Greetings Lion Nation,
I hope that you had a restful and safe summer break. I want to express how much I have missed your children at school. We have been out since March 13, 2020, and will begin the school year virtually. I understand this poses an unorthodox challenge; however, safety is our priority. However, we are not alone in this challenge. Most schools in our state and nation are in this together.
In March, when we originally closed our doors, we could not have imagined we would still be in this pandemic. Over the last few months, we have learned from our experiences and are much better equipped to navigate through our current reality.
Because the COVID pandemic continues to impact our community, in June of 2020, our County Administrator, Dr. Torres, established a Reopening Task Force Committee, which consisted of various stakeholders, to explore and develop various reopening options.
For the last few months, our staff has been going through multiple professional development training to prepare for virtual learning. These included Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID), Arizona State University (ASU)Prep Digital training, Google Classroom Certification, and Inglewood Unified School District Continuity of Profession Learning. These training sessions have given our teachers the tools to ensure that your children will receive a rigorous and meaningful educational experience.
This year school begins on Monday, August 24, 2020. We are pleased to announce that students will receive synchronous and asynchronous learning daily. Immediately after attendance is taken at 8:15am, teachers will provide English Language Arts and Math instruction in whole and small groups. Additionally, every morning will begin with English Development /Academic Language Development / Enrichment. Assignments will be monitored and graded.
Also beginning Monday, August 24, 2020, IUSD will provide “Grab and Go” meals at all school sites, with the exception of Morningside High School and Oak Street School due to campus improvements taking place. Families may pick up breakfast and lunch at any school site between the hours of 7:30am and 1:30am. Parents/Guardians will be asked to provide the student's ID number for meal pick up. Students do not need to be present. Meals will be provided only to the students registered in IUSD.
Students will also be given screen breaks throughout their instructional day along with a lunch break. Each day will end with teacher office hours or tiered instructions. School counselors will also be available to provide social and emotional support. Every Wednesday there will be opportunities for spirit activities and recognition assemblies and or announcements by the principal.
You can expect weekly communication via school messenger (phone message, email, and text), these weekly messages will also be posted on our school’s website at oakstreet.inglewoodusd.com. Virtual “Coffee with the Principal” meetings will continue for you to engage in ongoing dialogue with your school administrator.
Although we will begin the school year virtually, there are many ways you can still participate in your child’s education. We have three formal parents groups: the School Site Council (SSC), the English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC), and the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA). Each group meets regularly and all meetings are open to the public. We value parent participation. Get involved! Additionally, IUSD will host a series of parent academies and workshops geared to provide families with techniques to ensure your children thrive in this virtual setting.
I am pleased to announce we have five new staff on our team, Douglas Druckenmiller, Upper SDC Teacher, Susan An, Sixth Grade Teacher, Antoine Armstrong, Custodian, Christine Wise, Office Manager, and Maria Correa, Office Assistant. We are glad to have them on our team.
I look forward to an adventurous school year filled with promise and possibilities. With your ongoing support, collaborative spirit, commitment, and most importantly trust, we all will rise together to meet these new challenges.
If you have additional questions or feedback, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at miguel.perez@inglewoodusd.com or your child’s teacher.
Dream Big! Work Hard!
Miguel A Perez, Principal
