May 3, 2021: Important CVESD Message

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.

May 3, 2021: Mustang Weekly

Greetings TMES Families,

Below, you will find the school-wide events for the week of May 3, 2021, and important school information.

May is Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month 

Weekly Schedule of Events

Quarter Character Theme: Peer Relations

Date Event Special Notes
Monday, May 3, 2021 Enter the campus on San Lucas Place No Entry on MacKenzie Creek Rd.

**No Parking in Zones 1-3**

For student safety, Hybrid students must be picked up by 11:30 a.m. and 3:10 p.m.

Tuesday, May 4, 2021  

Enter the campus on San Lucas Place No Entry on MacKenzie Creek Rd.

 

**No Parking in Zones 1-3**

 

 

For student safety, Hybrid students must be picked up by 11:30 a.m. and 3:10 p.m.

Has your family income been impacted by COVID-19? We encourage all families to apply for free or reduced meals. Click here

 

Read with your child/children. Encourage your child to read daily for at least two minutes. Parents can ask quick questions to check for understanding. Here are a few questions to help get you started. Tell me about the story. Who are the main characters? What do you think might happen next in the story? What was your favorite part of the book? What was the most interesting thing that you learned from the book? If you could change one thing in the book, what would it be? Did you learn any new words or facts?

Wednesday, May 5 28, 2021  

Enter the campus on San Lucas Place No Entry on MacKenzie Creek Rd.

 

**No Parking in Zones 1-3**

 

For student safety, Hybrid students must be picked up by 11:30 a.m. and 3:10 p.m.

Ask your child about their Achieve 3000, I-Ready, and/or Smarty Ants goals. If you need access to the Parent Portal in Achieve or Smarty Ants, request access from the teacher of record. This year, CVESD local measures will be based on student growth and performance in I-Ready, Smarty Ants, and Achieve. It is important that all parents know where their child is performing on all programs.
Thursday, May 6, 2021  

Enter the campus on San Lucas Place No Entry on MacKenzie Creek Rd.

 

**No Parking in Zones 1-3**

 

For student safety, Hybrid students must be picked up by 11:30 a.m. and 3:10 p.m.

 

 

6 p.m. CVESD Equity Policy Development Community Meeting

https://SDSU.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYkdu-prjguE9SEX4DcP7BgIsSggP4EUhLe

 

 

Friday, May 7, 2021 All Hybrid Students in Distance Learning

 

Supplies Distribution 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. in front of the mural area.

Meal Distribution 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. in front of the mural area.

 

Has your family income been impacted by COVID-19? We encourage all families to apply for free or reduced meals. Click here

 

Have a safe weekend.

Important Reminders/Information:

Upcoming Events:

  • May 9, 2021,  Mother’s Day
  • May 12, 2021, is California Day of the Teacher.
  • May 31, 2021, Memorial Day- No School
  • June 15, 2021, Last Day of School
  • June 20, 2021, Father’s Day

Spring Picture Day: Spring Picture Day and Sixth Grade Promotion Pictures will take place on Friday, May 21, 2021 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.  More details coming soon.

CVESD Parent Re-Opening Handbook: Did you receive the new Handbook? Here is the link CVESD Re-Opening Handbook

Productive Struggle: Do you find yourself answering your child’s homework, i-Ready, and math questions? The productive struggle is a normal experience in the learning process. Many of our families want to save their children. We understand the normal parenting of wanting to help, but the reliance on parents to provide the answer can adversely impact our Mustangs self-independence skills and sense of autonomy. Here is a quick two-minute video to learn more about the productive struggle. Mustangs must be challenged by their thinking.

Student Learning, Achieve, and I-Ready: Families, please ensure that your children are completing their weekly minutes of Smarty Ants, Achieve, and I-Ready. All programs will measure your child’s performance as well as our end of the year school measure. Help our Mustangs achieve academic success by working on their individual level towards their grade level standards. Questions on how to access your child’s data, contact the teacher.

Subscribe to the Blog: Have you subscribed to the Thurgood Marshall Blog? This is the best way for families to stay up-to-date on school related information. Also, the Blog allows for families to easily access information. Click the link to visit and subscribe to the blog. Thurgood Marshall Elementary School | Home of the Mustangs (thurgoodmarshallmustangs.org)

Are you receiving the school e-mails from messenger? If not, please contact the front office to update your e-mail address. We want to make sure that all families receive the most u-to-date communication.

Amazon Smile: Did you know that there is an easy way to donate to our school? We encourage all families to donate while they shop on Amazon. To learn more about Amazon Smile, click here. Select Thurgood Marshall PTC. Distance Learning

Mental Health Support: Is your family in need of mental health support? Click here to access resources.

CVESD Parent Helpline for Office 365 and Teams: Our District has established a Parent Helpline to provide technical support with Microsoft Office 365 and Teams, as well as assistance for District-adopted online programs (i.e. Achieve 3000). Office hours are Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Parents may call if they need support with these tools and an IT team member will assist them. Parents may need to leave a message during peak times, but please be reassured that someone will contact you as soon as possible. The parent helpline number is (619) 409-6638. Is your child in need of a device? Complete the request form, if there is a new  device. Device Request Form

Is the front office open for in-person business? Not at this time due to COVID-19. If you have any questions or need assistance, please call our front office Monday thru Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at (619) 656-6252 or e-mail marshallschool@cvesd.org.

Attendance: Please ensure your child is up and ready for their assigned graded level distance learning schedule for the day. If you are not sure what the specific schedule is for your child, please contact the classroom teacher. If your family will be out of town for more than five days and cannot access distance learning online, please contact Mrs. Garcia for an Independent Study contract.

Have a great week Mustang families!

TMES