2020-2021Distance Learning Plan for Students and Families

Educational Services - Student Programs

Merced County Office of Education (MCOE) leaders have been working closely in monitoring the impact the COVID-19 health crisis has on our students and school community. The safety of students and staff continues to be a top priority during this unprecedented pandemic. As such, careful consideration has been given to how to best proceed for the 2020-2021 school year. In the event that we will have to have periods of distance learning during the school year, the following policies will apply.

It is crucial during this health crisis that families follow the guidance of public health officials to practice social distancing and only go out when necessary. Children should not congregate during the stay-at-home order as it puts the child, their families and the community at risk. Below are web addresses to the various agencies providing guidance.

● Merced County Department of Public Health: https://www.co.merced.ca.us/3350/Coronavirus-Disease-2019

● State of CA: http://www.covid19.ca.gov/● CA Dept. of Public Health: https://cdph.ca.gov/covid19

This plan outlines how schools under the direction of the MCOE Student Programs will provide distance learning opportunities to students during the 2020-2021 school year. It is not intended to address every potential instructional need. The distance learning opportunities will include virtual class sessions, phone contact with teachers and school staff, resources for self-directed study, or work assignments for skills development.

Valley Community School Atwater IMPORTANT Dates:

● August 3-11: Registration/Orientation Period (Office Staff will contact you for an appointment time)

● August 12-14 Device Pick Up Orientation ( Turn in Orientation Packet 1.5 CR)

● August 17th Live Lessons Begin● October 9: End of 1st Quarter

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DISTANCE LEARNING

All students that need a device in order to participate in Distance Learning will be provided one during the Orientation process. Families will have to fill out our technology use agreement. Insurance is available for purchase. The following services will be provided as part of the distance learning opportunities:

Google Classroom● “Google Classroom” is one of the online platforms for teachers and students to

utilize for managing assignments.● Students can expect to receive a message from their teachers the week of

August 10th for more information on how to access Google Classroom.● A master list of Google Classroom codes will be provided at Orientation.● Students are required to log in to each Google Classroom they are enrolled in

each day to check announcements and work assignments posted by their teachers.

Virtual Classroom● In order to provide students with meaningful learning experiences, students will be

enrolled into virtual classrooms. These classes will be formatted in a M/W and T/TH format, however there will be assignments due on other days. On Fridays, all students will be enrolled in an Advisory class will focus on Social/Emotional Learning (SEL). Students will be required to log on daily and participate in order to receive positive attendance each day. Teachers will be using Google Meet and Zoom platforms as virtual conferencing tools in order to provide live and interactive classroom instruction. If a student fails to log on during their scheduled class, they will be marked absent for that day. Failure to attend classes can result in students not earning a passing grade in their classes.

● Independent Studies: Students enrolled in the IS program will meet virtually with their teacher once a week at their scheduled time. Students must log in to their virtual meeting on time each week in order to earn positive attendance.

● In a virtual classroom, during instructional time, actions may include:• Viewing a student’s webcam• Hearing the student through their microphone• Reviewing the student’s questions and answers• Asking students to share work

● The benefits of these meetings for teachers include:• Creates teaching presence• Helps build a rapport with students• Allows a way to address different learning styles• Engages students• Encourages and motivates students to participate• Increase student satisfaction with the course and the instructor• Helps eliminate student isolation

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● These meetings may be recorded to allow students who miss the synchronous meeting to view the lesson(s) on their own. The recordings will be protected and only shared with students, parent(s)/guardian(s) of students, and/or district personnel with a legitimate educational interest.

● NOTE: Students/families WILL NOT record nor disseminate the classroom session nor audio/visual communications with teachers without the consent of teachers and other students (EC § 51512).

Recommendations for Home• Prepare a quiet, neutral area for students to engage in virtual classroom (i.e.

dining room table)• Ensure student is dressed appropriately during virtual classroom• Ensure student understands all their behavior may be recorded, they can be

removed from the virtual room, and will face consequences

Teacher Instructional Hours In addition to the Live Classroom Sessions, teachers will remain available to

students on an as needed basis. You can contact your teacher using the Google Voice number listed in the Appendix.

Teachers will provide important announcements about each class via Google Classroom.

Homework Assignments will be listed in Google Classroom and must be completed by the due date in order for students to earn positive attendance for the remaining weekly instructional days.

Teachers will contact students once per week. It is a requirement of the student to communicate with their teacher at least once per week.

Instructional Aides and Tutors will also be providing support through phone calls and virtual study sessions.

Instructional Resources Teachers will utilize a variety of instructional materials aligned to California

standards, including school textbooks, print materials, online Fuel Education curriculum, and educational online resources.

Email Communications● Students must use their school provided “Gmail’ accounts (not personal email

accounts) to communicate with teachers, counselors, and staff.● Students must check their school provided “Gmail” accounts daily.

