Dear Alternative Education Center Parents and Students:
Welcome to the 2020-2021 school year! The first days of school are always filled with excitement and anticipation, but with COVID-19 challenges and a new Hybrid Instructional model/schedule we have never experienced a start to the school year quite like this.
In June, the District asked staff, parents, and students to complete an Opening of Schools survey Over 16,000 surveys were submitted, and the data shows that 87% of students, 81% of parents, and 76% of staff desire for students and staff to come back to campus in some manner. Based on the results of this survey, the District has developed a Hybrid Instructional model/schedule. This model is consistent with Assembly Bill 77 (AB 77), which asserts that “in-person instruction should be offered to the greatest extent possible, only allowing distance learning under two circumstances: (1) as a result of an order or guidance from a state or local public health officer or (2) for students who are medically fragile or would be put at risk by in-person instruction, or who are self-quarantining because of exposure to COVID-19”.
This Hybrid Instructional Model/Schedule will allow half of the student population to attend on their designated days, with a maximum of 18 students in a traditional class at a time. When students are not physically in class, they will utilize the Canvas Learning Management System as a hub for their learning and communication - safely from home. Please be sure to refer to the Bell Schedule link view your school’s or program’s specific instructional schedule. If a student or parent is not comfortable returning to school on this schedule, they will have the option to continue with distance learning if they meet State/District (AB77) requirements. If you haven’t already done so, please share your preference by going to this website to complete a survey:
https://tinyurl.com/aec2021.
AEC Parents & Guardians—you play an important role in the success of your student. We offer many ways for you to monitor the progress of your student so you can provide that consistent feedback and motivation they need to stay focused. Please be sure to sign up for Canvas, either online or by downloading the app, to stay informed about your student’s progress, to communicate with teachers, and learn what’s happening at school. An informational flyer is included in this mailer to get you started. Additionally, Apex is the digital content provider that will be used throughout the entire district. Apex progress reports will provide you with academic progress so you can view the quality and quantity of work your student is mastering on a weekly basis. Together, Canvas and Apex tools are a great resource for you to ensure your student is continually making progress.
Finally, the District has established safety procedures to protect students and staff when they return. Cleaning and disinfecting products which meet San Bernardino County Department of Public Health standards have been purchased and will be used frequently throughout the day in classrooms, restrooms, and other common areas. While on campus, students, staff, and visitors will be required to wear face masks. In addition to these protective measures, all staff, students, and visitors will have their temperatures checked and answer brief health questions prior to entering campus. Social distancing guidelines will be practiced and multiple hand sanitizer dispensers, portable handwashing stations, and well-stocked restrooms will be available to ensure proper personal hygiene for students and staff members throughout the day.
The 2020-2021 school year will kick off on Wednesday, August 5th, with a virtual check-in on Canvas. Students will not physically attend until August 6th or 7th. Be sure to refer to the summer mailer to be informed on the first week of school schedule, class schedule pick-up days, and bell schedules. If you have any questions regarding the summer mailer, please call the front office at (909) 985-0966 (VVHS-6th Street Campus) or (909) 460-5626 (7th Street Campus).
Even with the challenges that lie ahead, I am excited to begin the year with you.
Julie Prestsater
Principal
Alternative Education Center
