When will the 2020-21 school year begin?
While Governor Newsom suggested the possibility of schools reopening in late July, that seems unlikely for our District. Because our District was already planning on an August 6, 2020 start date, it is unlikely that schools will reopen earlier. Parents/guardians will be updated as additional information regarding the school start date becomes available.
What social distancing safeguards will be in place for students next school year?
Our team of District administrators, in cooperation with the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health, are developing plans to provide safe school environments for our students when they return to school. Detailed information will be released as it becomes available.
How will student academic needs created by lost learning opportunities be addressed in the 2020-2021 school year?
The District will allocate resources including staff, time, and materials based on student need, ensuring that our most vulnerable students are prioritized for instructional support and opportunities to catch up and advance academically.
Will families in the Etiwanda School District have the option of sending their children to school or enrolling students in a virtual school program?
The Etiwanda Alternative Studies Education (EASE) Home School program is currently accepting transfers for interested families who reside within our school boundaries. To find out more information, please visit the EASE school website.
Will school funding be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic?
Because of statewide revenue losses caused by business closures and travel restrictions, it is likely that schools will face budget reductions in the coming years.
When will the 2020-21 school year begin?
School will begin on Thursday, August 6, 2020.
When will schools return to a traditional/normal schedule?
Schools will return to a traditional/normal schedule as soon as state and local officials indicate that it is safe to relax social distancing measures.
What will schools look like for the 2020-21 school year?
In an effort to meet the varying needs of Etiwanda families, three options for learning models are available and families may choose the one that is best suited for them. The options are:
- Hybrid Learning Model - A combination of face-to-face instruction and at-home learning with safety and social distancing measures in place on school campuses. Students will attend school in either the morning or afternoon for three hours Tuesday-Friday and will complete work independently at home for the remainder of each school day and on Mondays.
- Virtual Learning Model - Scheduled daily virtual interactive instruction with a classroom teacher and peers combined with at-home learning/assignments.
- Home School - A combination of flexible online independent instruction and regular check-ins with a teacher, including optional virtual or on-site tutoring sessions for students.
Why are schools modifying the learning model for the 2020-21 school-year?
Every school district is responsible for maintaining safe school environments for students, staff, and their families. The guidance provided by state and local officials outlines the need for social distancing and additional safety measures that are critical to providing adequate protection for the school community given the COVID-19 pandemic. Class sizes must be kept as small as possible to ensure social distancing measures can be implemented and to correlate with available facilities and teaching staff.
How did the district decide upon these three options?
Several options for school reopening were studied as we considered how to safely meet the education and childcare needs of our families. It is the goal of the Etiwanda School District to open our schools for all students to safely attend every day as soon as possible, and schools will return to normal operating conditions as soon as circumstances allow. We asked our stakeholders to participate in a reopening survey to determine which options would provide the highest quality education and meet the needs of most of our families. The survey revealed:
- 55% of families support a hybrid model option with a combination of on-campus and at-home learning.
- 47% of families support virtual at-home learning to start the school year with a return to campus when it is safe.
- 29% of families support the option of enrolling their children in our EASE Home School program.
Will Special Education services be provided through each of the learning models?
Yes, district personnel are prepared to be flexible and creative to ensure high-quality instruction, services, and supports are provided to the extent possible to students with IEPs and 504 plans. Our Special Education Department is working diligently to put plans in place to ensure the needs of our students are met in each of the learning models. An IEP meeting needs to be held prior to enrollment in EASE Home School. An IEP meeting needs to be held as close to the beginning of the school year as possible for those who select the virtual learning model.
Will services such as intervention and English language (EL) support be provided through each of the learning models?
Yes, each of the learning models includes supplemental intervention and language development support. Specific details will be shared by classroom teachers at the beginning of the school year.
Will students have access to school meals on weekdays?
Yes, students will have access to school meals. Details about how to access meals will be released as information becomes available.
Will band still be an option for 5th-8th grade students?
Yes, the ESD band program will continue through each of the learning models and home school. Specific details about the band program are in development and will be released as information becomes available.
When school closed in March, participation in distance learning was optional. Is school optional this year?
No, education is compulsory for all school-age children. Attendance is required in each of the learning models.
Will students receive grades on report cards for the 2020-21 school year?
Yes, each of the learning models and home school will have assignments graded; and students will earn and receive grades on their report cards throughout the 2020-21 school year.
How do families notify the school of their desired option?
Families will indicate their selection through the data confirmation process in the Aeries Parent Portal that opens on July 13. Those who wish to participate in EASE Home School also need to submit a transfer form through our district website at www.Etiwanda.org. The data confirmation process must be completed by July 20 at 1:00 PM.