SLVUSD Launches the School Year with Mission Possible Theme
On July 8, the San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District introduced initial plans for the 2020-2021 school year with the theme of “Mission Possible.” In a letter to parents, Superintendent Dr. Laurie Bruton outlined a schedule for two days of orientation on July 13 and 14, followed by a week of parent and student conferences, assessments, and materials distribution starting July 17.
The delay in mapping out a strategy to parents has been due to the uncertainties of COVID-19 public health orders and restrictions as well as the Governor Gavin Newsom’s July 16 placement of Santa Cruz County on the “Watch List” thereby impeding reopening preparations. Dr. Bruton acknowledged in her memo that, “We do not have all the answers and often do not even understand the questions that are constantly changing.” In SLV, if schools are allowed to open this school year, parents will have the option to select a hybrid model of small groups and online instruction or online only.
School districts around the county have rallied around guidance from the County Office of Education, the overseeing body of the county’s ten districts. However, this has proved to be an onerous task due to the varied challenges and opportunities afforded the separate districts. In a district FAQ, Dr. Bruton conceded that planning delays were also due to the teachers and administrators being on summer vacation with principals checking in the last week of July and teachers returning on August 10. This timeline coupled with ongoing communications with labor groups regarding health protocols and teacher and staff scheduling added additional layers of activity beyond those seen in a normal school year.
A local teacher who asked not to be named said, “The teacher’s unions were clear that they don’t want us to teach in person. Can teachers offer an incredible education online? Can all kids learn online? Some need a classroom setting. There are so many variables with different students and different teachers. There is no one answer so I support that parents have to do whatever best helps their student. To be honest kids could lose a whole year and still bounce back. We’re too hyper-vigilant. Maybe the good news is that these kids got a good break by playing outside. Maybe they learned other skills.” This has been an eye opener as well in terms of learning to adapt to a crisis in terms of reworking classroom-based lesson plans into a virtual learning setting. The teacher went on to say, “Teachers are going to do their best, that’s what we do. But we are not making decisions. Admin and the union will take feedback but often we are just taking direction from above. But given that distance learning will be in place, what can a parent do? For one thing get your child on a schedule like it’s a normal school day. Up by 8, have breakfast. Stick to the schedule. Students want structure and they are more productive when they have it. And be sure to build in some free time.
”In the communication to SLV parents, Dr. Laurie Bruton said, “The school year will be a learning process for everyone. The requirement is that the student attend class sessions and complete work. I have had numerous people say that they do not know how they can manage the online learning and work from home. We understand this and feel the same frustration. We will work with you to meet the needs of your child. We are all in this together and we will need to figure it out together. Patience, Caring, and Flexibility is required on both sides.”
Photo credit: San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District
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