Return to School Frequently Asked Questions
Operational Items
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How many students are you expecting?
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We expect over 50% of our students to return, based on February’s survey data. Once we start the commitment process, we will have definitive numbers.
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The schedule presented in the meeting had classes starting at 9:00 am (not at 9:30 am). Is the schedule different from home versus in class?
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All students, regardless at home or school, will follow the same class schedule.
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Will the distance learning sessions in hybrid be synchronous or asynchronous?
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Sessions will use a simultaneous instructional model. Teachers and department coordinators will determine how the course of study will be structured during the day.
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Many students may have transportation issues. Will there be supervised space available for any students who need it?
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Around 18-20% of students take the bus.
Busses are running at 25% capacity. Students who need to stay on campus will be allowed to do so.
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What are the requirements for State funding?
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MVLA received CARES funding to support distance learning and returns for 2020 and will continue to receive this funding in 2021.
MVLA will also receive supplementary funding to support school returns.
Lastly, the state recently signed into law an allocation of incentive funds. To receive Incentive funding, we must offer in-person learning to one or more grade levels by April 1, 2021, a prorated amount will be offered prior to May 15, 2021.
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Staffing Items
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Has the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the District Teachers Association (DTA) been finalized?
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Not at this time, we have agreed on teacher return the week of April 19, 2021, simultaneous teaching, and rotating classes. A detailed agreement is near completion.
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Why aren’t teachers returning until April? Will they be able to return sooner?
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The April time frame allows teachers to get a full vaccination cycle. We are incentivizing teachers who complete their vaccination cycle early to return sooner.
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Are all the teachers coming back to school on April 19th?
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Those with doctor’s notes will be exempt from returning on April 19.
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How do I find out if my children's teachers are returning?
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Phase II: Teachers are returning to support stable group/learning hubs. We currently have staff who are planning on returning once fully vaccinated.
Phase III: Regarding April 19 and beyond, we will require all staff to return. Those who can not return physically, due to health reasons will work remotely if able.
We are not publishing the names of returning staff at this point as the status may change. We do have a significant amount of staff members who cannot return.
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What happens if a teacher is absent?
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There will be a substitute teacher in the room. The lesson posted may be asynchronous work. If the absence is due to quarantine, the teacher will continue teaching via distance. For a teacher with a long-term issue, we will either provide asynchronous work or get a substitute teacher.
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Safety/Campus Protocols
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Will visitors be allowed on campus?
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Visitors will not be allowed at this time. For emergency situations or essential needs, please see a site administrator.
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What will sporting events look like? Are spectators allowed?
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Depending on the competition, spectators will be allowed dependent on the space available, adherence to the protocols, and type of event. If you have questions about your student’s competition, please see their coach or the site Athletic Director. Only staff will be allowed on the field during games.
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Will the campus be open or closed during lunch?
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We currently plan to maintain an open campus.
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Will there be required COVID testing? Beyond the monthly El Camino testing, will there be testing on campus?
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We have COVID 19 testing on campuses every other Wednesday. We will continue to follow the guidelines.
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Are there way-finding arrows on the ground for pedestrian flow markers for 6’ spacing installed around campus?
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We currently have arrows and tape designating six feet distancing in common areas as well as directional signage.
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Technology
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Both LAHS and MVHS have traditionally struggled with having enough Wi-Fi for classes during a typical year. How is this going to work with so many teachers & students being online at once?
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We have improved our networks and technology since the pandemic began. The Pandemic Staffing Plan approved in February also calls for additional staff to support technology needs.
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Do we have the technology in place for teachers to teach in person and broadcast via zoom? If so, what is that technology?
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The current classroom setup - computer (new Windows notebook/Macbook we have provided), projector, document camera - will be used while teaching; students will view anything projected to the screen via Zoom. The equipment we have acquired for teachers includes 75 PolyStudio soundbar/cameras designed for the hybrid environment. We will provide them to interested teachers and will continue to make these available. All classrooms have an upgraded wireless access point.
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Will in-person students need to be on Zoom during hybrid to include the students at home?
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Not necessarily all the time; this depends on the teacher’s lesson plans and classroom activities determined by the teacher.
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Communications
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How are families being contacted about the return to school?
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Students have already been contacted about the stable learning groups and have signed up accordingly.
Interest to return during the third phase will be sent out as soon as possible.
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What will be the opportunities for families to switch to/from full-remote to hybrid & vice versa?
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Switching between modes may be difficult, given how carefully we need to set up classrooms and other areas for the six-foot safety distance. Moving to remote learning will be a smooth transition while switching into a classroom will be more difficult. We will allow switching options whenever possible.
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