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Newport-Mesa Unified School District

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    News

    Newport-Mesa Closure Information #4 - 3/19/2020
    Posted 3/19/20

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    School Closure Website

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    3/19/2020

    We are following up with you regarding the status of the closure of our schools, which will remain closed through April 3, with spring recess as scheduled April 6-10. 

    It is important for everyone to continue to follow the health guidelines, including the social distancing measures, to reduce the transmission of the virus and help reduce the burden on our health care system, which is why Newport-Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD) made the decision to dismiss schools. 

    Please know that this is a fluid situation and the following information could change as we move forward. For now, we expect to launch Distance Learning the week of March 23. See below for responses to frequently asked questions. 

    Frequently Asked Questions

    General:

    1. When will students be able to return to campus?
      All NMUSD campuses are closed as of March 16, 2020. Before the end of spring recess (April 3-6), expect to hear from us regarding the status of when students may return.

    Distance Learning:

    1. What learning options exist for students?
      We are in the process of implementing a cohesive Distance Learning Program to meet the needs of all of our students. In the meantime, we created an NMUSD Distance Learning Toolkit to support families with educational resources they can use until Distance Learning is implemented.

    2. What is Distance Learning?
      Distance Learning is an opportunity for students to receive enrichment and educational opportunities while not physically present at a school. This involves student correspondence with teachers via online resources. 

    3. When will Distance Learning occur and how can we gain access?
      Distance Learning is expected to start the week of March 23, starting with an online parent/student orientation offered. There also will be a process for students (3rd-12th grade) to retrieve their school-issued Chromebooks or obtain a Chromebook if they do not have one available at home. Students in transitional kindergarten through second grade will be provided learning materials. Your child’s teacher or school principal will communicate with you about these plans.

    4. What if I do not have internet access?
      Please visit the Digital Learning Toolkit for free wifi resources (select a grade level band for the wifi resources). Alternately, you may call:

      1. ATT: English - 855.220.5211; Spanish - 855.220.5225

      2. Spectrum: https://bit.ly/2QrSgYJ 

      3. Charter: 844-488-8395

      4. Comcast: English - 855-846-8376; Spanish - 855-765-6995

    5. What about Special Education?
      Enrichment opportunities will be available for all students via Distance Learning. Your child’s teacher will communicate with you about specific plans for your student.

    Academics & School Activities:

    1. Can athletics or other school activities take place while campuses are closed?
      No. All athletics, including practices and games, are canceled while schools are closed. All other activities and performances are also canceled while schools are closed.

    2. Will achievement aptitude tests continue (SAT, ACT, AP, IB)?
      We have been advised that these tests are continuing as scheduled. If this changes, we will share that information with families and students.

    3. Will state testing continue?
      The state has applied for a waiver to not hold state testing this year. We will let you know the outcome once we know more.

    Student Meals:

    1. Will lunch still be available for students?
      Yes. Free student lunches are available for pick-up only, from 11 am to 12:30 pm., Monday through Friday. Lunches may be picked up at the front of select NMUSD schools. Lunch is limited to one per student. Learn more at http://web.nmusd.us/nutrition. 

    Other Resources:

    1. What support is there for substance abuse and mental health services for families?
      The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Disaster Distress Helpline
      Information is noted below.

      1. Phone: 1-800-985-5990 (English and español)

      2. Text: Text “TalkWithUs” to 66746

      3. Text (español): “Hablanos” al 66746

      4. TTY: 1-800-846-8517

      5. Website (English): disasterdistress.samhsa.gov 

      6. Website (español): samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline/espanol

    2. What support is there for suicide prevention? 
      Yes, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline information is below.

      1. Phone (English): 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)

      2. Phone (español): 1-888-628-9454

      3. TTY: 1-800-799-4TTY (1-800-799-4889)

      4. Website (English): suicidepreventionlifeline.org

      5. Website (español): suicidepreventionlifeline.org/help-yourself/en-espanol

    3. Are there any local resources for mental health support?
      Yes, our community partner, Hoag Center for Family Living, provides psychotherapy services on a low sliding scale to those who are uninsured or underinsured. Call 949-764-6542 for services.

    4. Are there any resources for housing and food service?
      Yes. Our community partner, Serving People in Need (SPIN), can offer services. Call 714-751-1101 or email info@spinoc.org.

    5. What other supports are available to the community and families during this time?
      Our community partner, Newport Mesa Family Resource Center, can provide services - 949-764-8100. If you would like to speak to someone regarding additional community resources, please call 714-424-7538. Please also take a moment to review our NMUSD Community Alliance Brochure (Spanish).

