Plan for Next School Year: In-Person Instruction as We Explore a ‘Virtual Academy’ Option

Dear Parent/Guardian:

As you may know, students in the Chula Vista Elementary School District are scheduled to start the next school year on Wednesday, July 21. It is our intention to start the 2021-22 academic year with full-day, in-person instruction for five days a week. Governor Gavin Newsom has announced that the state is preparing for a full reopening of California’s economy on June 15—ending the “tier” system of restrictions that also had impacted schools. I do expect that a number of safety and cleaning protocols we currently have in place will continue in alignment with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Please understand that CDC’s guidance can change rapidly, as we have witnessed throughout the pandemic. We will inform you of any new developments.

It is also important to note that the distance learning instructional format is scheduled to expire at the end of the current 2020-21 school year, in accordance with California law.

While we look forward to bringing all of our staff members and students back for traditional in-person instruction for the 2021-22 school year, we are aware of parent interest in their children continuing in an online instructional model, similar to distance learning. In order to provide such an educational option for our students/families, the District is exploring the development of a virtual school/online academy. Such a platform will provide live instruction in real time with teachers being able to provide instant feedback as well as online opportunities where students complete assignments on their own time.

We will survey parents to determine the level of interest in this alternative to traditional in-person instruction. A preliminary proposal envisions a Districtwide “virtual academy” that would not necessarily be tied to or associated with a student’s school of residence. I welcome any of your comments or novel ideas regarding this option.

Please click on this link to access the CVESD survey, which will remain open until May 10, 2021.

To reiterate, it is our intention to offer full-time, in-person instruction while also offering a virtual academy model for those who prefer this option to in-person instruction.

Sincerely,

Francisco Escobedo, Ed.D.
Superintendent

Mustang families, please complete the CVESD survey before May 10, 2021.