Good Afternoon ALSD Community,

The Alta Loma School District has begun a step-by-step process to systematically reopen its eight elementary schools.

At its February 17 meeting, the ALSD Board of Trustees reviewed and supported a plan that will return PK-Grade 6 students to elementary schools in phases based on grade level. The plan included an Aspirational Reopening Timeline.  It is posted on each school's website.

Families of students in all returning grade levels will have the option to continue with the current Distance Learning format or to return to in-person learning.

Special Day Class (SDC) students, teachers and support staff are scheduled to return to schools on March 1. Childcare will also be available at all elementary schools beginning March 1.

Preppy K and Kindergarten students who opted for in-person learning are scheduled to return on March 15 in either a morning or afternoon schedule. Students will have 120 minutes synchronous instruction with their teacher and 60 minutes for independent asynchronous assignments.

Following the scheduled spring break the week of March 22, first and second grade students who are coming back for in-person learning will return on Tuesday, March 30, to either AM or PM instruction from Tuesday through Friday. Mondays will continue to be a Distance Learning day. Students will have 150 minutes synchronous instruction with their teacher and 90 minutes for independent asynchronous assignments.

All third through sixth grade classes will be taught simultaneously in person and through the Distance Learning format, beginning Tuesday, April 6. While working remotely from home, students will participate in class with their in-person peers. Parents can opt to send their student to school two days a week while they learn remotely the other three days, or they can continue with Distance Learning five days a week. Monday will continue to be a Distance Learning day.

Distance Learning remains in place for seventh and eighth grade students as the state of California works to establish guidelines for safely reopening junior high schools.

The return to schools will require students, teachers and staff to follow mandatory safety protocols.  All students who return for in-person learning will be expected to wear masks. Classrooms will be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized between morning and afternoon sessions, as well as each evening.

 As we’ve seen for nearly a year, this is a very fluid situation that can shift quickly. Our timeline is aspirational, but it is our intent to open and to stay open. Infection rates are dropping dramatically with the post-holiday season and the availability of vaccines, and we are headed in the right direction. We have implemented strict safety systems and protocols so that teachers and families will feel comfortable on campuses.

Principals will be providing site-specific information.  Please know that we are all attempting to be as specific as possible in a time when information and guidance continue to regularly evolve.

As our outstanding Distance Learning opportunities continue, and in-person learning returns, we look forward to moving ahead together for a strong finish to the 2020-2021 school year.

Appreciatively,

Karen Hendricks

Superintendent