    As you know these are unprecedented times and this is a fluid situation, so please be diligent about checking your email and phone as the current plan for school dismissal may change.

    Newport-Mesa Closure Information #3

    3/18/2020

    I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Newport-Mesa Community for your ongoing understanding and flexibility during this unique and unprecedented time. We want to encourage our community to pause, slow down, and check-in with family, friends and loved ones, as the information regarding this situation has been changing by the hour. The Newport-Mesa Community is a very special place and I know that we will get through this together. 

    Student Learning (for now)

    We are currently in the process of collaboratively creating a cohesive distance learning program that will meet the needs of all of our learners. In the meantime, we created an NMUSD Distance Learning Toolkit to enrich students' learning opportunities while we finalize our Distance Learning Program. Please review the toolkit link below. 

    NMUSD Learning Toolkit

    Technology and Internet Access

    We want to know about your level of technology and internet access at home. We ask parents to please take this questionnaire on any electronic device no later than 4 pm Thursday, March 19th.  

    Technology Access Survey

    Please note that staff will be following up with parents that don’t respond to ensure that they have the appropriate technology.

    Ongoing Communication 

    We will continue to keep you informed with ongoing messages and updates from our district and site principals. In addition, please continue to check our website at www.nmusd.us

    We realize that coping with an abrupt change like this presents an extraordinary challenge for all of us and that it would not be possible without your steadfast patience and trust in our efforts. Given the rapidly evolving nature of this crisis, we cannot be certain about the weeks ahead, but we know that together we will do our absolute best for our students!

    -Superintendent Dr. Fred Navarro

    Newport-Mesa Closure Information #2

    3/16/2020

    Thank you for your support and understanding as we navigate our response to this unprecedented coronavirus (COVID-19).

    Due to new and rapidly changing information, Newport-Mesa Unified School District has decided to close all District operations, except for a few essential operations. Therefore, the start for Distance Learning for students is yet to be determined. 

    Student lunches will continue to be available at all schools, for pick-up only, from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm., Monday through Friday. Lunches may be picked up at the front of all schools. Lunch is limited to one per student. 

    We continue to monitor the situation and are working diligently as we navigate through this. We will update you once we know more. Thank you for your patience and understanding. 

    Student Meals Information

    Newport-Mesa Closure and Dismissal Information

    3/13/2020

    Dear Newport-Mesa Community, 

    The Newport-Mesa Unified School District Board of Education took action today to prevent a COVID-19 spread into our schools and made the following difficult decisions. These decisions were made during a special emergency Board Meeting today, and in consultation with the Orange County Department of Education.

    • District Schools and Offices Closed: Monday, March 16, 2020  No students or staff report to school/work (with the exception of management and administrative staff, or at the direction of your supervisor)
    • School Dismissed: March 17 - April 3, 2020  Students do not report to school; All staff reports to work as usual
    • Anticipated Distance Learning: March 20 - April 3, 2020   All staff reports to work as usual; Students learn from home.  Spring break remains unaffected, April 6-10, 2020
    • As of now, all students are expected to return to school on April 13, 2020.

    Staff will work on finalizing plans and training to move to distance learning. We ask parents/guardians to make the rest of the arrangements for their student(s) to stay home during this time.

    • Anticipated Distance Learning (March 20 - April 3, 2020)
      We anticipate implementing a Distance Learning Plan (DLP) March 20 - April 3, 2020. Staff reports to work; students learn from home. While distance learning is new and different for many of us, it is essential in continuing students’ education at this time of great uncertainty. 
      Schools will share additional information regarding distance learning as soon as possible. 
       
    • Meals (UPDATED 3/14/2020)

      Free student lunches are available, for pick-up only, from 11 am to 12:30 pm., Monday through Friday. Lunches may be picked up at the front of the schools, as noted below. Lunch is limited to one per student. 

      Monday, March 16:
      Student lunches will be available at California, Kaiser, Killybrooke, Paularino, Pomona, Sonora, Whittier and Wilson Elementary Schools. 

      Tuesday, March 17 - April 3:
      Student lunches will be available at all schools.

    Please know that we are mindful of the challenges for a number of our families, the disruption of routines, and the technological and logistical challenges of implementing a distance learning plan. However, the health and safety of our school community has been, and will continue to be our number one priority. This decision is made out of great respect for our schools community. Please give our schools and District time to plan accordingly and know that our schools will reach out to parents next week with additional information.

    Dr. Fred Navarro

    Superintendent

    Newport-Mesa Unified School District