Sylvan Union School District

September 8, 2020:

As Sylvan Union School District continues to plan services and programs for the school year, we're interested in gathering feedback from our families. For the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year, we have implemented Sylvan SeLECT, Student eLearning Experiences Connected Through Technology, to support distance learning. Under the guidance and direction of state and local authorities, we are also developing plans for the return to in-person learning and supports. Thank you for completing the Community Survey.  Your feedback helped inform the development of the district's 2020-21 Learning Continuity and Attendance Plan. Your input is greatly appreciated.  

July 17, 2020

Dear Sylvan Union School District Families,
 
Following Monday’s announcement from the Stanislaus Public Health Officer, stating that due to the increased spread of COVID-19 in our community, schools will only be permitted to reopen using a Distance Learning Model, we understandably have received numerous calls and emails from our parent community with questions and concerns.

Today, Governor Newsom provided California School Districts with additional guidance and directives regarding the reopening of schools. One of the primary mandates the Governor announced was the requirement that all schools in counties on the “State Watch List,” which includes Stanislaus County, may only reopen utilizing a Distance/Online Learning Model. Although Stanislaus County schools had already received guidance from the Public Health Officer, this announcement from the Governor is now a State Mandate.
Please allow me to provide you with some additional information that may help answer some of your questions.
 
How will distance learning be different from last Spring?
Per state guidelines, school districts are charged with providing a robust and comprehensive educational experience that includes daily live interaction with teachers and peers for purposes of instruction, progress monitoring, and maintaining school connectedness. In addition, students are required to attend and grades will be assigned. To meet the call for continued excellence in education, Sylvan is proud to partner with your family in providing SeLECT (Sylvan eLearning - Experiences Connected through Technology). We invite you to join our community forum on Tuesday, July 28 from 6:00-7:00 PM to learn more about our online learning model. You will receive information next week on how you can participate in this important, virtual event.
 
Will the district provide a device to each student?
Currently, we have devices for students in grades 2-8 that will be issued for student use in Sylvan SeLECT. We are currently working on a plan to procure devices for preschool through first grade. In the event that we are unable to secure an adequate supply of student devices before the school year begins, staff is developing a short-term replacement plan for providing instructional materials for these student groups during the initial weeks of the school year.
What if I don’t have WiFi access at home?
We are working to ensure that our students have access to connectivity in order to fully participate in Sylvan SeLECT. Thanks to the generosity of our community members and business partners, the District is working to provide outdoor access points in every school parking lot in addition to a limited supply of mobile hotspots to be checked out.

When will we return to in-person learning?
According to the new mandates announced by Governor Newsom today, schools may only open if they are in a county that has been removed from the “State Watch List” for 14 days and follow the strict health and safety requirements, including the wearing of masks, symptom checks, and reverting back to a distance learning model when required.

What day will school begin for students? Will the starting date be postponed?
Monday, August 10th is our first instructional day in Sylvan SeLECT for the 2020-21 school year. Prior to the first day of eLearning, families will receive communication regarding the pick-up of instructional materials and/or devices. At this time, there are no plans to change the start date or postpone the first day of school for the 2020-21 school year.

Will we have sports/athletics, extracurricular activities or field trips this year?
All activities listed above are not permitted and are currently suspended per state and county mandates to help control the exposure and spread of COVID-19. When it is deemed safe to do so, and under the guidance of public health, these activities will be phased back into school life once schools are permitted to safely reopen.

How will my child’s special education needs be met?
The Governor’s Office stated today that further guidance will be forthcoming regarding these very important services. Special education services and support will be provided to the extent permitted. As a parent of a special education student, you are a valued member of the IEP team. There will be an opportunity when school resumes for IEP teams to address concerns regarding a student’s performance and progress.

In closing, I hope that this update has helped provide you with further clarity regarding the reopening of schools in our school district. We are committed to keeping our district families well informed and will provide periodic updates.

Regards,
Eric Fredrickson
Superintendent

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