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March 25, 2020 Update
Dear Orinda Union School District Community,
At 11:00 a.m. today, seven Bay Area County Health Officers in conjunction with six County Superintendents of Schools issued a joint press release requiring school districts to extend student dismissals from regular school attendance through May 1, 2020, to slow the spread of COVID-19 to the maximum extent possible. During this time, residents are expected to adhere to the “Shelter in Place” orders issued by the Public Health Officers on March 16 and stay home except for essential activities until further notification from their local health department.
Protect Yourself and Others
All community members are urged to keep practicing the guidance provided by Public Health Officers including:
- Practice social distancing by staying at least six feet away from people who do not live in your immediate household.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
- Stay home when you are feeling sick.
- Contact your healthcare provider if you are experiencing any symptoms such as fever, cough, or difficulty breathing.
- Engage in regular exercise or physical activity.
Online Learning for Students
While the first two weeks of our online learning plan have focused on building a platform, maintaining strong student connections, and reviewing prior learning, we have been preparing vigorously for the next phase of online learning in anticipation that school closures could be extended. This second phase will include the introduction of new content from teachers and increased opportunities for engagement and essential learning that will prepare students for the next grade level. This new phase will begin April 8, 2020.
To support our teachers in their preparation for further implementation of distance learning, Monday, April 6, and Tuesday, April 7, 2020, will be Professional Development and Planning days. These two days will be non-instructional days for our students. Thank you for your understanding and support.
Access to Technology
We recognize online learning that incorporates new concepts and skills and extends daily time commitments for students will likely require additional time on a laptop, desktop, or tablet. Our Director of Technology, Bobby Bardenhagen, will provide more opportunities for students who need a device to borrow one from the District. To request a device for your child/ren, please click here.
Special Board Meeting on Friday, 3/27
As shared in yesterday’s update, the Orinda USD Board of Trustees will hold a Special Board Meeting on Friday, March 27, 2020, from 2:00-3:30 p.m. to discuss the District’s response to the COVID-19 crisis and the decision by County Health Officers and Superintendents of Schools to extend school closures. Following the COVID-19 dialogue, the Board will discuss and take action on items related to our Measures E and I facilities bond projects.
Governor Newsom issued an Executive Order that allows members of the Board and the public to participate in this meeting via Zoom teleconference. Members of the public will be able to submit public comments electronically prior to the meeting. Comments submitted electronically will be read aloud. All public comments are limited to three minutes per person.
The agenda for this Special Meeting will be published on or before 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 26, 2020. More information about how members of the public can submit public comments electronically and participate in the meeting via Zoom will be included with the agenda. If you would like to be added to the Board agenda email distribution list to receive notifications about this and all future Board meetings, email Debbie Jamieson at djamieson@orinda.k12.ca.us.
Our Director of Curriculum and Instruction, David Schrag, and I will provide more detailed information about the next phase of our online learning platform for students following Spring Break. Thank you for your patience and support as we continue working together through this ever-changing situation. If new information regarding COVID-19 becomes available, I will be in touch as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
Dr. Carolyn Seaton
Superintendent
March 24, 2020 Update
Dear Orinda USD Community,
Many of the most meaningful and memorable interactions people have in their lives are with their teachers. It has not been lost on any of us that our teachers miss their students, and our students miss their teachers. Please join me in thanking our teachers for the incredible bonds they have built with our students and the hard work they have been putting in daily to transition to online instruction. I also want to extend my gratitude to parents, guardians, and family members for the work they are doing to partner with our teachers while juggling numerous other commitments.
Some of you have reached out to share successes and challenges you and your child/ren have experienced since our first day of online learning on March 16. Please know that I appreciate your feedback; it helps us improve as we plan for the potential extension of school closures beyond April 7. I expect to receive new guidance regarding timing for school closures from Contra Costa Health Services and the Contra Costa County Office of Education in the near future and will share that information with you as quickly as possible.
