School Re-Opening Plans Continued...

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Monday, July 6, 2020 LASD Board meeting will start its open session at 7:00pm and it will be held using the Zoom webinar platform.  To register in advance for the meeting, click on this link.  The entire agenda and supporting documentation for this week's meeting can be found here.

First up, Sandra McGonagle will present an overview of the LASD Comprehensive Self-Paced Learning Plans.  This is a discussion item and Sandra's presentation can be found under agenda item F.1 using the link above.  I highly recommend you read it and click on the embedded video and lesson links within the document to get the whole experience.  It includes examples of reading lessons for 1st graders and US History Lessons for 8th graders.  Both sets of lessons also introduce age appropriate executive function lessons to help each type of student manage this new structure of learning along with the core educational lesson.  

Next up, Jeff Baier and Sandra McGonagle will present LASD plans for Re-Opening the 2020-21 School Year.  This is an action item and staff asks the Board to approve a Re-Opening Plan.  Jeff and Sandra's presentation, supporting documentation, and Santa Clara County Public Health Department's requirements and guidance on re-opening schools can be found under agenda item F.2. Sandra, the Curriculum and Instruction team, and a cross section of teachers and focus groups of parents have been consulted in creating a Continuum of Instruction in which the District can safely and efficiently operate in the time of COVID-19.  There are plans for 100% at school learning, Blended Learning (some at school, some at home learning), and 100% virtual learning.  The staff is recommending, in the interest of student and staff safety, we start the 20/21 school year in the Blended Learning format (with the option of 100% Virtual Learning for those that want/need it).    Blended Learning has any given student learning 2 days a week on campus and the other 3 days at home.  Half the students participating in the blended learning program will come Monday and Tuesday and the the other half of the students will come Thursday and Friday.  While all students are learning at home on Wednesday, the schools (classrooms, etc.) will be cleaned to prepare for the next student cohort, while teachers meet remotely with students and participate in teacher collaboration. All students will follow comprehensive learning plans for their grade level that provide continuity between their learning at home and on campus, are based on the common core standards and facilitate assessments to ensure they are on-track and successful.  PLEASE NOTE:  the continuum was prepared to ensure we have a safe and effective path both to 100% in school learning and back to 100% virtual if health emergencies require.  Starting in the Blended Learning will allow every stakeholder (student, teacher, parents, administration, staff, etc.) to learn and be trained on how to operate our schools safely in the time of COVID-19.    

Lastly, the Board is asked to direct staff of what agenda items should be added to a City of Los Altos/LASD Schools Subcommittee Meeting. This is a discussion item.  Periodically, 2 representatives from the LASD Board meet with 2 members of the Los Altos City Council to discuss items of mutual interests of both agencies.  Prior agenda items have included safe routes to school, crossing guards, and opening of back entrances of schools, among other things. 

Please note, this is just the highlights of what is on the agenda for the 7/6/2020 meeting.  You can inform yourself about the rest of the agenda at the link provided above.  As always, feel free to email me with any questions.