DAILY UPDATE #135 -- 10/05/2020
 

  • NEW ITEMS
     
  • Q and A (Monday, October 5, 2020)
    Q:    We were just given a task to complete a Designated ELD schedule. This was sent out in the 9/30/2020 principals update, and it is due on Friday 10/2/2020. This is also the last week to do SPSA, SSC's, ELAC and we have less than 2 weeks to create our Phase 1 plan. I feel like a 2-day notice, during this time of year is inappropriate and a work load issue
    A:  (Answer provided by the District)  Perhaps there is a misunderstanding. It was explained on September 15 that EL students needed to be scheduled in classes. A reminder was sent on September 22 to submit the schedules. On September 30 another reminder was sent that the schedules are due on October 2.
     
    Q:   I attended the On-Site Learning Phase 1 Implementation meeting on 9/29 and was surprised at the lack of support offered to sites for implementing a complex and politically-charged program. It is important we point out the successes. Central office leadership has mastered the art of creating polished and visually appealing presentations that contain links to multiple reference documents. It is apparent the district wants to show a unified voice. The presentation relied heavily upon seamless transitions between key leaders in an attempt to emphasize a unified effort. Kudos. There are two critical areas where the implementation plan fell short, timeline and ownership. Sarah Ott described the data collection steps necessary to justify including a student in this process. She also described the need to conduct IEP meetings to discuss options available to support the student prior to recommending the child as a candidate for online learning. The presentation also included a detailed description of the operational tasks required to prepare for appointment-based learning. Yet site leaders were clearly told this must occur in 10 days. When asked if the go-live date could be delayed to accommodate the steps required for implementation, we were told we still needed to follow the 10 day timeline. To add to this frustration, site leaders were previously directed to “include all key stakeholders” in the development of an SPSA with target completion date of October 5th. Apparently district leadership was unaware of the conflicting deadlines as well as the fact at the elementary level, the Principal will play a central role in both projects. When confronted with this timeline conflict, site Principals were told they needed to adhere to the 10 day implementation timeline because they would be responsible for explaining to parents and community members why the district said sites could open in 10 days, that other schools in the county have re-opened, yet our site has not. This fact launches into my second concern...ownership. As described above, the central office placed the responsibility of meeting the 10 day timeline (or inability to meet this date) on the shoulders of site Principals. Another example of the transfer of ownership came from the reliance upon the concept of “site-based decision making” when it came to identifying staff members to participate in this program. Central office leadership is relying upon site leadership to convince SDEA members to volunteer their time to participate in appointment-based learning despite the willingness to make adjustments to their roles and responsibilities to reduce the impact of the extra work required. Possible suggestions included avoiding surveying staff (because it was too easy for someone to say no) and rely upon using one on one conversations with employees to convince them to take on extra responsibilities without compensation. Sites were reminded of the consequences of failing at this task, which included being responsible for justifying to parents and community members why their school site staff was choosing to not participate in a volunteer program, despite the fact they were clearly given the choice to do so. The presentation and materials were well planned and organized. Our district is between a rock and a hard place. We are trying to honor community requests to reopen while respecting the need to follow medical guidelines. I will admit this is a difficult situation to be in.
    A:  (Answer provided by the District)   For any support needed around timelines or conflicts, please contact your area superintendent. Hopefully you were able to attend the implementation sessions on October 2 and 5.
     
    Q:   There is an increased volume of parent concerns regarding no/vague reopening plans for SDUSD relative to other districts. Families are contacting the district office or Quality Assurance with concerns and stating that their child is struggling in a number of ways due to schools being closed. The departments are then sending the emails back to site principals for follow up. Many parents are stating they do not want further support from the site, they want schools to open. To make their case, they highlight their child's struggles. It seems problematic these concerns are being placed back on principals as if there is a support area not being addressed when the true concern is regarding reopening. A clear message regarding the reopening plan would be helpful. Thanks!
    A:  (Answer provided by the District)   On Wednesday, September 30, information was sent to parents regarding phase one. The District  hopes to have additional information in the coming weeks regarding additional phases.
     
