CUSD distance learning UPDATE

"THOSE WHO HAVE A WHY TO LIVE FOR CAN BEAR WITH ALMOST ANY HOW"

- Nietzsche

On Monday, April 6th, Coronado Unified School District will embark on an initiative designed to engage our learners in new and creative ways. Our effort in creating a TK-12 Distance Learning Program (DLP) represents a significant shift, necessitated by unprecedented circumstances which led to mandatory school closures, away from conventional practices. Please take time to review the information and overview of our DLP provided on the link below.

It is important to recognize that this deviation from direct instruction to facilitating learning remotely is new for all parties involved; our students, parents, and our teachers. It is going to look, sound, and feel different than our traditional structures and settings, and that is okay. Through adversity comes creativity, humility, and an opportunity to focus on our why. Why are we in this profession? Who do we serve? What do they need from us now? How can we provide it?

As a staff, our purpose is clear and we will not allow any obstacle to prevent us from providing the resources, support, and encouragement our students need when they need us most. And I believe it is fair to say that they need us now, as we need them.

I want to assure parents who entrust us to create conditions, despite unanticipated challenges, which prioritize health, safety, and success that we stand in solidarity with you. We want what is best for our students now, and refuse to wait until we have clear direction from outside of our district. In a time when so much is unknown, it is incumbent upon us to act on what we do know; we need to do something to engage our students today. During our transition, we ask for your patience and understanding as we build experiences, learn from our mistakes, adjust, modify, share - all while modeling humility.

I have so much gratitude for our teachers, support staff, and administrators who continue to connect, challenge, and champion every child, every day. Thank you for taking risks and thinking outside of the box; your courage and resolve are appreciated.

This is going to be a surreal Spring Break; I wish you all solace, happiness, and health.

Respectfully,

Karl Mueller

The Coronado Unified School District is committed to making sure that students continue to experience the care and commitment of our teachers and staff, and the routine of robust daily learning, even in the event of school closures. We must acknowledge that our approach to distance learning cannot replicate the magic that happens when school is in session (the invaluable social interactions and mediation, real-time, in-person feedback, community and extracurricular events, and so on). However, we do contend that quality learning can and will occur in CUSD from a distance!

Please click here to read the complete Distance Learning Plan.

CUSD Staff Update

Thank you to our students, parents, staff and community members for the outpouring of love and support for one another! We can not fit all the wonderful sentiments received in the last few days but will do our best to summarize.

• The following staff members were Caught Being Awesome: Eileen Farrell, Ashlee Phair, Tami Bromley, Lisa Kinzel, Ana Woerman, Tamara O'Brian, Lindsey Cummins, Amanda Vanesse, Gisele Renly, Joy Howard, Kathy Couture, Sarah Yakutis, Dianne Chrisman, Kathy Cotten, and Crystal Garner.

Some of the thoughts shared:

• Thanked the many teachers sending home distance learning packets
• Appreciative of the parent emails and keeping them informed
• Setting up class meet-ups via Zoom
• Motivating, supporting and encouraging students
• Providing AP work and guidance
• Sending virtual love and hugs to students
• Helps me do my best in school and helps me through my hard times
• Being the most amazing teacher!

Many sentiments shared how the staff took the time to connect, challenge and champion our students. Thank you for taking the time to recognize our CUSD family.

Click here to recognize an employee or volunteer who goes above and beyond to make a difference. Those who are "caught" will receive a copy of the positive words that were shared about them and a "Caught Being Awesome" decal. Please take a minute or two to brighten someone else's day!

Grab-and-Go Meal Service at Village Elementary and Silver Strand

Beginning April 6th - Every Monday (with the exception of 4/13 'holiday' - pick up 4/14)

Location: Multi-Purpose Rooms at VES (H Street) and Silver Strand Elementary

Distribution Time: 11:00AM - 1:00PM

Beginning on April 6th, all families with children 18 and under will be able to pick up free breakfast and lunch meals via curb-side pick-up. Each child will receive a bag that contains 5 days’ worth of meals for breakfast and lunch. Children are not required to be students of Coronado Unified School District. This is free for everyone regardless of (free/reduced/paid) meal status. Students who are receiving meals must be physically present at the time of pick up.

All meals will be distributed curb-side to decrease the risk of exposure. Only those in cars will be served meals, no walk ups or bicycles allowed in order to maintain social distancing. Meals may consist of packaged, refrigerated, and frozen items (heating instructions will be provided).

• If you currently have a digital device, such as a desktop computer, laptop, Chromebook, iPad, Galaxy tablets and other Android-based devices that can connect to Chrome in your home available for your child's use, you DO NOT NEED to complete the form.

• If you need a device for your child, PLEASE COMPLETE the online form so that we can ensure devices are ready to pick up.

• If your child is serviced by an Individual Education Program (IEP) and has a designated assistive technology device per their IEP, PLEASE COMPLETE the online form, as well, so we can be sure the device is ready for pick-up.

• You MUST complete the above form to receive updated information regarding device pick-up times and location.

We have assembled the following list of internet provider information that may be able to assist families. You will need to follow up with the providers independently for service.

Internet Service Providers

You must live within their service area. Please check with these home Internet service providers to see if you qualify.

Spectrum - There are reports that Spectrum will provide some level of free access to low-income customers in their area. https://www.spectrum.com/browse/content/spectrum-internet-assist

Cox Cable - They are offering low-cost internet service, Connect2Compete, free for 30 days including premium remote desktop support. https://www.cox.com/residential/internet/connect2compete.html

• Cox also partnered with PCs for People where families can purchase discounted refurbished computers. More information can be found here: https://cox.pcsrefurbished.com/
• Learn more in the “Learn from Home” toolkit for schools that includes a way to fast track students in need of a home internet connection and how to communicate with parents about Connect2Compete.

Coronado Unified School District is a K-12 public school district in San Diego County located across the harbor from San Diego, California.

Email: information@coronadousd.net
Website: coronadousd.net/
Location: 201 6th Street, Coronado, CA, USA
Phone: (619) 522-8900
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoronadoUSD/