Greetings Families,

Please take a moment to fill out our survey so that we can better serve you this year. While we may not be able to answer each question directly, we do intend to group questions by themes/topics to send out as a Frequently Asked Questions document. Please note as well that our school and front offices are still closed as our year calendar has changed significantly, we thank you for your patience in our responses during this time. At this time, we are also still working with our district safety director to finalize safety measures for students/staff participating in on-campus learning. As that information is made official and available, we will make sure to update our community. If you have questions that are specific to just your child/services/etc., please make sure to email our principal, secretary, or school psychologist. Note that the school staff does not return to our offices until August 12, 2020.

Principal: Cynthia Orr  – cynthia.orr@cvesd.org

Secretary: Denee.Felber – denee.felber@cvesd.org

School psychologist: Gilbere (Bere) Maxwell – gilbere.maxwell@cvesd.org

We thank you for your participation and feedback to ensure a successful year at McMillin.

Link to Survey 

---

COVID / Distance Learning

---

McMillin’s office Hours: McMillin’s office staff will be to take phone calls in on August 12th. We will not be able to open the office at this time for foot traffic. If you need to drop off or pick up items please call first. (619) 397-0103. We can meet you outside.

---

Calendar for 2020-21 the School Year 2020-21 School Calendar

---

Are your children in need of a device to do distance learning come August 31st?

Message from District Superintendent about upcoming Distance Learning Model: Click here for link

https://www.cvesd.org/cms/One.aspx?portalId=412034&pageId=14380857

---

New Enrollment: For online new student enrollment, click this link 

https://www.cvesd.org/cms/One.aspx?portalId=412034&pageId=934788

Continuing students DO NOT need to re-enroll.

We do not have a way to verify your residency at McMillin yet. So please do not worry. We will let you know how to verify residency when we get the information.

 

---

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What is Distance Learning?

• 100% of the learning occurs while the teacher and the student are in different locations.
• Includes many new components such as daily live interaction with the teacher, and instruction that is aligned to grade-level standards provided at a level of quality and intellectual challenge substantially equivalent to in-person instruction.
• Other criteria for delivering instruction in a distance learning model has been outlined in Assembly Bill 77, which also includes a requirement for a minimum number of daily instructional minutes, depending on the student’s grade level.

Q: Will this learning format be in place all year?

A: Even though the 2020-21 school year will begin with distance learning, it is important to know that our District will continue developing plans to transition into either a hybrid learning model; which is a combination of in-person instruction and distance learning, or into a full in-person, on-site instructional model.

Q: What is a hybrid learning model?

A: A combination of in-person and distance learning. There are many variations of what a hybrid model could look like. Hybrid instructional scenarios would be designed to reduce the number of students on campus by up to 50% of normal.

Q: What is an in-person instructional model?

A: 100% of the learning occurs at school, in the classroom with the teacher. Distancing norms and safety protocols would be in place.

Q: What if the District decides to transition to a hybrid or in-person instruction model, but my child feels safer learning at home?

A: Once it is safe to transition into a hybrid model or an in-person instructional model, CVESD will need to determine how many students would like to return to learning on site and how many would prefer to remain in a 100% distance learning model. Therefore, on Friday, July 17, 2020, the District will send registration information to families so that they may choose the educational option that best fits their needs and comfort level.

Q: What if conditions worsen during the school year?

A: If at any point in the school year, conditions worsen and Public Health orders the closure of schools, CVESD will be prepared to move back into a distance learning or hybrid model at any time.

Q: I don’t think I can do distance learning for too long. What options do I have?

A: To address circumstances in which families cannot sustain 100% distance learning at home and have no other option than to send students to school for the entire school day, CVESD will need to be advised in advance by the parents/guardians. We are actively exploring childcare options for families who must have students in school full time.

Just a reminder that we are offering Summer Independent Learning packets that may be used with/without technology. Each packet is intended to last two weeks (10 school days). You can access the packets below. There are packets for students that are entering a new grade as well. 

https://www.cvesd.org/parents/my_childs_learning/independent_learning_at_home/summer_independent_learning_packets

 

Dear Parents/Guardians:

The Chula Vista Elementary School District will begin the 2020-21 school year on August 31 in a distance learning instructional model with no classes occurring at school sites. Your input is REQUIRED via our informational survey in order to ensure we are responsive to the needs of our community.  We understand that circumstances may change and your responses today may be different in the future. Click here to access the survey or cut and paste the following into your web browser:

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=DG566I7Aska7c0XdByuqM8KGo8t-ZBdAuBAGOXX6uaZURUdXOVpUT0w5MzlYODFLRUFPUVQ1OE1aTi4u

Thank you in advance for your assistance.

Required Parent Survey for Distance Learning

School Year to Start in Distance Learning Model

Dear Parents/Guardians and Staff Members:

I hope your summer is off to a great start and that your families remain healthy and safe. Since March, our community has stood together to combat the COVID-19 pandemic by staying home. This time with family reminds me that “Education Starts in the Home.” And given today’s reality, so does safety. Last year, our theme was “Nurturing Relationships Through Grit” and our staff, students and community persevered throughout a difficult period completing the school year in previously unimagined ways. For the coming school year, our theme calls on our community again by “Nurturing Relationships Through Greatness.”

Since our schools closed on March 13, 2020, the Chula Vista Elementary School District (CVESD) staff supported our students and community through many initiatives. Child Nutrition Services team members provided food service to our families in need. District teachers adapted education to provide distance learning to finish the 2019-20 school year while providing meaningful social emotional support for our students. I am so thankful for the professionalism and effort provided by our employees!

We are anxious to bring students and staff back to school for in-person instruction, but we must do so in a safe manner. Reopening campuses requires a great deal of planning and preparation, and many expenses that would not have been necessary under normal circumstances.

When the 2020-21 school year begins on August 31, it will be in a distance learning format. We will continue to work towards transitioning to in-person instruction but will only do so when guidance from local health officials supports a safe transition back to learning on site in classrooms. We know that many parents, students, staff, and community members are disappointed by this decision and we understand that this will complicate many individual family situations.

When students return to campus for in-person instruction, learning will look much different than previous years because of new health and safety measures. With safety goals always in mind, our leadership team, teachers, bargaining group representatives, parents, and community members are actively collaborating on a school reopening plan that will guide us on how to safely reopen our 46 campuses. At the suggestion of Board Members and a request from Board President Armando Farías, a Task Force on Reopening Schools was established to help us gather input and suggestions on guidelines and protocols in order to provide a strong continuity of learning for our students.

Even though the 2020-21 school year will begin with distance learning, it is important to know that our District will continue developing plans to transition into either a hybrid learning model; which is a combination of in-person instruction and distance learning, or into a full in-person instructional model. In fact, there are three learning models CVESD could possibly offer during the 2020-21 school year, which are:

• Distance Learning: During High Risk Level
  • 100% of the learning occurs while the teacher and the student are in different locations.
  • Includes many new components such as daily live interaction with the teacher, and instruction that is aligned to grade level standards, provided at a level of quality and intellectual challenge substantially equivalent to in-person instruction.
  • Other criteria for delivering instruction in a distance learning model has been outlined in Assembly Bill 77, which also includes a requirement for a minimum number of daily instructional minutes, depending on the student’s grade level.
• Hybrid Learning: During Medium Risk Level
  • A combination of in-person and distance learning. There are many variations of what a hybrid model could look like. Hybrid instructional scenarios would be designed to reduce the number of students on campus up to 50%.
  • 100% distance learning would also be an option offered to students who feel safer learning at home.
• In-person Instruction: During Low Risk Level
  • 100% of the learning occurs at school, in the classroom with the teacher. Distancing norms and safety protocols would be in place.
  • 100% distance learning would also be an option offered to students who feel safer learning at home.

If at any point in the school year, conditions worsen and Public Health orders the closure of schools, CVESD will be prepared to move back into a distance learning or hybrid model at any time.

Again, all students will start the coming school year in the 100% Distance Learning model. To address circumstances in which families cannot sustain 100% distance learning at home, and have no other option other than to send students to school for the entire school day, CVESD will need to be advised in advance by the parents/guardians. We are actively exploring childcare options for families who must have students in school full time.

Once it is safe to transition into a hybrid model or an in-person instructional model, CVESD will need to determine how many students would prefer to remain in a 100% distance learning model. Therefore, on Friday, July 17, 2020, the District will send registration information to families so that they may choose the educational option that best fits their needs and comfort level.

In addition to the above options, the District is working to develop enrichment materials for all of our students to reduce any lost education opportunities during this health emergency. For parents who are concerned about the impacts of the virus on their student(s), we hope the distance learning model provides a level of comfort. We know that the process of returning to school while adapting to either in-person or online instruction, along with a host of new procedures, will be challenging for everyone in our school communities. But, as we have done throughout this ordeal, we will work together, persevere, and ensure our students are supported in every way possible.

When schools do reopen their doors, up-to-date safety protocols set forth by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) will be in place. Guidelines and protocols adapt frequently based on the status of the local community. Based on what is known at this time:

• Students are fully expected to wear face coverings; employees are required to wear face coverings. We plan to provide supervised breaks and outdoor time where students can temporarily remove their masks.
• Handwashing and hygiene will be regularly enforced.
• Daily disinfection of classrooms will occur.
• Daily health screenings and temperature checks will occur.
• Physical distancing will be in place within the classroom to the extent possible and following state/local guidelines.

Between now and the beginning of the school year, the District will be communicating frequently. Additional information on changes to our school environment will be shared with you prior to the start of school.

I want to reiterate the pride I have for our community and its response to the ongoing epidemic. The events that began to unfold in March and have continued have created enormous challenges and we as a school district are here to help support our families, staff, and community during this difficult time.

Sincerely,

Francisco Escobedo, Ed.D.
Superintendent