What is the return to school plan for MBUSD?

Once the state and county have determined we are able to do so, MBUSD has developed a 5-phase reopening plan. 

The MBUSD School Board approved 5 phases of return to school:

 

Phase 1 – Distance Learning

  

Phase 2 – Elementary Hybrid

Part 1: In TK and K, half the students attend in the morning, then after a 90 minute break for cleaning and  disinfecting, the other half will attend in the afternoon

Part 2: In grades 1-5, implement a high needs hybrid, providing in-school support for high need students (SDC, EL, DHH, and students not meeting standards) Note: Parts 1 and 2 could be switched in order, or could be done simultaneously

Part 3: In grades 1-5, an A/B schedule where students are in school two days a week and receive distance learning three days a week

Parents would be given a choice of whether to continue online learning or to enter the hybrid program

Phase 3 – High Need Hybrid (Grades 6-12)

Provide four days a week of in-school support for high need students (MWell, SDC, EL, DHH, and students not meeting standards) in grades 6-12

Special Education assessment center

Parents would be given a choice of whether to continue online learning or to enter the hybrid program

Phase 4 – Secondary Hybrid

Provide an A/B schedule with two days a week of in-school learning and three days a week of distance learning

Parents would be given a choice of whether to continue online learning or to enter the hybrid program

Phase 5 – Full every day in-school Instruction  Dr. Matthews Communication on 7/31/2020.

What is distance learning? 

Distance learning is instruction in which the student and instructor are in different locations, including interacting through the use of a computer and communications technology, as well as delivering instruction and check-in time with the teacher; may include the use of print materials, instructional videos, and other learning experiences that rely on computer or communications technology. Distance Learning in MBUSD Presentation, p.4.  

How specifically will my child’s teacher deliver instruction?

The elementary school principals have put together an informational document that addresses starting the year in distance learning, specifics on teaching expectations, additional specifics about instruction, and distance learning expectations. Please check it out here. 

Additional details are provided in the Elementary Curriculum and Instruction section of the Distance Learning in MBUSD Presentation on pages 23-25 for TK-1st and 26-29 for grades 2-5, including details about English Language Arts, Mathematics, History-Social Science, Science, P.E., Visual and Performing Arts, and Social Emotional Learning. 

What is the difference between synchronous and asynchronous learning?

Synchronous – students and teacher together in real time. 

• Teacher-led meaningful and purposeful instruction
• Small group instruction or 1:1 conferences in core subjects

Asynchronous – independent practice

• Pre-recorded video lessons
• Independent practice
• Online curriculum platforms

Distance Learning in MBUSD Presentation, p.26.

Will we have art, P.E. and Library at Grand View?

Yes, we will still have Young at Art, P.E., and library time while distance learning. It just may look a little different than it did before, but stay tuned for more information on how these important classes will be integrated into your child’s school day.

Will we have any field trips or enrichment opportunities?

Yes, our PTA is working hard on creating some amazing virtual experiences for the students. In addition, some of our dance programs can be experienced online. Your child’s teacher will send out more information as we finalize our plans.

What online platforms will Grand View use to communicate lessons and information to parents?

District, schools, and teachers will have a clear, consistent, concise, and accessible communication plan that prioritizes student connection to trusted school personnel. Family access to information is imperative in a home learning format. 

Tk-2 - Seesaw, Class Dojo, and Google Classroom will be the primary tools used to communicate assignments. Additional communication may come through websites, newsletters, emails, phone calls, and Aeries. 

3-12  - Google Classroom will be the primary tool used to communicate assignments. Additional communication may come through websites, newsletters, emails, phone calls, and Aeries. Google Calendar will be utilized as a primary organizational tool for student planning (month/week-at-a-glance). 

Some Additional Communication Recommendations for all grades: 

• Teaching and learning will adhere to a consistent schedule 
• Teacher Teams will communicate/post general classroom information such as: “week-at-a-glance”, standards to be covered, video links, assessment, etc. 
• Prior to the school day, and in a consistent manner, daily assignments and due dates will be communicated

Distance Learning in MBUSD Presentation p.7

How will Grand View monitor distance learning participation and take attendance on a daily basis?

