ORINDA UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT
NEWSLETTER
February 18, 2021
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Dear Orinda USD Community,
Our schools are OPEN!! Last Wednesday marked the first day of in-person instruction for Orinda USD students in grades TK-2 and 6, and on Tuesday, 2/16, we welcomed back students in grades 3-5. For me, the students' joyful faces made the months of planning and hard work well worth it. To view a brief slideshow of pictures from the first days back, click HERE. As a reminder, we are watching the data closely for our county's return to the red tier as our 7th and 8th grade hybrid students will be able to return to campus at that time.
Clarification on Community Compact Travel Guidance
The purpose of our Orinda USD Community Compact is to agree, as an entire school community, to adhere to health and safety protocols that will prevent the spread of COVID-19 and keep our students, staff, and families safe. Dr. Chris Farnitano, Chief Health Officer for Contra Costa Health Services, has stated that it's the behavior in which we engage - whether we are in Orinda or somewhere else - that either protects all of us or makes us more vulnerable to this virus. For example, if you drive to another location with members of your immediate household and shelter in place without interacting with others while there, your child(ren) would not need to quarantine upon your family's return to Orinda. Please review this Orinda USD COVID-19 Return to School Checklist for additional clarification on travel and quarantining. Ultimately, it is up to each of us to be responsible, protect each other, and keep our schools/classrooms open. Thank you!
Special Board Meeting - Budget Workshop
The Board is holding a Special Meeting on Tuesday, February 23, beginning at 5:30 p.m. to focus on the District's budget. Matthew Phillips from School Services of California has reviewed the Orinda USD budget in partnership with our Director of Business Services, James Pham. Mr. Phillips and Mr. Pham will present their findings and share recommendations. Board Vice President Carol Brown and Member Jason Kaune will lead a Board discussion about action steps needed in the short and long term to ensure the District's fiscal health. To access the link to the agenda, Zoom teleconference, and public comment form, click here.
Updated Mask Guidance from the CDC
Recently the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued updated mask guidance to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This guidance includes:
- Make sure your mask fits snugly against your face.
- Pick a mask with layers to keep your respiratory droplets in and others’ out.
Wearing two masks simultaneously, a.k.a. "double masking," has proven to be very effective with specific types of masks. Please review this important updated guidance here.
FREE COVID-19 Testing - Next Opportunity on Monday, February 22
Our next testing opportunity will be on Monday, February 22, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is voluntary, but we very strongly encourage you to take advantage of this testing event. If you tested on previous test dates, you are welcome to test again. You must make an appointment in advance as well as complete the required forms to partake in this testing day. This testing opportunity is in partnership with our original vendor, Agile Force/PMH Laboratory. We have scheduled dates with our new vendor weekly on Mondays beginning on March 1 through the end of the school year. Here are the details for the 2/22 event:
Date: Monday, February 22, 2021
Time: 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: District Office, 8 Altarinda Rd.
Parking: District Office Lot or Masonic Lodge Lot (across the street)
To access more information including the online scheduling calendar and the required forms, click here.
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As always, I welcome your comments, suggestions, and questions on any topic related to our Orinda USD schools.
Sincerely,
Dr. Carolyn Seaton
Superintendent of Schools
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February 22: COVID-19 Testing for Staff, Students, and Parents at the District Office, 7 a.m.-4 p.m.
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February 23: Coordinating Council, 9:30-11:00 a.m.
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February 23: Board Budget Workshop, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
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February 23: Minimum Day/All Distance Learning for Elementary Schools - 12:20 p.m. Dismissal for Grades 1-5; 11:30 a.m. Dismissal for TK-K
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February 24: WISSE Committee Meeting, 3:30 p.m.
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February 24: Minimum Day/All Distance Learning for Elementary Schools - 12:20 p.m. Dismissal for Grades 1-5; 11:30 a.m. Dismissal for TK-K
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February 24: Parent Ed ADL Anti-Bias Training, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
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February 25: Joint City/School District ADL Anti-Bias Training
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March 1: COVID-19 Testing for Staff, Students, and Parents at the District Office, 7 a.m.-4 p.m.
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March 3: Facilities Safety Committee Meeting
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March 8: COVID-19 Testing for Staff, Students, and Parents at the District Office, 7 a.m.-4 p.m.
