Showing posts with label schools. Show all posts
Showing posts with label schools. Show all posts
Monrovia Schools Adds Distance Learning to Website
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Schools Still Serving Meals
School Board member Rob Hammond reports that though Monrovia schools are closed for classes, they will still be preparing meals for students who usually get them. Available from the school closest to the student's home. Schedule:
- Brad Haugaard
- Breakfast 8-9 a.m.
- Lunch noon to 1 p.m.
- Brad Haugaard
School's Out in Monrovia for Next Two Weeks
Blogger Carmen Martinez has posted an image of a letter signed by School Superintendent Dr. Katherine Thorossian, saying that "we will be dismissing students from school at the end of the day today and for the next two weeks. This dismissal will also allow our staff members to better prepare comprehensive plans for remote learning should the need arise for extended school closures."
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Coronavirus: Monrovia May Extend Spring Break - Longer School Year; Large Gatherings Cancelled; No Spectators at Sports Events; Trips Postponed; Etc.
The situation regarding COVID-19 continues to be dynamic and the Monrovia Unified Board of Education will be convening in an emergency meeting today to determine the best next steps in addressing this pandemic. An update regarding any decisions made by the Board will be distributed following the meeting.
As of today, no individuals within the Monrovia Unified School District (MUSD) have tested positive for COVID-19; however, there are two or more community transmission cases in Los Angeles County. Based upon recommendations from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, MUSD is now following social distancing protocols at all schools.
Following are some questions and answers that may help you as we navigate the next few days:
How will spring break be impacted by coronavirus?
MUSD is considering extending spring break in an effort to help mitigate virus spread. As a public school system, many legal, financial, employee and community implications must be considered before the District is in a position to adjust the school calendar, and you will be notified immediately about any changes that will be made. This extension may result in adding instructional days to end of the school year as required by the State of California. We are mindful that this plan may be disruptive, but the safety of students, staff, and the community is our number one priority.
What if someone at MUSD is exposed to coronavirus?
MUSD will be vigilant about investigating any reported cases. Should a confirmed case of Coronavirus exist within MUSD, we will work in consultation with Los Angeles County Public Health to take the necessary next steps. This situation will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
If I decide not to send my student to school or come to MUSD will absences be excused?
We understand community concern about student health and safety. Some families have asked about keeping their own child home based on the fear of contracting COVID-19 at school. However, per Education Code at this time, we are unable to mark an absence excused for this reason. Our normal protocol remains in place. Any absence due to quarantine or illness will be excused.
How is MUSD handling large gatherings at schools?
MUSD is postponing or canceling all public events that bring large groups of students, adults, and community members together. Alternate approaches to these events, which limit close contact, may include conducting assemblies via intercom announcements or conducting events online.
What is going on with sporting events?
MUSD is following social distancing measures for all public events. We will neither be participating in nor hosting any tournaments. Athletic events will be played, but no spectators – adults or students - will be allowed at the events. This includes outdoor events. The Rio Hondo League schools have agreed that all athletic events will be closed to spectators, but this directive may change at any moment.
Are all school trips canceled?
MUSD is postponing or canceling all District-sponsored, out-of-state travel scheduled through the last day of school, June 3, 2020. All field trips will be postponed through the April 6, 2020 and reassessed on a month to month basis.
Are outside groups still allowed to use MUSD facilities?
MUSD will work with community organizations that use our facilities after hours to determine if these events will proceed.
Will the Village Extended Day Program be canceled?
The Village Extended Day Program is a division of MUSD and will follow the recommendations made by administration and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
What happens if schools close?
MUSD is working to develop a reinforcement of learning plan for all grade levels. More information will be provided if faced with school closure.
How should I talk to children about coronavirus?
Keeping calm and reducing fear is essential when talking with children about Coronavirus. Useful tips may be found in the following article: http://bit.ly/2Iun5aS
Where should I check for information about coronavirus?
Please use only official government agency outlets to obtain information, for example:
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
Los Angeles County Office of Education
California Department of Public Health
California Department of Education
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Source: Monrovia Schools press release
- Brad Haugaard
School Board Emergency Closed Meeting Regarding 'Threat to Public Services or Facilities'
[Though not announced, a good guess is that this relates to the coronavirus threat.]
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Schools Consider Possible Event Cancellations
As we continue to monitor the conditions in LA County, and throughout the world, revolving around the coronavirus (COVID-19), new developments emerge almost daily.
As a result, recommendations from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) and the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) can change almost daily. Today is a prime example of that dynamic.
On March 11, 2020, we received an advisory recommending limiting large group assemblies and non-essential travel. As with previous recommendations, we will follow these social distancing strategies to minimize the potential person-to-person transmission of this virus. LACOE, in conjunction with LACDPH will be reevaluating these guidelines at the end of March. However, there is always the possibility of more restrictive measures being implemented at a moment’s notice.
We will discuss every event and activity on the busy MUSD calendar on a case by case basis to avoid blanket cancellations, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to the health and safety of Monrovia Unified’s students and staff. This guidance impacts open houses, flag ceremonies, assemblies, field trips, athletics, and tournaments.
Principals, in collaboration with their site leadership teams, will make final determinations for the unique needs of each school and communicate those decisions with their respective community.
We will be limiting visitors to our schools and offices by not admitting those with symptoms of fever and/or respiratory infection or who have a travel history over the course of the last 14 days to an area identified by the CDC as Level 3 Travel Health Notice.
If you have plans to travel during spring break, please check the travel advisories by the CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/communication-resources.html) and State Department (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html/) before embarking on your adventure.
Please remember, these are precautionary practices. There are no instances of COVID-19 within our school communities at this time. Our schools are a safe, stable environment for learning.
Thank you for your continued support of our students and staff as we navigate these ever-changing waters.
Sincerely,
Dr. Katherine Thorossian
Superintendent
Source: Monrovia Schools press release
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Schools' Coronavirus Precautions - Plans for Remote Learning
As you may have heard, the Pasadena Public Health Department has recommended that the Pasadena Unified School District take additional measures in response to a community member testing for COVID-19. While there is no cause for alarm in Pasadena, and while the individual is self-isolating, it is a reminder that the situation in each of our communities is fluid and that we must continue to take important precautions to ensure health and safety.
Since the first case of coronavirus in Los Angeles County, we have taken proactive steps to ensure the health and safety of our students and staff:
- Consult with local, county, and state medical and education officials to monitor the latest developments and coordinate our local efforts.
- Encourage increased handwashing to our students and staff while at school
- Our team will continue spending additional time and increasing its frequency of disinfecting, especially in regard to high-traffic areas and touchpoints including handrails, push bars, light switches, water fountains, and computers.
- Soap dispensers are checked at least twice daily and continuously refilled.
- Our transportation department has increased its cleaning protocols by disinfecting buses each school day.
We are also reviewing and updating our response plan. Part of our plan includes the ability to continue to offer our students an education remotely in the case of school closures. A survey was distributed today to all students to determine a baseline for access.
On March 20, 2020, during our professional day of learning, we will discuss remote learning opportunities. During this process, we have also determined that our vehicle for immediate communication is not as robust as we need for emergency operations. We will be investigating the most effective and immediate platform that can be utilized to ensure seamless communication – from teachers, from schools, and from the district. As soon as plans are finalized, I will provide additional information.
The LA County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) has also updated the criteria for identifying and excluding students who are ill. They are asking that school districts exclude students and staff members with a productive moist cough – and that even those without fever should stay home.
Before new students enroll in any of our schools, they are asked about travel. Any families that have recently traveled internationally must have been in the United States for 14 days and healthy before enrolling and entering our schools. These precautionary measures are in addition to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s travel restrictions and monitoring at airports, including the Los Angeles International Airport.
Our top priority is the health and safety of our students and staff, and we take this responsibility very seriously. We also encourage you to follow us on our Facebook page and visit us on our website where we will continue to share additional coronavirus information and Monrovia Unified news.
I am hopeful that, by continuing to work together and by following the guidance provided by the experts, we can help keep our students, staff, and community healthy. Thank you for your continued support for Monrovia Unified’s students and staff.
Other reliable sources of information about novel coronavirus are listed below:
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH, County)
http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/
Social media: @lapublichealth
The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health Access Center 24/7 Helpline (800) 854-7771
California Department of Public Health (CDPH, State)
https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/nCOV2019.aspx
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, National)
http://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/novel-coronavirus-2019.htmlSincerely,
Dr. Katherine Thorossian
Superintendent
Monrovia School Superintendent's February Update
February's message arrives a little later than usual so we could focus our attention on the more immediate issues involving COVID-19. I am happy that the situation at Clifton Middle School has been resolved. We are not aware of any MUSD related exposure at this time, but will continue to provide regular updates as this does seem to be a fluid situation.
We started February with a celebration of our college and career readiness programs expanding at Santa Fe Computer Science Magnet School. On Feb. 4, our Board of Education and Santa Fe unveiled a new Paxton Patterson Lab, which offers students hands-on instruction in audio communications, computer-aided drafting and design, computer graphics and animation, flight technology, health science, robotics, sports medicine, video production, structural engineering, and more. I am excited to hear about all of the wonderful academic experiences our students will have with the addition of this lab at Santa Fe!
Our students at Santa Fe also demonstrated their proficiency with computer coding at an Epic Build Showcase held for community members.
Our Hippie Bots robotics team students from Clifton Middle School were busy finalizing their robot and traveling to Barcelona, Spain to participate in the FIRST Tech Challenge Barcelona Championships. The Hippie Bots were also featured on California School News Radio, where they had the opportunity to discuss what led to their selection in this competition. We are so proud of the Hippie Bots and their accomplishments this season.
Black History Month was celebrated all February, and our students learned about the contributions from Black Americans throughout our history. Monrovia Unified hosted its annual Black History Art Festival on Feb. 20, which was an absolute success, and Wild Rose School of Creative Arts students delivered a captivating performance during their school’s showcase.
Toward the end of the month, the District held two Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) forums and a Transitional Kindergarten/Kindergarten (TK/K) Preview Night event. The LCAP forums were the culminating meetings which gave our community the opportunity to engage in dialogue and give input around the goals of the District, and provide feedback on how to carry the District’s mission and vision forward. Our TK/K Preview Night highlighted the District’s high-quality programs, such as coding, Spanish and Mandarin Dual-Language Immersion, music, art, and outdoor education.
I look forward to interacting with students and families at our upcoming open houses in March! Please join us as we celebrate the wonderful achievements our students have had this school year.
Read more about the great programs and events in Monrovia Unified and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
Sincerely,
Dr. Katherine Thorossian,
Superintendent
New Playground for Mayflower School; Superintendent Honored by Defense Department
~ Buying and installing new playground equipment for Mayflower School. Included: an Arch Climber, Rock Climber, Beanstalk Climber, and Ribbon Climber. https://is.gd/lXTunx
~ Contracting with Mission Paving and Sealing to remove and replace 8,996 square feed of asphalt at Santa Fe School for $39,500. https://is.gd/ei2KGC
~ Contracting with McKinley Elevator Corporation for $34,500 to replace a wheelchair lift at Clifton Middle School. https://is.gd/0wBvrs
~ A staff report certifying that the district is "able to meet our financial obligations for the current and subsequent two fiscal years." https://is.gd/1TBeF3
~ Honoring its March Employees of the Month:
- Renee Dakin, Instructional Aide - Bradoaks ESA
- Erinn Dickinson, Teacher - Bradoaks ESA
- Maria De La O, Campus Assistant - Wild Rose SOCA
- Geovanna Loeza, Teacher - Wild Rose SOCA
- Brad Haugaard
Clifton Middle School Gets a Precautionary Cleaning to Prevent Spread of Coronavirus
Clifton Middle School got a deep cleaning last night after a parent came in contact with someone who have the coronavirus, though neither the parent or children showed any signs of having contracted the disease.
