Dear Whittier City School District Families:
As we close out 2020 and look forward to the holiday season, we wanted to share an update with you in regards to distance learning. In July, our Board of Education made the difficult decision to start the school year in distance learning with the hope that these actions would help protect our community. At that time, the plan was to resume learning in-person using a hybrid model after winter break.
Conditions have shifted since that original decision. As you are aware, our community, along with most of the world, is in a difficult place as we contend with the surge of coronavirus infections and the corresponding impact on humanity. Our hearts go out to those that have suffered due to the virus. This is a tender time as we collectively focus our attention on celebrating while simultaneously coping with the uncertainty of health, wellness, and prosperity.
Due to the ongoing health and safety concerns related to COVID-19, it is necessary to continue instruction using a distance learning model. At last night’s Board of Education meeting, the decision was made to continue with distance learning until state and local health guidance permits opening for in-person instruction.
During the extension of distance learning, planning will continue for the possibility of opening for in-person instruction using a hybrid model in accordance with recommendations in the Reopening Protocols for K-12 Schools.
If you have not yet participated in our survey regarding your learning options preference for when we are able to open, we need you to do so. Please know that we will do everything possible to accommodate requests to change your decision. We realize that this is a difficult choice because there is a great deal of uncertainty. As things change, we will adjust our plan and together we will find our way.
On behalf of the Board of Education and myself, we are thankful for the stellar work of our students, staff and families. We wish you a happy and healthy holiday season.
Sincerely,
Maria Martinez-Poulin, Ed.D.
Superintendent
As we close out 2020 and look forward to the holiday season, we wanted to share an update with you in regards to distance learning. In July, our Board of Education made the difficult decision to start the school year in distance learning with the hope that these actions would help protect our community. At that time, the plan was to resume learning in-person using a hybrid model after winter break.
Conditions have shifted since that original decision. As you are aware, our community, along with most of the world, is in a difficult place as we contend with the surge of coronavirus infections and the corresponding impact on humanity. Our hearts go out to those that have suffered due to the virus. This is a tender time as we collectively focus our attention on celebrating while simultaneously coping with the uncertainty of health, wellness, and prosperity.
Due to the ongoing health and safety concerns related to COVID-19, it is necessary to continue instruction using a distance learning model. At last night’s Board of Education meeting, the decision was made to continue with distance learning until state and local health guidance permits opening for in-person instruction.
During the extension of distance learning, planning will continue for the possibility of opening for in-person instruction using a hybrid model in accordance with recommendations in the Reopening Protocols for K-12 Schools.
If you have not yet participated in our survey regarding your learning options preference for when we are able to open, we need you to do so. Please know that we will do everything possible to accommodate requests to change your decision. We realize that this is a difficult choice because there is a great deal of uncertainty. As things change, we will adjust our plan and together we will find our way.
On behalf of the Board of Education and myself, we are thankful for the stellar work of our students, staff and families. We wish you a happy and healthy holiday season.
Sincerely,
Maria Martinez-Poulin, Ed.D.
Superintendent