Dear Walnut High School Families,

As we continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and following the Los Angeles Department of Public Health Reopening Protocol of Youth Sports, we are excited to announce that we are in the process of welcoming our athletes back on campus for voluntary athletic workouts and conditioning. Our student-athletes and staff’s safety and well-being remain our top priority as we work together to bring our athletes on campus. As we prepare for this, we want to share a timeline that gives our staff, student-athletes, and parents time to prepare.

Important Dates:  

October 9: Athletic Clearance Packets Due

October 14: Parent Informational Video @ 5:00 pm

October 19: Voluntary Fall Sports Return 

October 26: Voluntary Winter and Spring Sports Return

Athletic Clearance Packets Due: All athletic clearance procedures must be completed and submitted by October 9. Failure to complete will delay your son/daughter's participation in athletics. Please click here to access the Athletic Clearance Procedures. If you have any questions regarding clearances, please contact Athletic Trainer, Faith Villanueva at [email protected]. 

Parent Informational Video: Every parent must watch our “Return to Athletics” informational video that will be emailed out on October 14 at 5:00 pm. The video will include all of our safety measures that will be taken, including pre-workout screening, student-athlete arrival procedure, facility usage, athletic training services, student-athlete exposure protocol, as well as post-exposure return to play guidelines. At the end of the webinar, you will be asked to fill out a Google Form, acknowledging that you viewed the webinar. 

Voluntary Fall Sports Workouts: Your child’s coach will send out detailed information regarding practice times, check-in/check-out locations, as well as conditioning cohorts as we begin our voluntary opening starting October 19. Please note that not all fall sports may begin on this date based on the coaching staff and athletes’ availability. 

Voluntary Winter and Spring Sports Workouts: The following week, winter and spring sports will slowly transition back to campus based on information communicated from their coach.  Coaches will communicate practice times, dates, check-in points, as well as conditioning cohorts. Please note that not all winter and spring sports may begin on this date based on the coaching staff and athletes’ availability. 

Coaches will announce tryouts as we move forward with the return to athletics protocol based on recommendations from the Los Angeles County Department of Health.  We understand that the situation may change during the school year, and we will remain flexible and adjust our plans as necessary. In the meantime, we are excited to welcome back our student-athletes as we work to reacclimate back to physical activity, and hopefully, athletic competition in 2021. 

Thank you for your support of our coaches and students.

Sincerely, 

Ryan Maine

Principal

Walnut High School

Dear Walnut High School Families, 

In March, the 2019-20 academic year changed abruptly for everyone. As the COVID-19 pandemic spread across the country and world, we experienced school closures and the temporary suspension of extracurricular activities. With the guidance and direction of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, we are excited to announce that we are in the process of creating volunteer return to practice guidelines for athletics, cheer, and performing arts groups. There are strict guidelines and safety precautions that are required to bring these groups on campus, including small cohorts, social distancing, and disinfecting equipment. We will be offering parent meetings with administration and our coaches to review the process and answer questions. While we would like all student groups and activities to resume, our County Health Department has only authorized these select cohorts of student groups to be on campus at this time. 

In the near future, you will receive a detailed timeline regarding the return to athletics protocol followed in the upcoming weeks with a plan of return for our performing arts groups. Our student and staff’s safety and well-being remain our top priority as we work together to bring our students back on campus.  We understand that the situation may change during the school year, and we will remain flexible and adjust our plans as necessary. In the meantime, we are excited to welcome back our athletic and performing arts groups as we work to reacclimate back to physical activity.

Dear Walnut Valley Educational Community,

To begin, I sincerely hope that you and your family are healthy during these most unprecedented times. I also want to say “Thank You” for your patience and understanding during these summer months as we all anticipate what the reopening of schools will look like on August 10, 2020.

As we look towards the 2020/2021 school year, please be reminded as we navigate through challenging decisions, plans, and programs to address the needs of our students in the upcoming weeks and months, that we place the safety and wellness of our students and staff as our highest priority. We also understand and empathize with the many different needs and wants of our stakeholders (students, parents, employees, etc.), which vary from person to person (and/or family to family) and thus, we know that we cannot find a resolution that will completely satisfy everyone. We will, however, strive to provide options and choices for students to the best of our ability.

After spending the last several weeks monitoring the data (which has seen large upward spikes in COVID-19 cases) and information on the COVID-19 pandemic, and relying heavily on the County of Los Angeles Public Health Department (Public Health) to provide us with guidance, direction, and recommendations on how we should proceed, it has become clear to me that the safest approach to reopening schools is to open with a 100% Distance Learning model.

Therefore, beginning on August 10, all students will attend school via Distance Learning. This model will serve as our primary means for education for a minimum of four (4) weeks. During the four-week period, we will reassess the data, study the effects of different implementation plans from surrounding school districts, and evaluate possible updates and revisions to recommendations from Public Health and then continue and/or adjust our plan accordingly. If after September 7 (Labor Day), the data and information provided by Public Health suggests it is safe for our students to return to school in-person, we will implement such a model; however, if need be, based on the data and information, we will also be prepared to continue our Distance Learning program until it is deemed safe to return.

I appreciate the many employees who have worked tirelessly to provide for a variety of safety protocols, resources, and equipment to be ordered, prepared, and implemented in an attempt to maximize the health, well-being, and safety of our students and staff. Additionally, now that Public Health has finally released some of their guidelines for schools (just this week), we can also spend the next several weeks maximizing additional safety measures. Existing and future safety measures will be shared with our community in the near future.

I appreciate the many people who have worked diligently over the past couple of months to plan for possible return to school scenarios. While I will not go into all of the details at this time (more information will follow from our Educational Services Division), I will share some of the significant differences in our 2020/2021 Distance Learning program from the emergency Distance Learning program implemented last spring:

•      Daily live interaction will be required in accordance with new state requirements for Distance Learning (Assembly Bill 77)
•      Student attendance will be taken daily
•      All secondary schools will follow their traditional daily schedule (such as the regular start and end times to each class period)
•      All students will be assigned a grade for each class
•      All teachers will be offered additional Distance Learning professional development prior to the beginning of the school year
•      Chromebooks will be distributed to students in need of a technology device (more information will follow) 

Again, we will monitor the situation closely during the first four weeks of Distance Learning and be prepared to transition, if possible, to one of our in-person models on (or after) September 8. As we previously shared, we have three broad approaches that we have developed for implementation when ready:

•      Full-time, traditional, in-person instruction  (while implementing Public Health recommended safety protocols to the best of our ability)

•      Split-schedule approach where approximately half of the students in a particular class/school attend two days per week (the other half of the students attend a different set of two days per week), while working from home on the other days, in an attempt to minimize the people on campus and an increased practice of social distancing (while implementing Public Health recommended safety protocols to the best of our ability)

•      100% Distance Learning approach (adhering to new state guidelines for high-quality instruction and student accountability)

We are also implementing a plan to allow students (with health and/or family considerations) to opt into a 100% Independent Study/Distance Learning approach if and when we choose to implement a full-time or split-schedule in-person approach. We will be sending you information and asking that interested parents commit to a full-time Distance Learning program in the near future for our planning purposes.

We understand that parents will have questions and concerns regarding the opening Distance Learning program, as well as other possible learning options. Therefore, we will be conducting an informational webinar to further explain the various aspects of our programs at the following times (webinars will be recorded and posted on our website for future viewing):

•      Elementary School Webinar: Monday, July 20, at 3:00 p.m. (link will be provided in the near future)
•      Middle and High School Webinar: Monday, July 20, at 4:30 p.m. (link will be provided in the near future)

We know that during this time of uncertainty, as observed just in the last couple of weeks in Los Angeles County and across the state, even the best laid plans are subject to change.  We recognize that this situation is extremely fluid and we are continually monitoring the data and direction of our public health officials.

Again, we will provide additional information and direction to you in the near future.

As always, please feel free to contact me with questions and/or concerns.

Bob

Robert P. Taylor, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Walnut Valley Unified School District

Good Morning Mustang Families,

Join us in celebrating the Class of 2020 tonight starting at 4:30 pm. Here is the live stream link to our Class of 2020 Virtual Ceremony: https://youtu.be/DZviIIjJiLM

A thirty-minute countdown will begin at 4:30 pm with uplifting messages from our staff as well as the names listed of our Senior Award Winners. At 5:00 pm the ceremony will officially start. Please share this link with families, friends, and anybody else interested in watching. 

We look forward to watching this ceremony with you and congratulations to our 50th graduating class of Walnut High School. 

Sincerely, 

Ryan Maine

Principal 

Walnut High School 

Dear Senior Families,

We are officially one week away from May 28, the day we celebrate the Class of 2020! I wanted to share a detailed plan of what May 28 will look like for our Seniors and their families as we celebrate the 50th graduating class at Walnut High School. 

CAP & GOWN PHOTO BOOTH OPPORTUNITY

11:00 am - 3:00 pm

• Walnut High School will have seven photo booths set up for families to come take a quick photo with their graduate in their cap and gown. 
• We will provide different options for photo booths to fit your needs:
  
  • Photo Booths 1 & 2: Sponsored by KAPA. Decorated with balloons & graduation decorations honoring our Class of 2020.​
  • Photos Booths 3, 4, & 5: Walnut High School backdrop. Step & Repeat Logos. 
  • Photo Booth 6: Sponsored by Puffect Bakery. Elegant Hexagon backdrop with the balloons draped over it. 
  • Photo Booth 7: Professional Photography Photos available for purchase by Marc Shot This Photography. 
• Photos will be available by appointment only.
• You can only choose one photo booth to accommodate all of our Seniors. 
• Volunteer photographers will be on hand at each booth to help take photos of your family. 
• A link to sign up for Photo Booths will be sent out on Monday, May 25.
• This will be a drive-up photo booth set up. Please see the attached map on the traffic flow.  
• A virtual photo booth for families that prefer to stay home will be provided by LA Photo Party. 

VIRTUAL GRADUATION CEREMONY

4:30 PM: A YouTube link will be sent out prior to the ceremony. At 4:30 pm, the 30-minute countdown will begin. During the 30 minute countdown, teachers will give special messages to our Seniors as well as a scrolling ticker tape of all our Senior Award Winners. 

5:00 PM: YouTube Live Ceremony Begins. Our Virtual Recognition Ceremony will contain the following: 

• Keynote Speakers: Ryan Seacrest & a surprise Grammy Award Winning Artist
• Senior Montage
• Staff Speeches
• Student Speeches
• Special Senior Hoofprint Announcement 
• Choir Performance
• Reading of Names for our Class of 2020
• A Closing Message from our Senior Class President, Matt Mayo

6:20 pm: Virtual Ceremony Ends

CLASS OF 2020 PARADE: “One Last Ride”

6:30: One Last Ride Route Begins: 

Seniors will be allowed to take One Last Ride through Walnut High School as our staff cheers them on. Please show up at your allotted time to help facilitate traffic flow and align with social distancing protocols:

• 6:30 - 7:00 pm: A - F Graduates
• 7:00 - 7:30 pm: G - L Graduates
• 7:30 - 8:00 pm: M - S Graduates
• 8:00 - 8:30 pm: T - Z Graduates

Additional Information:

• One Car per Graduate
• Must Show Senior ID
• Decorate your car & wear your cap & gown. 
• Please arrive during the time slot of your last name
• Diploma cases will be handed off through your vehicle. 
• A detailed route and informational video can be found here:

Thank you for being patient with us as we continue to find ways to make special moments for the Class of 2020 during this global pandemic.  We look forward to May 28 as we celebrate the 50th graduating class at Walnut High School!

Sincerely,

Ryan Maine

Dear Walnut High School Senior,

On May 22^nd, 26^th and 27^th, Walnut High School will strategically allow seniors to return to campus to vacate lockers, turn in textbooks, pay any outstanding balances, pick up medication, return Chromebooks, and pick up cap and gowns, and gold cords.

Senior student accounts must be cleared to ensure there is no delay issuing diplomas and final transcripts. Please check your “Parent Portal” under “Fees and Fines” to see any outstanding balance. All textbook fees must be reconciled by cash, check, or money order.

Seniors must bring your student IDs, and arrive during your designated block times as shown in the schedule. Please review the chart below for your assigned day and time.  Specific stations for textbooks, medication, Chromebooks, and cap and gowns/gold cords will be located in the cafeteria lunch table area. Anything left in the lockers on Thursday, May 28^th will be discarded or donated.

Security and staff will be on campus to supervise and enforce strict social distancing protocols.  All visitors are required to wear a face mask/covering to enter campus.  Gloves are not required, but are encouraged.  Only one person per senior will be allowed on campus.   Please do not come to campus if you are sick or have any symptoms.

Thanks for your cooperation and understanding. Your safety is our top priority! If you have any further questions, please e-mail Nelson Chen – [email protected].

MAP OF SENIOR CHECK OUT

Dear WVUSD Families,

First and foremost, we thank you for your partnership and support as we strive to put “Kids First, Every Student, Every Day,” during this time of nationwide school closures.  Phase 2 Distance Learning provided our students with the opportunity to connect with teachers and peers in creative, digitized ways.  From students performing a choir performance to teachers starting online lessons with a check-in to gauge student’s social and emotional wellness, we are grateful for our staff and students, who are rising above the crisis to continue students’ learning.

As the school year winds down to these last few weeks, every school has been actively planning and communicating closure activities.  Schools are coordinating the return of books and materials and planning alternative, memorable graduation activities, such as surprising graduating seniors and promoting 8th graders with celebratory yard signs and symbolically lighting stadium lights to honor the class of 2020. 

At this time, WVUSD is planning the re-opening of schools to start as scheduled on Monday, August 10, 2020. As we are waiting on directives from local and state educational agencies, it is unclear whether we will be re-opening as the traditional in-person setting, Distance Learning, or a hybrid of in-person and Distance Learning.  The District will adhere to Public Health and state directives and safety protocols that need to be implemented for re-opening.  Please continue to monitor emails from WVUSD and check the District’s website, throughout the summer, for updated information. We will continue to have resources and updates on our http://learn.wvusd.org  website to support students and families during the summer.  

During this prolonged time of school closure and safer-at-home directives, our students’ overall well-being is the top priority.   We encourage you to focus on your family’s safety, health, and wellness.  Research shows that when students feel they are able to meet parent expectations, they are less likely to be worried and stressed about their schoolwork and less likely to suffer from physical symptoms of stress.  As we wind down the 2019-2020 school year, we want to reiterate that our teachers, administrators, and staff are so proud of our students for finishing strong and connecting with their teachers and peers.

Resources for supporting students’ emotional well-being is available at the following link from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network:

https://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/resources/fact-sheet/outbreak_factsheet_1.pdf

Additionally, the Emotional Assistance Partner (EAP), provided by United Health Care, is another free resource that provides support from mental health professionals for students and families. This is a 24-hour, toll-free Help Line: 866-342-6892.

WVUSD Nutrition Services will continue to distribute meals to families with children ages 18 and under, Monday through Friday during the summer months.

Time frame for this service will be 7:30am-10:00am. Locations will remain the same for the following schools:

•            Walnut High School – Staff parking lot
•            Diamond Bar High School – Front office parking lot

We thank you again for your support as we work together to put “Kids First, Every Student, Every Day.” 

Sincerely,

WVUSD Educational Services

Dear Class of 2020,

I wanted to send some important updates to our Class of 2020 students and families as we head into our final month of the school year. First off, thank you for coming together as a Mustang family during this unprecedented time. Seeing the positive messages on social media, via e-mail, and working with our Seniors shows how blessed we are to have such a phenomenal group of parents and young men and women representing Walnut High School.

Below are some important updates that we wanted to share with you:

VIRTUAL RECOGNITION CEREMONY - MAY 28

• We still plan to have an in-person ceremony in the stadium. We know how important it is for students, families, and friends to experience graduation on our football field.  We are working closely with the department of health to find a later time in the summer that will allow us to hold an in-person ceremony.  
• In the meantime, May 28 is going to be a day you will not forget! We will celebrate our Seniors like we never have in the history of Walnut High School. The Class of 2020 is the 50th graduating class, so we might as well make it even more special for them! 
• Starting in the morning, we will have photo booths set up with photographers for our graduating Seniors to take a photo in their cap and gown with their family. We will send out appointment sign-ups that allow us to practice social distancing and maintain a safe environment. 
• Our Virtual Recognition Ceremony will begin in the afternoon. We are still finalizing the time frame, but plan to be at your home ready to watch the virtual recognition ceremony around 4:30 pm via a Live Stream link. The virtual recognition ceremony will include staff speeches, student speeches, performances, a keynote speech from Ryan Seacrest, as well as reading every Seniors’ name and showing it on the screen with their Senior picture to honor our Class of 2020. 
• If you have a difficult name to pronounce, please fill out this form by CLICKING HERE. Students must use their WVUSD Student Google Account to access the form. 
• Following the Virtual Recognition Ceremony, we will have a parade in which each graduating senior gets to take “One Last Ride” on a specific route around Walnut High School.  Only one car will be allowed per family.  We encourage you to decorate your car and have the graduate sit in the front passenger seat.  Let’s make this a truly memorable experience.
• Our teachers and staff will be spaced (following social distance protocols) out throughout the parade route, cheering on our Seniors and congratulating them on this monumental day. 
•  At the end of the route, students will receive their diploma case.  Actual diploma distribution details will be sent at a later date.
• The parade route will be separated by alpha order to make sure we do not have over 500 cars on our campus at one time.
• More information regarding the parade route, photo booth appointments, and minute by minute itinerary of the day will be sent out in the near future. 

SENIOR MONTAGE

• We plan to open our Virtual Recognition ceremony with a Senior Montage recapping our graduates four years at Walnut High School.  Please upload any photos or videos that you have throughout your four years at Walnut High School. You can upload photos and videos by CLICKING HERE. 

SENIOR SURVEY

• Please take a minute to fill out the Senior Exit Survey to let us know what you plan to do after high school.  You can access the survey by CLICKING HERE. 

SENIOR AWARDS & SCHOLARSHIPS

• We are in the process of putting together an awards program and need your help! If you have received a scholarship to the college you are attending or received an award, please send the information to [email protected] 

REFUNDS

• GRAD NIGHT: A representative for Disneyland says the refund will be available in 6 to 8 weeks. We will be working closely with Disneyland and keep you up to date.
• GRADUATION TICKETS: We still plan to hold an in-person ceremony when we are allowed to do so. Your graduation tickets will be used for our in-person ceremony. 

FINISH STRONG

• We have less than four weeks of school left. Please make sure you finish strong, stay on top of your work, and finish your classes with passing grades. You are almost at the finish line. Don’t give up! 

Thank you for being patient with us as we continue to find ways to make special moments for the  Class of 2020 during this global pandemic.  We look forward to sending out more details as we get closer to May 28. 

Sincerely, 

Ryan Maine

Principal

Walnut High School 

• Schedule & Expectations
• Accessing Student E-Mail
• Accessing Google Classroom
• Connecting with your GLC
• Checking Grades on Aeries
• Help & Support Resources

Each section has tutorial videos, helpful links, and contact information as we begin Distance Learning on April 20. Good luck and we are here for you!

CLICK HERE FOR THE DISTANCE LEARNING RESOURCE GUIDE

Hello Mustang Families,

On April 20, Walnut High School will begin distance learning, where our teachers will deliver instruction from a virtual platform. Thank you for your patience and understanding as our staff spent the last three weeks training and preparing to support instruction through virtual learning platforms, moving curriculum to an online environment, preparing additional support for our students, as well as making sure we are all on the same page as a staff.

The video below will briefly cover our distance learning schedule, GLC/counseling support, grading policy, tips to successfully transition into distance learning, digital citizenship, and additional support for our Mustang students. A link to the distance learning schedule can be found below for your reference.

As we lead up to April 20, we ask that you do the following:

• Have students establish a quiet workplace with limited distractions.
• Put all of your materials in one location.
• Students should begin checking e-mail or electronic communication regularly from their classroom teacher
• Make sure your child remembers to move and exercise. This is vitally important to their health, well-being, and learning. Teachers may recommend activities or exercises.
• Reach out to the teacher immediately if you have any questions.

Over the next week, we plan to send out additional support that will help parents with their child in regards to accessing student e-mail, Google Classroom, contacting GLC's through Google Chat, and accessing grades through Aeries.

This is the first time we are conducting distance learning as a school, as students, and as parents. Let's work together, show each other grace, and finish the semester on a positive note as we support our Mustang students. On behalf of the Walnut High School staff, we want to thank you for your patience, support, and understanding during these unprecedented times. We are beyond thankful for our parents and community! 

CLICK HERE FOR THE DISTANCE LEARNING SCHEDULE

Sincerely,

Ryan Maine

Principal

Walnut High School

April 6, 2020   8:30 PM

Dear WVUSD Families,

As a follow-up to our Superintendent’s update to all families last week, WVUSD teachers, administrators, and staff have been working to coordinate a seamless rollout of our district’s Phase 2 Expanded Distance Learning which is scheduled to begin after Spring Break on Monday, April 20.

In order to prepare our families and students to engage fully in Distance Learning, the WVUSD Educational Services have provided the following updates and guidelines for families.  

Distance Learning is defined as a broad instructional approach where teachers and students are not in the same place and same time.  TK-12 teachers have been working on a plan to support all students to ensure students will be able to engage fully in Distance Learning.

Beginning Monday, April 20,  students will be required to connect with their teachers,  where teachers will be moving forward with the curriculum. Some things you can do to help prepare your child for a successful Distance Learning experience include:

• Establish a quiet workplace with limited distractions
• Put all of your materials in one location
• Parents or students should begin checking email or electronic communication regularly from their classroom teacher
• Make sure your child remembers to move and exercise. This is vitally important to their health, well-being, and learning. Teachers may recommend activities or exercises.
• Reach out to the teacher immediately if you have any questions.

How will students connect with their teacher and classmates?

• Teachers will inform students and parents of the delivery model they will use to connect with students. Examples of ways students may connect are through emails, Google Classroom, Google Docs, etc.
• Teachers will determine the delivery model and support they will use to provide Distance Learning.

Although Distance Learning is not intended to be a 6 hour class with daily face-to-face instruction, teachers may choose to set up times for live discussion or instruction. Just as we have rules and expectations in school, please remind your child that we have rules and expectations for participating online.  Help your child to do the following:

• Be aware of what is in view on the camera behind you
• Be on time for the meeting
• Follow all guidelines established by your teacher
• Be respectful of all participants
• Remember, it is not legal to record or post images or content without permission of the teacher (CA ED Code 51512)
•  

Please review the District Acceptable Use Policy with your child, which was signed by all parents at the start of the 2019-2020 school year.  Reviewing the guidelines outlined in the District Acceptable Use Policy with your child will provide clear expectations and responsible use of technology while engaging in Distance Learning.

Your child’s principal or teacher will email parents the guidelines and schedules that have been created to ensure students have a balance with school work through Distance Learning, time to connect with teachers, and family responsibilities.

Device Checkout Guidelines for Parents

Devices will be distributed by appointment only. Those that completed the Device Loan Agreement form will receive an email stating the appointment time and location.  You must either show the email from your phone or a hard copy to pick up a device.

Devices will be distributed at each school parking lot or designated pick up zone. Parents are recommended to stay in their car. Your child must be present to pick up a Chromebook. Parents that have children at multiple schools will need to visit each school separately.

For instructions on how to log on to the device, how to use Google Classroom, or connect the device to WiFi, please visit the website at http://learn.wvusd.org

Due to the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is no date set on when to return the device.

We thank you for your continued support and partnership as we navigate these unprecedented times.   

WVUSD Educational Services

Jeanette Koh,  NBCT, Ed.D.

Director of Educational Services 

Walnut Valley Unified School District

(909) 595-1261 ext. 31257

KIDS FIRST...Every Student, Every Day!

The following guidelines from Public Health will need to be strictly adhered to when you come to the school site.

• Social distancing- stay 6 feet apart from other students.
• Do not congregate in groups
• If you have been exposed to a person with a confirmed case of COVID-19 or a person who has symptoms, you are not to come on campus. CDC guidelines state that “Emerging evidence suggests a significant number of people may be infected with COVID-19 who are asymptomatic and capable of spreading the virus to others. People are now considered to be infectious 48 hours before the start of their symptoms until their isolation period ends. This makes social distancing and frequent hand washing even more crucial.”
• Do not come to the school site if you are experiencing mild symptoms (coughing, shortness of breath) or mild fever.

Dear WVUSD Families,

On Wednesday, April 1, 2020, California State Governor Gavin Newsom and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond directed all school districts to close campuses for the remainder of the school year due to the safety concerns surrounding the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).  The Walnut Valley Unified School District (WVUSD) is working closely with the California Department of Education (CDE) and Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) to navigate the closure of our school campuses for the remainder of the year. 

Let me start by sharing how much sadness I feel for our students, families, and staff throughout our entire School District community.  We strive to make “school” the most positive and memorable experience in our students’ lives … and to have that experience shortened has, and will continue to have, an enormous impact on each of them.  As a parent and educator, I empathize with the kids who miss “hanging out” with their friends at school, not being able to sit in their favorite teachers’ classrooms, missing the stage or the ballfield … and a multitude of other lost experiences that impact each student in a unique way.  During my 26 years in education, I have never experienced such a significant disruption to how we do “school.”  I do, however, understand the need and I hope this mandatory closure of all schools in California will provide a healthier and safer environment for everyone.

Perhaps the most impacted group of students, and those that many of us have been thinking about with a heavy heart since I first announced Phase 1 of  our school closures, are our high school seniors … the Class of 2020.  I am immensely thankful to this amazing group of young people and I am confident of their bright futures and great things ahead for them!  I am also truly sorry that, due to this mandated closure of schools and understandably so, their graduation ceremony and related activities will not be held in the traditional manner on May 28 (with a stadium full of family and friends).  However, their high school principals and leadership teams are working diligently to create non-traditional experiences that we hope will also be forever memorable and honor them and you (their families) for the many, tremendous accomplishments.  Your high schools will provide information soon.  In the meantime, thank you for your patience as the planning continues. 

Although students will not return to their campuses for the 2019/2020 school year, the District will continue to provide Distance Learning for all grade levels.  We are finalizing our Expanded Distance Learning Plan, which will ensure that all teachers will facilitate the education of their assigned students.  This means that your child’s teacher and/or teacher(s) will formally begin the process of educating your student in a non-traditional classroom setting.  Beginning April 20, each teacher will communicate with students and/or families to present learning in an online format.  Just as in a traditional setting, students will be held accountable for participating in online classes, completing assignments, and communicating with his/her teacher.  More information will be provided by the District, the school, and the teacher(s).  We are also in the process of providing computers to students as needed (based on our previous survey of parents). 

As you are aware, next Friday begins our regularly scheduled Spring Break here in WVUSD.  Over the next five (5) business days, please continue to have your students receive enrichment lessons, activities, and projects … these can be found on our LEARN website.  Teachers and staff continue to prepare digital curriculum, lesson plans, and participate in various professional development opportunities so that our Expanded Distance Learning Program is rigorous, relevant, and appropriate to the level of education expected in Walnut Valley. 

I appreciate the commitment of our employees and the support of our families during this unprecedented time.  Our PHASE 1 Distance Learning Plan was meant to minimize the learning gaps during the initial school closures and maintain, to the best of our ability, the students’ prior knowledge.  Our staff worked diligently over three (3) days to develop the resources intended for 16 instructional days leading up to our Spring Break. 

Once the school closures were extended, educators across the District worked collaboratively (and continue to do so) to develop PHASE 2 of our Expanded Distance Learning Program, which will be implemented through the remainder of the school year.  I encourage parents (and students) to prepare for a home environment conducive to extended day learning as we prepare for an April 20 start date for Phase 2.  Online professional development will be provided over the next couple of weeks for students and families to better prepare for this significant shift in education.

We will continue to share new developments surrounding school and office closures in WVUSD through our regular communication channels, including emails, text messages, and/or phone calls, as well as social media. 

In closing, on behalf of the Board of Trustees, I want to thank you and our entire educational community for your ongoing support of our schools, our staff, and our students.  During this challenging time, I am especially appreciative of the District’s long-standing focus on “KIDS FIRST – EVERY STUDENT, EVERY DAY!”

Please be safe and stay healthy.

Sincerely,

Bob

Robert P. Taylor, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Walnut Valley Unified School District

MESSAGE FROM SUPERINTENDENT DR. ROBERT TAYLOR RE: DISTANCE LEARNING

Dear Walnut Valley Families,

First and foremost, I am very thankful for your continued support of our schools, especially during this unprecedented time in education and across the world.

I am proud of our instructional plan during this PHASE 1 of SCHOOL CLOSURES (through April 9), which provides resources to our Walnut Valley students.  I appreciate all of the efforts of our parents and families throughout this process.

While the PHASE 1 plan was designed to support students for an initial period of time, and now that the SCHOOL CLOSURES period has been extended through May 5, I believe we also need to expand our Distance Learning program as we enter into PHASE 2 (beginning April 20).

We have begun working collaboratively with our Principals, teachers, and staff members across the District to discuss expanding our Distance Learning plan that will allow us to effectively (and practically) do so in a manner, which ensures that all teachers will facilitate the education of their assigned students.  We all recognize that this is a significant shift in the instructional delivery methods with which we have been most comfortable (as students, parents, educators, etc.).

Therefore, we have started the process of asking for teacher and staff input and perspective on various aspects of an expanded Distance Learning program (including areas such as Professional Development needed for teachers, recommended methods and guidelines for teacher-student interaction, effective and practical Distance Learning platforms, technology hardware and software needs for students and teachers, etc.).  Additionally, I would invite you to share any suggestions with us by utilizing the “COVID-19 School Closure Inquiries” section for input found on the cover page of the District’s website.  We will consider all inquiries as we develop the expansion of our Distance Learning program over the next 10 business days in preparation for an April 20 start date (following Spring Break).

In the meantime, please continue to access and utilize our Learning Enrichment and Resource Network at http://learn.wvusd.org .  Additionally, please refer to the DEVICE / INTERNET REQUEST FORM sent to all parents (we understand that some families might need additional technology support as we continue this transition).

I look forward to updating you in the near future regarding next steps.  I appreciate your continued support.

Thanks again for all that you’re doing for your kids.

Please take care,

Bob

Robert P. Taylor, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Walnut Valley Unified School District

Dear Parent/Guardian,

In our efforts and commitment to update all parents as we receive new information, please note the following updates:

Assessment Updates:

• State Testing, CAASPP, canceled for this school year.

• Summative ELPAC (English Language Proficiency Assessments for California) canceled for this school year.

• Initial ELPAC to assess newly enrolled students whose primary language is not English will resume once school is back in session. 

• Physical Fitness Test on hold until students return to school.

• IB (International Baccalaureate) Exams for Diploma Programme and Career-relate Programme canceled.  Please visit IB website for more information and FAQs https://www.ibo.org/news/news-about-the-ib/may-2020-examinations-will-no-longer-be-held/?utm_content=buffer48dbf&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=IBgcb

• AP (Advanced Placement) Exam updates.  Full exam schedule and testing information will be available by April 3.  Students may choose to take a 45-minute online exam at home or have their registration fees refunded. Visit the College Board AP website https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/coronavirus-updates#free-ap-classes to access the free, live AP review lessons.  For the latest updates from AP click on this link https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/about-ap/news-changes/coronavirus-update?SFMC_cid=EM288604-&rid=80389355

• SAT- College Board canceled May 2, 2020, SAT, and SAT Subject Test.  Makeup Exams for the March 14 administration (scheduled for March 28) are also canceled.  Please visit the College Board SAT website https://pages.collegeboard.org/natural-disasters for more information and refund updates.

• ACT- ACT has rescheduled its April 4 national test date to June 13 across the U.S.  All students registered for the April 4 test date will receive an email from ACT in the next few days informing them of the postponement and instructions for free rescheduling to June 13 or future national test date.  Please visit the ACT website https://www.act.org/content/act/en/covid-19.html for more information.

Dear IB Students,

As you may have heard by now, the IB has decided to cancel the IB exams for the May session.  I do not have any further details beyond the cancellation at this point.  I have given you a link to the official Covid-19 information website for the IB.  I encourage you to check the page frequently as they are updating the information on a regular basis.

https://www.ibo.org/news/news-about-the-ib/covid-19-coronavirus-updates/

The IB has not told us yet how they will determine grades and the awarding of IB Diplomas, CP Certificates and Course Certificates.  They are still in discussion about these matters and said they will give us these details by March 27^th.  I will let you know as soon as I get any further information.

A few important reminders:

IBDP/IBCP SENIORS – I encourage you to continue to work on your CAS/IBCP portfolios (notebooks).  Please use this time to catch up if you have fallen behind with filling out forms, completing reflections and updating journals.  The portfolios will be due when we return May 8^th!

IBDP/IBCP JUNIORS – I encourage you to continue working on your Extended Essay/Reflective Project and any CAS activities (DP) that are feasible.  Please reach out to your advisors if you need help or guidance with your Extended Essay/Reflective Project or CAS.

I know this is a difficult and confusing time.  My greatest concern is for your health and the health of your families and loved ones.  Please remember that we are in this together and we will work together to get through this situation.

Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions you may have.

Sincerely,

Manette Idris

IB DP/CP Coordinator

Walnut High School

(909)444-3654

Good Morning AP Students and Parents,

This morning we received word from College Board that they are making adjustments to the 2020 exam administration due to COVID-19 school closures.  At this time, College Board has advised the following:

• For the 2019-2020 exam administration only, there will be no face-to-face exam administrations. Students may choose to take a 45-minute online exam at home, or have their registration fees refunded.

• Students will be able to take these streamlined exams on any device—computer, tablet, or smartphone.  Taking a photo of handwritten work is also an option.

• We recognize that the digital divide could prevent some students from participating. College Board is working to provide the tools and connectivity students need to review AP content online and take the exam.  Please click on the following link to inform College Board if any difficulty exists.   

• https://collegeboard.tfaforms.net/74?SFMC_cid=EM288604-&rid=80389355

• College Board will post the specific test dates and the free-response question types by April 3. We will continue to provide more information as it become available. Please click on the following link for the latest updates.

• https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/about-ap/news-changes/coronavirus-update?SFMC_cid=EM288604-&rid=80389355

Daily Online Review For AP Classes

Beginning on Wednesday, March 25, students and schools will have access to free, live AP review lessons, delivered by AP teachers from across the country.  The lessons will focus on reviewing the skills and concepts from the first 75% of the course and can be found by clicking on the following link.

https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/coronavirus-updates#free-ap-classes

We are grateful that the College Board is working to accommodate our students during this difficult time by providing resources for learning and flexible testing.  We will continue to provide updates as they become available or on April 3 with the new testing schedule.

As always, please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Your AP Coordinators: Nelson Chen ([email protected]) and Marta Dibell ([email protected])

A message from Superintendent, Dr. Taylor:

As you will recall, at an Emergency Meeting of the Board of Trustees on March 13, 2020, the Board approved a resolution through an emergency measure, which grants me, as the Superintendent, the authority to “take all appropriate action to respond to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.” The Board of Trustees and I continue to place the health, wellness, and safety of our students and staff as our highest priority.

Unfortunately, based on today’s directive from the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) requiring all schools within Los Angeles County to close through Tuesday, May 5, to help contain the spread of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), I have decided to extend the closure of all Walnut Valley Unified School District (WVUSD) schools (and the District Office) through May 5, 2020.

Beginning back on Monday, March 16, and now continuing through Tuesday, May 5, all schools and the District Office will be CLOSED. If deemed safe by Public Health and LACOE, schools and the District Office are tentatively scheduled to resume normal operations on Wednesday, May 6, 2020.

Spring Break continues to be recognized as April 10 – April 17.

I appreciate how quickly and efficiently, over the first 3 days of this week, our educators across the School District worked to provide a variety of educational resources meant to fulfill the originally scheduled school closures and thus lessen the learning gap that occurs in the absence of classroom instruction.  However, I am also cognizant of the need to assess and determine how we might meet the curriculum, instruction, and assessment (including grading) needs of our students when that absence of classroom instruction grows beyond our initially planned closures.  Therefore, led by various teachers, school administrators, and the Educational Services Division at the District Office, we will immediately begin collaborating and discussing what our distance educational program will consist of after April 20 (and throughout the remaining days of school closures).  I encourage you to continue accessing the plethora of school, grade/course level, and global resources found at our Learning Enrichment and Resource Network (LEARN) at http://learn.wvusd.org/ . 

I am also extremely thankful for our classified employees who continue to care for our facilities, feed our students, and perform other operations that are essential for our people and our organization.  It’s amazing to realize that our Nutrition Services Team continues to serve nearly 2,000 meals per day during the school closures.

Finally, while I am confident that this decision was made with the best interest of our staff and students in mind, I also realize what a disruption this is for staff, students, parents, and our entire school community (not only in education, but also in our lives in general).  As I recently shared with our staff, I am sorry that we are having to deal with this unprecedented issue.  I feel bad for so many kids that are missing out on their educational experiences, whether it be a 5 year-old missing out on spending time with her friends and teacher, or the 18 year-old who might be missing his role in the musical, her last season of softball, or stressing over the potential loss of various Senior Year activities.  With that said, I am grateful that many of our teachers and staff remain a constant source of support and encouragement for them and that they have you, as their parent, to provide compassion, love, and support…THANK YOU for continuing to help lead and guide our students through this unprecedented time.  I truly appreciate all that you are doing to help our kids. 

Sincerely,

Bob

Robert P. Taylor, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Walnut Valley Unified School District

For questions and inquiries to district staff, we have prepared a web-based communication resource for parents/students/community members to contact the district. Click on the tab titled, "COVID-19 School Closure Inquiries" on our District website homepage  https://www.wvusd.k12.ca.us/ to submit your questions and inquiries. District staff will respond to you in a timely manner.

敬爱的家長們，

如果您有任何疑问或想询问學區工作人员, 我们准备了一个互聯網路的溝通资源，便利家长/学生/社区成员与我們联系。 請在学区网站 https://www.wvusd.k12.ca.us/上点击标题为 "COVID-19 School Closure Inquiries" 的标签，上傳您的问题和咨询；學区工作人员将儘早给您答复。

Good Morning Mustang Families,

Over the past three days, our staff has been working around the clock to provide the resources your child will need over the next four weeks. At this time, your child should have heard from their teachers in regards to what to expect in their classes over the next 16 days of school closure. Our staff has created an academic resource webpage for each subject that will help your child review, enrich, and practice during this closure time.  We encourage you to utilize these resources with your child to help minimize the learning gap. The resources page can be found below as well as a tutorial video on how to access these documents.  

We have provided social-emotional resources for your child as well as the district resource page that was formed in collaboration with educators, experts in the field of social and emotional health of children, and local mental health and wellness providers. It is a consortium to serve as a one-stop place in the Walnut Valley Unified School District for academic, wellness, and parenting resources. Please view the video message from Superintendent Dr. Taylor on our district-wide Learning Enrichment And Resource Network https://youtu.be/zA3hFISDVOM

If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to the following:

General Questions 

• Principal Ryan Maine - [email protected]

Grade Level Coordinator Questions 

• Assistant Principal Jennifer Tucker - [email protected]

Teacher / Instruction Questions:

• Dean Barbie Cole - [email protected]

• Dean Nelson Chen - [email protected]

• Dean Marta Dibell - [email protected]

Operation / Facilities Questions

• Operations Manager Conchita Cawley - [email protected]

Technology Questions

• Instructional Tech Coach Kevin Wendland - [email protected]

The following resources can be found by clicking on the following:

• Student Academic Resource Page Tutorial Video

• Student Academic Resource Page

• Social-Emotional Resource Page

• WVUSD Resource Page

• Walnut High School Closure Update Page

 As you know, this is a fluid situation with changes happening on a daily basis. For the most current updates, please visit walnuths.net or CLICK HERE. 

Thank you four your patience and support as we work together as a community,

Ryan Maine

Principal

Walnut High School

Dear Parents,

During this fluid time, we will continue to update you as we receive the latest news from the state and the federal government.

Today, the California Department of Education (CDE) announced the cancelation of all state testing, which includes CAASPP, Science, and Physical Fitness.  CDE is still waiting on Federal Waiver on ELPAC (English Language Proficiency Assessments for California).   College Board announced all SAT and ACT had been canceled for March, thus far.

Thank you.

Ryan Maine

March 16, 2020   8:00 PM

COVID-19 School Dismissal and Closure

Q: How long will schools be closed?

A: Beginning Monday, March 16, through the regularly scheduled Spring Break (Sunday, April 19), all schools will be dismissed and/or closed to students.  This includes childcare, preschool, and all before and after school programs.  We are working closely with Public Health as we continue to receive updates and guidelines from the State and Federal governments.

March 16 – March 18        School Dismissal (“Pupil Free”/no students)

March 19 – April 9              School CLOSURE (no students/no staff)

April 10 – April 17              Spring Break Recess

April 20                              School Resume

Q: Are students or parent required to pick up personal belongings and school materials?

A: Each school site will communicate with parents on pick-up date(s) for necessary items (textbooks, materials, etc.) from the school campus.   The pick-up dates will either be Tuesday, March 17, or Wednesday, March 18, or both dates.  However, it is optional for parents and students to pick up materials. 

Q: How can parents contact staff during the school dismissal/closure?

A: Through Wednesday, March 18, 2020, please contact the District office at (909) 595-1261 or email Dr. Jeanette Koh at [email protected] , if you have questions or need additional information.

In anticipation of school/district closure, we are preparing a web-based communication resource for the parent community to contact the district once all facilities are closed down. We will send out the information and post it on our District website by Thursday, March 19, 2020.

Please continue to monitor your email and the following WVUSD resources for information and updates:

•      District website:  https://www.wvusd.k12.ca.us/
•      Twitter: @ WVUSD_Tweet
•      Instagram @walnutvalleyusd
•      School Websites

Q: How can my student have access to wifi during the dismissal/closure?

A: Charter Communications, citing the COVID-19 coronavirus situation, announced that it will open its WiFi hotspots across the country for public use, and will offer free Spectrum broadband service and WiFi access for 60 days to households with K-12 or college students that do not already have Spectrum broadband service at any level up to 100 Mbps.   Please see attached file for more information.

School and Student Functions

Q:  How will deadlines for the registration and selection of classes for the next level (i.e. 5th grade to 6th,  8th grade to 9th) be affected with the closure?

A:  The Middle Schools and High Schools will be extending their deadline to ensure all students will be registered after re-opening of the schools.  Please check the school’s website.

State test (CAASPP) results have been one of the multiple measures for student math placement for the next grade level.  If state results are negatively impacted, we will consider suspending the state test as one of the measurements for the current school year.  In subsequent years, state testing will be part of the multiple measurements for math placement.

Q:  Will students receive an extension to register for Grade Level Coordinator (GLC) summer appointments for the high schools?

A: Yes, both high schools will communicate and post on their websites about GLC summer appointments.

A:  Please check the high school’s websites for information on dates.

Q: Will parents be reimbursed for purchased tickets to cancelled school events and field trips?

A: Each school will work with its organizations to refund purchased tickets for school events.  Many of the organizations hosting fieldtrips have already cancelled the activity.  Schools are working with various entities to address possible reimbursements.  This process will require some time, considering the complete closure of school, and any refunds will be made at a point in time after re-opening of school.

Student Learning

Q:  How will the closure affect my student’s grades in their current classes?

A: Student grades are on pause as of Friday, March 13, 2020.

Q: What learning will occur while school is dismissed/closed?

A: District and Schools will send out information for learning and enrichment curriculum resources that will be available on the websites later this week.  Our goal is to provide District-wide learning resources for all TK-12 students.  Resources will be available in both electronic and hard copy formats.  Resources are not assignments for students to complete for a grade. 

Q: Will students be prepared for next year’s math content?

A: Teachers have taught the majority of the math standards this school year. Teachers have been reviewing the math standards with students to prepare for the annual state testing (CAASPP). 

Q: Will my student and I be required to attend a scheduled Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meeting during school dismissal/closure?

A: All IEP meetings are cancelled during the period of school dismissal/closure. New meeting dates will be established after the re-opening of the schools.

Q: Will my student in a Credit Recovery program continue to earn credits during this school dismissal/closure?

A: All credit recovery is on pause at this time. Credit Recovery work will begin after schools reopen. 

Q: Will students on short-term independent study (coordinated directly through a student’s home school) continue during the dismissal/closure?

A: This temporary option, selected by a number of parents and students in the last few weeks due to COVID-19 concerns, ends with the dismissal/closure starting March 16, 2020.  When school reopens, students are to turn in their Independent Study assignments that were completed up to March 13, 2020.

Q: Will students enrolled in the district Independent Study Program and Home Hospital, facilitated through Ron Hockwalt Academies, continue in the program?

A:  These programs are on pause during the school dismissal/closure.

Q: Will schools be extending the school year into the summer months?

A: At this time, the number of days required for a school year has been waived by the State of California.  Schools will not be extended into the summer months.

Q: Will the annual state testing (CAASPP/ELPAC) take place?

A: At this point, the US Department of Education is considering a one-year waiver of assessments impacted by COVID-19.

Q: Will Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) testing take place?

A: The district and schools have not yet been officially informed of The College Board (for AP tests) or IB plans for testing. Please monitor these organizations’ websites for announcements during this school closure.

All AP content has been taught at both of our high schools.  At this point, students have the opportunity to review the content in preparation for the upcoming AP test.  We will continue to update parents as information becomes available.

School Promotion and Graduation Ceremonies

Q: Will there be promotion and graduation events?

A: At this time, promotion and graduation events are still scheduled. Schools and the district will continue to update parents and students, as information becomes available.

Nutrition Services

Q: Will WVUSD serve student meals during school closure?

A: Meals will be provided free for any interested students at centralized locations beginning Monday, March 16, 2020.  Nutrition Services sent out more information on locations and times and the information is on our website.

Meals are available to children ages 18 and under, and can be obtained through a drive-thru service at designated locations to allow for maximum efficiency and safety. For students and families without vehicle transportation, a walk-up “Grab & Go” pick up method will be available. Children must be physically present for either method and do not need to exit the vehicle.  All meals must be taken and eaten off-site; there will be no congregating at these locations. Children do NOT need to be students of WVUSD to receive meals. Meals will be provided at no cost to the families.

Time frame for this service is 7:30am-10:00am. Locations will be the main parking lots of the following schools:

Walnut High School – Staff parking lot (400 N. Pierre Rd. Walnut, 91789)

Diamond Bar High School – In front of the gym. (21400 Pathfinder Rd. Diamond Bar, 91765

Dear Walnut High School Families,

On Friday, March 13, our district announced the closure of our school site starting Monday, March 16. As a result, we understand your students did not have time to collect their essential belongings. Our campus will be accessible Tuesday & Wednesday from 8:00 am -12:00 pm. Students will have access to their lockers, band room lockers, and the PE locker room only.  Entry and exit for our students are through the E&F student lot gates only. Students are expected to pick up their belongings and exit our campus.  Please do not loiter or visit staff members.  On Monday, our campus will be open to Walnut High School staff only as we prepare for our school closure transition. As a reminder, if you are not feeling well, please do not visit our campus. We will send more updates as we work closely with district officials and our staff.

Thank you for your patience and understanding,

Ryan Maine

Principal

Walnut High School

The Walnut Valley Unified School District will be under school closure beginning March 16, 2020.  However, Nutrition Services will continue to be a resource for students and families. Starting on Monday, March 16, meals will be available for pick-up, Monday through Friday, until further notice.

Meals are available to children ages 18 and under, and can be obtained through a drive-thru service at designated locations to allow for maximum efficiency and safety. For students and families without vehicle transportation, a walk-up “Grab & Go” pick up method will be available. Children must be physically present for either method and do not need to exit the vehicle.  All meals must be taken and eaten off-site; there will be no congregating at these locations. Children do NOT need to be students of WVUSD to receive meals. Meals will be provided at no cost to the families.

Time frame for this service will be 7:30am-10:00am. Locations will be the main parking lots of the following schools:

Walnut High School – Staff parking lot

Diamond Bar High School – In front of the gym.

We are happy to inform you that we are also partnering with other neighboring school districts’ Food & Nutrition Services Departments to create broader access in the event the above locations cannot be accessed by members of the community without transportation. Alternate feeding sites at other districts will be posted on our website www.walnutnutrition.org.

We thank you for your patience and cooperation during this time. For meal service questions, please contact us at (909) 595-1261 x31322 or [email protected].

Respectfully,

Emmalyn Coles, MBA

Director of Nutrition Services

Dear Parent/Guardian,

First and foremost, I appreciate your support during this challenging time. As the parent of three children, I certainly empathize with the stress, fear, and inquiry that this time period has caused for many parents/guardians.

At an Emergency Meeting of the Board of Trustees this afternoon, the Board approved a resolution through an emergency measure, which grants me, as the Superintendent, the authority to “take all appropriate action to respond to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.”

With the authorization allowing school districts to do so, and following today’s recommendation from the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) that all schools in Los Angeles County close and/or be dismissed for a minimum of two weeks due to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), I have decided to dismiss (“pupil free”) schools effective immediately, followed by all schools being closed through Spring Break (5 weeks).

Beginning Monday, March 16, and through the regularly scheduled Spring Break (Sunday, April 19) all schools will be dismissed and/or closed to students.

March 16 –  March 18 School Dismissal (“Pupil Free”/no students)
March 19 –  April 9 School CLOSURE (no students/no staff)
April 10 –    April 17 Spring Break Recess
April 20 -    School Resumes

Additionally, all extra-curricular activities and athletics have been postponed.

We continue to prioritize the health and wellness of students and staff as our highest concern. Given the advisement of Public Health, medical experts, and other state and county entities, we have decided to allow an appropriate amount of time for students, staff, and families to follow advice of medical practitioners and experts, practice healthy habits, and lessen opportunities for the spread of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

I recognize that my decision will impact everyone differently. Our District will be working with staff to lessen the academic gap that typically occurs over extended recesses from school. Next week, parents and students will be notified of curricular resources that can be utilized during the school closure.

Furthermore, next week, all schools will provide additional information, answer questions, and discuss next steps.

While this is an extremely difficult decision, I also am confident that it was made with the best interest of our staff and students in mind.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Pn-PJuU-QUkrpIrqsmNUCNsyuQe5mdNc2TMn-_tGnyw/edit?ts=5d0d75c8
Robert P. Taylor, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Walnut Valley Unified School District