COVID-19 Latest Updates & Learning Resources
DISTRICT COMMUNICATIONS REGARDING COVID-19 (CORONAVIRUS)
April 2, 2021 Message to the Centralia Community
The following information pertains to the families whose students are currently in the Hybrid Learning/In-Person Instruction Program. For our families who selected Distance Learning, we will continue to honor your request and your child will remain in Distance Learning for the rest of this school year.
WHEN IS 5-DAY PER WEEK IN PERSON LEARNING STARTING?
HOW IS THIS TRANSITION POSSIBLE NOW?
CHILD CARE
With Sincere Gratitude,
March 13, 2021 Update to the Centralia Community
Dear Families,
- March 13, 2020 – President Trump declared a national emergency declaration for COVID-19. Our Board of Education held a special meeting and directed that we transition to 100% Distance Learning (DL). Within three weeks of this date, we became a virtual district, with dedicated time for DL instruction to our students, distributing hundreds of Chromebooks and thousands of school supplies and textbooks. Our staff did what was necessary to transform our district into a virtual service district and this is how we ended the 2019/20 school year.
- August 13, 2020 – Unable to open our district for In-Person Instruction (IPI), we began the school year in a virtual setting. This is no small feat as we were opening a year, not closing it! Our teachers did a phenomenal task of creating a classroom feel in a virtual setting. Every effort was made to provide the necessary materials and supplies, both technological and instructional, to our families. Our school principals and our teams were phenomenal as they engaged in creating a positive school culture in a virtual setting.
- September 28, 2020 & October 5, 2020 - Finally able to reopen under the California Governor’s Plan, we reopened for In-Person Instruction (IPI), with September 28 being the return date for our Special Day Classes and October 5 the return date for our general education classes.
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- We were among the first to create and publish a detailed Reopening Plan on our website before it was required by the state, indicating the extensive Health and Safety Protocols (HSP) necessary to keep our students and staff safe. Training, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Utility Attendants were hired to assist with the daily cleaning. Importantly, our principals and key personnel trained in Contact Tracing, something that has helped us respond to COVID-19 cases immediately.
- I again commend all staff for all the work leading up to this in person reopening. The success of our return to In-Person Instruction (IPI) has been an incredible team effort.
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- January 2021 & February 1, 2021 - Anticipating a surge in cases and being proactive regarding absences that traditionally impact In-Person Instruction (IPI) in winter, our Board directed that we return to Distance Learning (DL) for the month of January. We returned to In-Person Instruction (IPI) on 2/1/21. Again, our staff conducted these transitions exceptionally while continuing quality instruction for our scholars.
- First, we will ask that you give us a tentative placement preference in the month of April so that we can draw up preliminary staffing needs for the new school year.
- Second, in July 2021, we will send each parent an email for Data Confirmation through the online AERIES portal. Please verify that your school site has your most current email address. At this time, families will make a final confirmation of their chosen learning program. We anticipate that families will have had the time to consider their selection. Please note that this Data Confirmation choice will be final for the 21/22 school year.
- Our principals will start communication with families to share the details of this special intervention program. The program must be customized to each site since each school has different class configurations and different classroom spaces. At some sites, this may result in an impact to more than one grade. Again, parents who have children in this program and who will be impacted can expect communication from their principals in the coming days.
- Now that the Governing Board has given direction to move forward with transitioning to a 5-day day program for our Hybrid students, this becomes a first effort toward meeting that goal.
- The Spanish language forum will be held at a NEW time: 8:30-9:45 AM, the link to register is: https://bit.ly/3jgWhdZ
- The English/ASL/Korean forum will be from 1:00-2:15PM, and the link to register is here: https://bit.ly/3o8WhQY
January 30 Update to the Centralia Community
January 30 Update to the Centralia Community
Dear Parents, Guardians and Community:This is a reminder that all Centralia Elementary School District schools are returning to in-person instruction for all students who are in our Hybrid/ In-Person Instruction program this Monday, February 1, 2021. All Distance Learning 2.0 students and C-VALT students will remain in their online programs, with their set schedule. Please remember that February 2, 3, and 4 are designated as Minimum Days for all students to give our teachers time to engage in parent conferences. Grades TK-K will be dismissing at 1:15PM and grades 1-6 will be dismissing at 1:30PM on these days.The following information is intended for our Hybrid/In-Person families:
- Students are returning to school in the Hybrid group/classes that they were previously assigned to, Hybrid A or Hybrid B, or SDC
- Schools will continue their staggered start schedule to promote physical distancing and students should continue to use the gate that was assigned to them previously.
- We will continue to implement our Wellness Checks in the morning, with active temperature checks and wellness screenings for all students. Students must wear a face covering or one will be provided for them.
- Prior to arrival at school, please conduct the linked Wellness Screener at home, and keep children home if they are sick. Do monitor students for symptoms such as cough, fever, loss of taste/smell, and others listed on the screener.
We have been experiencing rainy days and I ask parents for a bit of extra patience on those days since it is possible that your school principal may need to make modifications to entry locations to keep our children as dry as possible.We remain committed to monitoring local health conditions and to implementing health and safety protocols for students and staff. As you know, Governor Newsom lifted the Stay at Home order this week for our region. Countywide, case rates and positivity rates continue to decline. Orange County Health Care Agency is an excellent resource to review data. We remain optimistic in the effort to to see positivity and case rates improving county-wide. Their website is https://www.ochealthinfo.com/ . You can also find information on the vaccination rollout on this same webpage.I again wish to highlight the incredible work of our staff: Our teachers continue to maintain a high level of communication with our parents and they continue to demonstrate flexibility and innovation in their efforts to teach students remotely and in person. Our classified staff continue to support our efforts to ensure safe conditions, to serve our community, to procure goods needed for serving our students and to provide excellent customer service to our own staff and to our community and parents. Our management team continues to lead through challenging times, working hard to support our staff by collaborating, communicating and being available. Never has the idea of servant leadership been more evident than here in the Centralia School District.I end this message with sincere appreciation to our parents for doing what you do at home to love your child(ren) and to meet their needs during these historic, unprecedented times. We at Centralia appreciate your collaboration with us and your continued partnership as we take one more step toward a brighter future for our students. We are all in this together! We are looking forward to seeing our #CESDproud scholars back in school this Monday, February 1st!With Sincere Gratitude,Norma E. Martinez, SuperintendentCentralia Elementary School DistrictWebsite: www.cesd.usTwitter: @CentraliaSupInstagram: @CentraliaSchoolDistrict
January 14, 2021 Update to the Community
January 14, 2021 Update to the Community
Dear Parents and Community:
As you are aware, our Board of Education previously approved a return to a Distance Learning for all students from January 4, 2021 through January 15, 2021.
After extensive deliberation at the January 13, 2021 Board Meeting, our Board of Education provided direction to extend our Distance Learning schedule through the end of January, with a return to in-person instruction on February 1, 2021.
Current Local Health Conditions
Orange County Adjusted Daily Case Rate per 100,000 is 67.8. OC Test Positivity Rate is 17.1%
- 90620 zip code: Case Rate 116.7; Positivity Rate 23.3%
- 90623 zip code: Case Rate 83.6; Positivity Rate 16%
- 92801 zip code: Case Rate 130.7; Positivity Rate 21.7%
- 92804 zip code: Case Rate 125.9; Positivity Rate 22.5%
Parent Survey Data
I have received many inquiries from parents as to the outcome of the recent parent survey question, specific to the type of program that our parents wish to have for their child(ren). Of 2,187 responses, we had 40.5% of parents express a desire to remain in Distance Learning. 59.5% of parents expressed a desire for in-person instruction, with 37.1% of these parents asking for a full five days of instruction and 22.4% wishing to have their children remain in a hybrid program. Complete survey results are found on our website HERE.
Vaccination Update
- Vaccinations have begun in Orange County, with Disneyland becoming the first Vaccination Center, referred to as a Super POD (Point of Distribution). The county expects to have at least five Super PODs across the county soon.
- Currently, school health employees such as nurses and health clerks are eligible for the vaccine. For the public, all individuals age 65 and older are eligible for the vaccine.
- To receive the vaccine, individuals must sign up through the Othena app and can also review the Orange County Health Care Agency website.
State Releases Updated Health Guidance for Schools
Norma E. Martinez, Superintendent
Centralia Elementary School District
December 3, 2020 Message to the Community
December 3, 2020 Message to the Community
Dear Families and the Centralia Community
Earlier today Governor Newsom issued a new stay at home order in response to rising ICU hospitalization rates in the state. You can find this information here: https://covid19.ca.gov/stay-home-except-for-essential-needs/#regional. The guidance that is specific to schools can be found under the tab named What Does the Regional Stay at Home Order Do.
Please note that this information does not change school programs, including in-person learning, in the Centralia Elementary School District, as we are already open for in-person learning with strong safety protocols in place. Dr. Clayton Chau, County Health Officer, has informed school districts in our county that the new order does not apply to school districts and campuses that are already open for in-person learning.
However, this is a reminder to remain vigilant in our personal lives and to continue to implement strong health and safety protocols in our own homes. We have close contact with local agencies who can support families with testing information, hotel vouchers, food, and other supports you may need at this time. Any families in need of help can contact the District's Neighborhood Resource Center at 714-228-3235 or our Parent and Student Engagement Department at 714-228-3141.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to reach out to you school site principal or my office.