    Q:  My co-workers and I are extremely frustrated with the lack of support from IT, Special Education and Human Resources. When we ask for help and/or support we are told that they are not cleared to go back to work. We have been back at work at some capacity since April, trying to keep up to date and current with certifications, documentation, getting ready for when we do re-open and have been constantly hindered by the lack of support from the above-mentioned departments. We have taken every precaution mandated to keep ourselves and our employees safe. We are happy to be here working and keeping our operations going, but we do not understand why the Ed Center is not back to work. Is there something that we don't know that might clarify this for us?
    A:  (Answer provided by the District)   Thank you for your question. All central office staff have been working remotely since March 13. If you are not getting a prompt reply to your questions, or an individual states they can't help because they have not been cleared to return to work, please contact the executive leader of that department. You can call their personal cell phone number or email them.  (Answer provided by AASD)  Please contact the executive leader to provide more specifics.  Without specifics of what needs are not being met by central office, the district cannot correct the problem.
     
    Q:  The district negotiated with SDEA that teachers do not have to be onsite, now we're expected to make it happen. This does not make sense. The district needs to put out a letter to parents informing them that they negotiated with the unions that teaching from onsite is not mandatory. We cannot be expected to take the brunt of the parent backlash.
    A:  (Answer provided by the District)   Parents have been informed that phase one is contingent on available staff and resources. It was included in the phase one letter parents received on September 30.
     
    Q:  Would you please find out where the PrimeTime Academic Program funds are going? Shouldn't those still be coming to the school site? If we get those funds, we might be able to use those to pay teachers, subs, or retired teachers for Phase One.
    A:  (Answer provided by the District)   Our Executive Team is assessing this request and information will be forthcoming.

     
  • DISTRICT COMMUNICATIONS
    The following communication was sent from the district to principals on October 1:
     
  • VEBA OCTOBER CALENDAR
    • VEBA welcomes ALL employees to online VEBA Resource Center (VRC) classes: mental health, education, movement, stress reduction, nutrition and cooking classes. 
    • To sign up for a nurse navigator visit and work on a personalized plan for a healthy body, mind and spirit, visit the nurse navigator page.
       
  • ASSESSMENT SERVICES UPDATE
    • Assessment Services now has a monthly newsletter with testing updates and information. 
    • Here is the first edition of the newsletter for the 2020-21 school year.
       
  • QUALITY TEACHING PRACTICES (QTP) RESOURCES 
  • VIRTUAL FIELD TRIPS CIRCULAR (NEW)
  • ELEMENTARY UPDATES
  • Early Learning Programs
    • As part of the high-quality program requirements, the Early Learning program has developed its first interactive family event titled: Self-Portrait Paint Party! 
    • Families will receive the invitation directly from Early Learning programs via the email that has been provided. 
    • The flyer has been attached for your reference-no action needed from principal/site. 
       
  • SECONDARY UPDATES
  • Math Benchmark
  • The following communication was sent from the district to principals on October 2:
     
  • SPSA DEADLINE
    • This is a reminder that SPSAs are due on Monday, October 5th. We recognize that the timeline is especially difficult for elementary principals who are planning for Phase One. 
      • Non-CSI schools needing an extension should contact your Area Superintendent.
      • Unfortunately, we can not allow for an extension for CSI schools in order for us to meet board approval and state deadlines.
    • If you need a thought partner or have additional questions, contact your Finance Resource Teacher or Area Superintendent.
       
  • WILLIAMS COMPLAINT REPORT DUE FOR ALL SCHOOLS
    • Please forward any Williams Complaints received for the first quarter of the 2020-2021 school year (July through September 2020) to Lynn Ryan lryan@sandi.net by 5:00 pm Friday, October 23, 2020.
    • This is required for the District’s mandatory Williams Complaint quarterly filing per AR 1312.4 
    • Contact Lynn Ryan, Uniform Complaint Compliance Officer, at 619-725-7225 or via email.
       
  • MASTER SCHEDULE TEACHER ASSIGNMENTS
  • LEADERSHIP LAB #1
    • Our first Leadership Lab is October 20th from 1:00-4:00 p.m. Please see Outlook Invite for details. 
    • This is a voluntary opportunity for principals and vice principals to come together with colleagues to continue to develop a deeper understanding of the Call to Action for Black Youth and leadership practices for next steps at the site level. 
       
  • INITIAL ELPAC TESTING: STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES 
    • Please provide this information (as a reminder) to site ELPAC Coordinator and Education Specialists. 
    • Newly enrolled students to a California school in a moderate/severe program
      • Home Language Survey: with a language other than English for questions 1,2, or 4  
      • Assess with Initial English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC) or SDUSD Initial English Language Alternative Assessment (ELAA) within 30 calendar days.
         
  • PHASE ONE VOLUNTARY LAB 
    Monday, October 5th 1:00-2:00 pm
    UNPACKING PHASE 1 USING BACKWARDS DESIGN 
    • Let’s help one another work through preparing for and communicating about Phase 1 using a backwards design process to strategically layout the steps needed to successfully bring students on to our campuses. We will talk about ways to get started and work through stuck points!
    • See Outlook Invite for Zoom link.
       
  • ELEMENTARY UPDATES
  • EXIT CODES GRADES K-6
    • The California Department of Education has changed exit code requirements that affect students in grades K – 6. See Exit Codes Grades K-6.
    • Please direct any questions about which exit codes to use to Mara Bernd at mbernd@sandi.net.

       
  • OTHER NEWS
    Pandemic accelerates enrollment decline at many SD school districts (SD Union Tribune, October 3)
    https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/education/story/2020-10-03/families-are-leaving-many-school-districts
     
    Teaching in-person and virtual students at once is an instructional nightmare, some educators say (ChalkBeat, October 1)
    https://www.chalkbeat.org/2020/10/1/21497795/teaching-in-person-and-virtual-students-at-once-is-an-instructional-nightmare-some-educators-say
     
    Two articles below regarding NYC schools.  It just goes to show what a difference a few days makes!  The first article is from October 1; the second article is from October 4.
     
    New York City Becomes First Large City to Reopen All Schools (Article includes quotes from Superintendent Cindy Marten) (NY Times, October 1)
    https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/01/nyregion/nyc-coronavirus-schools-reopen.html
     
    New York City Schools and Businesses closing due to COVID spike
    https://www.cnn.com/2020/10/04/us/nyc-schools-businesses-covid-closures/index.html
     
  • AASD IS STILL FOLLOWING DR. JOE SANFELIPPO, SUPERINTENDENT IN WISCONSIN AND HIS INSPIRATIONAL ONE MINUTE MESSAGES
    Click the link for his latest common sense “what if” message.  He is always spot on!    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCVrnzLurj4&ab_channel=JoeSanfelippo

     
  • REMINDERS
     
  • AASD/DISTRICT "HOTLINE" INFORMATION
    The hotline established with the District is available to AASD unit members and other management who are charged with enforcing the health and safety policies and procedures.  Call the hotline when you need immediate assistance when conflicts arise, clarification is needed, or decisions must be made regarding health and safety matters. 

    This hotline is for ALL AASD represented members, both classified and certificated.  The hotline phone number is     (619) 981-0760.  The hotline is available on all District workdays, Monday through Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  In the rare event that a message must be left, all calls will be returned promptly, within the same day.
     
  • SPECIAL GRATITUDE
    If an AASD member has a department or individual that deserves special recognition during this time of crisis, please use the link below for reporting issues/questions/concerns/gratitude to show your gratitude for the department or individual.  AASD will publish that special thanks in our next Daily Update.
     
  • AASD OFFICE CLOSURE 
    AASD will be sending out a Daily Update, Monday-Friday, throughout the return to instruction/school reopening period.  The Weekly Update will continue as usual on Thursdays with the typical news and information for AASD members.  The AASD Office continues to remain closed.  AASD staff are working remotely and can be reached via the contact information at the end of this Update.

    AASD has created a Google Form for AASD Members to report issues, questions or concerns regarding work-related issues, COVID-19, return to instruction and school reopening.  AASD will provide answers to issues, questions or concerns submitted as answers become available.  You may also share your gratitude for another AASD member, district personnel, etc., via the same link.

    The link to share issues/questions/concerns/gratitude is:
    https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeVSsqBQSHboCdgqbnpaucUY--DHKjosG8MAmRuCxawzB4blg/viewform?usp=sf_link
     
    Please do not share this link outside of AASD membership (classified and certificated management/supervisors).  The link will be active until this crisis is over. 
     
    NOTE:  All previous AASD Daily Updates and Weekly Updates are located on the AASD Website www.aasdcs.org if you need to refer back to them for information.
     
  • DISTRICT WEBSITE
    For your convenience, the District has created a list of Frequently Asked Questions.  To access that list, click the link https://sites.google.com/sandi.net/covid19/staff-info
     
  • AASD CONTACT INFORMATION
    Executive Director, Donis Coronel -- donis@aasdcs.org   619-813-8792
    Office Manager, Linda Crout-Hamel --     linda@aasdcs.org   619-861-2701
    Office Clerk, Jim Costello --     jim@aasdcs.org 
     
    Please keep informed via the District’s website www.sandi.net, Daily Updates from AASD and via the AASD Website www.aasdcs.org.
     

Contacts
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