Special Board Meeting on Friday, 3/27
The Orinda USD Board of Trustees will hold a Special Board Meeting on Friday, March 27, 2020, from 2:00-3:30 p.m. to discuss COVID-19 and our Measures E and I facilities bond program. Governor Newsom issued an Executive Order that allows members of the Board to participate in this meeting via Zoom teleconference, and I will participate from the Orinda Union School District Office located at 8 Altarinda Road. Members of the public will be able to submit public comments electronically prior to the meeting, or they may comment in person at the District Office in accordance with current social distancing guidelines. Comments submitted electronically will be read aloud. All public comments are limited to three minutes per person.
The agenda for the Special Meeting will be published on or before 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 26, 2020. More information about submitting public comments electronically and participating in the meeting via Zoom will be included with the agenda. If you would like to be added to the Board agenda email distribution list to receive notifications about this and all future Board meetings, please email Debbie Jamieson at djamieson@orinda.k12.ca.us
I wish you strength, good health, and continued resilience.
Dr. Carolyn Seaton
Superintendent of Schools
March 22, 2020 Update
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Dear Orinda USD Community,
Effective immediately, all Orinda USD playground equipment is closed. Since my communication on March 20, I have consulted with physicians who have provided me with additional insight and guidance about playground use at our school sites. We cannot ensure that every family will properly disinfect the school playground equipment, and virus particles can linger on surfaces. Furthermore, it is difficult for parents to prevent their child/ren from placing fingers into their mouths or on their faces. As a result, we must, unfortunately, close the school playground equipment.
Additionally, children should not meet outside of school in any sort of group, as these interactions put everyone at risk. While I recognize it is difficult for students to be out of school and separated from their peers, it is critical that families follow this essential social distancing guideline. We do not want to negate the positive public health effects of our school closures.
The CDC encourages children to stay active during this time. Playing outdoors is good for both physical and mental health. For this reason, families are welcome to use our school fields and blacktop areas but must adhere to State social distancing guidelines by maintaining at least six feet of separation between themselves and people not in their immediate household, including friends and relatives. In addition, walking, hiking, and riding bikes are all excellent ways to enjoy our beautiful surroundings. While inside, use indoor activity breaks (e.g., stretch breaks, dance breaks) throughout the day to help your child/ren stay healthy and focused.
Thank you for your understanding, and I look forward to communicating with you again on or before Tuesday, March 24. As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Dr. Carolyn Seaton
Superintendent of Schools
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March 20, 2020 Update
Dear Orinda USD Community,
“There are some things you learn best in calm, and some in storm.” - Willa Cather
Every day over the past week I have been amazed by innumerable acts of human kindness. As we all hunker down with our families during this statewide shelter in place, there are a plethora of bright spots emerging across the world that connect us to one another despite the physical separation we must maintain. From entire cities singing across balconies in Italy, to Mo Willems’ Lunch Doodles for kids, to a variety of free online musical concerts, to the generous donations of masks to local hospitals, we are thinking of others and coming together during this difficult time.
Shelter in Place
As you are all aware, on Thursday Governor Newsom announced that the entire state is on a mandated shelter in place, a decision that impacts over 40 million California residents. So far, we do not have clarity from the state about when this order will be lifted, but I will keep everyone in the Orinda USD community apprised of any timing developments or announcements as they arise. While the Contra Costa Health Services’ (CCHS) shelter in place order is scheduled to end at midnight on April 7, we need to be prepared that the order may be extended later into April or even through the end of the school year.
Online Learning Platform - Phase Two After Spring Break
Our goals for this week and next have been to maintain strong connections with students and families, practice prior learning, establish a sense of normalcy, and support the wellness and health of students, parents, and staff. In preparation for an extended shelter in place, it is important that we begin focusing on the next phase of our online learning platform which we will implement on Wednesday, April 8, should the shelter in place be extended. Our guiding question for phase two of our online learning platform is: What are the most essential aspects of learning that our students need to be successful in the next academic year?
To that end, we are planning for phase two of our online learning platform to include new academic content and expand the opportunities for students to learn while keeping in mind everyone’s current reality. We will continue to focus on these learning activities being accessible, engaging, and flexible for all students. We have heard from parents who want more, and others who struggle to access what we have already provided. If you are worried about this new normal for school, you are not alone. All of us are weathering this storm together, working as hard as we can, as creatively as we can, always with our students at the forefront of our approach. If you run into a barrier or a problem, please assume goodwill on the part of everyone involved, and let’s problem-solve together.
It takes a Herculean effort to be a great teacher during normal circumstances. Our teachers have had to shift to teaching via an online learning platform in a very short period of time; they have made instruction meaningful for their students and I am forever indebted to them for their efforts. We appreciate your patience and support as our teachers work diligently with their colleagues to plan for phase two of our online learning platform.
OUSD Playground Facilities
Our Orinda USD school playground facilities offer an outdoor community space for families and Orinda residents. We realize that for many, these sites are an important outdoor escape during this time of shelter in place. However, we require all community members who use our school playgrounds to observe social distancing practices. Furthermore, visitors must wipe down the play equipment before and after use. Thank you for adhering to these guidelines to keep our children and community safe.
Spring Break
I want to remind our school community that we have a scheduled break for students and staff from March 30 to April 3, and we will be observing that break. Teachers and District staff will not be available to respond to requests during that week; please respect our employees’ need for a break. We know the loss of travel opportunities and long-standing plans create another point of stress for everyone, and our teachers and school staff members have to face the same lost opportunities that our families are experiencing. Thank you for your understanding.
Mindset Matters
As we teach our children on a daily basis, mindset matters. If we do our best to approach these times with flexibility and positivity, our students will also learn to do this now and in future challenging circumstances. Though some days and hours will feel dark and stormy, we must remember that as a community and a world we are all tackling this situation together, with patience and empathy. I look forward to providing you with the next update on Tuesday, March 24.
Wishing you a peaceful and calm weekend,
Dr. Carolyn Seaton
Superintendent of School
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March 18, 2020 Update
Dear Orinda USD Community,
“In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.” - Albert Einstein
While COVID-19 has proven to be far more impactful than many of us ever imagined, it is no match for the combined strength of our teachers, staff, administrators, parents, students, and the greater Orinda community. Contra Costa Health Services’ March 16 order to shelter in place provides us with the opportunity to limit the spread of COVID-19 significantly. While it is extremely difficult for each of us to alter our ways of life so considerably, our collective efforts have the power to save innumerable lives.
This letter provides the latest information about COVID-19 as it pertains to your child’s educational program. As you know, the response to COVID-19 at the local, state, and federal levels continues to unfold making it challenging for all of us to stay abreast of the latest information. I urge you to continue to monitor sites such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, California Department of Public Health, and Contra Costa Health Services to ensure you are receiving accurate information about COVID-19.
Updates from the Governor and State Superintendent
During a press conference yesterday, Governor Newsom spoke about the possibility that California schools will not reopen again until the fall. The Governor’s comment did not represent a new policy or decision about schools; rather, he was likely speaking as a father who is figuring out this new normal like the rest of us. The reality is that we do not know with certainty when schools will reopen. Our target date for schools to reopen is currently April 8, 2020, but rest assured we have already begun planning for curriculum and instruction in the event the closure is extended later into April or even May.
Earlier today the State Superintendent of Public Instruction announced that there will be no state testing (CAASPP) for students this school year. The cancellation of CAASPP allows teachers to focus entirely on providing new, high-quality, online educational opportunities for our students during this time without worrying about administering a test when we return to school.
Contingency Plans for School Closure Beyond April 7
Should school closures be extended beyond April 7, Orinda USD teachers are identifying important new content for students. Your child’s teacher(s) are collaborating with their grade level and/or departmental colleagues to determine effective means of teaching these essential standards using our online platform. We are still working on the details, but we already have several fundamental elements in place.
Please understand that live streaming instruction is not a feasible option. During this time of shelter in place, many of our parents are working from home, siblings are sharing devices, and teachers are providing childcare for their own children. By providing online lessons that can be accessed throughout the day, we are honoring the variety of circumstances our families and educators are experiencing. We realize that some parents are eager for extended instruction, and teachers are working hard to plan and prepare experiences that will engage and be accessible to all learners. We have developed a resource page for extension activities that families can access here.
Orinda USD is still observing Spring Break from March 30 through April 3, 2020. You will not receive lessons or email from your child’s teacher(s) during that week. Thank you for your understanding.