Students who are healthy and well are required to participate in classroom activities daily. Their attendance will be noted during the daily live group meetings, small group meetings, 1:1 sessions, and through their completed assignments. MBUSD Elementary Distance Learning Presentation

How will my child be graded and assessed?

Students will be given credit for participation in independent or asynchronous instruction, and in synchronous instruction. 

Students will not be denied credit for inability to complete work due to lack of internet access or technology accessibility. 

Achievement marks will be assigned based on the teacher’s assessment of the student’s mastery of grade level standards. MBUSD Elementary Distance Learning Presentation

Does each child need a device? Can my child “check-out” a device to be used at home?

We recommend one device per child as school will begin for every grade between 8:15-8:45am/daily. If you would like to purchase your own device, the Chromebook recommended by the district can be found here, but almost any device will work. 

For those who plan to borrow a device, Chromebooks and iPads will be distributed to Grand View families at the District Office on August 20th (last names starting with A-M from 8:30am-11:00am, N-Z from 1-2:30pm). Please only check out a device if absolutely needed so that we can ensure we have enough to support all families who do not have enough devices at home to successfully connect everyone learning and working from home. In order to borrow a device, you must have completed the AERIES Data Confirmation process. There is a box to check regarding borrowing and picking up devices, and devices cannot be checked out until this process is complete. (Due 8/13)

If you cannot make it on our assigned distribution day, there will be another date to pick up devices at a later time TBD. Mrs. Doyle Communication on 8/10/2020.

What supplies does my student need for distance learning?

Distance learning school supply lists for each grade are available here.

Will there be Back to School Night this year? 

Yes. Back to School Night for TK & Kindergarten ONLY is scheduled for Tuesday, August 25th. Kindergarten classes will have Back to School Night at 5pm; TK will start at 6:30pm.

Grades 1 through 5 will also have Back to School Night. The dates and times are TBD. Please look for a communication from your classroom teacher once the school year starts.  

How do I start preparing my student for Day 1 of distance learning?

If you haven’t done so already, talk to your student about what worked last year and what you and your student may want to change and enhance.

*Find a space in the home where your student can work and will be most productive.

*Build a routine with your student. Prepare a daily schedule for school days - alarm, breakfast, get dressed, READY to learn by 8:15, brain breaks, device breaks, activity suggestions, etc. 

*Build in screen-free brain breaks – time to eat, get outside, exercise, take a quick walk, put on some music and dance.

*Familiarize yourself and your student with Google Classroom and other platforms. Click here to get started.

Will there be any training for parents on how to best support our virtual learners at home?

Yes, with the support of South Bay Families Connected and Beach Cities Health District, there will be opportunities to learn about various topics from stress & social emotional wellness, to navigating Zoom & Google Classroom.

 

We will provide opportunities for parents to learn about:

• Preparing your child for their “Return to Learn” (Social Stories Examples)
• Learning progressions in reading, writing, and math
• Encouraging and supporting a growth mindset in their children
• How and why adults encourage students to work independently and demonstrate what they know and are able to do.
• How to navigate Clever, Single Sign On. Google Classroom, and Aeries
• How to Manage Stress
• How to Keep Students Engaged in Learning: Addressing Zoom Refusal and Participation
• Provide resource and contacts - South Bay Families Connected, Beach Cities Health District

In addition, we are working on materials and resources for when technical difficulties arise. Click here to review Grand View’s Virtual Learning Technology Cheat Sheet.

Will our teachers receive any training related to distance learning?

MBUSD utilizes Federal Relief funds, MBEF grants, and PTA/PTSA support to provide professional learning opportunities for teachers, instructional support staff, and classified employees. Employees will receive initial and ongoing training on best practices in pedagogy, safety protocols, use of specific platforms and other distance learning tools.

Between August 1-23, MBUSD facilitators will build roughly five two-hour learning workshops in the areas identified as most important for starting the year with distance learning:

1. Google Classroom: Getting Started, Organizing Assignments, Providing Student Feedback, Grading
2. Zoom
3. Best Practices in Online Teaching
4. Screencastify
5. Online Curriculum Platform

Throughout the year, ongoing training will include but is not limited to the following: Assessment software and alternate forms of assessment; Using online resources to the max: (e.g. Reading A-Z, Freckle); Behavior Strategies/Implementing Behavior Plans via Zoom; SEL Intervention Strategies for distance learning; Understanding and Managing Student Emotions; How to teach in a distance learning model (pedagogy); Online student engagement (connectedness); Online curriculum platforms; Antiracism and Implicit Bias; How to re-engage students when they are in refusal mode. Distance Learning in MBUSD Presentation, p.13.

Will I be receiving any worksheets, workbooks, or textbooks for my child before the start of school? 

As much as possible, learning will be done online. Schools will distribute necessary “other” materials and consumables at scheduled times during the beginning of the school year (e.g. printed material, novels, math workbooks, ten frames, science consumables, counters, base ten blocks, other math manipulatives). More information to come on this.

How will the new teacher assess my student?  

Educators will annually assess student academic levels and social and emotional needs upon their return to learn. 

Knowing your learners must be a priority at the start of every year, however accurate assessment of student mastery levels is critical at the start of the 2020-2021 school year. 

• Pre-assessments before units of study is a best practice 
• Data from formative assessments (formal and informal) will be used to adjust instruction and ensure students progress towards learning goals and objectives 

K-5 District assessment expectations will include scheduled universal screenings to identify specific areas where instruction or intervention may be needed to improve student learning (e.g., STAR, F&P, Lexia, ESGI).

Data will be used to create small homogenous groupings to target skills students need (e.g. Interim Assessment Blocks (IABs). Distance Learning in MBUSD Presentation, p.11

How will the teacher respond if my student isn’t learning? 

1. Utilize a Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) RtI and PBIS and utilize data to monitor progress 
2. Develop and follow a clear, intervention strategy within the general education classroom 
3. Utilize PLC and Student Success Team (SST) structures to develop intervention plans 
4. Utilize asynchronous time on (e.g. on Wednesdays, during office hours) to provide additional support 

Distance Learning in MBUSD Presentation, p.11

I keep seeing AB-77 referenced. What does AB-77 provide for?

Under California statute AB-77, distance learning shall include all of the following:

• Access for all pupils to connectivity and devices adequate to participate in the educational program and complete assigned work.
• Daily, live interaction with certificated employees and peers for purposes of instruction, progress monitoring, and maintaining school connectedness through internet or telephonic communication, or by other means permissible under public health orders.
• Content aligned to grade level/course standards that is provided at a level of quality and intellectual challenge substantially equivalent to in-person instruction.
• Academic and other supports designed to address the needs of pupils who are not performing at grade level, or need support in other areas, such as English learners, pupils with exceptional needs, pupils in foster care or experiencing homelessness, and pupils requiring mental health supports.
• Special education, related services, and any other services required by a pupil’s individualized education program (IEP) with accommodations necessary to ensure that IEP can be executed.
• Designated and integrated instruction in English language development for English learners, including assessment of English language proficiency, support to access curriculum, the ability to reclassify as fully English proficient.
• Nutritionally adequate meals provided for pupils who are eligible for free and reduced-price meals.

Distance Learning in MBUSD Presentation, p.4-5.

I really want to get involved at Grand View - how do I volunteer?

We would love to help you get involved! Please email our VP of Volunteers, Dana Hartmann at hartmanndana@gmail.com.

I stilll have questions. What can I do?

Please attend our Grand View Town Hall on Tuesday, August 18 at 5pm.

Sign-up for the Town Hall here (a Zoom link will be sent to all who sign-up the evening before the event).

Submit any questions you still have here.