Del Norte Unified School District
"Equipping Students for Success"
Learning Options
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The Del Norte Unified School District Board of Education has yet to determine what the start of school looks like, that decision will be made on a date closer to the beginning of school when more information regarding COVID-19 and mandates and guidelines from the California Department of Public Health become available.
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Have questions? Email communications@dnusd.org or mhawkins@dnusd.org
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DNUSD Podcast Coffee and Conversation Episode #28 - Distance Learning
This week we discuss distance learning, how the program is going, and the requirements for those who wish to enroll.
Soundcloud-
Also, view on:
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4OAeKtM6J3Y350cLy4pNBx?si=9D3KpXwEQ0CnG2W0kPT6vQ
iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dnusd-coffee-and-conversation/id1521481929
Stitcher - https://app.stitcher.com/browse/feed/550896/episodes
If you have any questions or concerns email communications@dnusd.org
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Updated 2020-21 Academic Calendar
You can view the updated academic calendar at the following link:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-6bstuaoM33n1fNUnKydLXnbW9Tr4hG7/view?usp=sharing
Parent-Teacher Conferences have been moved to November.
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Superintendent's Message to the Community 10-5-2020
In person learning has begun and students began to return to school today! Superintendent Jeff Harris has a special message for the community.
- For information on self-screening, face coverings, distancing, and other health & safety information regarding COVID-19 please visit dnusd.org/familyresources.
- Students need to come to school with water, any device they have been loaned, and a facemask.
- Students that have recently traveled out of town for multiple days should be kept home in order to confirm they are not infected and protect our staff and students at school
- A staff member passed away over the weekend, we ask that rumors concerning the cause of death are not spread until we have more information from local law enforcement.
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DNUSD Podcast Coffee and Conversation Episode #24 - Self Screening & Attendance
Listen in as Jeff Harris, Superintendent of Schools, and Randy Fugate, Del Norte County Office of Education Principal, and Paige Swan, Principal of Crescent Elk Middle School discuss screening and attendance.
Also, view on:
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4OAeKtM6J3Y350cLy4pNBx?si=9D3KpXwEQ0CnG2W0kPT6vQ
iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dnusd-coffee-and-conversation/id1521481929
Stitcher - https://app.stitcher.com/browse/feed/550896/episodes
If you have any questions or concerns email communications@dnusd.org
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DNUSD Wednesday Webinar @ 1 pm 9/30/2020 - Phase 3 - Health & Safety, Blended Learning, Distance Learning, and Technology
Join us this Wednesday as we discuss phase 3 and what it looks like as far as health and safety, education, and technology. This webinar will be packed with information and we encourage parents to join us and ask questions!
Phase 3 has a start date of October 5th!
Panelists:
Jeff Harris - Superintendent
Tom Kissinger - Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services
Ryan Bahten - Director of Information Network Services
Leslee Machado - Director of Curriculum
Diane Wiese - District Health & Safety Officer & Principal of Bess Maxwell
Link to the webinar:
https://dncoe.zoom.us/j/261256193 Join by phone:
Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
US: +1 669 900 6833 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 876 9923 or +1 301 715 8592
Webinar ID: 261 256 193 -
DNUSD Podcast Coffee and Conversation Episode #23 - Getting Ready for Phase 3
Join us this week as Superintendent Jeff Harris, and Assistant Superintendent Tom Kissinger discuss the next steps of phase 2 and how Del Norte Unified School District is getting ready for Phase 3.
Also, view on:
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4OAeKtM6J3Y350cLy4pNBx?si=9D3KpXwEQ0CnG2W0kPT6vQ
iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dnusd-coffee-and-conversation/id1521481929
Stitcher - https://app.stitcher.com/browse/feed/550896/episodes
If you have any questions or concerns email communications@dnusd.org
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Cohorts Signups / 100% Distance Learning Signups
If you are looking to sign your student up for a particular cohort or want to enroll your student in 100% distance learning when we move into phase 3 blended learning, then please contact your student's school.
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DNUSD Wednesday Webinar @ 1 pm 9/23/2020 - Phase 2 Small Cohorts, Special Education, Preschool, and After School Program
Join us this Wednesday as we provide on update on week 1 of phase 2, where we are bringing in small cohorts of special education students. In addition to that, we will also discuss preschool and early childhood education, as well as provide a brief update on the District's expanded learning/after-school program.