Special Education - Students on IEPs
We are working with the California Department of Education, the Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA), and our partner districts in Lamorinda to develop plans for our students with special needs in the event of an extended closure. Your child’s case manager will be reaching out to you soon to touch base and offer assistance.
Food for Students in Need
For families in need, Acalanes Union High School District (AUHSD) is providing free lunch to all children 18 and younger from Campolindo High School (300 Moraga Rd. in Moraga) and Las Lomas High School (1460 S. Main St. in Walnut Creek). Schools will be open Monday through Friday 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. for students to pick-up lunch from the snack windows to take home. No identification or proof of school enrollment is required, but a child must be present. Families will not need to enter the school building for pick-up. AUHSD kindly asks that you adhere to all social distancing guidance. Please note, lunch may not be consumed on school grounds. As of now, the free meals for students in need will be available through Friday, March 27. We will provide updates regarding AUHSD’s program and its potential extension.
Student and Adult Wellness
During this time of great uncertainty, it is understandable that children and adults can feel anxious and overwhelmed. Your child may respond differently to the COVID-19 situation depending on his/her age. This resource from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network provides potential reactions according to age group and the best ways parents can respond. In addition, our partner Mindful Littles has worked tirelessly to create mindfulness and social-emotional learning resources for families to use during this time:
Starting this Friday, March 20, Mindful Littles will be launching a digital program to bring mindfulness, self-care, service projects, and kindness activities to families; if you are interested in receiving these emails, please sign up here. Furthermore, Orinda parent Elizabeth Sautter M.A., CCC is a licensed speech and language pathologist. She has shared these free resources that include example school schedules, steps for checking in with your child on a daily basis, calming menus for you and your child, and a mindfulness resource guide.
In my neighborhood, I am seeing more families going on walks, riding bikes, and hiking together than ever before. This is a great time to read and discuss a book as a family, play cards and/or board games, assemble jigsaw puzzles, and participate in acts of kindness such as writing notes to residents of nursing homes or shopping for and delivering groceries to our neighbors who are elderly and/or immunocompromised. We have a unique opportunity to practice patience, resiliency, and compassion.
This is a challenging time for us all, but I really believe that we will come out of this situation stronger, more united, and better able to connect with our students and families. The collaborative work happening with our teachers and staff will pay huge dividends as this crisis has necessitated new and exciting methods of delivering a true 21st-century curriculum. I look forward to providing you with the next update on or before Friday, March 20, at 4 p.m.
Sincerely,
Dr. Carolyn Seaton
Orinda USD Superintendent of Schools
March 16, 2020 Update
Dear Orinda Union School District Community,
Thank you for your continued support during this unprecedented time. Orinda Union School District wants to ensure you are up to date regarding the latest developments about COVID-19 as it relates to your child’s educational program.
Shelter in Place Order from Contra Costa Health Services
In light of today’s shelter in place order from Contra Costa Health Services which goes into effect tonight, March 16, the earliest school may reopen is Wednesday, April 8, 2020. In compliance with the shelter in place order, all Orinda USD school sites, Before and After School Clubs (BASC), and the District Office will be closed.
Answering Parent Questions about Student Learning
You should have received communication from your child’s teacher(s) today regarding the options available to your student through Orinda USD’s online learning platform. Our goal during the school closure is to support students’ social and emotional wellbeing by maintaining strong connections to school and by providing high-quality instructional opportunities for continued learning. We have developed a frequently asked questions document to assist you with the online learning platform.
Parent Resources
The District has developed a COVID-19 webpage and is continually updating it with the most relevant information: www.orindaschools.org/covid19. Additionally, we want to remind you about the following resources that may assist you in speaking with your child about COVID-19 and school closures:
I have been incredibly impressed with the hard work and dedication of our teachers and staff in their response to this crisis. Their flexibility, resilience, and professionalism have been remarkable. Likewise, we are fortunate to have such engaged parents who have been tremendous partners with our teachers and staff. I plan to send my next communication regarding COVID-19 by or before Wednesday, March 18, at 4 p.m.
Stay safe and healthy,
Dr. Carolyn Seaton
Superintendent
March 13, 2020 Update
Orinda USD Schools Closed to Students from March 16-27, 2020
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