Update February 1, 2021

Update: Message to the FCUSD Community

February 1, 2021

 

Dear FCUSD Community: Please see today’s update below:

 

Public Health Framework for Reopening In-Person Instruction

On January 14, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) released updated guidance for reopening K-12 schools, which includes the requirement for districts to post a COVID Safety Plan (CSP) on all school sites, and an opportunity to reopen after five days in Red Tier status if all requirements for the school checklist have been met. To view the entire document, please click here.

All of our Elementary Schools have posted their COVID Safety Plan (CSP) on their websites. We continue to work closely with public health to meet all requirements so we may safely reopen all schools for in-person instruction.

 

FCUSD not eliminating honors for 6th-grade students

A rumor is circulating in our community that FCUSD is eliminating 6th grade Honors English and Pre-AP Math courses. There is no plan to eliminate 6th grade Honors English and Pre-AP Math courses for the upcoming year. It is important to note that a discussion did take place, in the context of evaluating all of our curricula. Please keep reading.

During this time of the year, District educational leaders engage in master planning and schedule building for the upcoming school year. Part of this process is to examine how our curriculum and pedagogical practices best meet the needs of all our students. Discussions include evaluating how all learners are best served, including those who are challenged to work above grade level and those who require additional supports to be successful.

FCUSD prides itself on excellent academic opportunities for all learners and there is no plan or intention to diminish or reduce the challenging opportunities for our students. While the current 6th grade Honors English and Pre-AP Math courses are staying intact, if there are future improvements to meet the needs of students, that will better prepare them for high school success and post-secondary opportunities, FCUSD will pursue.

We sincerely hope this rumor has not created undue anxiety. The District is committed to timely and transparent communication and will keep our stakeholders informed. 

 

Regular Board Meeting: Thursday, February 4

Closed Session: 5:00 p.m.; Open Session: 6:00 p.m.

The full agenda, instructions for viewing on the District’s YouTube Channel and on Zoom, and instructions for participating in public comments, can be found on our website: www.fcusd.org/virtualboardmeeting

AGENDA ITEMS INCLUDE:

Discussion/Action Items:

Align Reopening Date for Schools Not Yet Open to New (1-14-21) California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Recommended Timeline 

Staff will present a brief update of the highlights of the COVID-19 and Reopening In-Person Instruction Framework & Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools in California, 2020-2021 School Year that was updated by CDPH on January 14, 2021.  The highlights will include what has changed in the guidance, and what the impacts are to FCUSD schools, staff, and students.  Staff will also review the new CDPH recommended timeline for reopening schools not yet open.

Discussion:

Registration Information for Fall of 2021

The District is now enrolling students for the 2021 – 2022 school year. While working in conjunction with the County Department of Health and the County Office of Education, and vaccination programs throughout the summer, FCUSD has every hope of opening in a traditional model for those families who wish to return to “in-person learning.” The District will alert the Board of Trustees, and our families, if any contingencies arise from the state that could negatively impact opening our schools in the traditional model. 

Proposal for Learning Loss Mitigation- Support for Students

Staff will provide a brief overview of the district’s Learning Loss Mitigation Plan.  Discussions with lead teachers, Principals, and PL Coaches are on-going in order to create a robust plan to meet the needs of our students.  A more detailed plan will be brought to the Board during the next Board meeting in February.

Public wishing to provide public comments may choose two options:

(1) Written public comments can be submitted now, using the Google Public Comment Card Form Link, found on our website, and all written comments will be given to the Board for review by 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 4, 2021. This link will close by 3:00 p.m., Thursday, February 4.

(2) Public comments can be made during the Board Meeting, via Zoom, as space allows, by using the “raised hand” feature. Due to constraints on our Zoom account, the maximum number of participants in the Zoom room is 300.

Please note: There are no limitations on the number of viewers watching the live broadcast of the Board Meeting on our YouTube channel.

UPCOMING REGULAR BOARD MEETING DATES:

• February 18
• March 4
• March 18

 

In Other News...

February is Black History Month. 

Our students and schools are celebrating in different creative ways this month and we look forward to sharing some of these with you in the upcoming days. 

To learn more about the struggles and achievements of African Americans, and find valuable information and resources, head over to this website: www.africanamericanhistorymonth.gov