we can.
An important reminder for those registered to vote within the attendance area of our school district, you will have the opportunity to vote on Measure S this election. Find the facts regarding Measure S within our newsletter below. Keep in mind when making your voting plan, Duarte High School and Beardslee Academy are voting centers.
Be well everyone, and have a great week!
Best,
Gordon
Gordon Amerson, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Duarte Unified School District
#ProudSuperintendent
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Upcoming District Events and Reminders |
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Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month |
From September 15 - October 15 we celebrate the achievements of Hispanics and Latinos past and present everywhere! During this month and throughout the year, let us pay tribute to the history, heritage, and culture of Hispanic and Latino Americans whose contributions are to be honored.
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Regular School Board Meeting |
A Regular Meeting of the Board of Education will take place on Thursday, October 15, 2020. The meeting will be conducted virtually. Once posted, view the agenda here and access the meeting here. If you have questions, please contact Mercedes Ruiz at mruiz@duarteusd.org. or call (626) 599-5037.
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Measure S - Voter Information and Facts |
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Measure S is a school bond measure on the ballot in the upcoming general election seeking voter authorization for $79 million in local funding to repair and upgrade DUSD school facilities.
Duarte Unified School District public schools are the foundation of a healthy, thriving community. We focus every day on helping our students thrive. However, our classrooms are aging and were built before the “digital age.” Although well maintained, these schools require significant repairs and upgrades after decades of constant use.
Meanwhile, today’s teaching and learning standards have changed, requiring more and different instructional spaces, and all 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. NO other funding currently exists to repair and upgrade these facilities.
Measure S will:
Repair deteriorated roofs, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems
Improve school safety – cameras, door locks, fire alarms, and communication systems
Modernize science, engineering, and math classrooms and labs
Expand technology - for both classrooms and safe, healthy online/distance learning
Prepare schools, including nursing facilities for rapid-response in disasters/emergencies
Expand vocational and career technical education (CTE) classrooms for expanded job-training
Taxpayer Protections:
- ALL Measure S funds STAY LOCAL for Duarte USD public schools ONLY.
- By law, the State CANNOT take Measure S funding away.
- Measure S is for classroom and school facilities repairs, improvement, and equipment upgrades ONLY.
- NO funds are allowed for administrators' salaries, benefits, or pensions.
- Independent Citizens' Oversight and mandatory financial audits ensure funds are spent properly.
Measure S protects property values. Good schools protect property values and contribute to a quality community.
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Duarte High and Beardslee are Voting Centers |
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Attention Duarte Community!
Duarte High School and Beardslee Academy will be voting centers for early voting starting on October 30 through Election Day, November 3.
Duarte High School is located at 1565 East Central Avenue, Duarte, Ca, 91010.
Beardslee Academy is located at 1212 Kellwill Way, Duarte, CA 91010
Any registered voter can cast their ballot at these sites. In addition, vote by mail ballots can be dropped off here. See dates and times below:
EARLY VOTING: October 30, 2020 - November 2, 2020 (9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.)
ELECTION DAY: November 3, 2020 (6:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.)
All COVID-19 safety protocols will be adhered to. Please remember to wear a mask.
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DHS Models Equity in Action per NEPC |
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The mission of the National Education Policy Center (NEPC) is to produce and disseminate high-quality, peer-reviewed research to inform education policy discussions, and their recent issue featured our very own Duarte High School. As shared by the NEPC, the hardships created by the COVID-19 pandemic are universally felt, yet they fall hardest on our society’s most vulnerable. The crisis is also highlighting the multiplicity of demands we’ve put on our public schools. We need to continue our efforts to increase the equity and effectiveness of public education and again our Falcons are being recognized for doing this work and doing it well. Read the full article entitled "Community Schools are Adapting to Remote Learning. Here's How." at the tab below.
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If you are interested in having your child take free college courses in a supportive cohort system while a high school student, please contact Duarte High School to learn more about our one-of-a-kind Early College Program in partnership with Citrus Community College.
There are many advantages of participating in this program such as thousands of dollars in future cost savings and the advantage of graduating high school with a year or two of college credits already completed. Our Early College program focuses on completing general education college requirements so there is no need to have a specific major in mind (IGETC, or the intersegmental general education transfer curriculum).
These college courses are offered during zero and first period allowing the students to then complete Duarte High School classes the rest of the school day. We also offer "a la cart" courses after school where students do not need to join a cohort, but simply have the opportunity to complete a few college courses. Currently, we are offering Administrative Justice classes and American Sign Language.
Registration begins the week of October 5, for courses that begin 2nd semester, so please don’t delay! Contact Mr. Norm Anderson, DHS counselor, to see if your child is eligible and to learn more about this great opportunity.
Norman Anderson
Phone- 626-599-5722
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Citrus College Early Decision Program |
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There is a Citrus College Early Decision Program for DHS seniors that are planning to attend Citrus College next school year. To participate, students must meet with a Citrus College representative. Students will need to sign up using this Google Form: https://forms.gle/XthLZsc1faiY7QTr7
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Public Viewing of Grade 6-8 English Textbooks |
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A viewing for parents/guardians and the public of instructional materials for English Language Arts for Grades 6-8 will be available at the District Office located at 1620 Huntington Dr., Duarte, CA. 91010. These materials will be accessible October 19, 2020 - October 29, Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. All COVID-19 safety protocols must be followed which includes wearing a mask. Questions, please call 626-599-5011. |
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Parent University: Free ESL Classes |
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Girls Empowerment Conference |
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Mental Health Support Offered by D'Veal |
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LGBTQIA+ Parent Support Group |
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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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Student Chromebook Repair/Replace Plan |
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Duarte Unified School District is offering a district self repair/replace plan to protect school-issued devices given to students. Duarte Unified will protect the device against an assortment of damages. This district self repair/ replace plan will provide full replacement cost coverage and will protect the item worldwide (on and off school grounds). This policy is transferable to a temporary replacement unit unless the original unit is a total loss, in which case a new repair/replace plan will need to be purchased for the new device |
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DUSD Meals FREE but We Need Your Applications |
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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 until December 31, 2020. 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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We Need Your Free/Reduced Meal Applications |
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Even though we are able to provide FREE curb side meals through December 31, 2020, we ask that all families who qualify for Free/Reduced meals still submit an application. This helps 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 an application must be filled out in person or online.
Online Free & Reduced meal applications have been available at www.schoolcafe.com as of August 3, 2020. 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. Please allow up to 10 days for applications to be processed.
The last day for the 30 day carry over of your meal status from last year’s application will be September 25, 2020.
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.
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Andres Duarte Arts Academy |
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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 Los Angeles County Department of Public Health reminds everyone 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 covering 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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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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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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