Pacific School is Planning for Education and Community Health in 2020-21
Pacific School's Planning Process Overview
Pacific School is fortunate to be located in the County of Santa Cruz, where we are a part of a thoughtful and proactive team planning for the 2020-21 school year.
All of the superintendents meet twice a week and are working to prepare several different scenarios depending on the public health situation in the fall. The superintendents' goals are to keep students and staff healthy, engage stakeholders, provide flexibility, ensure an equitable access to education for all students, and to provide an engaging learning environment that supports acceleration and not remediation.
The joint letters from the superintendents represent the work of Mr. Gross and others as they incorporate the advice, guidance, and experience of public health experts, the state of California, the Centers for Disease Control, other school districts, etc.
We understand that the uncertainty about plans for school next year is challenging for families. Below you will find some of the plans we are able to make and announce at this time and the joint letters from the superintendents. We will continue to update this page and the school memo to the fullest extent possible as more information becomes available.
Pacific School is fortunate to be located in the County of Santa Cruz, where we are a part of a thoughtful and proactive team planning for the 2020-21 school year.
All of the superintendents meet twice a week and are working to prepare several different scenarios depending on the public health situation in the fall. The superintendents' goals are to keep students and staff healthy, engage stakeholders, provide flexibility, ensure an equitable access to education for all students, and to provide an engaging learning environment that supports acceleration and not remediation.
The joint letters from the superintendents represent the work of Mr. Gross and others as they incorporate the advice, guidance, and experience of public health experts, the state of California, the Centers for Disease Control, other school districts, etc.
We understand that the uncertainty about plans for school next year is challenging for families. Below you will find some of the plans we are able to make and announce at this time and the joint letters from the superintendents. We will continue to update this page and the school memo to the fullest extent possible as more information becomes available.
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Reopening Plans Delayed
Update Friday, June 26: We were hoping to announce our reopening plans for 2020-21 today. However, we are sorry to report that Mr. Gross received new information this morning which requires us to update our plans again. We will be releasing our revised reopening plans as soon as we are able. We realize that this is frustrating for all. June 19th Letter from Superintendents
This letter includes updates and community resources for families over the summer. School Start Date
The school calendar for 2020-21 can be found here. We do not expect to change the school calendar or start date. Music Program Suspended for 2020-21
Due to both financial and health considerations, Pacific School is suspending our music program and after school chorus for 2020-21. There have been numerous outbreaks of COVID-19 associated with singing in groups. The Board and Parents' Club are hoping to revive Pacific School's long tradition of supporting music instruction in 2021-22. Letter to Pacific Families from Mr. Gross, May 22, 2020
Dear Pacific School Families - I am writing today to make several announcements. First, in order to address the needs of families who are looking for a strong academic program next year, but still want to avoid any health risks that may be associated with in-person classroom settings, starting next fall we will be offering a full-time Home Study Program. The new program will be supported by a credentialed teacher and allow for 100% distance/home learning. This option is available to all currently enrolled families and new families. You can learn more about it here and here. Second, we have added a COVID Response Page to the school website, which includes information about our planning process for 2020-21. The school memo will still be your best place for updates, but if you miss a memo or want an overview, this new page is the place to go. Finally, Governor Newsom has floated the idea of school starting early next year. Our school calendar for 2020-21 has already been adopted and is available here. We do not expect to change the school calendar or start date. I hope you are finding ways to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather. Exercise and fresh air are important ways for people of all ages to keep their spirits up. Wishing you all the best, Eric Gross Superintendent/Principal CDC Guidelines
There's been some misleading information on social media about the CDC guidelines for reopening schools. This article does a great job explaining the differences between the guidelines and some of the memes about them. |