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March 8: Regular School Board Meeting, 6:00 p.m.
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March 11: Board Coffee, Del Rey Only, 8:30 a.m.
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March 15: COVID-19 Testing for Staff, Students, and Parents at the District Office, 7 a.m.-4 p.m.
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March 17: OTAC Meeting, 3:30 p.m.
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March 22: COVID-19 Testing for Staff, Students, and Parents at the District Office, 7 a.m.-4 p.m.
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March 23: Coordinating Council, 9:30-11:00 a.m.
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March 29-April 2: Spring Break, No School
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2020-21 Orinda USD Board School Assignments:
OIS: Liz Daoust
Del Rey: Cara Hoxie
Glorietta: Hillary Weiner
Sleepy Hollow: Jason Kaune
Wagner Ranch: Carol Brown
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The Board of Trustees took the following actions at their February 8, 2021, regularly scheduled meeting:
- The Board enjoyed a choir presentation from OIS students.
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The Board received a status update on state, county, and local COVID-19 data and information.
- The Board discussed the reopening timeline.
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The Board approved the Comprehensive School Safety Plans for Del Rey, Glorietta, Sleepy Hollow, Wagner Ranch, and OIS.
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The Board approved the 2019-2020 School Accountability Report Cards for Del Rey, Glorietta, Sleepy Hollow, Wagner Ranch, and OIS.
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The Board approved Board Policy 6170.1: Transitional Kindergarten.
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The Board approved Board Bylaws 9320: Meetings and Notice.
If you would like information regarding future Board meetings, email Debbie Jamieson at djamieson@orindaschools.org.
Upcoming Events
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February 23: Board Budget Workshop, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
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March 8: Regular Board Meeting, 6:00 p.m.
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March 11: Board Coffee for Sleepy Hollow, 8:30 a.m.
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ONE Orinda celebrates the return to campus of TK-2nd and 6th graders last week and 3rd-5th graders this week!
It has been a long journey for our community, but our collective efforts and resilience have paid off as our students, teachers, and staff transition to in-person, on-campus instruction.
ONE also celebrates reaching the $4 million mark this month - we are 87% of our $4.6 million goal! As a reminder, this is money raised this school year to support programs and staff this year. We are grateful for every donation, in any amount, that will help us cross the finish line. Thank you to all parents, families, community members and business owners who have already been so generous.
The ONE February newsletter hits inboxes next week, which includes the latest from our campuses, updates about the Business Partner Program, and photos of our community celebrating the success of opening TK-6th grade classrooms.
Please follow ONE on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook too as we build our social media presence and highlight the greatness that is...ORINDA.
We are ONE Community, and we remain Stronger Together for a Brighter Tomorrow.
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Upcoming Events:
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February 16-19: Staff Appreciation Week
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February 18: Community Coalition, Kids' Play About Racism 5:30-6:30 p.m.
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February 23 and 24: Minimum Days; Dismissal at 12:20 p.m. for Grades 1-5 and 11:30 a.m. for Grades TK-K
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Upcoming Events:
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February 23: Sign-Ups for OIS Athletics Session #4
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February 24: 5th Grade Parent Information Webinar, 6 p.m.
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February 25: OIS DEI Committee Meeting, 6 p.m. Sign up HERE.
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March 11: Quarter Ends at OIS
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March 18: Parent Club Meeting, 10 a.m.
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Upcoming Events:
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February 23 and 24: Minimum Days; Dismissal at 12:20 p.m. for Grades 1-5 and 11:30 a.m. for Grades TK-K
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Early March (Dates TBD): Picture Days
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Upcoming Events:
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February 23 and 24: Minimum Days; Dismissal at 12:20 p.m. for Grades 1-5 and 11:30 a.m. for Grades TK-K
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February 25: GCC Meeting, 3:30 p.m.
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February 26: Eco Hero Virtual Assembly, 9 a.m.
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March 2-4: Picture Days
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Upcoming Events:
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February 23 and 24: Minimum Days; Dismissal at 12:20 p.m. for Grades 1-5 and 11:30 a.m. for Grades TK-K
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February 24: SHPC Board Meeting
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March 1: School Picture Make-Up Day
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March 1-5: Read Across America Spirit Week
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