Updates Related to Schools Reopening
Happy Monday!! We hope you had a relaxing weekend, and that this message finds you safe and well! As we begin our fifth full week of school, we want to continue to thank our students, staff, families and community for their ongoing efforts to support teaching and learning. The FVSD community is a special place with people who are dedicated to supporting each other, and I am extremely proud of the work we are doing!
Orange County COVID-19 Update
Using the guidance from the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) and the criteria set in the Blueprint for a Safer Economy, Orange County remains in the Red Tier. Currently, CASES PER 100,000 Residents is at 5.2, and our POSITIVITY RATE is at 3.2%. We continue to follow the COVID-19 data rates for Orange County, as all decisions we make in FVSD will be based on these metrics. Please click here to follow this data on the Orange County Health Care Agency’s website.
Launch of New COVID-19 Dashboard for FVSD
Recently, many of you may have read that school districts have been developing a COVID-19 Dashboard to provide the community with real numbers related to confirmed COVID-19 cases on any campus. Our Board of Trustees continues to emphasize communication and transparency, and we have developed our very own COVID-19 Dashboard in FVSD that went live today! We want to send a giant thank you to our Educational Services Division who has been working on this in the background, allowing us to be ready to post this new webpage. This is a wonderful step forward in making sure our staff, parents and community have the most accurate and current information available!!
Ongoing Safety Practices
As we move forward with a strong launch of the school year, we want to continue to remind everyone to be vigilant in exercising safety practices within our schools. If we all commit to doing the following things, we have our best chance to keep our students, staff and families safe.
- Face masks are one of the best ways to limit the spread of COVID-19. We appreciate the commitment to this practice!
- Stay 6ft away from other students and staff. A close contact is defined as closer than 6ft for more than 15 minutes.
- Wash your hands throughout the day for at least 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer when not able to wash your hands.
Once again, we would like to extend a very special thank you to our teachers, support staff and administrators for their tireless efforts in educating our students and caring for our families! We also want to thank all of our families for their ongoing support at home. This truly is a remarkable partnership!
Mark Johnson, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Schools Reopening Update #11: Revised Schedules for Hybrid Instruction and New Start Date for Middle School Students in Hybrid Program
We hope this message finds you safe and well! As we close out the second week of school, we want to continue to thank our students, staff, families and community for their ongoing efforts to support teaching and learning. In addition, we want to provide you with an important update regarding our revised Reopening Schools Plan that was approved by our Board of Trustees at tonight’s meeting (see attached).
Orange County COVID-19 Update
Using the guidance from the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) and the new criteria set in the Blueprint for a Safer Economy, Orange County remains on the Red Tier for reopening. As you know, when a county is in the Red Tier for 14 consecutive days, schools may return for in-person instruction. Like you, we continue to follow the COVID-19 data rates for Orange County, which continue to trend in the right direction for reopening schools. Today’s data shows that Orange County’s Daily Positive Cases Per 100,000 remains in the Red Tier at 4.7, and the Testing Positivity data is at 3.9%. Please click here to follow this data on the Orange County Health Care Agency’s website.
Return for In-Person Instruction and New Start Date for Middle School Hybrid Program
Schools continue to finalize preparations for the implementation of our Hybrid Program for families who chose to return for in-person instruction, when it was safe to do so under the guidance of the California Department of Public Health. Please see the important information below regarding our start dates for both our elementary and middle schools.
- All elementary schools will reopen in an AM/PM Hybrid Schedule on Tuesday, September 22nd.
- The reopening dates for our middle schools have been revised. All middle school Students on the A Schedule will begin school on Tuesday, September 29th, and Students on the B Schedule will begin school on Wednesday, September 30th.
- For our elementary schools, the biggest change is in the drop-off and pick-up schedules. Instead of implementing staggered start and end times, we made the decision to develop multiple drop-off locations, which will minimize the number of students entering campus at any given location, while also making transportation more manageable for families.
- At the middle school level, the biggest change is in the dismissal time for students attending school. With a goal of maintaining high safety standards, we will no longer have lunch served during the instructional day on our middle school campuses. Instead, students will finish their in-person hybrid day at 12:40 PM, and students who need lunch will take a grab’n’go bag home with them. Grab’n’go lunches are also available to all students at our normal lunch pick-up locations.
As shared previously, FVSD team members continue to work around the clock to implement and prepare for the transition to in-person instruction. Please be on the lookout for multiple communications from your site principal or supervisor regarding important updates and guidelines for returning to in-person instruction.
Once again, we would like to extend a very special thank you to our teachers, support staff and administrators for their tireless efforts in educating our students and caring for our families!
Kindly,
Mark Johnson, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Schools Reopening Update #9: Wednesday, September 2, 2020
We hope this message finds you and your family safe and well! In the interest of ongoing communication with our staff, families and community, we want to provide you with an important update on the reopening of FVSD schools. As a friendly reminder, all students in FVSD will begin their school year virtually on Wednesday, September 9, 2020, and principals will be sending more details in the coming days.
California Department of Public Health Update - Blueprint for a Safer Economy
As you may have heard on Friday, August 28th, during Governor Newsom’s Press Conference, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has created a new Four-Tier Framework, titled the “Blueprint for a Safer Economy” (see attached). This new framework will guide the reopenings of various sectors throughout the state, based upon local COVID-19 data in each county. Although this information is new to all of us, we have been working with local and state agencies to better understand how it impacts schools in Orange County (OC). This week, we received notification from Orange County Health Care Agency that schools in OC must wait until September 22, 2020, to reopen for in-person instruction, as long as OC continues to meet the criteria to move from the Purple Tier to the Red Tier in the framework. Please know that Orange County's COVID-19 data is trending in the right direction, and that the change in reopening dates is due to a new framework, not a negative trend in the data.
How Does This Impact the Timeline for Returning to In-Person Hybrid Instruction
As shared in our last update, we set tentative reopening dates of September 15, 2020 for our seven elementary schools and September 22, 2020 for our three middle schools. This new information prevents us from reopening on September 15, 2020 for elementary schools, and impacts our phasing plan for middle schools. Due to the change by the state, we are now setting new tentative reopening dates for our elementary and middle schools. We will still maintain the staggered approach we described last week to manage the re-opening in the most effective manner:
- All elementary schools will reopen in an AM/PM Hybrid Schedule on Tuesday, September 22nd.
- All middle schools will reopen in a Rotating Day Hybrid Schedule on Thursday, September 24th.
Please keep in mind that our reopening dates are tentative and depend on OC moving to the Red Tier on September 8th, and remaining there for 14 days. A new state website, www.COVID19.ca.gov, tracks the metrics for the virus and posts current tier status for each county.
Despite the schedule adjustment, we are greatly encouraged by the continuing improvement in the COVID-19 situation in OC and remain confident in our overall plan to reopen classrooms safely. We all must do our part by following the health and safety recommendations to limit the spread of the virus, especially as we approach the Labor Day Holiday.
Thank you again for your patience and support as we take time to process the impacts of these new state guidelines for reopening counties. Rest assured that we will send additional updates as more information becomes available.
Kindly,
Mark Johnson, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Schools Reopening Update #8 - Tuesday, August 25, 2020
State's Monitoring List Update and Tentative Return to In-Person Instruction
As shared in last week’s update, all students in FVSD will begin their school year virtually on September 9, 2020. We made the decision to begin virtually as we strongly believe that students, staff and families needed to begin preparations for the first day of school, and holding off on a decision for how we would reopen would have hindered our ability to successfully launch the school year.
State Monitoring List for COVID-19 and Its Implications
Over the last several weeks, we have been closely monitoring the COVID-19 dashboard on the Orange County Health Care Agency’s website to see when Orange County (OC) would be removed from the State's Monitoring List. The two biggest data sets for OC have been the Case Rates (less than 100 per 100,000 people) and Testing Positivity Percentages (less than 8%). The County will need to remain off of this list for 14 consecutive days for schools to be authorized to reopen for in-person instruction. Today, August 25, 2020, is Day Three of OC being removed from the Monitoring List. If OC continues to work hard to reduce the spread of COVID-19, for another 11 days, totaling 14 days off of the Monitoring List, schools in OC will be able to reopen for in-person instruction.
Transition to Hybrid Instructional Model
As part of our reopening plan, we would like to communicate the next steps regarding a return to in-person learning for those families that selected this model during registration. If COVID-19 cases continue to remain static or decrease and we meet the 14 day threshold, FVSD will reopen for in-person instruction in a Hybrid Model:
- All elementary schools would reopen in a AM/PM Hybrid Schedule on Tuesday, September 15, 2020.
- All middle schools would reopen in a Rotating Day Hybrid Schedule on Tuesday, September 22, 2020.
Please know that our reopening dates are tentative and will require us all working together to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The decision to stagger the reopening dates between elementary and middle schools will allow us to provide additional staffing and resources at each level during their reopening week, ensuring a more successful transition from virtual/remote learning to in-person learning. In addition, our middle school students will continue to participate in a large part of their education virtually, and the extra week students and staff spend virtually will allow for a better implementation. At this time, we do not have an answer as to how long we will remain in the hybrid setting. We will use our time in a hybrid model to evaluate the conditions in OC and the successful execution of our systems, routines, and procedures detailed within our Reopening Schools Plan.
This is a lot of information to process and I do not want any of us to get ahead of the science and metrics. Please know that any return to in-person instruction will be based on the guidelines specific to schools dictated by the California Department of Public Health and the Orange County Health Care Agency. That being said, we wanted to share this update tonight, as many of you have already inquired about this data, possible dates and scenarios.
Moving forward, we remain committed to providing ongoing information and updates via email and our websites, so please continue to check them regularly.
Kindly,
Mark Johnson, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Fountain Valley School District
Schools Reopening Update #7 - Tuesday, August 18, 2020
Last night, we provided an informational update to our Board of Trustees regarding our Reopening Schools Plan and shared a decision to implement the Hybrid Model when we are able to return for in-person learning. In addition, we selected the Elementary AM/PM Cohort Hybrid and Middle School Rotating Day Hybrid Schedules for this year. Any considerations for pivoting to a Modified Traditional Schedule, if possible, will be made later in the school year. We strongly believe that reducing the number of students on campus at any given time will provide us with the best chance to keep students and staff attending school regularly. We also believe that elementary age students, especially our youngest students, have their best learning opportunities when they are able to attend school in-person as much as possible, and that middle school age students are more capable of learning in and navigating a virtual environment.
Update on First Week of School
In addition to the update above, we also recognize the need to provide more information related to the first week school. As noted above, at this time, Orange County remains on the State’s Monitoring List for COVID-19. Based upon this information and as stated in the California Department of Public Health’s Guidance for Schools, Orange County must be off of the Monitoring List for 14 consecutive days for schools to reopen for in-person instruction. If Orange County came off of the Monitoring List today, the earliest we would be able to return for in-person instruction would be September 2, 2020, a date that is too late and unfair to our stakeholders to make a decision on the first week of school. With there being 22 days until the beginning of the school year, we know that one of the most important things we can do at this time is provide concrete information that allows staff and families to make the necessary plans and arrangements related to ensuring a successful kick-off to the school year. Therefore, today, we made the decision to reopen schools on September 9, 2020, in a virtual/remote model for all students. When we are able to do so, we will make the transition to an in-person Hybrid Learning Model for our families who selected the in-person model during registration.
As a parent of school-age children myself, I know how challenging the recent decisions you have had to make regarding the upcoming school year have been, and I also know how these decisions keep you up at night. One thing we have always promised our families in FVSD is that we are committed to making the same decisions for your children that we would hope others would make for our own children. And while we realize that there are varied beliefs on how schools should reopen within our community, we also know that our recent decisions are in alignment with the guidance from our state and local health officers, as well as our ongoing commitments to providing a safe environment for our students and staff, and a meaningful educational experience for all of the 6,300 children we have the honor of serving!
Please rest assured that FVSD has been preparing for the possibility of reopening virtually, and has invested in a dedicated online curriculum, offered extensive professional development opportunities for our instructional staff, and will provide Chromebooks to any/all students who need one. We understand that while nothing replaces the importance of being on-site, and in-person with a teacher, we are confident your child(ren) will be provided with a rigorous, consistent, and engaging instructional program.
Moving forward, we remain committed to providing ongoing information and updates via email and our websites, so please continue to check them regularly. We have attached the Sample Daily Schedules and Reopening Schools Plan to this email for your reference.
Kindly,
Schools Reopening Update #6 - Friday, August 14, 2020
Thank you for your patience as we have been working to address the many questions from our community over the past weeks. Below this letter, you will find our Parent FAQ #1 which attempts to answer many of the various questions that have come in via survey, phone calls, and emails.
We understand this situation continues to be dynamic and fluid, but please rest assured that FVSD is being guided by the most up-to-date health and safety information, along with ongoing input from our employees and community.
Additionally, we intend to continue to listen to our entire FVSD community as we work towards a successful reopening of schools, either virtually or in-person, on September 9th, which is almost four weeks away.
Thank you for taking the time to read this important information. If you would like more clarification, resources or support, please feel free to contact your site principal, or email or call the District Office us at webmaster@fvsd.us or (714) 843-3200.
Thank you and have a wonderful evening.
Sincerely,
Schools Reopening Update #5 - August 6, 2020
Schools Reopening Update #4 - July 24, 2020
Schools Reopening Update #3 - July 17, 2020
Schools Reopening Update #2 - June 29, 2020
Schools Reopening Update #2 - June 29, 2020
Dear FVSD Families:
With school beginning a little over 10 weeks away on September 9, 2020, we wanted to send our second update regarding FVSD schools reopening this fall. As shared in our last update, our number one priority is to safely have all students back in traditional classrooms with their teachers every day. However, if necessary, we must also be diligent in planning for the implementation of a blended learning program, as the COVID-19 pandemic is constantly changing and we may not be able to bring all students back every day. A blended learning program allows for students to attend school physically for part of the week and attend 'virtually' on other days. Additionally, we know from a recent survey that 22% of our parents would prefer a full-time distance/virtual learning model, which is another option we are building for this fall.
As we work to bring students and staff back to our campuses safely in September, we want to commend the efforts of our Reopening Schools Advisory, made up of over 55 stakeholders, including parents, teachers, support staff and administrators, who are working collaboratively to answer the hard questions about safety and protocols. The topics below are guiding our intensive planning efforts and conversations, and will be included in our final reopening plan (intended to be completed by the first week of August).
- Entering School Buildings
- Transitioning & Recess
- Elementary School Program
- Middle School Program
- Health, Hygiene, Protocols and Education
- Serving Meals
- Transporting Students
- Special Populations and Programs
- Preschool & Childcare
- Maintaining Healthy Operations
- Considerations for Partial or Total Closures
- When a Student or Staff Member Gets Sick
In addition to the topics above, please know that reopening of schools will depend on all of these factors coming together successfully, and that our plan must also follow the guidance released by the California Department of Public Health and the Orange County Department of Education.
In true alignment with the FVSD Way, we have always known of the tremendous benefits of studying, collaborating, planning and communicating, all of which are necessary to reopen schools safely. This approach, as well as our partnership with local health care officials and our neighboring districts, will allow us to develop the best model for our students, staff and community.
Moving forward, we will continue to provide ongoing and regular updates throughout the months of July and August, via email and on district/school websites. On behalf of our Board of Trustees and the entire FVSD staff, thank you for your continued support and ongoing commitment to our students and our community. Together, we ensure that our students will continue to receive the necessary focus, resources, and attention they need to learn and grow even in these uncertain times.
Thank you for taking the time to read this message. I hope you and your families have a wonderful, and safe, 4th of July weekend!
Kindly,
Mark Johnson, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Schools Reopening Update #1 - June 12, 2020