Yours sincerely,
Norma E. Martinez, Superintendent
Centralia Elementary School District
Website: www.cesd.us
Twitter: @CentraliaSup
Facebook@CESD.us
Instagram: @CentraliaSchoolDistrict
November 24, 2020 Message to the Community
November 24, 2020 Message to the Community
Dear Families,
The month of December is just around the corner. In December/January, we anticipate colder weather, holiday events, more indoor activity and a natural increase in every day colds and flu season. With January a historically high absence month, we anticipate greater absences as we return to school from Winter Break (December 21-January 1). It is with a preventative mindset that Centralia Elementary School District will be making a schedule change for two weeks in January, avoiding challenges posed by these conditions.
For our students who are currently attending In-Person Instruction, this schedule change will revert these students to Distance Learning with their current teacher for a two week window, from January 4-January 15, with a return to regular programming on January 18 (MLK Holiday) and in person on January 19. Our Distance Learning and CVALT students will remain in their same schedule. Students currently enrolled in childcare will remain in childcare during this two week schedule change. This action is a preventative measure we are choosing to take to ensure the health and safety of our students and staff after the two-week winter holiday break.
Recognizing that schedule changes affect your homes, our intent in providing you with this early notice is to anticipate adjustments that may be needed. Families who may be in need of childcare for these two weeks are asked to call our Childcare program at 714-228-3153.
We expect our special education IEP meetings and assessments to continue on course.
As always, I wish each family health and continued blessings. We have been successful in keeping students and staff safe by adhering to our strong health and safety protocols. Let’s keep up our strong practices. Continue to wear a face covering, maintain physical distance, spend as much time outdoors as possible and sanitize your hands often.
Please see below for other important updates.
FOR ANAHEIM/SANTA ANA FAMILIES
For families who live in Anaheim or who attend our Anaheim schools, Centralia and Danbrook, I am sharing a new resource from the Orange County Health Care Agency: FREE, saliva-based COVID-19 test kits are being offered to county residents, with a priority to Anaheim and Santa Ana residents. https://occovid19.ochealthinfo.com/covid-19-testing This link takes you to the site where you can order your testing kit.
NECK GAITERS
CDC has recently approved the use of a two-ply neck gaiter as appropriate face covering. For our students, be sure that the neck gaiter is sown as a two-ply so that students don’t waste time folding it in half. The neck gaiter must cover from the nose down below the mouth and must stay in place securely. Students who wear a neck gaiter that does not fit properly or that is not two-ply will be requested to wear a face mask.
FOOD SERVICES
Did you know that all students in the Centralia School District are eligible for FREE breakfast and FREE lunch? Check out the school menu and encourage your child to participate in the meal program every day! https://www.cesd.k12.ca.us/apps/pages/foodservices
Wishing you and yours a very happy and safe Thanksgiving!
Yours sincerely,
Norma E. Martinez
Superintendent
Centralia Elementary School District
Website: www.cesd.us
Twitter: @CentraliaSup
Facebook@CESD.us
Instagram: @CentraliaSchoolDistrict
October 30, 2020 Message to the Community and Staff
October 30, 2020 Message to the Community and Staff
Congratulations to all students, staff and families for a very successful five weeks of school. As you recall, our SDC classes began in person instruction on September 28 with all others joining in on October 5. We have been reinvigorated having many of our students back on campus! For both our Distance Learning 2.0 and In-Person Instruction scholars, we remind you to keep up your scholarly habits of completing all school work and remaining focused on learning. To our staff who have done a marvelous job of accommodating our transition, thank you so much for your dedication! And thank you, families, for your trust in our education system to support your scholar.
CESD follows health and safety protocols provided by the California Department of Public Health, including the COVID-19 Industry Guidance: Schools and School-Based Programs, updated 8/3/2020, as well as intentional collaboration with the Orange County Health Care Agency (OCHCA) to determine appropriate steps to address COVID-19-related matters. Because we know that COVID-19 is a virus that is active in our local and greater communities, it is up to all of us to ensure that we do all we can to keep our education community safe. Continuing a safe learning experience in our schools comes down to two major components.
First, we must make all efforts to keep COVID-19 outside of our schools. This includes self-monitoring to ensure that our students stay home when they are unwell. We conduct an active temperature check each day and are asking our children to respond to wellness questions. We thank all families who are keeping their children at home when they are ill. On occasion, we learn of families in which a loved one tests positive for COVID-19. If that is the case, children should remain at home until cleared to return to school.
Secondly, because we know the virus is in the community, we do anticipate situations in which we will learn that staff and/or students may become ill with this virus. When this is the case, we rely on parents to inform us immediately. Our goal in these circumstances shifts to ensure that there is no spread within our schools.
At this time we would like introduce you to our newest information tool relative to COVID-19 and its impact in our district. CESD has created a COVID-19 Dashboard to inform our communities about any confirmed COVID-19 cases in our schools. We believe that the posting of this information, while not required by law, will foster trust and collaboration between the district, our local health agency and our community.
This Dashboard will be updated to reflect any active confirmed cases of COVID-19 in our schools for our In-Person students and staff. Please note that only active confirmed cases (by the OCHCA) will be posted. Data will be updated to reflect changes on a regular basis. Active confirmed cases will be posted for 14 days and/or until cleared by OCHCA. The Dashboard is continuously being improved and refined. We understand that the posting of this data may raise an interest in members of the community to know more about the specific cases. Please know that CESD is committed to maintaining confidentiality for all and will only communicate with individuals as appropriate. The COVID-19 Dashboard is live now and can be viewed on our District website.
I thank all of our families and staff for a very successful end to our first Trimester, scheduled to end on November 6! We look forward to another wonderful learning period as Trimester 2 begins soon. Thank you!
Yours sincerely,
Norma E. Martinez
Superintendent
Centralia Elementary School District
Website: www.cesd.us
Twitter: @CentraliaSup
Facebook@CESD.us
Instagram: @CentraliaSchoolDistrict
September 25, 2020 Message to the Community and Staff - Click to read
September 25, 2020 Message to the Community and Staff
Dear Centralia Families and Staff:
I remind our families that Centralia Elementary School District is prepared to reopen for In-Person Instruction this coming Monday, September 28, for our SDC classes and Monday, October 5, for our remaining classes.
Families have already selected their program placement, choosing between our Distance Learning 2.0 (DL 2.0) model (for those who wish to have their children remain at home learning) or the In-Person Instruction (IPI). Families were able to view and confirm their program selection by viewing their student specific Aeries Parent Portal.
On Thursday, September 24, I hosted a Superintendent’s Forum to review the transition to IPI with our parents. I would like to provide you with the information shared.
Local Community Indicators
Every week, we review the Local Community Indicators, provided by the Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) and Orange County Health Care Agency. We rely on this data to help us determine the health of our local community.
Local Zip Code data – This chart indicates that the four zip codes that we serve in CESD, 90620, 90623, 92801 and 92804, have case rates that are within the red and orange tiers of the Governor’s new Tier Framework Metrics. As a comparison, the OC Case rate is at 3.6 (ours range from 3.85-4.35) and the Testing Positivity rate for OC is 3.1 (our range is from 3.9 to 4.7). Further information on this can be found at the OCHCA website, https://www.ochealthinfo.com/ .
ZIP |
Population |
Case Count 7-day+ 7 day lag (Excludes Inmates) |
Case Rate (7-day day average, Excludes Inmates) |
Adjusted Count 7-day + 7 day lag (Excludes SNFs and Inmates) |
Case Rate per 100,000 (7-day day average, excluding SNFs & Inmates) |
Testing Positivity Percent (7 day avg. + 7 day lag) |
90620 |
46,522 |
13 |
3.99 |
13 |
3.99 |
4.1% |
90621 |
36,345 |
7 |
2.75 |
7 |
2.75 |
3.8% |
90623 |
16,411 |
5 |
4.35 |
5 |
4.35 |
3.9% |
90630 |
49,472 |
7 |
2.02 |
7 |
2.02 |
1.8% |
90631 |
70,201 |
23 |
4.68 |
23 |
4.68 |
4.1% |
92801 |
63,483 |
19 |
4.28 |
19 |
4.28 |
4.7% |
92802 |
44,456 |
17 |
5.46 |
17 |
5.46 |
6.7% |
92804 |
92,854 |
28 |
4.31 |
25 |
3.85 |
4.0% |
92805 |
75,069 |
37 |
7.04 |
37 |
7.04 |
7.9% |
Free Testing for Adults and Children at two testing Super Centers now available. Please visit https://occovid19.ochealthinfo.com/covid-19-testing for more information and to make an appointment. This information is shared, courtesy of OCHCA.
For our Special Day Class (SDC) Families, Starting IPI on September 28,2020
Our SDC families in grades TK-6 should have already received an email with specific information from our Special Education office. This email has the specific assignment to your child’s new class, if there was a change. Also, it gives information pertinent to the use of our transportation program. Please double check your email inbox to be sure that you have received this letter. If you have not received your email, please contact our offices at 714-228-3142.
Important reminders to our SDC families:
Schools with SDC transportation have different unloading times.
For our Bus Riders:
- BT, RT, DY, ML – bus drop off 7:50-8:00ish at the schools and CN, DN, SM – bus drop off 8:20-8:30ish. Please see the specifics to transportation for your child in the email from 9/24.
- Boarding the bus: Students will have temperature checked and hands sanitized
- Arriving at school: Staff available to greet students. Those needing breakfast will be escorted to breakfast. Breakfast is served starting at 7:45 am. Students who arrive closer to 8:30 will also have the opportunity for breakfast.
- Formalized instruction to begin approximately 8:30 am.
For our walkers/car riders:
- Students who are dropped off/walk to school have the same schedule as their bus rider counterparts.
- Students will have temperature checked upon entry to campus (curbside or gate)
- Children cannot come earlier than expected. No student may be dropped off prior to 7:45 am as there is no supervision.
- Breakfast is served starting at 7:45, with formalized instruction to begin approximately 8:30 am.
SDC Class Assignments
- Because of the need to sort out our students who are in DL 2.0 and in IPI, we have made some adjustments, particularly to our Mild/Moderate programs. Again, please review the email from 9/24 to see if your child’s assignment has been impacted. If you have not received your email, please contact our offices at 714-228-3142.
- Because our SDC classes are generally smaller in size than our regular education program, our SDC program is intended to be a five day a week program.
For all Other Students, with an IPI Date of October 5, 2020
- Breakfast is served starting at 7:45 AM at all schools. Children who eat breakfast at school may be dropped off at this time. Those not eating a school breakfast may NOT be dropped off earlier as there is no supervision.
- We are utilizing a staggered start time to prevent congestion at the entrance areas. Schools have identified school entry times that range from 8:00-8:30 am. Principals will provide this specific information to families through their School Site Specific Plans for Students.
- Our schools are finalizing the class rosters, ready to share with our families on Tuesday, Sept. 29th. Families can log on to the Aeries Portal after 6:00 pm to review their student’s assignment. Our staff has been intent on hearing our parents’ interests to keep our students at their school and all effort has been made to complete these.
HEALTH & SAFETY PROTOCOLS
The following section addresses Health and Safety Protocols for all students attending In Person Instruction (IPI). Please note that all schools have a Site Specific Plan for Students that addresses these areas, and those will be availalbe on their school site beginning the week of 9/28/20.
Pre-Arrival for Students
The decision to send children to school is deeply personal and families may need to consult with their physician, especially for vulnerable children. While children have shown less severe symptoms associated with the coronavirus, Health Care Agency Director Dr. Clayton Chau has affirmed that underlying conditions, including obesity and diabetes, put children at a much higher risk for serious illnesses. “We will have to discuss risks for vulnerable children as well as addressing health issues in children such as obesity, diabetes, etc.,” Dr. Chau said. If your child has any underlying health issues, please schedule an appointment with your pediatrician to talk about risk factors for vulnerable children.
Families are encouraged to take their children’s temperature daily before sending them to school. Anyone with a fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher is not permitted at school. Families will also be asked to screen their children for respiratory symptoms such as cough and shortness of breath before sending them to school each day. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should not go to school.
Parents/guardians need to be aware of the symptoms and signs of COVID-19 and the need to keep their children home if they are sick. People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported, from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should not go to school.
The following are symptoms associated with COVID-19, per CDC guidelines. Having these symptoms is not, in and of itself a diagnosis of COVID-19. Families are encouraged to seek a medical opinion if their children exhibit these symptoms: Fever, Cough, Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, Fatigue, Muscle of body aches, Headache, New loss of taste or smell, Sore throat, Congestion or runny nose, Nausea or vomiting, Diarrhea (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptomstesting/symptoms.html).
Arrival & Dismissal
- All students need to wear a face covering upon arrival to school. If a student is not wearing one, one will be provided to the student.
- Multiple points of entry have been identified for drive-thru or curbside drop-off with active temperature checks by staff with hand sanitizing stations and signs. Parents/guardians are to wait in their cars or at the curb for their child's temperature checks. Once a temperature check is complete, the student will sanitize their hands and walk immediately to their classroom or breakfast and follow the class entry protocols.
- Students with a temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher will receive another temperature check using an alternative thermometer. If a temperature is confirmed, students will be sent home with parents/guardians. If parents cannot be located, the student will wait in the school's Isolation Room for pick up. All students in the Isolation Room will be required to wear a mask.
- Schools will have staggered entry, dependent on last name, to avoid congestion.
- Breakfast for all students is served at 7:45 AM. Please do NOT send children to school earlier than the breakfast time.
- Parents are not to enter on campus with students, nor congregate on campus. If parents/guardians need to conduct business with the school office, they must still make an appointment.
- Students who utilize the District’s transportation services may receive a staggered schedule for arrival and dismissal.
Face Coverings
- All students, staff, and visitors are required to wear a face covering, and will not be permitted on campus without a face covering. Face coverings and face shields are available as needed. A procedure has been defined for families of students with IEPs or 504s who request accommodations. Please contact your child’s principal to begin this process.
- Please note: Most medical experts emphasize the importance of wearing face coverings as a key prevention tool. Request for exemptions to this requirement must be medically-based.
- Face shields may be used by teachers and other staff for specific lessons, programs, or services as per CDH guidelines for pedagogical reasons.
- A cloth face covering, or face shield should be removed for meals, snacks, or outdoor recreation, or when it needs to be replaced. The Centralia Education Foundation is providing a free fanny pack for each child participating in In-Person Instruction to store their masks when it is removed for safe keeping and cleanliness.
- Per the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), in order to comply with this guidance, schools must exclude students from campus if they are not exempt from wearing a face covering under CDPH guidelines and refuse to wear once provided by the school. Distance Learning and C-VALT Alternative educational opportunities are available for students who are excluded from campus. Discipline/intervention steps will be taken for students not wearing a face covering, including providing a mask or face shield and contacting parents.
Handwashing/Sanitizing
- Handwashing/sanitizing is required throughout the day (i.e., upon arrival at school, before and after recess, lunch, PE, and when returning to class from any shared area)
- Each classroom has a sanitizing unit installed in the classroom. Sanitizing units are available in shared spaces. Students may bring their own personal hand sanitizer bottle, if parents prefer.
- Four additional portable sinks have been made available at all school sites to promote handwashing.
- Frequently touched surfaces within the school will be cleaned regularly. Frequently touched surfaces in the school include, but are not limited to: Door handles, Light switches, Sink handles, Bathroom surfaces & Tables.
Classroom Layout
- CESD is transitioning to IPI through the hybrid model (A/B) for our general education classes to permit the spacing out of desks. Student desks have been arranged to be spaced out and facing the same direction, as practicable.
- Physical distancing will be implemented as feasible throughout the day.
- Clear desk barriers (“sneeze guards”) are provided for student desks.
- Student masks and face shields will also be available as needed.
- Students will stay with their cohorts to the extent possible as recommended by CDC and CA Department of Public Health.
- Outdoor Learning will be encouraged with the use of extra tables and shade structures.
- A.C. filters upgraded to MERV quality
Student Materials
- Basic materials and supplies will be provided and will not be shared to the extent possible. Students may bring approved school supplies to school if they choose to, however they must leave them at school.
- Sharing of materials will be limited. If materials are shared, they will be sanitized between uses.
- Chromebooks Plan: Students in grade 4-6 who borrowed a district Chromebook are to bring their device to school in a backpack for in-person learning on their IPI days. Students in other grades do not need to bring a device to school.
- Each child’s belongings will be separated from others and in individually labeled containers, cubbies, or areas.
- Students may bring lunch bags to school each day.
- Only students in grade 4-6 may bring a backpack to school. For all other grades, site principals will monitor this and may relax this rule in the future. For the first week of school, only grades 4-6 may bring a backpack to school.
Student Restrooms
- A limited # of students will be permitted in the restrooms at a single time. Teachers are encouraged to create scheduled breaks.
- Restrooms will be sanitized throughout the day (i.e.: after each recess and lunch breaks), and physical guides and posters will be provided.
- Students will wash or sanitize hands before and after going into bathroom, and wear masks following CDPH’s guidance.
Drinking Fountains
- Students are encouraged to bring their own water bottle to minimize use of water fountains.
- Schools will maintain the rule of “No mouth on spouts” and will follow physical distancing rules for the use of water fountains. Fountains will be cleaned and sanitized regularly throughout the day.
- Water filling stations are being installed in all schools. These are currently available at Centralia, Danbrook and Dysinger. All others should be completed in the month of October.
Meals and Snacks
- Meals will be served outside of classroom, and extra space will be provided for physical distancing during meals and snack times. The district has purchased an additional 20 tables per site to accommodate this need. Students may remove their mask when eating or drinking.
- Students will stay with their cohorts to the extent possible as recommended by CDC and CA Department of Public Health.
- Food offered at school will be pre-packaged or wrapped items, and students will not share food or drinks. A “Grab and Go” Drive-Thru Meal Service is available for students participating in online learning.
- Seating will be marked to help students maintain safe social distancing when utilizing designated meal areas.
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Recess & PE
- Students will wash or sanitize their hands before and after recess/P.E.
- Use of shared playground equipment will be limited in favor of physical activities that require less contact with surfaces. Sharing of materials and equipment will be limited to the extent possible, and if shared, items will be sanitized. Each class will have their own recess & P.E. equipment which will be sanitized by the custodian at the end of the day.
