Superintendent's Friday Update
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Karen Hendricks
Superintendent
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Reopening Plan Update:
The health, safety and well-being of everyone in our school community remains our top priority, and we have continued to follow sound protocols and guidance to protect students, staff and families.
At the end of March, guidance related to distancing between student desks changed, opening up the possibility to situate the desks three feet apart instead of six feet. This news occurred just as our thoughtfully constructed hybrid learning implementation was unfolding.
In addition to this news, the number of COVID cases in our area is continuing to drop and more people are being vaccinated to prevent further spread of the virus. Coupled with the overwhelming success we have seen since our schools reopened, the ALSD Board of Trustees has approved consideration for expanding in-person classroom instruction for grades 3-8 to four days a week through the end of the current school year.
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Hello to our Alta Loma Community,
I hope that everyone is doing well as these beautiful April days unfold. Last weekend, my three daughters (plus a bonus daughter!) were able to enjoy their first Easter egg hunt with the spectacular San Gabriel Mountains as a backdrop. We love Alta Loma, and are so grateful to be here.
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Grades 3-8 Specific:
District staff is in the process of evaluating all logistics that will need to be in place in order for us to move to a Tuesday-Friday In-Person Learning option later this month. Those considerations include the capacity of classrooms when reconfigured with new distancing criteria, and the total number of In-Person Learners than can be accommodated in each classroom. Classroom shapes and sizes do vary, so this is somewhat of a room by room assessment. We have benchmarked maximum capacity for standard Grade 3-8 classrooms at 24, and have asked our principals to cap the class sizes at no more than 24 at this time. That means that if you have a student in Distance Learning and request a move into In-Person Learning you may be informed that a wait list is being compiled. We will continue to keep our strong Distance Learning program in place.
In addition, our Nutrition Services Department is working to double food orders and assign sufficient staffing to accommodate increased numbers of students who would be on campuses. Entrance and exit procedures, recess and lunch schedules, and other important details are being reviewed for any necessary alterations. The efforts of all staff members cannot be understated; my appreciation for them is huge.
We expect to notify you by Tuesday, April 13, if we will be able to move Grades 3-8 from Hybrid Learning to the four-day-per-week schedule beginning on April 27. In advance of that, I wanted to let you know about our discussions so you have the opportunity to consider and prepare. As we are all so well aware, situations and guidance remain fluid.
Grades PK-2 Specific:
There are excellent questions about why we are not currently planning to move our Preppy-K, Kindergarten, and Grades 1-2 students from the AM/PM Hybrid Model to a Full-Day Model. Our teachers and families have been flexible and patient with the complexity of schedules that were developed.
At this point, shifting the learning schedules for these students would seem to require the change of classroom placement at some of our schools. The relationship between student and teacher is the heart of our work with students, and interrupting that at this point in the year seems counter to what has been identified as key.
Currently, teachers are finding value in the opportunity to work with students in small groups as they return to school. It is not unusual at this time to see class sizes of 10 or even less, and the chance to provide targeted academics with students is tremendous. Students are receiving a lot of teacher attention, and the rebuilding of in-person relationships with their peers. As in the higher grades, our Distance Learners continue to receive an excellent instructional program.
We will continue to assess our K-2 structure and update our community on any new developments.
Thank you for your ongoing patience and support. We are excitedly rebuilding in preparation for a full return of students in August!
My best to you,
Karen Hendricks
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From the Office of Human Resources
Joan Sanders, Assistant Superintendent Human Resources/Pupil Services
Human Resources supports every department in our District in a variety of ways. In addition to recruiting and the hiring process, we also support our staff with employment-related training. All ALSD staff receive annual Human Resource training on topics such as child abuse prevention and bloodborne pathogens. Departments receive more targeted training on topics ranging from handling food safely to increasing knowledge related to allergies and anaphylaxis; asthma, diabetes and epilepsy. Providing for the safety of students and staff is central to our work.
Human Resources also celebrates our staff in a number of annual traditions. Our retiring staff are recognized each May at our Board of Trustees Meeting where we celebrate our retirees many years of service to the students of the Alta Loma School District. As we were unable to hold this annual event for our 2019 - 2020 retirees last May due to the pandemic closure, we're happy to share that they will be recognized at the May 5 Board Meeting starting at 5 p.m. at Alta Loma Junior High. Our "Class of 2021-2022" retirees will be celebrated at our May 19 Board Meeting.
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Upcoming Events:
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- Wednesday, April 14 - DELAC Meeting; 3:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, April 21 - Board of Trustees Regular Meeting, Alta Loma Junior High School; 6 p.m.
- Wednesday, April 28 - District LCAP Advisory Committee 3:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, May 5 - Board of Trustees Regular Meeting, Alta Loma Junior High School; 5 p.m. 2019-2020 Retiree Celebration; 6 p.m. Meeting begins
- May 10 - 14 Teacher Appreciation Week
- Wednesday, May 12 - California Day of the Teacher
- Wednesday, May 19 - Board of Trustees Regular Meeting, Alta Loma Junior High School; 5 p.m. 2020-2021 Retiree Celebration; 6 p.m. Meeting begins
- May 17 - 21 Classified School Employee Week
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Some Great Things Happening At Our Schools |
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Alta Loma Elementary School From Principal Dolly Bentley:
It was great to welcome back our 3rd-6th grade students this week. Students, teachers, and staff are happy to finally be back together again!
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Banyan Elementary School From Principal Cara Cerecerez:
Banyan, like the rest of the ALSD schools, was a busy place this week as we welcomed back the rest of our students who returned to in-person instructions. The week was seamless and we are thankful for all of the support.
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Ms. Sunny and Ms. Nicole have been a huge support during the pandemic. Daily, our Child Nutrition Department prepares healthy meals for all students. Whether taking a bus full of lunches to families or serving students on site, they always have a twinkle in their eyes. |
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3rd - 6th grade teachers at Banyan did an amazing job jumping into hybrid instructions. You see an example of this as Mrs. Ceballos class participates in a Math lesson both In-person and virtually. |
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Banyan's re-opening would not have been as smooth as it was if it were not for these two ladies. Special thanks to
Dr. Rodriguez for all of the support organizing proctors, recess and much more. Also, great job to our custodial team for ensuring a perfect setup for drop-off, pick-up and all the in between cleaning!
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Carnelian Elementary School From Principal Chris Deegan:
We are so happy that all of our families now have the option to return to some on-campus learning or finish the year in full Distance Learning. It is difficult to express how great it is to see our students on campus from our CHAMPS students through 6th grade. We are grateful for our staff, faculty, students, parents and District Support Center for being a part of a tremendous partnership striving to enhance the lives of our students!
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Carnelian has initiated its first Virtual Talent Show. Students have the month of April to plan, rehearse and record their talent. Staff will put it all together through iMovie to share with their Carnelian family. |
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Deer Canyon Elementary School From Principal Donna Carlson:
It has been a momentous week as we welcomed back 240 DC Eagles in grades 3-6. Teachers, aides, proctors and custodians have worked together to ensure a smooth transition for our in-person students. Thank you to every stakeholder who has pitched in to make this a great week for our students. Seeing our students enthusiastically arrive on campus, learning in their classrooms and hearing their laughter as they play safely in their cohorts has brought joy to every person on our campus! Welcome back, Eagles!
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Hermosa Elementary School
From Principal Val Bires:
We are HOWLing at Hermosa with students on campus from PK-6th grade. This week we welcomed back to campus students in 3rd-6th grade. The Husky pack is back! HOWL!!!!
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Jasper Elementary School
From Interim Principal Curtis Quanstrom:
Soooooo much love, cheer, and excitement on the Jasper campus this week. We are grateful for the opportunity to have all of our classrooms in action as we welcomed back grades 3-6. Hey Champions! How do you feel? We feel good, oh, we feel so good ugh!
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Floyd M. Stork Elementary School From Principal Phil Suttner:
There was a festive air on Tuesday and Wednesday as we welcomed back
280 more Superstars! One teacher stated, “Those first days were like being at Disneyland!”
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Three sixth grade Superstars, all members of Girl Scout Troop 904, created motivational posters to inspire their peers. |
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Victoria Groves Elementary School
From Principal Kristy Johnson:
VGS welcomed back 3rd-6th grade students this week. We are so excited to have all grades back on campus!
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Alta Loma Junior High School
From Principal Michele Rachielles:
Such a great week, welcoming many students back on campus. Everyone handled themselves respectfully and responsibly.
Teachers are doing an incredible job of teaching students both in their classrooms and at home.
Proctors have been really hustling taking temperatures upon arrival and helping students to their classes throughout the day.
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Vineyard Junior High School
From Principal Sandy Rose:
What a joy it was hearing laughter in the hallways, watching students participating in PE, and seeing our classrooms filled with students again! We appreciated Board of Trustee Member Rebecca Davies and Superintendent Hendricks joining us as we celebrated the return of our Vikings.
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