Dear SHS Family,
We are moving forward with our Distance Learning program at SHS. Right now, the district is trying to get a handle on the needs of the district, specifically with technology. Please send in your survey response for your technology needs. Some have entered responses more than once, but all I need only one response per student enrolled at Serra!
Here is the link:
It is also on the front page of our website.
As for what exactly SHS is up to, we have created a three week plan of action in order to make sure we are ready to go for your students. Our teachers are amazing and are working on their Spring Break to make sure you and your student get what they need when the time comes. We will be providing a master list of online courses and codes for you and your student to make registering for your child's class as easy as possible. We also will be doing some "soft launch" contacts online to engage students in the coming weeks as well.
Secondly, the number one question I’m getting from parents now is, “How do I get a chrome book?” The district is working on a distribution plan that will include multiple sites and a calendar to spread out neighborhood responses.ere is the letter that is coming or has already come to you: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Prx5ZSzNS2tP7GXJUURpmryOQ17pw5hy/view
Also, on the food distribution, though students are giving their ID numbers when they pick up food (so I’m told) there is NO requirement on whether or not you’ve signed up for free and reduced meals. EVERYONE under 18 will get a meal for free. Next year, we’ll need EVERY family to apply for free and reduced meals (I’m expecting more will qualify due to this event which will help us with our Title 1 funding concerns). But for now, everyone is set as we move forward in planning for next year.
And finally, I hope you saw the news today that said at least there has been a drop in the FLU and hopefully the same will happen with the COVID 19 virus. I know how hard it is to stay at home and find fun by having ZOOM meet ups with others. It is important and it is making a difference.
Counseling:
Our counselors are here to support you and can be contacted through our website. However we understand they play a vital role in giving information out. We have created a newsletter we will be updating every few days with new information. It will cover the date to commit for schools as some are changing them and some or not, it will cover the new guideline from USU and UC schools, Miramar, and how to finish the year strong. I will also be publishing the link in every blog from now (starting next week) and it will be on our website starting next week (mid week) as well.
I’m getting many requests for transcripts. Any senior can make that request online on the Serra Counseling website or by clicking HERE
***Please read the top of the form about COVID-19 and the procedure before filling out the form.
Lastly, there are many rumors going around which is understandable. We are in unprecedented times and so anxiety is high. If I hear of those rumors I will try to address them.
Here are a few so far:
All classes will be switched to general education and we won’t be with our teachers anymore.
This is absolutely false..students will have their same teachers.
All classes are switching to pass fail.
There is a way in which the district is currently working with the Ca. Dept of Education on grading and citizenship. Those specifics should be coming out in 2 weeks but definitely before we being classes on April 27th.
Grades can’t go down anymore from this point.
This isn't a rumor this is true. However there is a rubric for grading and citizenship and failure to follow could result in several issues...more on this in about 2 weeks. We want you to encourage your children to still finish strong.
Students are repeating the same grade the next year.
This is false. No child is being demoted to a lower grade level unless they were credit deficient before March 13.
What’s the deal with graduation?
At this point graduation has been suspended temporarily and SDUSD is again working with the state on the details of a new ceremony to happen at a later date.
How are AP tests working?
Please refer to College Board, I highly suggest you subscribe as well to make sure you are getting updates. You can click HERE as well.
How are going to return textbooks?
You will be able to do so but the plan for that is a few months away and you will need materials for distance learning.
What do seniors need to do in regards to college?
At this point wait for the newsletter to come out next week and if you need a transcript now use the link above or our website to request one. This starts now.
Also, please know that I’ll be spending time trying to figure out virtual answers to things like graduation or other events. We cannot gather at this time in groups, do car rally’s, or other forms of grouping. However, the virtual world is something we can explore and I’ll be working with our ASB to see what ideas they have on behalf of the senior class. I’m really sorry this pandemic brought us to an abrupt ending without a way to close out the year. I hold onto hope that something can happen in the next month that will change the world we are living in right now and bring us back to being a family at Serra again. Yearbooks will be published and we’ll figure out a way to distribute them to you as well.
I hope your spring break is going well and you’re staying safe for our community at large!
Most Sincerely,
Dr. Erica Renfree