- The use of the playground equipment (swings, slides) will be on a rotational basis and will be limited to a cohort each day.
- Physical activities and games that will be permitted will include, but not limited to: Four Square, Tetherball, Handball, Shooting baskets, Kicking soccer balls and jump rope.
- Recess and P.E. areas will be identified and designated as areas to play in by classes on a rotating schedule to assure that students stay with their cohorts as much as possible.
- When recess ends, students will walk to their classrooms without lining up to limit large crowds.
Visitors
- At this time, visitors are permitted to the office by appointments only. Visitors must respond to a health query for COVID-19 symptoms prior to entering a building.
- Signage has been posted at all main offices regarding the use of face covering, physical distancing, and asking visitors to return another day if they are sick.
Parent Meetings, Assemblies, School Events
- Currently, only virtual options are available.
Safety Drills
- All safety drills will be updated to reflect the CDPH guidelines. Staff and students will receive training and practice utilizing these new guidelines.
Personal Protective Equipment
CESD has procured items that are considered essential equipment to ensure safeguards. This includes Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) which is defined as equipment needed by staff to perform their job safely such as face covering, hand sanitizers, disinfectants, gloves, etc. This also includes adjustments to facilities that respond to the unique needs of the moment.
Our PPE includes: Face Coverings & Face Shields for students and staff; Soap/ Hand Sanitizers; Cleaning/ Disinfecting Supplies; No-Touch Thermometers; Sneeze Guards for student desks; Plexiglass for Office space; Gloves as needed.
Outdoor Learning Equipment (tables & shade); A.C. MERV quality filters
Sick Students
- Students who are sick during the school day will be separated from others in a designated Isolation Room, and parents will be contacted to pick them up. We appreciate parents’ prompt attention. Students with a temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher will receive an additional temperature check using an alternative thermometer. If the temperature is confirmed, parents will be contacted for immediate pick-up. Please do not send children with a fever to school.
What measures should be taken when a student, teacher or staff member has symptoms, is a contact of someone infected, or is diagnosed with COVID-19?
Student or Staff |
Action Needed: NOTE: Any Quarantine/ Isolation directive given by OCHCA or medical provider |
Communication |
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1. |
COVID-19 Symptoms (e.g., fever, cough, loss of taste or smell, difficulty breathing) Symptom Screening: Per CA School Sector Specific Guidelines |
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No action needed for school-wide communication. Communicate to affected student or staff |
2. |
Close contact (†) with a confirmed COVID19 case |
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Consider school community notification of a known contact |
3. |
Confirmed COVID-19 case infection |
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School community notification of a known case |
4. |
Tests negative after symptoms |
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Consider school community notification if prior awareness of testing |
- Staff, students, and families will continue to receive trainings and/or educational materials on the following safety actions including: Enhanced sanitation practices; Physical distancing guidelines and their importance; Use of face coverings; Screening practices and COVID-19 signs and symptoms.
- Trainings and educational materials will be shared with parents and stakeholders in the following ways: Parent Meetings hosted by Principals; Parent Meetings hosted by District; Superintendent’s Forum; Informational documents posted online on our district website; Social Media and PeachJar.
- We encourage parents/guardians to keep their email up-to-date in order to receive the latest information.
- Students will receive trainings and school Positive Behavior and Intervention System (PBIS) tours of the new health and safety protocols via Zoom or videos. All areas of the schoolwide PBIS matrix will be updated to reflect the Site-Specific Plan.
Attentively,
Norma E. Martinez, Superintendent
Centralia Elementary School District
Website: www.cesd.us
Twitter: @CentraliaSup
Facebook@CESD.us
Instagram: @CentraliaSchoolDistrict
September 11, 2020 Message From Superintendent Martinez
WHY ARE WE STARTING IN-PERSON INSTRUCTION?
- PURPLE Tier: “Widespread”
- RED Tier: “Substantial”
- ORANGE Tier: “Moderate”
- YELLOW Tier: “Minimal”
WHEN IS CENTRALIA ANTICIPATING SCHOOL TO BEGIN IN-PERSON INSTRUCTION?
SDC classes- We anticipate that classes SDC classes will begin on September 28
- All students in an SDC class are expected to attend school in person unless they notify their school principal to request an IEP to remain in Distance Learning 2.0 (or already did through the completion of the most recent survey). For SDC students, remaining in Distance Learning 2.0 requires an IEP team decision. Parents may begin to contact their case manager to arrange an IEP meeting for placement in all year SDC.
- For students in our SDC classes who use transportation: Temperature checks will occur prior to boarding the bus. Students must wear a face mask while on the bus. Students who do not have one will be provided one before they board the bus. Students will be seated one student per seat only. It is possible that program start times and end times may be adjusted to permit us to safety transport our students to school in this seating configuration. For now, it is anticipated that the following schools will begin their SDC class at 8:05 am: Dysinger, Buena Terra & Miller, with SDC classes at Centralia, Danbrook, Raymond Temple, San Marino beginning instruction at 8:30 am. Please note that this information is subject to change. Parents in the SDC classes will receive their finalized notification the week of September 21.
- For students in PreK SDC: Because our SDC program is intertwined with our general education PreK program, we anticipate the start date for this program to be October 5. More information will come to our PreK SDC families later.
- Door handles
- Light switches
- Sink handles
- Bathroom surfaces
- Tables
- Water Fountains
August 28 Message from Superintendent Martinez
Good afternoon Centralia Families. Just a quick update to let you know that I am aware that Governor Newsom just released a new monitoring metric regarding the reopening for California, including Orange County schools and businesses.
This new metric replaces the manner in which the county was calculating the data for monitoring the reopening of schools for in-person learning. This is a significant change from past guidance. Please know that staff will be reviewing this newly received guidance in greater detail, in consultation with the Orange County Health Care Agency, to determine the impact on our district. We will follow up with more information as we receive it. Thank you very much.
To view today's statement from Gov. Newsom: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=314282859895165&extid=h088gbkraDHEH48F
Have a safe weekend,
Norma E. Martinez, Superintendent
Website: www.cesd.us
Twitter: @CentraliaSup
Facebook@CESD.us
Instagram: @CentraliaSchoolDistrict
August 26 Message to Our Families
August 26 Message to Our Families
Hello Families, I want to begin by thanking our families for your support during this opening of the school year in distance learning mode. As you can imagine, our entire team of teachers, administrators and support staff have been diligent in planning for and adjusting to the challenges of the day as we embarked on the opening of schools a few days ago. I thank you for your flexibility as our entire county engages in online learning, taxing the technology infrastructure across our entire county. I am super appreciative of our technology team who have been staying on top of each challenge that comes our way. Remember, if you need help with technology issues, please log on to our website, www.cesd.us, and click on the button on the home page that will take you to Distance Learning Tech Support.
- Safety and Health Protocols for in-person learning
- CESD COVID-19 Learning Information and Resources – for distance learning and news
August 10 Message to our Centralia Families
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Below are answers to questions about the start of the 20/21 school year for the Centralia Elementary School District.
Knowing that we are beginning the year in Distance Learning, the District has spent this summer preparing a Distance Learning Handbook for our incredible team of teachers. Last year, we engaged in surveys with teachers and parents to hear from you regarding what worked and what did not work in distance learning. Our Education Services team has engaged our staff and we are prepared to support our students as we begin.
Learning Schedules & Student Attendance
The most difficult part of our district’s ability to prepare a daily learning schedule for our families is the knowledge that every family’s home situation is different. To this end, please know that our staff is committed to be as flexible as we can be, knowing that we must also provide as much structure as possible to provide our students with anchors to instruction, including the use of a schedule.
- Instruction for students begins at 8:30 AM in Distance Learning. This gives our families a little extra time in the morning to get kids ready for virtual school. Attendance will be taken!
- All students have a full day continuum of work available to them, some of it synchronous (zoom interaction between the teacher and the students), either whole group or small group and some of it asynchronous (independent work where students work on instructional packets, watch video instruction and select from our online instructional software programs).
- A weekly schedule will be made available to you by your child’s teacher to help you manage your family’s routine with greater ease.
- Teachers will be providing whole and small group instruction to their students, just as they would in a regular school day.
Communication
- This year, we launched our AERIES online portal for families. In addition, we maintain our Phone Messenger system so you can be informed by your school principal on a weekly basis. Last year, we added PeachJar as a communication tool. Be sure to subscribe! Lastly, thank you for keeping your email up to date so we can stay connected. Our teachers are prepared to maintain open communication through email and via their own platforms for communication.
- Principals will be hosting a regularly scheduled Principal’s Coffee Chat so that you can have direct access to your child’s principal as we get going with our Distance Learning platform.
- As your Superintendent, I too will be hosting a biweekly community Zoom meeting, to keep our parents appraised of our educational program along the way. We will post the schedule online and be sure to email it as well.
Grading
- Teachers will be issuing grades during distance learning time. Each grade level team will work with families to discern work that can be done with support from a parent and work that should be done independently, so that we can gauge students’ learning.
- At this time, it is unknown if CA will modify the annual State test or cancel it, as they did last year. Nonetheless, we remain committed to remaining a district that prepares our scholars academically and have purchased a new software program, iReady, to assist with online student assessments in order to help students.
Continuum of Learning Plan & