April 2nd

Dear Bonita Unified Parents/Guardians and Staff:

There is no doubt that COVID-19 has disrupted all of our lives. Based on yesterday’s recommendations from Gov. Gavin Newsom and LA County Superintendent Debra Duardo and for the continued safety of our school community, we have decided to keep Bonita Unified schools closed for the remainder of this school year. To say we are disheartened is an understatement. Please know that although our school buildings will be closed, our instructional program will continue.

I also want to acknowledge that yesterday’s news has prompted many new questions. For example

1. What will happen to our graduation requirements? Graduation ceremonies?
2. Will there be summer school?
3. How will my student(s) pick their classes as they enter into middle/high school?
4. How will I know my child will be ready to advance to the next grade level in August?

 

I want you to know that you have our full commitment that every question, like those examples listed above, will be addressed in the coming weeks. Like all questions/challenges that we have faced, and will continue to face, answering these types of questions will not be done in isolation, but rather in a collaborative manner.

As we move forward, here are a few updates/reminders:

In three weeks’ time, we have served approximately 25,000 meals to children, and it will be over 30K by the end of this week.  We will continue to ensure our children are fed at the two designated pick–up locations (Central Kitchen and Roynon Elementary School) with drive-up service.

• Bonita Unified will continue to provide details on distance learning opportunities specific to your child’s school. Over time, we will continue to improve and fine-tune our educational services to meet each individual student’s learning needs. Beginning the week of April 6, teachers will be in contact with your student(s) at least one time per week. This contact will look different depending on grade level, technology access, assignment(s), etc. All of Bonita Unified teachers will be assigning work to all students on a regular basis, and all students will have access to their teacher(s). Some of our teachers will be video conferencing with your children as well. Guidelines for parents/guardians to review prior to the first video conference are available here: bit.ly/2w3NGc3

• If you recently filled out our technology survey and your child needs a device, further guidance will be forthcoming in the next few days. Just under 2,000 students have requested Chromebooks.  These will be provided to students next week through a drive-up service.

• We will be sharing more information soon and throughout the coming weeks as updates are available. Please continue to visit our webpage and social media channels for updates.

• Our website includes information such as a parent resource link for talking to children about COVID-19. Additionally, you will find mental health resources and support on the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health’s website or the 24/7 hotline at (800) 854-7771.

We know there are people in our communities who are really hurting, some financially and some with health issues. In times of uncertainty, there is one thing that I want to reassure everyone; Bonita Unified will continue to work with empathy, humility, and kindness. I want to extend my sincere appreciation to all of our families and staff for your patience and support for the collective good of our communities.

On behalf of the Board of Education, we wish all of you continued health and thank you for your partnership in supporting our school community.

Carl Coles
Superintendent