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Schools Prepare for Coronavirus
As you may be aware, Los Angeles County declared a state of emergency on March 4 as a proactive step to more effectively prepare to respond to COVID-19, the illness caused by the novel coronavirus.
The World Health Organization has informed the public that the illness does not appear to be easily spread by people who are not experiencing symptoms themselves. This is good news, as it means there is greater likelihood of containing the virus.
While the number of cases in the U.S. remains relatively small, experts expect the figure to grow as testing increases and more individuals seek care.
The well-being of our students and staff is our top priority. Monrovia Unified School District will continue to work closely with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health in a coordinated effort to address the many issues that COVID-19 presents.
Currently, the key recommendations from public health agencies to prevent the spread of coronavirus are to thoroughly wash hands regularly and to keep symptomatic individuals home rather than go to work or school. We echo this recommendation and ask that students with any signs of respiratory illness or flu-like symptoms be kept home.
Monrovia Unified is updating protocols and preparing plans for virtual learning in the event of a prolonged emergency of any kind, including COVID-19. We will share with you any developments that affect our students, staff, families, schools, and our District.
Our team continues to discuss how student learning will continue if one or more schools are temporarily closed. We are developing strategies for providing age-appropriate, remote lessons to students, taking accessibility into consideration, as well as tools for staying connected as a community should it become necessary. We will communicate more details about what this will look like if it becomes necessary.
Finally, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the psychological impact of this situation.
The organized worldwide response has been robust and generally encouraging. However, it has also been a challenge for students (and really our entire community) to process. This New York Times article gives some good strategies on how to talk to children about coronavirus.
I have been struck by the patience, support, and resilience I’ve seen in our community as we tackle these challenges. You are our greatest resource. Should our schools need to close or if the situation changes quickly, we will notify you directly through our regular communication tools. If the situation remains stable, we will continue to provide regular updates.
Sincerely,
Dr. Katherine Thorossian
Superintendent
Bradoaks to Become Bradoaks Science Academy
- Brad Haugaard
Clifton Middle School Presents 'Fame Jr'
The play, based on a hit motion picture turned long-running television series, takes place at New York's celebrated High School for the Performing Arts in the 1980s and follows the bittersweet but inspiring story of a diverse group of students as they commit to four years of grueling artistic and academic work to achieve their dream of putting their name in lights. The show explores issues that confront many young people today, including prejudice, identity, self-worth, literacy and perseverance.
"Clifton Middle School students are learning and exhibiting these same life skills and discipline through their process of staging Fame Jr.", says Danielle Munoz, Director & Founder of One Music Stand Voice & Production and Fame Jr. Director.
Sponsorships and program ads are also available by contacting Danielle Muñoz at onemusicstand@gmail.com. Follow the performance at @onemusicstand and www.onemusicstand.com/famejr.
- Brad Haugaard
Citrus College Eighth in Nation in Awarding Associate Degrees to Hispanic Students
A national monthly magazine, the Hispanic Outlook on Education produces a special edition each year that ranks the leading community colleges in the country according to the number of associate degrees produced. Citrus College has been included in the rankings for more than a decade and was ranked 25th in the United States last year.
Source: Citrus College press release
- Brad Haugaard
Citrus College Named 'Military Friendly' for Entire Decade
Citrus College's supportive environment for veterans, coupled with the college's ability to meet academic thresholds, such as student retention, persistence and graduation rates, contributed to this year's "Gold" distinction.
This past year, nearly 400 student veterans benefited from services provided by the Citrus College Veterans Success Center.
- Brad Haugaard
Bradoaks Principal Discusses School's Designation as Science Academy
On California School News Radio Bradoaks Elementary School Principal Jayne Nickles discusses the school's recent designation as a science academy, the importance of inquiry-based learning, increasing parent involvement and preparing for the school’s Spring Fair.
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
Education Input Meetings Monday and Tuesday
- Brad Haugaard
Clifton Middle School's Hippie Bots Robotics Team Heading for Spain
“The Hippie Bots exemplify the spirit and determination of the Monrovia Unified robotics program, and their roles as world ambassadors speaks volumes on how far the District has come in such a short period of time,” Monrovia Board of Education President Rob Hammond said.
Clifton eighth-graders Lupe Hilario and Ty Weiss didn’t know each other when they joined the Hippie Bots at the beginning of the 2019-20 school year, but they shared an admiration for the team’s accomplishments and a desire to contribute to its success, which includes trips to Shanghai in 2016 and the Netherlands in 2017.
“I always looked up to the Hippie Bots,” Hilario said. “I looked at their success and their competitions and I really wanted to be part of that and learn engineering. I decided to apply, and I made it.”
Hilario compiles the engineering notebook for the Hippie Bots team while Weiss helps to build the robot and acts as the driver during competitions – and the two rely on each other to ensure the robots perform at peak efficiency.
“My brother, Jake, was a Hippie Bot when the team went to Shanghai, and I thought the competitions were fun,” Weiss said. “Then my friend joined the Hippie Bots last year and he really enjoyed it too, so I decided to do it. It’s really cool.”
Clifton history teacher Paul Flores had no experience with robotics when he accepted the role of robotics teacher in 2015, but the strategies he developed as a football coach have helped his students remain calm under pressure during tournaments.
“One of the things we would preach as a coaching staff was to make practice more difficult than the actual game, so the game becomes easy,” Flores said. “When you step out there, there is no stress. The competitions should be fun. Everything is just muscle memory. It’s all decided during practice who’s going to win these competitions.”
Beyond the opportunity to showcase their talents, Hippie Bots team members are looking forward to meeting their international peers, pick up pointers from competitors, learn European history and make new friends.
“The District is deeply appreciative of the community support for our robotics program,” Superintendent Dr. Katherine Thorossian said. “Robotics is an investment in our students, and they are greatly increasing their ability to solve problems in the real world. Congratulations to Paul Flores and the Hippie Bots for continuing to achieve at the highest levels.”
A Go Fund Me campaign has been launched to cover costs related to travel, lodging, food, and shipping the robot. The goal is to raise $25,000. To donate, go to www.gofundme.com/f/hippiebots2020.
Source: Monrovia Schools press release
- Brad Haugaard
Santa Fe Gets Audio, Graphics, and Flight Tech Tools for New Paxton Patterson Lab
The lab offers students hands-on instruction in career technical education (CTE) pathways, which they can pursue in high school, college, and careers.
"Santa Fe Computer Science Magnet School provides an educational environment structured to stimulate excitement about learning and foster innovation in our students," Board of Education President Rob Hammond said. "The opening of the Paxton Patterson Lab will ensure our students are prepared for their transition to high school and beyond."
The lab, which contains a series of topically focused stations, will give students an opportunity to develop creative and critical-thinking skills as they collaborate with each other in hands-on learning tasks.
"The opening of this lab today is a great example of the things happening across our District," Superintendent Dr. Katherine Thorossian said. "Whether the focus is in science, the arts or bi-literacy, each school in our District provides a critical component to our world-class education."
Students will receive access to lessons in fields such as audio communications, computer-aided drafting and design, computer graphics and animation, flight technology, health science, robotics, sports medicine, video production, structural engineering, and more.
"Today, Santa Fe takes another step forward in our commitment to giving our students outstanding opportunities for their future," Principal Geoff Zamarripa said. "This new lab will be a center of innovation that illuminates a path to our students' goals."
Source: Monrovia Schools press release
- Brad Haugaard
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