Coronavirus Updates

Please scroll down to view previous coresspondance from our Superintendent

August 9, 2020

Dear Parents,

Welcome to the 2020-21 school year! Thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue to work in an ever-changing environment. Since day one of the Coronavirus pandemic, most days have been unique and challenging. We look forward to the day when we can have students return to our schools, but until then, it is our responsibility to provide the best education possible under the current conditions.

Health and Safety is a Priority

As you are aware, the number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise throughout the state, including Ventura County. Therefore, our focus will continue to remain on the safety of our students and staff. Throughout our school closures, the District has worked closely with the Ventura County Office of Education and continues to follow the guidelines provided by the Ventura County Public Health Department (VCPHD) and California Department of Education (CDE). We ask our parents to continue following safety guidelines at home and in public. Together, we will get through this unusual time.

California Governor’s Press Conference

On July 17, Governor Gavin Newsom held a press conference and shared new information regarding guidelines to reopen schools throughout the State. In light of his press conference, we know the following:

SPUSD will open the school year on Wednesday, August 12 providing instruction to all students via a distance learning model (online instruction). SPHS, Renaissance High School, and Isbell Middle School will instruct students using the distance learning model through the end of the first semester (winter break).

Elementary students will also begin with distance learning. However, if permitted by the Ventura County Public Health Department, elementary students (TK-5) whose parents selected the hybrid learning model (part in-person instruction and part online), will transition for the second grading quarter.

The guiding principles during COVID-19 include: schools must continue to provide meaningful instruction through distance learning and reopening schools will be determined by local health data.

The Governor also expressed, while students will be receiving instruction through a distance learning model, a rigorous program delivery is expected. It is the District’s responsibility to ensure all students have access to a technology device and Wi-Fi. Lastly, students will also receive daily live interaction with teachers and students using technology.

Distance Learning – What will the beginning of the School Year look like?

Below is a summary of what to expect with the distance learning model.

Students will remain at home full-time to access their coursework.
Students will receive live, daily interaction and instruction by grade level or subject course from teachers online.
District core and supplemental curriculum will be utilized for courses.
Students will be expected to complete daily classwork assignments from their teachers.
Letter grades (grades 6-12) and progress marks (TK-5) will be assigned by each teacher in accordance with work completed.
Attendance will be taken daily based on participation and assignment completion.

Bell Schedules

Students will be expected to log-on as follows:

Elementary Students

Cohort A will meet online with their teacher (Monday through Friday) from 8:00 – 10:00 a.m.

Cohort B will meet online with their teacher (Monday through Friday) from 10:30 – 12:30 p.m.

Middle School Students

Mondays Only

Cohort A will meet online with their teacher as follows:

Period 1: 8:00 a.m., Period 2: 9:20 a.m., Period 3: 10:40 a.m.

Cohort B will meet online with their teacher as follows:

Period 1: 8:40 a.m., Period 2: 10:00 a.m., Period 3: 11:20 a.m.

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Tuesday - Friday

Cohort A will meet online with their teacher as follows:

Period 1: 8:00 a.m., Period 2: 9:40 a.m., Period 3: 12:00 p.m.

Cohort B will meet online with their teacher as follows:

Period 1: 8:50 a.m., Period 2: 10:30 a.m., Period 3: 12:50 p.m.

High School Students

Students will meet with all six of their teachers every Monday (see schedule below) and with teachers of periods 1, 3, and 5 on Tuesdays and Thursdays and with teachers of periods 2, 4, and 6 on Wednesdays and Fridays. Please click here for a detailed schedule.

When will the District begin instructing students using the Hybrid Model?

The district will be monitoring and working closely with state and county agencies to determine if we will implement a hybrid learning model (part-time in school and part-time at home) for elementary students at the end of the first quarter. Students will be in one of two cohorts (A or B) and will attend school two days a week and complete distance learning work the remaining days of the week. The District will send home information explaining the hybrid learning model prior to starting the instruction. Those parents who selected distance learning for the entire school year will continue to have their children learn at home.

Registrations for 2020-21

All students have been placed in the appropriate grade level and school site for the 2020-21 school year. Annual registration packets have now been distributed to all families via mail or pick-up. If you have not received your annual packet, please contact your child’s school office. Lastly, if you did not have an opportunity to register your TK or Kindergarten student, please contact your neighborhood school.

Meal Distribution

Our Child Nutrition Services Department will be serving multi-day meals to enrolled students starting on August 12th. One meal bag per student for each pickup day will be provided. Meal Bags will be distributed weekly on Monday, Wednesday & Friday from 11:00 -12:30 p.m. at the following school sites:

Blanchard Elementary: 115 Peck Road (Drive-thru & walk-up)
Glen City Elementary: 141 S. Steckel Drive (Drive-thru & walk-up)
Barbara Webster Elementary: 1150 Saticoy Street (Walk-up only)
Isbell Middle School: 221 S. 4th Street; enter on Harvard St. (Drive-thru & walk-up)
Santa Paula High School: 404 Nth 6th Street; enter on 5th Street (Drive-thru & walk-up)

Families will be receiving a postcard in the mail and must present this postcard at only one of the sites above when picking up meals. Meals are for enrolled students only. You can pick up meals for other families, but you must present the family’s postcard. We ask that parents go to the same site each time to help ensure there will be enough meals for all families. Staff at drive-thru locations will put meal bags in the vehicle's trunk. Face coverings are required at all sites. If you have questions regarding our meal distribution program, please call Mrs. Alamillo at 805-933-8817.

Mental Health and Well-Being

We have all undoubtedly been affected in one manner or another by the Coronavirus crisis. The mental health and well-being of our students and staff are of the utmost importance. If you see changes in your child’s behavior, please seek assistance from your medical provider or contact our Student Services Department at 805-933-8836.

Stay Connected with Us

There are several ways we are connecting with parents sharing information about the district, including social media and our website. Below is a shortlist of ways the public can stay informed: