District Communications

R.H. Dana Middle School Reopening Update - March 12, 2021

R.H. Dana Middle School Reopening Update

Wiseburn families and friends,

With the successful return to on-campus learning for many of our TK-2nd grade students this week and some of our 3-5th grade students next week, we wanted to share a more detailed update for our 6-8th grade students about the status of R.H. Dana Middle School's reopening.

We're thrilled to announce that R.H. Dana Middle School is planning for a reopening and a return for our 6-8th grade students on Monday, March 29, 2021.

Based on the state framework for school reopenings, middle schools are not permitted to reopen until a county is in the Substantial (Red) tier in the Blueprint for a Safer Economy. Since the beginning of the pandemic, Los Angeles County has remained in the more restrictive Widespread (Purple) tier. However, predictions indicate that we could reach the tier in the coming week. As long as we reach and stay in the tier, we will move forward with the reopening of the middle school with strict safety health and safety protocol in place.

As with each of our school campus reopenings, we prioritize health and safety measures to keep our students, staff, and community safe and mitigate the spread of COVID-19. We encourage our middle school families to view our reopening video to see how these measures look when in practice. This video demonstrates the protocol and measures our students and staff can expect on campus, such as the required use of face coverings, the implementation of our air purifier systems in our classrooms, and more.

Next week, Dana Middle School families should expect a registration link from SchoolMint. This link will allow families to commit to in-person hybrid learning or distance learning for the remainder of the 2020-2021 academic year. The schedules for each mode of instruction will be shared with the registration link.

The schedules are currently being finalized as we await official health orders that define how we are permitted to reopen our middle school. We do expect that middle school students in the hybrid instructional model will be on campus in their cohort for two days a week due to limitations set by the health authorities. Upon our physical reopening, distance learners will also shift to a new schedule that allows them to maintain live online instruction with their teachers. Mrs. Clark will send the schedule to Dana Middle School families in her weekly update on Sunday.

It’s been a joy to see some of our elementary students safely returning to the classroom this past week. As the COVID-19 situation continues to improve and vaccines continue to be distributed, we look forward to seeing even more of our students return in the weeks ahead. I want to send a sincere thank you to the Beach Cities Health District for partnering with Wiseburn to administer COVID-19 vaccines. To date over 100 of our employees have received at least their first dose of the vaccine as part of this partnership.

With gratitude,

Blake Silvers, Ed.D.
WUSD Superintendent

WUSD Reopening Guide

Guía de Reapertura del WUSD

WUSD Reopening Update - February 27, 2021

WUSD Reopening Update - February 19, 2021

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WUSD Reopening Update

Wiseburn families and friends,

As we noted in our communication last week, we will be communicating weekly until our reopening for in-person instruction. We have many updates to share, so we’ve divided this communication into the relevant topics.

Wiseburn reopening

As of this week, Los Angeles County has crossed the adjusted case rate threshold of 25 per 100,000 population needed in order to reopen schools as designated by the state's school reopening framework.

At Wiseburn, we are making final preparations to ensure a smooth and safe transition to our Hybrid Learning Program (in-person and at-home) for those students who opt in. We will continue to hold our Remote Learning Program (100% at-home) for students who do not opt to return to in-person learning.

On Thursday, during a special board meeting, we recommended to the board the following dates for our hybrid reopening:

March 8 for grades TK-2
March 15 for grades 3-5

Grades 6-8 will remain in a distance learning model, as further clarification of state guidance only recommends a return for students who can remain in self-contained classes, which is not applicable to middle school instruction wherein students switch between different classes.

Critical to our ability to bring any students back is our strict health and safety protocol. This week, we shared with families our District Reopening Guide, which contains information about what our return to school will look like. We encourage our parents and caretakers to review it with your students, and to await further school site specific guides that will include more details on reopening.

Instructional model survey

On Thursday, parents and caretakers should have received an email with the title "Invitation to fill out WUSD Reopening Student Learning Program Enrollment Options Packet." In this email, parents and caretakers are asked to make a decision for your student(s) to either return to campus in the hybrid schedule or to remain in distance learning.

To aid in the decision-making process, this email contains important information, including the following links:

WUSD Elementary 2020-2021 Learning Program Enrollment Information
This page provides additional information about the learning program options for students, including the hybrid and remote class schedules.

WUSD Reopening Guide
This District guide details Wiseburn USD’s plan for safely reopening our schools.

Once you are ready to make a decision, please go to wiseburn.schoolmint.net, log in, and complete the "WUSD Reopening Student Learning Programs Enrollment Options 2020-2021" form for each student in your family in grades TK-5.

This form must be completed by Monday, February 22, 2021.

Please note that school sites will work to maintain current teacher/class assignments, but that we anticipate a need for some class changes. Unfortunately, due to staffing and student participation in either learning program, families will not have the option of choosing a specific teacher for their student, although we will do our best to promote continuity of classes.

Childcare

Last week, Right at School presented their childcare program to the board and community. At Thursday evening's special board meeting, the school board approved our contract with Right at School, and we are moving forward on planning with the program to implement childcare services on our campuses.

Right at School is a highly sought-after childcare program, and their goal is to launch as soon as possible to support our families as we begin coming back for in-person instruction. Stay tuned for more communication from Right at School about upcoming information and opportunities to hear directly from and meet with the program.

Stay connected

Next week, we will continue to share updates on our reopening through this email list. School site specific guides are also forthcoming to complement our District Reopening Guide. Please follow Wiseburn USD on Instagram and Facebook to be sure you don't miss these critical updates.

With thanks,

Blake Silvers, Ed.D.
WUSD Superintendent

News on WUSD Reopening Efforts - February 11, 2021

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News on WUSD reopening efforts

In this message:

Due to the rapidly improving COVID-19 metrics, Wiseburn is working to finalize plans for a prospective return to in-person instruction for some of our students, starting with TK-2.
We are currently not permitted to reopen until Los Angeles County reaches a COVID-19 adjusted case rate of less than 25 per 100,000 population per day for at least 5 consecutive days — a metric we are quickly approaching.
Students and their parents/caretakers will have the option to choose either a Hybrid Learning Program (in-person and at-home) or a full distance Remote Learning Program (100% at-home) for students.
The District will send out weekly email communications distributing information to ensure a smooth transition back to campus as we are able to reopen for in-person instruction.
Any reopening would maintain a strict health and safety protocol, which is the most critical aspect of our ability to bring students back.

Wiseburn families and friends,

As Los Angeles County's COVID-19 conditions improve, Wiseburn is working to finalize plans for a prospective return to in-person instruction for some of our students starting in early March. We are excited about the return to school for our students, but also committed to providing a safe environment to do so for our staff, students, and the community.

According to the state’s framework for school reopening, we are currently not permitted to reopen until Los Angeles County reaches a COVID-19 adjusted case rate of less than 25 per 100,000 population per day for at least 5 consecutive days. (This case rate reflects recommendations from the Harvard Global Health Institute analysis of safe school reopening policy.)

We are quickly approaching that metric. We cannot be certain of an exact date we will reach the milestone, but as the case rates rapidly decline, we are finalizing plans to return for in-person learning with support from our administrators, staff, parents/caregivers, and district administrators.

How reopening will work

Our prospective reopening will be staggered, starting with our youngest learners, prioritizing TK-2. Taking this approach will allow us to maximize social distancing and health and safety in our buildings. We intend to expand our in-person instruction offerings to include grades 3-5 as permitted by state and local health directives within a short time of the TK-2 launch (one to two weeks).

Students and their parents/caretakers will have the option to choose either a Hybrid Learning Program (in-person and at-home) or a full distance Remote Learning Program (100% at-home) for students.

Please note: Efforts will be made to maintain current teacher/class assignments and minimize the shuffling of classes. Regardless of the model chosen, teacher/class assignments will need to be adjusted based on enrollment, staffing, and the learning model choices made by each family which may, in some cases, result in students changing teachers.

What's next

As we finalize our planning and schedules, we will be distributing surveys to parents/caretakers to indicate their preferences for students’ learning model. The survey will contain more information to help students and parents/caretakers to make their decision.

Further, the District will send out weekly email communications distributing information to ensure a smooth transition back to campus as we are able to reopen for in-person instruction. In future communications, we will issue helpful Reopening Guides that detail what our families need to know, including information on schedules, drop off and pick up, required safety protocols, at-home self-screening procedures, and more.

We will also be distributing more information in a separate update about how our community can help us as we work to contact legislators regarding priority access to the vaccine for our teachers and staff.

Preschool and childcare updates

We recognize our preschool and extended day care programs are critical and many families are awaiting more information.

We are thrilled to report that we are closing in on an agreement with a highly sought after childcare program known as Right at School. We are currently in talks to begin childcare in April. More information is forthcoming.

Safety protocols are critical to reopening

In making the decision to pursue our reopening, we must weigh the risk of transmission on campuses with the impacts distance learning may have on our students, particularly in the areas of mental health and learning loss. It is for the social and academic welfare of our students that we are considering our reopening.

There is mounting scientific evidence, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, that suggests school reopenings can be done safely by following certain health and safety protocols — protocols which we implemented successfully on sites for our in-person assessments late last year.

By implementing these protocols, Wiseburn has not experienced on-site transmission of the virus. Any reopening would maintain this same level of strict health and safety protocol, which is the most critical aspect of our ability to bring students back. To read our full list of protocols, please see our Health and Safety protocols page.

Though we will have strict safety protocol, we recognize some of our families do not intend to send students back to campus in any capacity during the 2020-21 academic year. These students may choose to continue learning in our distance learning model, as noted above.

Thank you to our students, caretakers and families, staff, and community for your patience and understanding through this difficult year. We are looking forward to our student’s prospective return and will continue to distribute information in the weeks to come.

With thanks,

Blake Silvers, Ed.D.
WUSD Superintendent

WUSD Safety Q&A - November 23, 2020

WUSD Safety Q&A

Wiseburn families and friends,

We invite you all to join us for an opportunity to hear directly from the District about our COVID-19 operations (as detailed below), to learn more and have your questions answered about our safety precautions:

WHO: All Wiseburn families
WHAT: WUSD Safety Q&A
WHEN: December 2 from 6 - 7 p.m.
WHERE: Via Zoom (Link to come next week — it will be sent out via email, posted on our homepage, and shared over social media)

(Add the event to your calendar on Facebook here!)

Our Q&A session will cover an updated-version of this presentation and will walk through our plans for social distancing, disinfecting, contact tracing, and more. You can review the presentation in advance to gather your questions.

All questions must be submitted in advance to ensure we can cover everyone's questions in our hour-long event. Questions will be accepted until Dec. 1 at 5 p.m.

Questions received after the deadline will be addressed in future updates to our COVID-19 FAQs on our website, if applicable, or may be followed up on individually if you submit your contact information.

Submit your questions here

Wiseburn planning for in-person options where possible

If you're a subscriber to our COVID-19 Dashboard, this information will look familiar to you if you read our last dashboard. If you're not a subscriber but want to be, sign up via the button below.

As we've shared in past communications and school board meetings, Wiseburn is exploring our options for bringing students back to campus where possible, when permitted by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LADPH), and — most importantly — when safe for our students, staff, and community.

We continue to monitor the COVID-19 data and all LADPH and state directives and mandates, such as Gov. Gavin Newsom's recent stay-at-home order that prohibits most nonessential activities outside the home from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. in counties in the Widespread (purple) tier, like Los Angeles County. This order does not impact our current school operations and planning, which includes two efforts to provide critical in-person services for students:

Following a safety review by LADPH, we have begun bringing in some students with specialized learning needs for in-person assessments, during which we follow a strict safety protocol. We plan to continue moving forward with these programs and practices as they are essential services for our students.
We have submitted our application to LADPH for a waiver that would allow some TK-2 students at Anza and Cabrillo to return to campus for in-person learning in small cohorts and for limited amounts of time, as Superintendent Blake Silvers shared at our last board meeting.

While we await the expected approval of the TK-2 waiver, we continue to plan for these potential operations, keeping in mind current and potential COVID-19 conditions. Our planning also includes preparing for the potential reopening of our preschool and extended day program. The analysis and potential reopening of our general education preschool and extended day program is a priority as we understand the mounting need for this support for our families. However, we will rebuild this program with a lens of safety for our students, families, and greater community.

We recognize that even if we are granted the TK-2 waiver within the coming weeks, we will only utilize the waiver's reopening permissions if it is advisable to do so. The waiver just grants us an ability to bring some of our students back at a future date to be determined if the conditions are right.

In a best case scenario, we anticipate this waiver, if granted, may allow us to reopen partially and with limited capacity for TK-2 and childcare in January 2021.

As a reminder, however, we will still be providing students, families, and caregivers with the choice to opt in or out for in-person education if and when we are able to provide it. In the event of a physical school reopening, families will have an option for either our in-person learning or our distance learning model.

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We share information on the COVID-19 outlook and what that means for Wiseburn's operations via our COVID Dashboard, a twice-monthly newsletter. You can see our most recent Dashboard here. Sign up if you're interested in more frequent communications about COVID-19 and its impact on our District.

Sign up for the Wiseburn COVID-19 Dashboard

WUSD Family Survey on Reopening - November 10, 2020

Update from the Superintendent on In-person Assessments - October 23, 2020

Update from the Superintendent on In-person Assessments

October 23, 2020

Dear Wiseburn families and friends,

During our last board meeting, I presented on Wiseburn's approach to a phased return to in-person assessment and specialized services, and mentioned we would have an update for our families and community today.

To that end, we are thrilled to announce that beginning on November 2, we will launch the first phase of our plan to bring in some students with specialized learning needs for in-person assessments.

This is one step in a progression toward in-person learning where possible. As a reminder, Los Angeles County schools are currently not allowed to open for in-person learning for general education (meaning, a fully in-person instruction plan for all students) per a directive from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

By order, however, we may offer some in-person assessments and services under specific safety conditions. We are able to offer in- person assessments for our special education and English Language Learners as well as some specialized services for students in preschool and grades TK-8.

Prioritizing safety

We are grateful to the Wiseburn Faculty Association, our staff, our administration, and the Wiseburn Unified School District Board of Trustees for the combined effort to be able to offer these services safely in-person. We will require health screening protocols and other safety measures for any staff, student, or essential visitor, and our site administrators will send more specific information to our families about safe and healthy practices at each site.

Per our district pillars, we are prioritizing safety for all stakeholders coming back to campus, and have heightened safety protocols. These include enhanced cleaning protocols and monitoring, on-site symptom monitoring, providing of protective equipment, desktop plexiglass shields, hand sanitizer stations, and more.

Phased approach timeline

November 2: Phase 1 — In-person Special Education Individualized Education Program (IEP) Assessments (All Grade Levels: Preschool - 8th)
- Complete special education assessments
- Prioritize IEPs — initial, triennial, and transition
November 16: Phase 2 — Special Education Preschool Cohort
- Provide specialized services for special education preschool students (ages 3 - 5)
- Services scheduled with families
November 30: Phase 3 — Specialized Services TK-5 Cohort
- Provide specialized services for special education and ELL students grades TK-5
- Services scheduled with families
December 14: Phase 4 — Specialized Services 6-8 Cohort
- Provide specialized services for special education and ELL students grades 6-8
- Services scheduled with families

What's next

In anticipation of implementing the above timeline, affected families and caregivers can expect more information in the weeks to come.

For Phase 1: During the week of October 26, the Director of Special Education and school site administrators will distribute the processes and schedules to caregivers and families with students that will complete IEP assessments.

For Phase 2: During the week of November 9, the Director of Special Education will communicate the processes and locations to staff and caregivers/families with special education preschool students.

For Phases 3 and 4: Beginning the week of November 23, school site administrators and special education and ELD staff will communicate the processes and schedules to caregivers and families with students that will receive specialized services for special education and ELL students grades TK-8, per each specialized service cohort.

Progress under current COVID-19 conditions

While we certainly wish Los Angeles County was not in the widespread tier of COVID-19 transmission as per the metrics of the Blueprint for a Safer Economy, we are thrilled to safely offer some in-person assessments and services under current COVID-19 conditions.

We are continually monitoring the COVID-19 data and any applicable Los Angeles County Department of Public Health directives. If you haven't already, you may opt into the Wiseburn COVID-19 Dashboard email list to get twice monthly snapshots of the state's most recent COVID-19 data, context about what that means for schools, and resources relevant to our Wiseburn community. Subscribe here — our first Dashboard update is going out tomorrow.

Thank you to our students, parents, caregivers, family, staff, and community for your support and patience throughout this pandemic. We're thrilled to take this step forward and look forward to the day we can begin bringing all of our students back to campus.

With gratitude,

Blake Silvers, Ed.D., Superintendent

Update from the Superintendent on COVID-19 Communications - October 21, 2020

Update from the Superintendent on COVID-19 Communications

October 21, 2020

Dear Wiseburn Families and Friends,

Now that we've settled into distance learning, we want to re-engage the community on conversations surrounding our COVID-19 operations.

Our goal remains to bring students back to campuses as soon as it is safe to do so. We have a framework with a flexible, five-stage reopening plan that we will invoke and may adapt depending on situational factors as the COVID-19 outlook improves. However, we must follow all directives from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) and the state of California.

Los Angeles County has been in the highest tier of COVID-19 spread since the school year began, and because the situation remains the same we unfortunately have no new information to share about when exactly we will be able to reopen. As a reminder, early indications after talking to local and state medical experts suggest that some form of general education, in-person schooling will likely not occur until the end of the 1st Semester (January 22, 2021).

However, as discussed in our last board meeting, I will still be sharing more information through this email list this upcoming Friday about our phased-in approach to in-person assessments and specialized services.

Moreover, we want to keep a direct line of communication open to our community on the COVID-19 outlook and what that means for Wiseburn USD. To that end, we are establishing a new bi-monthly email with the Wiseburn COVID-19 Dashboard, which will provide snapshots of the state's most recent COVID-19 data, context about what that means for Los Angeles County schools, and resources relevant to our Wiseburn community.