Submission of Completed Work● Students will submit digital copies of completed work to teachers through

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Google Classroom or email.

Technology Devices Available for Students Distribution of MacBook’s, Chrome Books and iPads for students in need of a

technology device and MiFi hotspots for accessing the Internet will be part of the Orientation Process this school year.

Technology devices and Mifi hotspots issued to students must be returned at the end of the Distance Learning period.

All students will continue to be held to the “Acceptable Use Agreement for Students” policy. A copy of this agreement is located in the Appendices for your reference.

Students and Parents will be financially responsible for any loss and/or damage that may occur while any equipment is checked out to students. Any equipment not returned in good working order will result in the withholding of grades, diplomas, and official transcripts (EC § 48904).

A copy of the MCOE School Equipment Check-out Form is located in the Student Handbook for your reference.

Parents have the option of purchasing technology device insurance from a third- party vendor.

• MacBooks - $30 per device• iPads - $30 per device• For more information, please visit:

https://gpo.worthavegroup.com/gpo/merced

Special Education Our collective responsibility to provide equitable and appropriate education for

our students with special needs remain in effect. Special education teachers will work collaboratively with core content teachers to

accommodate and/or adapt lessons to meet the needs of students’ IEP.

SUPPORT SERVICES -

School Psychologist The school psychologist will continue during Distance Learning. Meetings will be

held via phone or zoom. Students and families may contact the School Psychologist directly via email:• Mrs. Swiggart tswiggart@mcoe.org

Instructional Assistant Support and Tutoring An Instructional Assistant will be providing instructional support during break out

session, live teacher sessions, and by appointment.

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Counseling Support Counselors continue to work on an appointment basis. Please do not hesitate to

reach out to them if you have questions or concerns. If you need immediate assistance please use the info below:• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255• The Crisis Text Line: accessed by texting HOME to 741741

Student Advocates Student Advocates from the Valley Crisis Center will continue to work during

distance learning to provide counseling and support to students and families. Please do not hesitate to reach out to them.

Campus Student Supervisors (Campus Liaisons) Campus Student Supervisors will continue to work during distance learning to

provide support to students and families. Please do not hesitate to reach out to them.

Meal Service Nutritional meals will be provided to students. For more information on meal distribution please contact the school office.

GRADING & GRADUATION

● Valley Community Schools will be returning to a traditional grading system of A-F for the 2020-2021 school year.

Recommendations for Parents● As children are now at home during the regular school day, we encourage

parents and guardians to: Create a space in your home dedicated to school work and learning. Use a schedule similar to a school schedule that includes time for learning,

recess or break, meals and physical activity. Be active and help your child with educational activities sent home or online.

○● It is crucial during this health crisis that families follow the guidance of public health

officials to stay at home, increase the practice of social distancing and only go out for essential reasons. Children should not congregate during the stay-at-home order as it puts the child, their families and the community at risk.

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Appendices

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School OfficeMrs. Sousa Principal

209-381-4550209-381-4550 csousa@mcoe.org

Ms. Alvarado Teacher 209-325-8302 jalvarado@mcoe.orgMrs. Woody Teacher 209-325-8344 dwoody@mcoe.orgMr. Padilla Teacher 209-417-5580 rpadilla@mcoe.orgMr. Ray Teacher 209-881-7669 gray@mcoe.orgMrs. Granados Teacher 209-325-8252 egranados@mcoe.orgMs. Mackie Teacher 209-233-0275 hmackie@mcoe.orgMrs. Amaral IS Teacher 209-326-1977 aamaral@mcoe.orgMs. Erickson IS Teacher 209-325-8292 serickson@mcoe.orgMr. Verrinder IS Teacher 209-325-8193 jverrinder@mcoe.org

Mr. Pierce Counselor 209-733-0781 rpierce@mcoe.orgMrs. Janzen Career Counselor 209-325-8339 ijanzen@mcoe.org Ms. Taylor Student Advocate 209-325-8204 talandzes@mcoe.orgMs. Swiggart Psychologist 209-326-1721 tswiggart@mcoe.org

Mrs. Vasquez School Site Secretary 209-389-3040 svasquez@mcoe.orgMs. Silva Registrar lsilva@mcoe.org

Mr. Gomez Instructional Support 209-580-5035 agomez@mcoe.orgMs. Soriano Instructional Support 209-587-8299 gsoriano@mcoe.orgMs. Vilchis Instructional Support 209-417-5126 cvilchis@mcoe.orgMr. Olvias Instructional Support 209-222-8980 holivas@mcoe.org

Mr. Heady Campus Liaison 209-326-1679 sheady@mcoe.org Mr. Townsel Campus Liaison 209-353-1929 atownsel@mcoe.org