Dedicated to excellence in education
August 5, 2021
Update: Message to the FCUSD Community
August 5, 2021
Dear FCUSD Community: Much has happened over the past few weeks. To give a quick recap of what our students and staff did over the summer, please keep reading.
Student summer learning
This summer 4,656 students were enrolled in the FCUSD summer school program, and 62 students participated in the CTESPP internship program at various local businesses. This equates to over 22% of our entire student body who partook in extra learning and enrichment opportunities this summer. To watch a short video and to see what this looked like, head over to our Facebook post here.
FCUSD teachers honored
Cordova High’s Yvonne Thornton was named a Sacramento County Teacher of the Year and moves on to the State level competition. Sandra J. Gallardo teacher, Michael Itkoff has been chosen as ABC10’s August Teacher of the Month! Click here and here to learn more…
Plans for the new school year have been underway all summer and we are excited to see our students back at school for the 2021-22 school year!
Mark your calendars - School starts on August 11
Updates for the 2021-22 school year:
School meals for all students
All students, at every school, will be able to receive school lunches at no cost to their families, thanks to funding and a program from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. With one in six children in the United States facing hunger issues, this program will remove an important barrier to learning.
All-day schedule for 1st and 2nd grade students begins September 7
Beginning September 7th, all 1st and 2nd grade students will have the opportunity to participate in a full day schedule. Using one-time funds for COVID mitigation strategies, sites are able to offer full day extension and/or supervised care until the 2:37 bell. More information on full day schedules for first and second grade students will be forthcoming from the site.
COVID safety measures
As you are aware, public health officials have ordered all individuals in Sacramento County to wear a mask indoors, which follows similar guidance for K-12 schools from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH)
To view a timeline of public health decision making and links, please see below:
07-29-2021 CDPH K-12 School Guidance 2021-2022 Questions & Answers
07-28-2021 CDPH Guidance for the Use of Face Coverings
07-12-2021 CDPH COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools in California, 2021-22 School Year
06-04-2021 CDPH COVID-19 and Reopening In-Person Instruction Framework & Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools in California, 2020-2021 School Year
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To address questions that families, staff, and students are asking, we have put together a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) list below. This will continue to develop as we learn of community questions and concerns, and as state and health guidelines evolve.
Does my student have to wear a mask all day?
Masks must be worn at all times indoors, unless medically exempt. “Mask breaks” will be incorporated into the day as necessary. Masks are not required outside or while students are actively eating or drinking.
If my student is exposed to a COVID-positive individual, what happens next?
Contact tracing will commence for all students and staff exposed to a COVID-positive individual.
Depending on if the student is vaccinated or not, and showing symptoms or not, next steps are as follows:
- If the student is vaccinated and shows no symptoms, they may continue coming to school in person. If a vaccinated student develops symptoms, they would need to follow testing and quarantine guidelines per SCPH and CDPH.
- If an unvaccinated student shows symptoms, they must follow testing and quarantine guidelines per SCPH and CDPH.
- Unvaccinated students who are close contacts (more than 15 minutes over a 24-hour period & within 0-6 feet indoors) may undergo a modified quarantine as follows. They may continue to attend school for in-person instruction if they are (1) asymptomatic; (2) Continue to appropriately mask indoors; (3) Undergo at least twice weekly testing during the 10 day modified quarantine; and (4) Continue to quarantine (not participate) in non-school day activities, including sports and activities within the community setting. *
*NOTE: Testing of students on campus will require parent/guardian consent.
Will FCUSD resume reporting numbers on the COVID-19 website?
Yes. Weekly updates will be provided on www.fcusd.org/COVID, following the first week of school. The COVID-19 Dashboard will not include personal identifiable information, is separate from contact tracing communication, and is for general information only.
If my student is in quarantine, how will they continue learning?
Students in quarantine will work with their teacher(s) and school site for a temporary independent study plan. Once quarantine is over, and the student is asymptomatic, they may return to campus.
May I enroll in Innovations Academy, Walnutwood HS or the FCUSD Homeschool program mid-year?
Yes. Please let your school site know and they will start the process for you.
If my student is enrolled in Innovations Academy, Walnutwood HS or the FCUSD Homeschool program will they be allowed to switch to in-person, on campus learning mid-year?
Yes.* Please let your school site know and they will start the process for you.
*NOTE: Mid-year re-enrollment at the student’s attendance boundary school will be dependent on space available. If there is no room at their attendance boundary school, the student will be placed at a school site that has room.
What if a student arrives at school, not wearing a mask?
School sites will provide students with a mask. If a student has problems with a mask, parents/guardians will be notified by the school, so their concerns may be discussed with the school principal. Please note that all school site administrators must follow public health orders, and the student will not be allowed to return to an indoor class setting without a mask.
IMPORTANT: It is the position of FCUSD to minimize disruption, maximize instructional time and work with parents/guardians on solutions for their student. Our focus continues to be on providing outstanding learning experiences for all students, in safe, welcoming environments.
Do students need to wear a mask while eating or drinking?
No
Do students need to wear a mask outside, during recess, or during outside P.E.?
No
Will field trips be allowed this year?
Not at this time. As soon as this changes, we will notify our schools and families.
Will classrooms and school facilities be cleaned and disinfected?
Yes. Cleaning and disinfection of classrooms, shared spaces on campus such as multipurpose rooms, locker rooms, front offices, etc., will be cleaned and disinfected daily.
Will bus transportation be available?
Yes. However, please note that bus service is limited at the moment due to staffing shortages. While we anticipate staffing to improve, please complete your bus application as soon as possible. You can access that HERE. Thank you for your patience.
Will students be able to eat meals on campus?
Yes. Full-service school meals will be provided (at no cost), including hot lunches and salad bar options.
Are visitors and volunteers allowed on campus?
Not at this time. As soon as this changes, we will notify our schools and families.
Will after-school activities, such as sports and clubs be allowed?
Yes. For specific information, please contact the teacher or coach in charge of the activity.
Do students and staff still need to physically distance?
Per public health, there are no more physical distancing requirements, indoors or outdoors. However, it is still a recommendation from public health to maintain social distance if possible. Every reasonable effort will be made to encourage social distancing for students and staff.
District leaders acknowledge that the last 18 months have been filled with changes, challenges, and at times, unknowns. When looking back to the start of the pandemic compared to where we are now, we have gained new skills and have more information to be and stay safe.
Everyone at FCUSD looks forward to a positive and rewarding 2021-22 school year, happy that we can be back together, learning, and deepening relationships with one another. Your student’s education and safety will always be our top priority and we are grateful for the trust you put in FCUSD staff, schools, and programs.