Panelists:
Jeff Harris - Superintendent
Tom Kissinger - Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services
Brooke Davis - Director of Special Education
Lara Hirt - After School Program Director & Principal of Mary Peacock
Lindy Holloway - Early Childhood Education Coordinator
Link to the webinar:
https://dncoe.zoom.us/j/261256193 Join by phone:
Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
US: +1 669 900 6833 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 876 9923 or +1 301 715 8592
Webinar ID: 261 256 193 -
Superintendent's Message & Coffee and Conversation Podcast #Episode 22 - Special Education
Today we have a message for the community from Jeff Harris, Superintendent of District and County schools.Key Points:-Phase 2 has started, small cohorts of select special education students physically attended school today-The family COVID-19 resources and training web page is now available! Visit dnusd.org/familyresources-The staff COVID-19 resources and training web page is now available! Visit dnusd.org/covidstaffAlso, view our most recent podcast:Coffee and Conversation Episode #22 - Special EducationJoin us this week for Coffee and Conversation as Jeff Harris, Tom Kissinger, and Brooke Davis discuss special education at Del Norte Unified School DistrictAlso, view on:If you have any questions or concerns email communications@dnusd.org -
DNUSD Wednesday Webinar @ 1 pm 9/16/2020 - Phase 2 - Small Cohorts of Students
During tomorrow's webinar, we will be discussing phase 2, and what the small cohorts of students will look like once the district begins bringing small groups of students physically back to school.
Continuum of Educational Phases:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TiXKJLGjtvEfDIOSzFg4VwfWjqZRmLPy/view
Panelists:
Jeff Harris - Superintendent
Tom Kissinger - Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services
Ryan Bahten - Director of Information Network Services
Link to the webinar:
https://dncoe.zoom.us/j/261256193 Join by phone:
Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
US: +1 669 900 6833 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 876 9923 or +1 301 715 8592
Webinar ID: 261 256 193 -
Superintendent's Message to the Community 9-14-2020
- DNUSD wants to thank Frontier Communications and the California Emerging Technology Fund for providing 200 devices to our 6th-grade students at Crescent Elk.
- DNUSD is planning on providing the community with as accurate of a timeline as we possibly can for students returning to school in phases 2 & 3. These timelines heavily depend on materials and supplies arriving for safety and sanitation. We will be issuing more communications as soon as possible regarding this issue.
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Superintendent's Message to the Community 9-7-2020
Happy Labor Day! We have a special message from Superintendent Jeff Harris.Key Points:-The District is still planning to move forward with Phase 2 on September 14th, where we will bring in small cohorts of students.-If you have a device issues (logging in, no internet access, wifi issues), then please call the tech help hotline at (707) 464-7005-If you are looking for your student's zoom link call your teacher or the school office-If you have no device or internet access and need a paper packet, please contact your school site principal-All children ages 0-18 can eat food provided by the school district till the end of the year-Please make sure you fill out the school packets you should have received in the mail and return them.
-Back to school nights for the different schools can be found at dnusd.org under the calendar tab on the top menuFor a more detailed explanation watch the video!For questions or concerns please email communications@dnusd.org -
DNUSD Wednesday Webinar @ 1 pm 9/2/2020 - Student Devices & Distance Learning
Panelists:
Jeff Harris - Superintendent
Tom Kissinger - Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services
Ryan Bahten - Director of Information Network Services
Link to the webinar:
https://dncoe.zoom.us/j/261256193 Join by phone:
Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
US: +1 669 900 6833 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 876 9923 or +1 301 715 8592
Webinar ID: 261 256 193 -
Superintendent's Message to the Community 8-31-2020
Superintendent Jeff Harris has a special message regarding the first day of school!Summary-If you are looking for a zoom link for class, please contact your student's school-If you have a device issues (logging in, cannot access, wifi issues), then please call the tech help hotline at (707) 464-7005-If you have no device or internet access and need a paper packet, please contact your school site principal-DNUSD.org/families has been updated and optimized for the first day of school-All children in the county ages 0-18, will have access to food being delivered by the school district, they do not need to be students-Back to school nights for the different schools can be found at dnusd.org under the calendar tab on the top menuFor a more detailed explanation watch the video!For questions or concerns please email communications@dnusd.org -
Devices, Internet Access, and the First Day of School
Tomorrow, 8/31/2020 is the first day of school for district students, and as a friendly reminder school will begin in distance learning. Del Norte Unified School District has distributed over 2200 student devices throughout the county and has had up to 1000 devices on order since the spring, but we are still 400 devices short for our students. As student devices continue to arrive they will be set up by our IT department and distributed by school sites immediately.
DNUSD Parent Tech Hotline: (707) 464-7005
Parent Tech Support Email - parenthelp@dnusd.org
We understand that not all students will have access to a device, or even the internet. If you are one of those affected families, here is some information that may be helpful:
-If you have no device or internet access and need a paper packet, please contact your school site principal
-Not all students will have school-issued devices on the first day of school, but any device in a child’s home may be used temporarily to attend class (computer, Chromebook, tablet, phone, landline phone)
-Free and reduced-cost internet, along with deals on devices provided from various vendors can be found at dnusd.org/families (DNUSD.org/families is in the process of being revamped today, and may appear under construction throughout the day 8/30/2020, check back by 6 PM)
-If a household does not have a device, but they have access to a phone, they can call into their child’s class zoom session, contact your school site for more information
-The Zoom app can be downloaded on a smartphone to be used during synchronous learning sessions
Additional Information
-Devices have been on order since March and April
-We have 1000 devices currently on order
-2200 devices have been distributed to students
-Wireless access points for school parking lots where families can connect for internet access are on order and will be available soon.
-We hoped to be able to meet student device needs by pushing school back a week, but we will still be short 400 student devices on the first day of school. As we get more devices they will be distributed to students.
If you have any questions or concerns please email communications@dnusd.org
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DNUSD Podcast Coffee and Conversation Episode #19 - Student Devices and Distance Learning
Join us this week for Coffee and Conversation as we discuss student devices and the first week of school.
Also, view on:
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4OAeKtM6J3Y350cLy4pNBx?si=9D3KpXwEQ0CnG2W0kPT6vQ
iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dnusd-coffee-and-conversation/id1521481929
Stitcher - https://app.stitcher.com/browse/feed/550896/episodes
If you have any questions or concerns email communications@dnusd.org
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DNUSD Wednesday Webinar @ 1 pm 8/26/2020 - Distance Learning & School Starting
This is a webinar open for the public and community and is not a required webinar for staff to attend.Panelists:
Tom Kissinger - Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services
Rae Fearing - Director of Special Projects
Leslee Machado - Director of Curriculum
Link to the webinar:
https://dncoe.zoom.us/j/261256193 Join by phone:
Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
US: +1 669 900 6833 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 876 9923 or +1 301 715 8592
Webinar ID: 261 256 193 -
Superintendent's Message to the Community 8-24-2020
This week superintendent Jeff Harris provides the following updates and reminders:- Castle Rock Charter School is up to two confirmed COVID-19 cases
- Teachers came back last week and began professional development on health & safety and distance learning
- DNUSD is providing devices to students, call your child’s school if you have questions regarding the checkout process
- School office hours can be found at dnusd.org/learningoptions
- First Day Packets Mailers will be sent by the end of this week
- The start of school is august 31st, and we will begin in full distance learning
For a more detailed explanation watch the video! -
Confirmed COVID-19 Case at Castle Rock Charter School
Updated 08/24/2020
As of today, we have been informed of two confirmed cases of COVID-19 at Castle Rock Charter School. According to Castle Rock administration, potentially contaminated areas will be cleaned and disinfected immediately. All inquiries regarding active cases or contact tracing should be made to Del Norte Public Health at (707) 464-3191. More information can also be found at http://www.co.del-norte.ca.us/departments/health-human-services/public-health.
As the coronavirus situation in our county and country continues to evolve, we urge you to take necessary precautions to limit the spread of coronavirus in our community. We wish the affected Castle Rock staff members a quick recovery.
For more information on the Del Norte County Office of Education or District response procedures for COVID-19, please visit our website at DNUSD.org or view our COVID-19 response flow chart directly at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BAISAfzQZWVyXM5ZJ4bJmuCViZrDmouU/view
Please note that under Federal FERPA and HIPAA legislation, most of the information regarding health-related cases is confidential by law.
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DNUSD Podcast Coffee and Conversation Episode #18 - Distance Learning & Professional Development - Leslee Machado & Ryan Bahten & Jeff Harris
This week on Coffee and Conversation we discuss distance learning and how Del Norte Unified School District is preparing their teachers and staff for the upcoming school year!
Soundcloud -
Episode #18
Also, view on:
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4OAeKtM6J3Y350cLy4pNBx?si=9D3KpXwEQ0CnG2W0kPT6vQ
iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dnusd-coffee-and-conversation/id1521481929
Stitcher - https://app.stitcher.com/browse/feed/550896/episodes
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DNUSD Wednesday Webinar @ 1 pm 8/19/2020 - Devices Distribution, Communications, Food & Nutrition Services
Panelists:
Ryan Bahten - Director of Information Technology
Michael Hawkins - Director of Communications
Deborah Kravitz - Director of Nutrition Services
Link to the webinar:
https://dncoe.zoom.us/j/261256193Join by phone:
Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
US: +1 669 900 6833 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 876 9923 or +1 301 715 8592
Webinar ID: 261 256 193 -
Superintendent's Message to the Community 8-17-2020
The start of school is August 31st, and we want to remind all parents that we are beginning in 100% distance learning. Please visit dnusd.org/learningoptions for more information.
The external communication survey can be found at
https://forms.gle/p84r6ffivuFeWY9M7 -
DNUSD Schools to Begin in Distance Learning
As you are all aware, the ability of the District to bring students back into our classrooms is based on Executives Orders by Governor Newsom, guidance and letters from the California Department of Public Health, and guidance from Cal OSHA. The Del Norte County Unified Board of Trustees met yesterday from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. to discuss one item: how to reopen school this year. During this special board meeting, the school board heard the recommendation for school reopening, based on state guidance*, the District's ability to implement that guidance, and the need to involve parents and staff in complex problem solving, listened to parents, staff, and community members for almost two hours of public comment, and ultimately took action to direct that school** will begin as follows:- Phase 1 through September 11, 2020, for All
- Phase 2 through October 2, 2020, for All
- Phase 3 beginning October 5, 2020, for K-8, and Phase 2 for DNHS
* Transition between these phases would require that the County of Del Norte is not on the State watch list at the time of transition and that the transition is supported by the local public health officer based on COVID-19 epidemiological data, as required by CDPH.**Del Norte Community School and Castle Rock are not included in this planFor more information on learning options in Del Norte county, please visit www.dnusd.org/learningoptions.Our schools will, in all likelihood, continue to transition between phases throughout the year, in response to data surrounding COVID-19 and State directive. Our goal is and will continue to be to maximize student learning and wellness to the greatest extent possible, regardless of the phase of learning. -
DNUSD Podcast Coffee and Conversation Episode #15 - The Start of School Part #2 - 2020-21 - Jeff H. & Ryan B. & Tom K.
Join us this week on Coffee and Conversation as we discuss school starting for the 2020-21 school year. On August 7th, the school board adopted a plan that starts school in Phase 1 Distance Learning and takes steps to reach Phase 3 Blended Learning from the DNUSD Continuum of Educational Phases.
Soundcloud -
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4OAeKtM6J3Y350cLy4pNBx?si=9D3KpXwEQ0CnG2W0kPT6vQ
iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dnusd-coffee-and-conversation/id1521481929
Stitcher - https://app.stitcher.com/browse/feed/550896/episodes
Documents / Links:
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DNUSD Webinar @ 1 pm 8/5/2020 - Proposed DNHS Re-opening Plan & Discussion on Tomorrow's Special Board Meeting
During today's webinar, we will be joined by DNHS Principal Alison Eckart as we discuss the proposed plan for how Del Norte High School will re-open for the 2020-21 school year. We will also be discussing tomorrow's special board meeting and how it relates to school re-opening for all DNUSD K-8 students.
DNHS 2020-21 Proposal for Reopening
Rationale and background of the DNHS 2020-21 ReopeningPanelists:
Jeff Harris - Superintendent of DNUSD & DNCOEAlison Eckart - Del Norte High School Principal
Ryan Bahten - Director of Technology
Link to the webinar:
https://dncoe.zoom.us/j/261256193 -
DNUSD Special Board meeting 8-6-2020 @ 1 pm
The DNUSD special board meeting at 1:00 pm on Thursday 8-6-2020, public comment will be available by joining zoom.DNUSD Board Meeting Zoom link:
https://dncoe.zoom.us/j/193445536If you require captions for the board meeting live stream then watch the youtube stream at https://youtu.be/uWyzSk5w96E
In order to participate in public comment, follow these instructions: https://docs.google.com/document/d/19Hdaa_dV_4GSewjjkeIUO0vlHvLU5-PKHJ5kHUCheXE/
This will also be streamed on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/dnusd
Board meeting agenda can be viewed at https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/SB_Meetings/SB_MeetingListing.aspx?S=36030752
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DNUSD Podcast Coffee and Conversation Episode #14 - School Starting in 2020-21 - Jeff H. & Ryan B. & Tom K.
Join us this week on Coffee and Conversation as we discuss school starting for the 2020-21 school year. We will discuss a number of popular topics circulating in the Del Norte community regarding schools.Soundcloud - -
Distance Learning Registration / In-School Schedule Request Form
We are asking that all parents fill out one of the following forms, one if you plan to pursue 100% distance learning for your child, or the other if you plan on your child being physically in school as part of the blended learning model.
In-School Student Schedule Request Form
After reviewing the surveys, talking with staff and parents, and discussing the impact on operations, the planning for Phase 3 model will reflect: Cohort A (50% of students) attending on Monday & Wednesday, Cohort B (the remaining 50%) attending on Tuesday & Thursday, and all students engaging in distance learning on Friday and on the days that they are not physically in school.In-Person Schedule English Form:Horario en persona Spanish Form:100% Distance Learning Program Registration Form
We are also asking families interested in distance learning to register for the program so that we can plan for staffing and professional development. There are some very clear guidelines around distance learning that will be put into place, and families will have to commit to meeting those guidelines and to attending the program for a full year.100% Distance Learning Registration English Form:Formulario de registro de aprendizaje a distancia 100% en inglés:
