Message from Superintendent Amerson |
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Greetings DUSD Families, Staff and Community,
Each day I pour over the latest COVID-19 updates and guidance provided by the LA County Department of Public Health in hopes the data will show a trend in a positive direction. Yet, Los Angeles County still remains in the Purple Tier 1, the most restrictive tier in the state’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy. As a recap, the tiered framework places all counties within California in one of 4 tiers depending on three metrics measuring community transmission and health equity. Options for sector re-openings, including schools and permitted activities, are aligned with each Tier. Since the tier system was implemented, Los Angeles County has never moved out of the most restrictive Purple Tier. As of this writing, our community transmission level remains too high to advance to the next Red Tier.
I know it may be frustrating and confusing to hear about schools reopening in other parts of California from friends or family living in different counties. But, because Duarte Unified is within LA County, we must operate within the Purple Tier rules. And at this time, that means reopening TK-12 grade schools is not permitted. It also means it could be a month or more before LA County could progress into the least restrictive Red Tier. Other factors also determine our ability to meet the criteria to bring our students and staff back safely. At its simplest, which the tier system is not, based on the timeline alone, there will be a need for our district to continue learning in a virtual environment for the foreseeable future.
Because there are so many complexities, our Board will be holding a Special Meeting on Wednesday, October 21, at 4:30 p.m. to provide our community a comprehensive presentation on the next steps to our Re-Visioning Roadmap. The Board will also review options for our high-needs students that can be implemented safely now in the interim until our schools are permitted to reopen. Already we have taken action in this direction by beginning 1:1 onsite assessments for our English Language Learners and Special Education students.
The Board will also continue the conversation started at the Regular Meeting held last Thursday to reopen our Full-Year/Full-Day Preschool Program that primarily serves essential workers within our community who meet the State Preschool income criteria. Our Early Childhood programs operate under separate Public Health orders than those for TK-12 and are permitted to return. I also will be putting forth a recommendation to the Board for the start of “learning hubs” operated by Think Together for our most at-risk students who need supervision during the school day.
I understand distance learning is not a substitute for the learning experience or the wraparound services we can provide our students when within our school buildings. However, I could not be more proud of the work our educators, staff, parents, and students have done to make it the best we possibly can. If you have not yet, please review the feedback we received from our Distance Learning Thoughtexchange that shows this to be accurate, and I assure you we will continue to improve and adjust our model as needed for as long as necessary.
I also promise for as long as remote learning is required, that a top priority will be to support the social and emotional well-being of our students. Our team of counselors have put additional supports in place, and we have expanded our partnership with D’Veal Family Services. Home visits and interventions, when needed, are underway by our School Resource Officer, and our Community Schools partnership with LACOE provides resources and networking for our families in need. We will also launch “Margaret’s Place” for our high school students who need a safe virtual place to talk and receive counseling. These are but a few of the measures we are taking, knowing many of our students rely on the support often only available to them when at school.
While we continue to deal with the challenges of living in this COVID-19 era, I am amazed each day by how our community has come together to help one another through these difficult times. Please know our district is always striving to help any way we can. So I am pleased to share as a result of the Board’s action, we were able to bring 2.5 million dollars back into Duarte’s community through the refinance of our bond issuance at a lower interest rate. During these times, your support has never been more critical, and you can count on us to do our part by being forward-thinking in all that we do to serve you better.
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.
Also note, our district has transitioned to ParentSquare which is now our main communications platform for parents. So, in addition to receiving the weekly newsletter via email through Constant Contact, our families will also be able to view all of my messages posted to your ParentSquare feed. Please continue to 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,
Gordon
Gordon Amerson, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Duarte Unified School District
#ProudSuperintendent
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Understanding the Reopening Tier Framework |
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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 on Tuesdays. To move forward, a county must meet the next tier’s criteria for two consecutive weeks. 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. |
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Upcoming District Events and Reminders |
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Special School Board Meetings |
Two Special Meetings of the Board of Education will take place this week. There will be a meeting on Wednesday, October 21, at 4:30 p.m. and a meeting on Friday, October 23, at 9:00 a.m. These meetings will be conducted virtually. Once posted, view the agendas here. If you have questions, please contact Mercedes Ruiz at mruiz@duarteusd.org. or call (626) 599-5037.
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DUSD's Great Shake Out Drill |
This week our district will host an additional Great Shake Out earthquake preparedness drill on Thursday, October 20, at 10:20 a.m. We ask that all of our families join our staff and students to take a moment to review safety procedures and have plans in place in the event of an emergency. Learn more here.
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A Sneak Peek Inside Our Classrooms & Activities |
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It's been a very busy October at DUSD! Our high school seniors are in the midst of college application season and are working with our counselors during virtual sessions to submit their financial aid information and UC/CSU apps, our school clubs are holding events, and the learning never stops inside our classrooms.
As you can see, at DHS the Key Club hosted a virtual event at which the students wrote thank you cards to healthcare workers, our Falcon ASB showed support for breast cancer awareness month, and students played a lively Kahoots game during lunch. We are thrilled to announce Andres Duarte Arts Academy has launched their own Youtube channel and it is wonderful to see how the younger students are progressing with their reading and writing skills.
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Happy Week of the School Administrator |
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Last week we celebrated our school administrators, but if you did not get that chance to wish them well, we are sure they would appreciate a belated thank you. Their work as leaders is so often out of sight, yet so critical and essential to what our schools do to support our entire learning community. They make the difference everyday and we are fortunate to have such an amazing Dream Team! |
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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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For the 5th Time DHS Featured in Policy Research |
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Last week the National Education Policy Center (NEPC) featured our very own Duarte High School in their policy report as seen below, and this week DHS is highlighted for the fifth time by the Learning Policy Institute.
The substantial number of references within policy reports done by independent researchers that are including Duarte High School as a model to be replicated is impressive and our Falcons are deserving of the recognition both beyond and within our learning community. Read the most recent reports in full below.
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Sign-Up for the DHS Early College Program |
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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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Virtual Preschool Hero Day is on the Way |
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Come join us
“Hero Day” Male Role Model Day
October 23, 2020
Dads, grandparents, older brothers, uncles, any male role models are welcome to spend time with their children and be a "hero" for a day. Talk to your teacher for details on how to get involved during distance learning and be THE HERO OF THE DAY!
Get creative and wear your favorite hero outfit!
VIRTUAL DIA DEL HEROE
Los papás, abuelos, hermanos mayores, tíos y cualquier modelo masculino son bienvenidos para pasar tiempo con sus hijos y ser un "héroe" por un día. ¡Habla con tu maestro para obtener detalles sobre cómo participar durante el aprendizaje a distancia y ser EL HÉROE DEL DÍA!
¡Sé creativo y usa tu atuendo de héroe favorito!
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Parent University: Free ESL Classes |
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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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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 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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We Need Your Free/Reduced Meal Applications |
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Even though we are able to provide FREE curb side meals this school year, 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 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.
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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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