Hello Belmont-Redwood Shores Community,
 
Thank you to both staff and parents for your efforts to continue our students’ learning as the world changes dramatically around us. This coming week’s break will give our staff time to catch their breath and continue to improve our At-Home Learning program as we adjust to remote learning continuing at least through the month of April.  

This update addresses:
  1. School orders vs. shelter in place orders
  2. Videoconferencing
  3. Expectations for the educational program
  4. Student computers and internet access
  5. At-Home Learning website
  6. Board actions: Superintendent, CBO, and 2020-21 calendar
  7. Addressing harassment
  8. Spring break resources: academics and mental health
  9. Student grades
  10. Obtaining meals and groceries
  11. Exercising at schools
 

1) School Orders vs. Shelter in Place Orders
This week’s order from the County Health Officer to extend the dismissal of students through May 1 at all public and private schools throughout the County is a separate order from the Shelter in Place Orders from the County and State . Note that the County Shelter in Place order extends to April 7, whereas the State Shelter in Place order has no end date. The State order is in force until lifted. In related news, the community colleges in San Mateo County have extended online-only classes through the entire spring semester , which ends on May 22.    

 
2) Videoconferencing
I apologize for the inconvenience caused by my sudden suspension of videoconferencing this past Wednesday. Our staff must be confident that their classroom is a safe place with regard to personal privacy and instructional practice. California Education Code clearly expects this. Now that we are shifting much of our instruction and services online and to videoconferences, your student’s computer screen and related audio is effectively the classroom. No photos or recordings, even to share with family and friends, are permitted. We will be pushing out updated privacy and acceptable use safeguards at the end of next week to ensure that our students and staff have the legal and policy frameworks in place to protect the virtual classroom and allow videoconferencing again beginning April 6.  

 
3) Expectations for the Educational Program
As we look ahead to the prospect of an extended At-Home Learning arrangement, our expectation is to continue BRSSD’s educational program and services using the tools available to us. We aim to meet your student’s academic and social needs and prepare them for the next grade level. We intend to take responsibility for educating all students, mindful of accommodations and individual education plans (IEPs), with the understanding that remote learning is not an effective format for all students. We will share best practices among our teachers and invite your input as valued partners in your student’s education. You can expect regular and direct contact between the teacher and your student, with parents informed of what’s taking place. Most importantly, we are committed to improving our program week over week.     

 
4) Student Computers and Internet Access
 As we grow our At-Home Learning Program, your student may need greater access to an internet capable device throughout the school day. If your student needs to borrow a Chromebook laptop or has inadequate internet access, please complete this short survey by 11:59pm on Monday, March 30. We will contact you by email before Friday, April 3, 2020 with information on how to pick-up a device or advice on internet access. Please look for communication from communityoutreach@brssd.org in response to your survey submission.


5) At-Home Learning Website
In an effort to improve communication and organize available resources, we are developing this At-Home Learning website. The site will be our comprehensive repository for resources on District curriculum, special education, tech support, meal locations, mental health, and more. We will continue to add content to the website, so please start there if you have questions or problems regarding our At-Home Learning program.

 
6) Board Actions: New Superintendent, CBO, and 2020-21 Calendar
Last night, the Board of Trustees hired Dan Deguara as Superintendent and Rui Bao as Chief Business Official, both effective July 1. Welcome to Dan and Rui! The full announcement can be found here . This spring, we will find opportunities to introduce them to our school communities. 

The Board also approved the instructional calendar for the 2020-2021 academic year. The calendar can be found here and on our website brssd.org . 


7) Addressing Harassment
It appears that the coronavirus outbreak has emotions running high, with increased reports of harassment , particularly against Asian Americans. We encourage everyone to do their part to keep our community safe and respectful for all of us. If you witness or are the victim of harassment, contact the police in Redwood City or Belmont . The Asian Pacific Policy and Planning Council has a reporting site as well.   


8) Spring Break Resources: Academics and Mental Health 
We understand that some families are looking forward to a break from school, while others are interested in resources for keeping their student productively occupied over the break. We have put together sample schedules by grade span in case this is a helpful way to structure the next week. Click here to access the general education samples, and here to access samples for students in our intensive support classes.  
 
Additionally, we have social emotional support available.  If you or your child are in need of social-emotional support during the school closure, our amazing network of BRSSD counselors are here to assist you or your child. Please use this form to request support for either you or your child. All support will be conducted remotely, either over the phone, via email or virtually (Google Hangout, Zoom, etc.). We will respond to your request Monday through Friday, within 24 hours. 
 
In addition, you can also receive support from One Life Counseling through their school-based support hotline at 650-394-5224. Therapists will be on-call daily from 9 am to 5 pm. One Life counselors will be available virtually for those in need of emotional support or ideas for social-emotional learning projects at home. This resource is available to the entire BRSSD community.
 

9) Student Grades
We are working with our teacher representatives on what to do about student grades. This week, Palo Alto announced that they would be moving exclusively to credit/no credit grades for secondary students (grades 6-12). We will stay in touch with the Sequoia Union High School District to inform our grading for students in grades 6-8.  
 
Trimester 2 grades for students in TK-5 and TK-8 schools (all schools except Ralston) will be posted on the Illuminate Parent Portal on Tuesday, April 7. If you did not receive your personalized instructions for access in August 2019, please reach out to edservices@brssd.org . The website address for accessing the parent portal is https://brssd.illuminatehc.com .

 
10) Obtaining Meals and Groceries
Information about where children age 18 and under can get free breakfasts and lunches is available on the District's website at brssd.org/lunch-program . The website also includes information about resources for free groceries through Second Harvest and Call Primrose food banks, as well as information about ordering pre-packaged paid meals through The LunchMaster.

 
Exercising at Schools
The State and County stay at home orders allow outdoor recreation so long as individuals maintain a social distance of at least six feet. Consequently, District fields and blacktop areas are still open to the public, but all play structures are closed, and all visitors must stay away from classrooms and other buildings where teachers and other staff members might be working. If you use District fields and blacktop areas, help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and keep our campuses safe for others by obeying the following rules:
 
  • Practice social distancing - keep at least 6 feet away from all others.
  • Avoid touching surfaces touched by others.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • If you cough or sneeze --
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue and put your used tissue in a wastebasket.
  • If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands.
  • Wash your hands.
  • Never spit.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care. 
 

Thank you for your support. Your feedback is welcome. I received a lot of email this week, and I expect to reply to most messages next week.

Sincerely,

Michael Milliken
Superintendent


Suvarna Bhopale | Amy Koo | Samuel Leinbach | Jim Howard | Rahila Passi
Board of Trustees