Since we do not want to overwhelm our district email list with these bi- monthly updates, we have created a new sign-up form so that you can opt in to the list instead. Please sign up below:

Subscribe here

Please note: the district-wide email list will still continue to be a source for all critical information for the district. The additional newsletter is a way to receive more frequent updates on what the data is showing and what that means for Wiseburn. Any and all announcements on school reopening will be done through this email list from which you are receiving this communication.

We hope that this additional communication will be a helpful resource to our families and community.

Yours in partnership,

Blake Silvers, Ed.D., Superintendent

Superintendent's Update - August 17, 2020
Actualización del Superintendente - 17 de agosto de 2020

August 17, 2020

Wiseburn Families and Friends,

As we approach the start of school on September 1, we are continuing to provide the latest updates and finalized plans with our families.

This letter will focus on the most recent updates on student schedules, childcare, and borrowing distance learning devices, with more information forthcoming on attendance expectations, grading, and social and emotional health for our students.

Student schedules

You will be receiving distance learning schedules directly from your school site principals tomorrow. We will then also update our COVID-19 portal with a new page on distance learning schedules for our families’ convenience. (You can always access our COVID-19 resources and updates portal here.)

A team of nearly 40 teachers, administrators, and staff have developed these distance learning schedules for our students based on feedback this spring by our students, parents, and teaching staff, and informed by the Wiseburn Reopening Advisory Partnership.

In particular, the team worked very hard to balance the right amount of Zoom or virtual “in person” time with independent and small group practices, as the amount of screen time has been a concern from many of our teachers and families. We will be monitoring this consistently.

Further, there are many families that find themselves in unique situations during these fluid times. These families may need some flexibility in accessing the curriculum. Our intent is to provide most of the live instruction and interaction with teachers and peers in the morning between 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for both our TK-5 students and our middle schoolers (with the exception of Mondays, when middle schoolers will have some instruction that extends past noon).

In our elementary schools, we will offer opportunities for physical education, visual arts, music, and science enrichment activities in the afternoon. We intend to record these sessions in an effort to maximize flexibility. For example, a family may want to spend the late afternoons and evenings after regular work hours to enjoy some of these opportunities.

These schedules represent our best collective thinking right now. The key to distance learning, including the schedule, will be flexibility. While we will adhere as closely to these schedules as possible, we also know we will need to remain adaptable and flexible and continue to seek feedback from our teachers and families as the school year evolves. We will be revisiting this schedule continuously to ensure it best serves our students’ needs, and will adjust the logistics of the schedule accordingly.

Childcare programs

Wiseburn has a unique set of circumstances to meet to be able to commit to opening up our preschool or childcare programs — Preschool Enrichment and Extended Day Program. We must prioritize safety, equity, affordability, and financial responsibility.

At this point given our circumstances and the rapidly changing COVID-19 situation, we do not currently have the ability to commit to opening our preschool or childcare. However, we are not giving up on these programs. We will continue looking at different avenues to provide childcare options until all of our avenues have dried up.

We have worked tirelessly to explore creative solutions to open our childcare programs while still remaining safe and affordable for our families. The hope is that we will be able to utilize this planning as the COVID-19 outlook improves.

Once we can commit to opening these programs, we will be directly in contact with those families who have already registered for our Preschool and Extended Day Program. In the interim, we will also be in direct contact with these families by the end of the week via SchoolMint about their deposits and potential refunds. Also, we continue to plan to reopen our full day preschool and before/after school programs when we return to a new normal.

Borrowing distance learning devices

To support our students in distance learning, Wiseburn can provide Chromebooks and wireless hotspots to students. To inquire about obtaining these devices, please contact the individual school site secretaries:

Juan de Anza Elementary School: Susan Castellanos (scastellanos@wiseburn.org)
138th Street School: Kristian Forte-Hill (kforte@wiseburn.org)
Juan Cabrillo Elementary School: Laura Nilsson (lnilsson@wiseburn.org)
Dana Middle School: Sarah Moulton (smoulton@wiseburn.org)

Looking ahead

Just as a reminder: Our goal remains to bring students back to campuses as soon as it is safe to do so. We have a framework with a flexible, five-stage reopening plan that we will invoke as the COVID-19 outlook improves.

We will send out surveys to families and caregivers as the COVID-19 outlook improves and it becomes clear that Wiseburn can begin transitioning to in-person instruction. These surveys will allow parents to decide on total distance learning or hybrid learning for the 2020-2021 school year.

Stay informed and connected

You can always visit our website’s COVID-19 updates and resources page for the most up-to-date information on Wiseburn’s reopening. As new information is added, we send out notifications via email, Instagram, and Facebook to keep our community informed.

We will continue to be in touch regularly with more information as we approach the beginning of the school year. If you have urgent questions in the meantime, please send them to communication@wiseburn.org so we can address them in future communications.

Thank you to each of you for your patience and support,

Wiseburn USD

17 de agosto de 2020

Familias y Amigos De Wiseburn,

A medida que nos acercamos al inicio del año escolar el día 1º de septiembre, continuamos proporcionando las últimas noticias y planes finalizados a nuestras familias.

Esta carta se enfocará en las actualizaciones más recientes acerca de los horarios de los estudiantes, el programa de cuidado de niños, y el préstamo de dispositivos electrónicos para el aprendizaje a distancia, con más información por venir sobre las expectativas de asistencia, de calificación y la salud social y emocional para nuestros estudiantes.

Horarios de los estudiantes

Usted recibirá los horarios de aprendizaje a distancia directamente de los directores de su sitio escolar el día martes 17 de agosto. A continuación, también actualizaremos nuestro portal COVID-19 con una página nueva acerca de los horarios de aprendizaje a distancia para la comodidad de nuestras familias. (Usted siempre puede acceder a nuestro portal de recursos y actualizaciones COVID-19 aquí.)

Un equipo de casi 40 maestros, administradores y personal ha desarrollado estos horarios de aprendizaje a distancia para nuestros estudiantes basados en comentarios de nuestros estudiantes, padres y personal docente, e informados por la Asociación Asesora de Reapertura de Wiseburn.

En particular, el equipo trabajó muy duro para equilibrar la cantidad correcta de Zoom o tiempo virtual "en persona" con prácticas independientes y de grupos pequeños, ya que la cantidad de tiempo de pantalla ha sido una preocupación de muchos de nuestros maestros y familias. Por lo cual estaremos monitoreando esto constantemente.

Además, hay muchas familias que se encuentran en situaciones únicas durante estos tiempos inestables. Estas familias pueden necesitar cierta flexibilidad para acceder al plan de estudios. Nuestra intención es proporcionar la mayor parte de la instrucción en vivo y la interacción con los maestros y compañeros en las mañanas entre las 8:00 a.m. a las 12:00 p.m. tanto para nuestros estudiantes de TK-5 como para nuestros estudiantes de secundaria (con la excepción de los lunes, cuando los estudiantes de secundaria tendrán instrucción que se extiende más allá del mediodía).

En nuestras escuelas primarias, ofreceremos oportunidades para actividades de educación física, artes visuales, música y enriquecimiento científico por la tarde. Tenemos la intención de grabar estas sesiones en un esfuerzo por maximizar la flexibilidad. Por ejemplo, es posible que una familia desee pasar las tardes y las noches después de las horas de trabajo regulares disfrutando de algunas de estas oportunidades.

Estos horarios representan nuestro mejor pensamiento colectivo en este momento. La clave del aprendizaje a distancia, incluyendo el horario, será la flexibilidad. Si bien nos adheriremos lo más cerca posible a estos horarios, también sabemos que tendremos que seguir siendo adaptables y flexibles y seguir buscando comentarios de nuestros maestros y familias a medida que evolucione el año escolar. Revisaremos este horario continuamente para asegurarnos de que se adapte mejor a las necesidades de nuestros estudiantes, y ajustaremos la logística del horario como corresponda.

Programas de cuidado de niños

Wiseburn tiene un conjunto único de circunstancias a cumplir para poder comprometerse a abrir nuestro programa preescolar o de cuidado de niños —Programa de Enriquecimiento Preescolar y Día Extendido. Debemos dar prioridad a la seguridad, la equidad, la accesibilidad y la responsabilidad financiera.

En este punto, dadas nuestras circunstancias y la situación COVID-19 que cambia rápidamente, no tenemos actualmente la capacidad de comprometernos a abrir nuestro programa preescolar o de cuidado de niños. Sin embargo, no vamos a renunciar a estos programas. Continuaremos buscando diferentes vías para proporcionar opciones de cuidado de niños hasta que todos nuestros medios se hayan agotado.

Hemos trabajado incansablemente para explorar soluciones creativas para abrir nuestros programas de cuidado de niños sin dejar de mantenernos a salvo y accesibles para nuestras familias. La esperanza es que podamos utilizar esta planificación a medida que mejore la perspectiva COVID-19.

Una vez que podamos comprometernos a abrir estos programas, estaremos directamente en contacto con aquellas familias que ya se han registrado para nuestro Programa Preescolar y de Día Extendido. Mientras tanto, también estaremos en contacto directo con estas familias antes del fin de semana por medio de SchoolMint acerca de sus depósitos y posibles reembolsos. Además, continuamos planeando reabrir nuestros programas de preescolar de día completo y antes/después de la escuela cuando volvamos a una nueva normalidad.

Préstamo de dispositivos de aprendizaje a distancia

Para apoyar a nuestros estudiantes en el aprendizaje a distancia, Wiseburn puede proporcionar Chromebooks y puntos de acceso inalámbricos al internet para los estudiantes. Para preguntar sobre la obtención de estos dispositivos, comuníquese con las secretarias pertenecientes del sitio escolar:

Escuela Primaria Juan de Anza: Susan Castellanos (scastellanos@wiseburn.org)
Escuela 138th Street: Kristian Forte-Hill (kforte@wiseburn.org)
Escuela Primaria Juan Cabrillo: Laura Nilsson (lnilsson@wiseburn.org)
Escuela Secundaria Dana: Sarah Moulton (smoulton@wiseburn.org)

Viendo hacia adelante

Como recordatorio: Nuestro objetivo sigue siendo traer a los estudiantes de vuelta a nuestras escuelas tan pronto como sea seguro hacerlo. Tenemos un marco con un plan de reapertura flexible y de cinco etapas que invocaremos a medida que mejore la perspectiva COVID-19.

Enviaremos encuestas a las familias y a personas a cargo a medida que mejore el pronóstico COVID-19 y cuando quede claro que Wiseburn puede comenzar la transición a la instrucción en persona. Estas encuestas permitirán a los padres decidir sobre el aprendizaje a distancia total o el aprendizaje híbrido para el año escolar 2020-2021.

Manténgase informado y conectado

Usted siempre puede visitar la página de actualizaciones y recursos COVID-19 de nuestro sitio web para obtener la información más reciente sobre la reapertura de Wiseburn. A medida que se agrega nueva información, enviamos notificaciones por correo electrónico, Instagram, y Facebook para mantener a nuestra comunidad informada.

Seguiremos en contacto regularmente con más información a medida que nos acercamos al comienzo del año escolar. Si tiene preguntas urgentes, mientras tanto, por favor envíelas a communication@wiseburn.org para que podamos dirigirnos a ellas en futuras comunicaciones.

Gracias a cada uno de ustedes por su paciencia y apoyo,

Wiseburn USD

District Update - August 7, 2020

August 7, 2020

As we approach the beginning of the upcoming school year, we are working to finalize curriculum, programs, and schedules and get this information to our families as soon as possible. In this communication, we are thrilled to share an update on our distance learning curriculum.

Distance learning curriculum

Wiseburn has selected two learning management programs that provide additional resources in the distance learning model. These programs enrich teacher’s custom lesson plans while keeping all of your student’s lessons, assignments, and messages in one place.

Our TK-5th graders will use SchoolsPLP, and our 6-8th graders will use Arizona State University (ASU) Digital Middle School (M.S.) Experience. To learn more about these platforms, please visit our new Distance Learning Curriculum page on the Wiseburn website.

Upcoming communications

More information about student schedules, attendance expectations, social and emotional health, and childcare is forthcoming from Wiseburn. Families will be notified as policies are finalized via this district email list.

Our next communication, which you will receive by August 17 or earlier, will provide updates on childcare, meaning our preschool and extended day care programs. If you have urgent questions in the meantime, please send them to communication@wiseburn.org so we can address them in future communications.

Please also follow Wiseburn USD on Instagram and Facebook to be sure you don’t miss these updates.

With thanks,

Wiseburn USD

Superintendent's Update - July 23, 2020
Actualización del Superintendente - 23 de julio de 2020

July 23, 2020

Dear Wiseburn Families and Friends,

Last week, Governor Gavin Newsom announced his plan for the upcoming school year. The plan centers on ensuring rigorous instruction for students even when schools are physically closed, and states that health data will determine when a school can be physically open and when it must close.

Whether a school can physically open depends on the status of Los Angeles County’s level of COVID-19 infections as well as the preparedness of our county’s health care system. Any county that does not meet the state’s benchmarks is put on the County Monitoring List.

Schools located in counties that are on the Monitoring List must not physically open for in-person instruction until their county has come off the Monitoring List for 14 consecutive days. Schools in counties that have not been on the Monitoring List for the prior 14 days may begin in-person instruction, following public health guidelines.

Los Angeles County is currently on the County Monitoring List. For more details, you can read Newsom’s letter here.

Wiseburn’s reopening plan

In line with Newsom’s plan, Wiseburn USD will reopen September 1 virtually with distance learning in place for our K-8 schools. As I shared in my last communication, Da Vinci Schools will start the upcoming year on August 17 with all-remote learning.

Early indications after talking to local and state medical experts suggest that some form of in-person schooling will likely not occur until the end of the 1st Semester (January 22, 2021). We understand the planning and coordination this will require for our families, thus we wanted to provide these preliminary projections. We will continue to monitor all the data surrounding the spread of the virus to make the most informed and timely decisions possible.

Our goal remains to bring students back to campuses as soon as it is safe to do so. We have a framework with a flexible, five-stage reopening plan that we can invoke as the COVID-19 outlook improves.

The five phases sit in between the two ends of the instruction model spectrum, from total virtual learning to total in-person learning. Starting with phase one and through phase five, we will employ a hybrid learning model of instruction, which blends virtual and in-person learning. Each stage will gradually bring students to campus either in larger groups or for longer periods of time and provides flexibility to move between the stages as needed.

We have updated our website’s COVID-19 updates and resources page with more information on our reopening plan, including what the stages of the hybrid model will look like. Find more details on the reopening plan here.

For families who do not feel comfortable with their students physically returning to campus at any point, they can opt for a full distance learning model of instruction delivered by Wiseburn teachers. Families will be prompted by Wiseburn to make this decision closer to the start of the first phase of hybrid learning in order to make the most informed decision as possible. Our teachers and staff are currently exploring programs that will allow for a seamless transition between hybrid and distance learning to further accommodate students and to complement distance learning instruction.

Exploring childcare options

As mentioned in our previous message, Wiseburn is exploring creative options to support families with daycare when and however possible. For those who have already registered for our Preschool and Extended Day Program, we are currently working to build programs that minimize risk to our students and families while still allowing us to operate within the state and local health orders. We are in direct contact with other districts to coordinate program options that keep our communities safe and allow us to support families with this critical need.

We will know whether we can operate these programs at Wiseburn by August 17, at which point we will notify our families via email. However, if we are able to receive more information on the feasibility of safely operating childcare before August 17, we will communicate those updates sooner. Though this is still in flux with the rapidly changing COVID-19 situation, we wanted to share the latest information we have on our childcare options since we know our families need this information.

Stay safe and keep connected

As always, you can see the latest recommendations on keeping yourself and your loved ones safe through the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health’s COVID-19 portal. When possible: stay home, avoid gatherings, maintain at least six feet of distance with people outside of your household, and wear a cloth face covering at all times when you are out and around other people.

We will continue to be in touch regularly with more information as we approach the beginning of the school year. If you have urgent questions in the meantime, please send them to communication@wiseburn.org so we can address them in future communications.

Please also follow Wiseburn USD on Instagram and Facebook to be sure you don’t miss these updates.

Thank you to each of you for your patience and support,

Blake Silvers, Ed.D., Superintendent

23 de julio de 2020

Queridas familias y amigos de Wiseburn,

La semana pasada, el gobernador Gavin Newsom anunció su plan para el próximo año escolar. El plan se centra en garantizar una instrucción rigurosa para los estudiantes incluso cuando las escuelas estén físicamente cerradas, y establece que los datos de salud determinarán cuándo una escuela puede estar físicamente abierta y cuándo debe cerrarse.

El que una escuela pueda abrir físicamente depende del nivel de las infecciones COVID-19 del condado de Los Ángeles, así como también de la preparación del sistema de atención médica de nuestro condado. Cualquier condado que no cumpla con los puntos de referencia del estado se coloca en la Lista de Monitoreo del Condado.

Las escuelas ubicadas en condados que están en la Lista de Monitoreo no deben abrir físicamente para la instrucción en persona hasta que su condado haya salido de la Lista de Monitoreo por 14 días consecutivos. Las escuelas en condados que no han estado en la Lista de Monitoreo durante los 14 días anteriores pueden comenzar la instrucción en persona, siguiendo las pautas de salud pública.

El Condado de Los Ángeles está actualmente en la Lista de Monitoreo del Condado. Para más detalles, puede leer la carta de Newsom aquí.

Plan de reapertura de Wiseburn

De acuerdo con el plan de Newsom, Wiseburn USD reabrirá el día 1º de septiembre virtualmente con el aprendizaje a distancia en marcha para nuestras escuelas K-8. Como compartí en mi última comunicación, las escuelas Da Vinci comenzarán el próximo año escolar el día 17 de agosto con el aprendizaje totalmente remoto.

Las primeras indicaciones después de hablar con expertos médicos locales y estatales sugieren que algún tipo de escolarización en persona probablemente no ocurrirá hasta el final del 1er Semestre (22 de enero del 2021). Entendemos la planificación y coordinación que esto requerirá para nuestras familias, por lo que queríamos proporcionar estas proyecciones preliminares. Continuaremos monitoreando todos los datos que rodean la propagación del virus para tomar las decisiones más informadas y oportunas posibles.

Nuestro objetivo sigue siendo traer a los estudiantes de regreso a los campus tan pronto como sea seguro. Tenemos un esquema con un plan de reapertura flexible de cinco etapas al que podemos recurrir a medida que mejore el panorama COVID-19.

Las cinco fases están situadas entre los dos extremos de la gama del modelo de instrucción, desde el aprendizaje virtual total hasta el aprendizaje total en persona. Comenzando con la fase uno y hasta la fase cinco, emplearemos un modelo de aprendizaje híbrido de instrucción, que combina el aprendizaje virtual y en persona. Cada etapa llevará a los estudiantes gradualmente al campus, ya sea en grupos más grandes o durante períodos de más largos de tiempo y proporciona flexibilidad para moverse entre las etapas según sea necesario.

Hemos actualizado las últimas noticias de COVID-19 y la página de recursos en nuestros sitios web con más información sobre nuestro plan de reapertura, incluyendo cómo serán las etapas del modelo híbrido. Encuentre más detalles sobre el plan de reapertura aquí.

Para las familias que no se sienten cómodas con que sus estudiantes regresan físicamente al campus en algún punto, pueden optar por un modelo de instrucción de aprendizaje a distancia completo el cuál será impartido por los maestros de Wiseburn. El distrito de Wiseburn incitará a las familias a tomar esta decisión cuando se acerque el inicio de la primera fase del aprendizaje híbrido con el fin de tomar la decisión más informada posible. Nuestros maestros y personal están explorando actualmente programas que permitirán una transición sin inconvenientes entre el aprendizaje híbrido y a distancia para adaptar aún más a los estudiantes y complementar la enseñanza de aprendizaje a distancia.

Explorando opciones de cuidado infantil

Como se mencionó en nuestro mensaje anterior, Wiseburn está explorando opciones creativas para apoyar a las familias con la guardería cuando y como sea posible. Para aquellos que ya se han registrado para nuestro Programa de Preescolar y Día Extendido, estamos actualmente trabajando para construir programas que minimicen el riesgo para nuestros estudiantes y familias, pero al mismo tiempo permitiéndonos operar dentro de las órdenes de salud estatales y locales. Estamos en contacto directo con otros distritos para coordinar opciones de programas que mantienen a nuestras comunidades seguras y nos permiten apoyar a las familias con esta necesidad crucial.

Sabremos si es que podemos operar estos programas en Wiseburn a más tardar el día 17 de agosto, y entonces notificaremos a nuestras familias por correo electrónico. Sin embargo, si recibimos más información sobre la posibilidad de operar de forma segura el cuidado de niños antes del 17 de agosto, se los comunicaremos antes. Aunque esto todavía está cambiando constantemente con la situación COVID-19 que evoluciona rápidamente, queríamos compartir la información más reciente que tenemos sobre nuestras opciones de cuidado infantil, ya que sabemos que nuestras familias necesitan esta información.

Manténgase a salvo y manténgase conectado

Como siempre, usted puede ver las últimas recomendaciones de cómo mantenerse a sí mismo y a sus seres queridos a salvo a través del portal COVID-19 del Departamento de Salud Pública del Condado de Los Ángeles. Cuando sea posible: quédese en casa, evite las reuniones, mantenga al menos seis pies de distancia con personas fuera de su hogar y use un cubre boca de tela en todo momento cuando se encuentre fuera y alrededor de otras personas.

Seguiremos en contacto regularmente con más información a medida que nos acercamos al comienzo del año escolar. Mientras tanto si tiene preguntas urgentes, por favor envíelas a communication@wiseburn.org para que podamos dirigirnos a ellas en futuras comunicaciones.

Por favor, también siga a Wiseburn USD en Instagram y Facebook para asegurarse de no perderse de estas comunicaciones cruciales.

Gracias a cada uno de ustedes por su paciencia y apoyo,

Blake Silvers, Ed.D., Superintendente

Superintendent's Update - July 15, 2020
Actualización del Superintendente - 15 de julio de 2020

July 15, 2020

Dear Wiseburn Families and Friends,

In recent weeks, coronavirus cases and hospitalizations in California — and Los Angeles in particular — have surged, straining hospitals. COVID-19 hospitalizations rose by 44 percent and ICU admissions increased by 34 percent throughout the state in the last two weeks. Just yesterday, California hit a record high of 11,142 recorded cases in a single day.

This alarming trend and guidance from public health experts prompted this week's announcements by Los Angeles USD, San Diego USD, Santa Monica-Malibu USD, and Long Beach USD that the school districts intend to reopen with distance learning at the beginning of each districts' upcoming 2020-21 academic year.

Wiseburn USD planning for opening possibilities

With the recent surge in the spread of COVID-19, it is a real possibility that Wiseburn USD will also reopen September 1 virtually with distance learning in place for our K-8 schools. Da Vinci Schools will start the upcoming year on August 17 with all-remote learning.

More information about the reopening of Wiseburn on September 1 will be communicated to families by July 24.

It is our goal to bring students back to campuses as soon as it is safe to do so. We know it is critical for our students' learning — as well as our family's needs — to get our students back on campus as the situation permits. We also recognize the district's moral obligation and role in minimizing the risk of virus transmission, given the severity of the virus' health implications for our families and community at large.

Wiseburn USD has been planning accordingly, developing stages of reopening that we will be able to implement with flexibility. Though we may begin the school year on September 1 with distance learning, as the situation evolves, so will our instruction methods. In the interim, Wiseburn is also exploring creative options to support families with daycare when and however possible and will update families with this information in an upcoming communication.

Reinvigorating online distance learning

Our core mission revolves around in-person learning and distance learning, defined as instruction that occurs virtually.

We have researched a number of programs and vendors and have narrowed down options that would complement our TK-8 distance learning instruction. Our teaching staff are assessing the options and providing further input on the value of the programs for our students' learning.

Phased physical reopening through a hybrid model

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, distance learning is the lowest risk option for schools to combat the spread of the coronavirus and save lives. However, Wiseburn has been preparing for additional instructional models based on the threat level of COVID-19.

As the COVID-19 outlook improves and we are directed by local health authorities, we are planning for a stage in which we employ a hybrid model of instruction, defined as instruction that blends inperson with at-home curriculum.

Wiseburn has already begun preparations for a hybrid model of instruction. Because of the Wiseburn Reopening Advisory Partnership (WRAP), we have a five-stage model for reopening that was also informed by the Los Angeles County Office of Education Taskforce on Reopening Schools that I served on earlier this year.

We will be sharing more information about the five-stage hybrid model of instruction in our next communication by July 24.

Stay safe and keep connected

For the latest recommendations on keeping yourself and your loved ones safe, you can turn to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health's COVID-19 portal. When possible: stay home, avoid gatherings, maintain at least six feet of distance with people outside of your household, and wear a cloth face covering at all times when you are out and around other people.

We will be in touch regularly with more information as we approach the beginning of the school year. If you have urgent questions in the meantime, please send them to communication@wiseburn.org so we can address them in future communications.

Please also follow Wiseburn USD on Instagram and Facebook to be sure you don't miss these critical communications.

Wishing you all safety and good health,

Blake Silvers, Ed.D., Superintendent

15 de julio de 2020

Estimados Familiares y Amigos de Wiseburn,

En las últimas semanas, los casos de coronavirus y las hospitalizaciones en California — y en particular en Los Ángeles — han aumentado, saturando hospitales. Las hospitalizaciones debido a COVID-19 aumentaron en un 44 por ciento y las admisiones a cuidados intensivos aumentaron en un 34 por ciento en todo el estado en las últimas dos semanas.

Ésta alarmante tendencia provocó el anuncio de ayer por parte del Distrito Escolar Unificado de Los Ángeles, San Diego, Santa Monica, y Long Beach de que los distritos escolares no reabrirán físicamente al comienzo del próximo año académico 2020-21.

Planificación de Wiseburn USD sobre las posibilidades de apertura para el 1º de septiembre

Con el reciente aumento en la propagación de COVID-19, es una posibilidad que Wiseburn USD también reabra virtualmente con el aprendizaje a distancia en marcha para nuestros grados K-8. Para nuestras Escuelas Da Vinci, que reabrirán el 17 de agosto, comenzarán en una manera virtual.

Mas información acerca de la apertura de Wiseburn para el 1º de septiembre comunicamos cerca del 24 de Julio.

Nuestro objetivo es traer a los estudiantes físicamente de regreso a las escuelas tan pronto como sea seguro hacerlo. Sabemos que es fundamental para el aprendizaje de nuestros estudiantes — así como para las necesidades de nuestras familias — el que ellos vuelvan a la escuela según la situación lo permita. También damos cuenta de que es la obligación moral del distrito a reducir al mínimo el riesgo del contagio del virus para la seguridad de la comunidad entera.

Wiseburn USD ha estado planeando de acuerdo a ello, desarrollando etapas de reapertura que podremos implementar con flexibilidad. Aunque podemos comenzar el año escolar el 1º de septiembre con el aprendizaje a distancia, a medida que la situación evolucione, también lo harán nuestros métodos de instrucción. También, exploramos opciones creativas a apoyar a nuestras familias con el cuidado de los niños si es posible hacerlo. Vamos a comunicar en mas detalle en la próxima comunicación.

Revitalizar el aprendizaje a distancia en línea

El centro de nuestra misión gira en torno al aprendizaje en persona y con la participación de maestros y compañeros. Si bien nada puede reemplazar esto, estamos explorando maneras de aumentar nuestro programa del aprendizaje social/emocional para asegurarse el bienestar de nuestros estudiantes.

Hemos investigado una serie de programas y proveedores y hemos reducido las opciones que complementarían nuestra instrucción de aprendizaje a distancia TK-8. Nuestro personal instructivo está evaluando las opciones y proporcionando más información sobre el valor educativo de los programas para el aprendizaje de nuestros estudiantes.

Reapertura física por fases por medio de un modelo híbrido

El aprendizaje a distancia sigue siendo la opción más segura para combatir la propagación del virus y salvar vidas. Sin embargo, Wiseburn se ha estado preparando para modelos de instrucción adicionales basados en el nivel de amenaza de COVID-19.

A medida que las perspectivas COVID-19 mejoren y según nos dirijan las autoridades sanitarias locales, estamos planeando una etapa en la que empleemos un modelo híbrido de instrucción. Estamos definiendo a un modelo híbrido de aprendizaje como instrucción que combina el currículo en persona con el currículo en el hogar.

Wiseburn ya ha comenzado los preparativos para un modelo híbrido de instrucción y tiene un marco desarrollado con la guía del comité de reapertura Wiseburn (conocido en inglés como Wiseburn Reopening Advisory Partnership o WRAP) y los hallazgos del grupo de trabajo de la Oficina de Educación del Condado de Los Ángeles (LACOE, por sus siglas en inglés) sobre la reapertura de escuelas, en el cual presté mis servicios a principios de este año.

Se proveerá más información en un futuro cercano sobre las fases de nuestro modelo híbrido de aprendizaje cerca del 24 del Julio.

Manténgase a salvo y manténgase conectado

Para obtener las últimas recomendaciones sobre cómo mantenerse a salvo a sí mismo y a sus seres queridos, puede dirigirse al portal COVID-19 del Departamento de Salud Pública del Condado de Los Ángeles. Cuando sea posible: quédese en casa, evite las reuniones, mantenga al menos seis pies de distancia con personas fuera de tu hogar y use un cubrebocas en todo momento cuando esté fuera y alrededor de otras personas.

Nos pondremos en contacto regularmente con más información a medida que nos acercamos al comienzo del año escolar. Mientras tanto, si tiene preguntas urgentes, por favor envíelas a communication@wiseburn.org.

Por favor, también siga a Wiseburn USD en Instagram y Facebook para asegurarse de que no se pierda de estas comunicaciones fundamentales.

Deseándoles seguridad y buena salud,

Blake Silvers, Ed.D., Superintendente

Superintendent's Update - June 15, 2020
Actualización del Superintendente - 15 de junio de 2020

June 15, 2020

Dear Wiseburn Families and Friends,

Last week, we officially ended our unusual academic year with a virtual goodbye. I speak for the District when I say that we are beyond proud of all of our students for reaching the finish line of a year marked with unforeseen obstacles.

Congratulations to all of our students and families, and a special congratulations for our 5th and 8th graders who have been promoted to middle and high school via virtual ceremonies at Juan de Anza Elementary, 138th Street School (formerly Peter H. Burnett Elementary School, see below), and R.H. Dana Middle School. We celebrate each of our students in these milestones, and though we will miss those students continuing their academic journeys into high school, we cannot wait to see them excel in all of their future endeavors.

As we head into summer, the District continues to plan for the upcoming academic year. We will reopen on September 1, and as we prepare for that reopening, I'll be communicating about what to expect, directly with our families and community, through these messages and via Instagram and our new Facebook page. Because we are working to address and be proactive on several pressing areas simultaneously, I have separated this update into sections.

On the District's Finances

In our last update on the budget, I noted Governor Newsom's budget proposal contained a deficit that could lead to up to $3 million dollars in decreased education funding for Wiseburn. Today, the Legislature is voting on their own suggested budget, which the governor then has until the end of the month to sign. We still do not know what the final budget will look like or if any federal funding will come.
As the District and school board plan for the budget decisions ahead, we are also considering the expenses that may be necessary for the potential physical reopening, such as the purchase of personal protective equipment and enhanced cleaning protocols to limit the spread of COVID-19.
We are operating with the expectation that we will see significantly reduced funding and examining all options accordingly. We are doing everything we can to prepare for a challenging funding scenario, but we are hopeful for some positive outcomes. We will continue to update our community as the District navigates this financial situation.

On Reopening

Our final full gathering of the Wiseburn Reopening Advisory Partnership (WRAP) took place today. We will meet with teachers and staff on the WRAP team on Thursday to discuss, in further detail, some logistics regarding scheduling.
This committee of over 60 members included parents, teachers, support staff, board members, and members from our administrative team who came together to inform the District's reopening.
Since June 1, this committee has worked to provide much needed input for a reopening framework based on surveys filled in by parents, students, and staff, and based on the findings of the Los Angeles County Office of Education Taskforce on Reopening Schools that I served on earlier this year. Using this input, we will be creating schedules that we will release next month.
Per our original 2020-21 academic calendar, we will be reopening the District on September 1. We anticipate campuses will be physically open but on a reduced schedule and scale, with precautions in place to prioritize our community's safety and health.

On Diversity and Inclusion

On Friday, June 5th, I joined a peaceful protest in our community, where I met Levi, a student who attends what is formerly known as Peter H. Burnett Elementary School. He expressed that the namesake was not reflective of the inclusive community that makes up the school and urged us to take action. Many others wrote to the school board in agreement.
As I shared in a message on June 11, the school board promptly took it to a vote, and unanimously and enthusiastically agreed to remove the namesake. We will be convening a committee to support us in establishing a new name for the school and aim to have a name by the reopening of school on September 1.
In the interim, the elementary school will be known as 138th Street School.
Should you have any immediate input and/or information regarding the name change that you would like to share with the District, you can email us at communication@wiseburn.org, but we will also be releasing more specific information in the very near future.
Aside from this step, we are also engaging as a community in anti-racist conversations. Our CARE Team hosted a parent workshop on June 4th that over 130 families, teachers, staff, administrators, and community members attended virtually. Those who weren't able to attend can still access the recorded workshop and the powerpoint slides (which have additional, clickable links to further resources).
As a follow up to the workshop, the CARE Team is hosting a community circle as an opportunity to process feelings and discuss needs as a group this Thursday, June 18 at 1 p.m. Details on RSVPing to attend the event will be made available today via the CARE Team Instagram at @wusdcareteam.
The CARE Team also encourages families to access additional race and civil justice resources here, plus the CARE Team's counseling resource folder for parents here.

I'll be in touch with further updates throughout the summer and especially as we get closer to reopening. But for now, I sincerely hope that each of our families have the time and space to create meaningful summer memories. If the past few months have demonstrated anything, it is that this community always finds a way.

Have a safe and healthy summer,

Blake Silvers, Ed.D., Superintendent

15 de junio de 2020

Estimados Familiares y Amigos de Wiseburn,

La semana pasada, oficialmente terminamos nuestro inusual año académico con un adiós virtual. Hablo en nombre del Distrito cuando digo que estamos más que orgullosos de todos nuestros estudiantes por alcanzar la meta de un año marcado con obstáculos imprevistos.

Felicidades a todos nuestros estudiantes y familias, y una felicitación especial para nuestros estudiantes de 5º y 8º grado por su promoción a la escuela secundaria y preparatoria por medio de ceremonias virtuales en la Escuela Primaria Juan de Anza, 138th Street School (conocida anteriormente como Escuela Primaria Peter H. Burnett, para más detalles lea abajo), y R.H. Dana Middle School. Celebramos a cada uno de nuestros estudiantes en dichos acontecimientos, y aunque echaremos de menos a esos estudiantes que continúan su recorrido académico hacia escuela preparatoria, tenemos muchas ganas de verlos sobresalir en todos sus esfuerzos futuros.

A medida que nos dirigimos al verano, el Distrito continúa haciendo planes para el próximo año académico. Reabriremos el día 1 de septiembre, y mientras nos preparamos para esa reapertura, les estaré comunicando directamente a nuestras familias y comunidad lo que pueden esperar por medio de estos mensajes, a través de Instagram y a través de nuestra nueva página de Facebook. Puesto que estamos trabajando para abordar y ser proactivos en varias áreas apremiantes simultáneamente, he separado esta actualización en varias secciones.

En cuanto a las finanzas del Distrito

En nuestra última actualización acerca del presupuesto, noté que la propuesta presupuestaria del gobernador Newsom contenía un déficit que podría conducir a una disminución de fondos para la educación de hasta $3 millones para Wiseburn. El día de hoy, la Legislatura está votando su propio presupuesto sugerido, que el gobernador tiene hasta finales de mes para firmar. Por lo cual, todavía no sabemos cómo será el presupuesto final o si vendrá algún financiamiento federal.
Como parte del plan del Distrito y del consejo escolar acerca de las decisiones presupuestarias que se aproximan, se están también considerando aquellos gastos que pueden ser necesarios para la posible reapertura física, como la compra de equipos de protección personal y protocolos de limpieza mejorados para limitar la propagación de COVID-19.
Estamos operando con la expectativa de que veremos una financiación significativamente reducida y examinando todas las opciones en consecuencia. Estamos haciendo todo lo posible para prepararnos para un escenario de financiación desafiante, pero tenemos la esperanza de obtener algunos resultados positivos. Continuaremos manteniendo al tanto a nuestra comunidad a medida que el Distrito navegue por esta situación financiera.

En cuanto a la reapertura

Nuestra reunión final del comité Wiseburn Reopening Advisory Partnership (WRAP) es hoy.
Este comité de más de 60 miembros incluyó a padres, maestros, personal de apoyo, miembros de la junta directiva y miembros de nuestro equipo administrativo se unieron para documentar la reapertura del Distrito.
Desde el día 1 de junio, este comité ha trabajado para proporcionar la aportación muy necesaria para un marco de reapertura basado en encuestas realizadas por padres, estudiantes y personal, y basado en los hallazgos del grupo operativo de la Oficina de Educación del Condado de Los Ángeles sobre la Reapertura de Escuelas, en el cual presté mi servicio hace algunos meses. Usando esta información, vamos a crear horarios que publicaremos en las próximas semanas.
De acuerdo a nuestro calendario académico original 2020-21, volveremos a abrir el Distrito el día 1 de septiembre. Anticipamos que las escuelas estarán físicamente abiertas pero en un horario y escala reducidos, con precauciones para priorizar la seguridad y la salud de nuestra comunidad.

En cuanto a la diversidad y la inclusión

El viernes 5 de junio, me uní a una protesta pacífica en nuestra comunidad, donde conocí a Levi, un estudiante que asiste a la que antes se conocía como la Escuela Primaria Peter H. Burnett. El expresó que el homónimo no reflejaba la comunidad inclusiva que compone la escuela, y nos pidió con insistencia tomar medidas. Muchos otros escribieron al consejo escolar en acuerdo.
Como compartí en un mensaje el 11 de junio, el consejo escolar lo llevó rápidamente a votación, y acordó por unanimidad eliminar cuyo nombre. Convocaremos un comité de apoyo para el establecimiento de un nuevo nombre para la escuela, y nuestro objetivo es tener un nombre ya para la reapertura de la escuela el día 1 de septiembre.
Provisionalmente, la escuela primaria se conocerá como 138th Street School.
Si tiene alguna aportación inmediata sobre el cambio de nombre que desea compartir con el Distrito, puede enviarnos un correo electrónico a communication@wiseburn.org, pero también publicaremos información más específica en un futuro muy cercano.
Además de este avance, también estamos participando como comunidad en conversaciones antirracistas. Nuestro equipo de CARE organizó un taller para padres el 4 de junio en el que más de 130 familias, maestros, personal, administradores y miembros de la comunidad asistieron virtualmente. Para aquellos que no pudieron asistir, todavía pueden acceder al taller grabado y a la presentación Powerpoint (los cuales cuales contienen enlaces adicionales que se conducen a más recursos).
Como seguimiento a dicho taller, el equipo de CARE está organizando un círculo comunitario como una oportunidad para procesar sentimientos y discutir las necesidades en grupo este jueves 18 de junio a la 1 p.m. Más información para reservar su asistencia al evento estará disponible hoy a través del Equipo CARE Instagram en @wusdcareteam.
El equipo CARE también alienta a las familias a acceder a recursos adicionales de raza y justicia civil aquí, además de la carpeta de recursos de consejería del equipo CARE para los padres aquí.

Estaré en contacto con más actualizaciones durante todo el verano y especialmente a medida que nos acercamos a la reapertura. Pero por ahora, espero sinceramente que cada una de nuestras familias tenga el tiempo y el espacio para crear recuerdos significativos de verano. Si los últimos meses han demostrado algo, es que esta comunidad siempre encuentra la manera.

Que tenga un verano seguro y saludable,

Blake Silvers, Ed.D., Superintendente

Superintendent's Update - May 26, 2020

May 26, 2020

Dear Wiseburn Families and Friends,

A promising report released this week shows that the transmission rate of COVID-19 in Los Angeles County is the lowest it's been yet — hopeful news for us all, and a reminder that, eventually, we will return to a sense of normalcy.

There are still many unknowns about the new normal that awaits us, but we remain committed to the health and safety of our students, staff, and community, first and foremost. We continue to plan for the reopening of Wiseburn and want to regularly update you as that time draws nearer. Though every day brings new information to light, here is what we know for certain at this time:

Our counselors and mental health providers continue their support of students and parents on an ongoing basis. Our entire team continues to find innovative ways to connect, including virtual recesses, information sessions, and read-alouds. Find links to some resources from our counseling team here.
We are mapping out Wiseburn's path forward for the 2020-21 school year. As one of 24 superintendents on the Los Angeles County Office of Education Taskforce on Reopening Schools, I've been closely involved with the development of a framework for reopening schools across the county. Using the framework to inform and guide us, we are now following a similar process at the local level and gathering varied stakeholder feedback for Wiseburn. Starting June 1st, I will be convening a new committee, the Wiseburn Reopening Advisory Partnership (WRAP), which will consider the Wiseburn community's needs as we plan our unique pathway forward to recovery from the COVID19 pandemic. We will continue to update you on our progress.
We want your thoughts to inform our reopening plan. A district-wide survey, emailed to you last week, will provide families with the opportunity to consider options for the upcoming school year, while providing us with helpful feedback to inform the Wiseburn Reopening Advisory Partnership's planning. Thank you to the more than 600 respondents for taking the time to share, but we also know that Survey Monkey was down for part of the weekend. If you received an error message and/or have not yet responded to the survey, we would greatly appreciate your feedback.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WUSDParentSurvey2020
As part of our path forward, we are working tirelessly to plan for potential changes in the budget. Governor Newsom's recent budget proposal contains a deficit in education funding across the state and slashes our local funding by 10 percent. For the Wiseburn Unified School District, this equates to over $2 million dollars in decreased funding and could reach closer to $3 million as more information emerges. While we remain hopeful that federal funding may help make up some of the deficit, we are working proactively to plan for what is ahead with the information we have. The state budget will be officially confirmed in mid-June, at which point we will communicate with you as information becomes available.

Through all of this, we are especially thankful for our dedicated teachers, support staff, Hunger Heroes who continue to provide meals to our district, and our Board of Trustees who have each been highly engaged, flexible, and dedicated throughout our response to the pandemic over the past few months. I also want to thank you, our Wiseburn families, for supporting our students while navigating this sudden and unprecedented global crisis.

We can all likely agree that these are some of the toughest days of our lives. I am thankful, then, to be surrounded by this community to see it through, until we can be together once again.

Be well,

Blake Silvers, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools

Letter to Community - April 1, 2020

April 1, 2020

Dear Wiseburn Families and Friends,

As information continues to emerge regarding school closure, I want to share the latest information. Just a few hours ago, Governor Newsom shared in a press conference that students in California will not physically return to school for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. LACOE Superintendent, Dr. Debra Duardo will recommend all districts in Los Angeles County close for the duration of the school year – until June 11, 2020. Wiseburn USD will follow the direction of our state and county leaders and will adhere to this school closure recommendation unless new circumstances emerge requiring a change.

I want to stress that, despite closing the physical sites, instruction will continue for our students. We will continue to evolve our distance learning program and will solicit feedback from our staff and families. The virtual instruction we launched just a few weeks ago will be critical to ensuring continuity of learning for our students. We have a talented teaching and support staff and their care and concern for the academic and social emotional progress of our students is remarkable. Through targeted planning and preparation and our commitment to continuous improvement, we will support our students’ school experience during this challenging time.

This decision is difficult for our entire school community, but it has been made with a great deal of thought and care. Our priority is to do our part to protect the health and well-being of our students, staff, and the greater community. I understand there are many questions left unanswered and many details still to be worked out. Over the next few weeks we will continue to provide the most up to date information as it is made available. Should you have specific questions about teaching and learning for our students, please contact your school’s site principal for clarification.

I want to extend my sincere appreciation to the Wiseburn Unified School District Board of Trustees for their continued guidance and leadership and for exhibiting such care for our community as we navigate this unprecedented time. I also am appreciative to the entire Wiseburn school community for your flexibility and understanding.

I wish you good health.

Sincerely,

Blake Silvers, Ed.D.
Superintendent

Letter to Community - March 23, 2020
Carta a la Comunidad - 23 de marzo de 2020

March 23, 2020

Dear Wiseburn Families and Friends,

With week one of distance/at home learning completed, I want to thank our entire community for the flexibility displayed during this challenging time. I understand that this situation has impacted our families in varied ways and has been a complete change to our lifestyles. I do want to thank and recognize the many people who have reached out to me personally, and to other members of the Wiseburn staff, to share positive thoughts and well wishes. Also, I am thankful to the entire District team of educators and support staff who have used varied ways to provide instruction for our students.

Our top priority right now is to ensure the health and well-being of our students, staff, and the greater Los Angeles community. As we continue to monitor the COVID-19 virus there have been many updates over the last week that continue to add more layers to this dynamic situation. The most emergent of these updates include the Governor’s “Stay At Home” order and the recommendation from public health officials to limit all gatherings.

