Today, a message was posted on the DNUSD webpage and Facebook page regarding the Del Norte Virtual Learning Program flyer. On behalf of the District, I would like to personally apologize for any misunderstanding regarding this post.
I would like to clarify the following:
1. The District is not planning on only offering online learning for the 2020-2021 school year. At this point, we are expecting to be able to return with at least 50% of our students in attendance on campus at any given time. In a previous survey, 65% of our families indicated that they would prefer that school be offered fully in person, as we have always done, while an additional 25% indicated that they would prefer a blended learning model. Our intent is to try to offer programs that meet the needs of each child, in person to the fullest extent possible.
2. That same survey indicated that approximately 10% of our families expressed an interest in participating only in online or distance learning. In order to move forward with determining whether this option is viable, it is necessary that we get an accurate count of students, by grade level and school of residence, as quickly as possible. This “application” was designed as a way to get this information for planning purposes only.
3. I have been meeting with the leadership of the Del Norte Teachers’ Association and the local California School Employees Association on a steering committee to discuss issues and options in reopening for 2020-2021. We have discussed the desire and survey results for an online program, but no discussion has been held regarding this “application” or a final configuration of an online program.
4. We are in the process of completing a survey for all district staff and families to gather additional information regarding the three reopening options that the steering committee, site principals, and other consulting groups have discussed: an in-person AM/PM model with 50% of students in attendance at either session, a two day per week in-person model with 50% of students in attendance 2 days each week with distance learning occurring during days when they are not receiving in-person instruction, and the distance learning-only model.
5. Given the confusion caused by the post and the need to more accurately reflect the intent of the form, we will be revising the current document and reposting it so that it better meets its intended purpose. To avoid continuing confusion, we will “expire” the post, so that only the corrected version is available. The updated document will be available in Spanish, as well.
I would, again, like to apologize for any confusion that these posts may have caused. In an attempt to gather information quickly, we did not communicate clearly or adequately. We have just over 40 days in which to rethink 100 years of educational structure and respond to the most significant health crisis in recent history, prior to the start of the school year. Thank you for your understanding and patience as we move through this process.
Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office at 464-0200.
Jeff Harris
Superintendent