School Closure Update
On Friday afternoon, the Los Angeles County of Education (LACOE) extended the recommendation for school closures to May 5th, 2020. Therefore, I have informed our staff that we will follow LACOE’s recommendation and are going to tentatively set our return date for Tuesday, May 5th. The reality, however, is that the school closure may be extended even further as new information is gathered and processed. While I understand that this further complicates families’ schedules and student learning, we make this decision with a commitment to do the very best we can during the dismissal period. Also, I understand that there are many questions that surface regarding teaching and learning, school functions, and how the District will manage such a lengthy closure. At this point, we do not have all the answers, but we will spend a considerable amount of time over the next couple of weeks exploring different options.

Student Meal Service
Students are still be able to pick up a lunch, at no cost, at Dana Middle School (5504 W. 135th St.) between the hours of 11:30-1:15, Monday-Friday. Please be aware that this service will not be available during our scheduled Spring Break (April 6, 2020 – April 13, 2020).

WUSD Family Communication
To best communicate with our families and to answer important questions, please take some time to fill out the following survey. The survey will allow our families to ask questions about a myriad of issues related to COVID-19 and the resulting school closure. From the survey results we will create a COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on our website to address as many questions as possible and will continue to clarify and add more as the situation evolves.

Da Vinci Schools Update
Our partners at DaVinci Schools will be sending out a separate message. We have been working with the DV Schools team collaboratively throughout this entire situation.

Please know that I am sending positive thoughts to all in the Wiseburn community. I have an abundance of hope that we will see our students back in the classrooms as soon as possible.

May you stay healthy and safe!

Sincerely,

Blake Silvers, Ed.D.
Superintendent

23 de marzo del 2020

Estimadas familias y amigos de Wiseburn,

Al concluir con la primera semana de aprendizaje a la distancia/en casa, quiero agradecer a toda nuestra comunidad por la muestra de flexibilidad durante este momento de desafío. Entiendo que esta situación ha impactado a nuestras familias de diversas maneras y ha sido un cambio completo en nuestros estilos de vida. Quiero agradecer y reconocer a muchas personas que me han llamado personalmente, y a otros miembros del personal de Wiseburn, por compartir sus pensamientos positivos y por sus buenos deseos. También, estoy agradecido con todo el equipo de educadores y personal de apoyo del Distrito quienes han utilizado diversas formas de proporcionar instrucción para nuestros alumnos.

Nuestra prioridad principal en este momento es garantizar la salud y el bienestar de nuestros estudiantes, personal y de la gran comunidad de Los Ángeles. A medida que continuamos monitoreando el virus COVID-19, ha habido una gran cantidad de noticias durante la última semana que continúan agregando más capas a esta situación dinámica. Entre las más emergentes de estas noticias, incluye la orden del Gobernador de “Quedarse en casa” y la recomendación de los funcionarios de limitar todas las reuniones.

Novedades acerca del cierre de la escuela
El viernes por la tarde, el Condado de Educación de los Ángeles (LACOE) extendió la recomendación del cierre de escuelas hasta el 5 de mayo del 2020. Por lo tanto, he informado a nuestro personal que seguiremos la recomendación de LACOE y vamos a establecer tentativamente nuestra fecha de regreso para el martes 5 de mayo. La realidad, sin embargo, es que el cierre de la escuela puede ser extendido aún más a medida que se recopila y procesa información nueva. Mientras entiendo que esto complica aún más los horarios de las familias y el aprendizaje de los estudiantes, tomamos esta decisión con un compromiso de hacer lo mejor que podamos durante el periodo de cierre. También entiendo que hay muchas preguntas que surgen con respecto a la enseñanza y el aprendizaje, funciones escolares y de cómo el distrito administrará un cierre tan largo. En este momento, no tenemos todas las respuestas, pero pasaremos una cantidad considerable de tiempo durante las próximas semanas explorando opciones diferentes.

Servicio de comida para estudiantes
Los estudiantes aún pueden recoger un almuerzo, sin costo, en la Escuela Secundaria Dana (5504 W. 135th St.) entre las 11:30am y la 1:15pm, de lunes a viernes. Por favor tenga en cuenta que este servicio no estará disponible durante el periodo de vacaciones de primavera (6 de abril del 2020 al 13 de abril del 2020).

Communication familiar de WUSD
Para comunicarnos mejor con nuestras familias y responder mejor a sus preguntas importantes, por favor tómese un tiempo para completar la siguiente encuesta. Esta encuesta permitirá a nuestras familias hacer preguntas sobre un sinnúmero de temas relacionados con COVID-19 y el cierre de la escuela resultante. A partir de los resultados de la encuesta, crearemos una publicación “COVID-19 Preguntas Frecuentes” en nuestro sitio web para abordar tantas preguntas como sea posible y continuaremos aclarando y agregando más a medida que la situación evolucione.

Novedades acerca de las escuelas Da Vinci
Nuestro personal asociado de las Escuelas Da Vinci enviaran un mensaje por separado. Tenga la certeza que hemos estado trabajando en colaboración con el equipo de las Escuelas Da Vinci durante toda esta situación.

Por favor sepan que les envio pensamientos positivos a todos en la comunidad de Wiseburn. Tengo mucha esperanza de que veremos a nuestros estudiantes de regreso en las aulas lo más pronto posible.

¡Que se mantengan sanos y seguros!

Blake Silvers, Ed.D.
Superintendente

Superintendent's Message - March 17, 2020

Letter to Community - March 13, 2020

March 13, 2020

Dear Wiseburn Staff and Parents,

As we continue to monitor the emerging COVID-19 pandemic, WUSD and Da Vinci Schools are taking proactive measures to support the health, not only of our immediate community, but for that of the Greater Los Angeles area. After careful deliberation and in close contact with local officials, beginning Monday, March 16, 2020 through Friday, April 3, 2020, all Wiseburn school sites, including preschool and the CDC and EDP childcare programs, will be closed for normal operations. Wiseburn schools will remain closed from April 6-13, 2020 for Spring Break. If the scenario changes and we are available to bring students back earlier we will contact our families as soon as possible. Additional guidance about reopening will be provided prior to April 10, 2020. We hope to support students through a distance learning model through online, packet-based instruction, and other means of home study. By the end of the day today, the site principals and/or teachers will provide more detailed information as to how our families can obtain any work materials students will need during the dismissal period.

Right now, we know nearly all districts in LA County have closed or are preparing to close. It is important to note that currently, there are no confirmed cases of any individuals with COVID-19 in WUSD. Still, it has been determined by district administration that we will dismiss students in the hope that these extreme efforts at social distancing will support the containment efforts for COVID-19.

We are asking our parents/guardians to monitor email and school and district websites for updates on home study options for students and for any updates related to student dismissal and return to school. We will continue to share information via email and other means as well. During this time, we will operate our lunch program, which will be centralized at Dana Middle School (5504 W. 135th St.). Our Food Services staff will prepare and distribute "grab and go" style lunches for those students who wish to utilize the lunch program from 11:30-1:15 p.m. Monday through Friday with cost based on student’s free/reduced/paid status.

We understand that this has a tremendous impact on our families but know that this decision was not taken lightly. While school is dismissed, we hope that you will continue your child’s education as guided by our Wiseburn teachers for continuity of learning.

Thank you for your support and understanding.

Best,

Blake Silvers, Superintendent

Letter to Community - March 4, 2020

March 4, 2020

Dear Wiseburn Families,

As a result of today’s call for a State of Emergency by Los Angeles County Officials, the Wiseburn Unified School District will continue to work with the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) and Los Angeles Department of Public Health (DPH) to monitor the spread of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and take proper precautions. We are following their guidelines to help ensure the health and safety of all of our students and staff.

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation is rapidly evolving and expanding globally. Although there is currently no imminent threat of school closures in LA County, we will work with local districts to create uniform procedures in the unlikely event that we need to consider school closures. As of today’s notification, we still do not have known cases of community transmission, so we encourage our families to continue to send healthy students to school.

In the event of community transmission, public health interventions will vary depending on local conditions. In the event the DPH calls for a suspension of classes, we will follow their guidelines and protocols for this type of public health emergency. The District is in the planning stage of developing a school closure protocol, including how instruction would be provided in the event of a school closure.

You may refer to the County of Los Angeles public health to learn more here. Attached is a short, yet clear, informational flyer from DPH on the Coronavirus. Additionally, our school website includes information on the Coronavirus for staff and parents. We need to engage in simple, yet effective, measures for combating the spread of the Coronavirus as we do for any cold or flu virus.

Wash your hands frequently with soap and water
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve
Avoid contact with sick people
Stay home if you are sick
Limit physical contact to avoid the transmission of germs (i.e.) handshakes, hugs, high fives

We will continue to share updates with you as information is made available to the district. Our diligent custodial staff continues to follow appropriate cleaning protocols.

Sincerely,

Ellen Russ R.N eruss@wiseburn.org		Adrienne Collis acollis@wiseburn.org
Wiseburn Unified School District Nurse		Wiseburn Unified School District Nurse
Phone: 1-310-725-5800 ext.1350		Phone: 1-310-725-5800 ext.1350

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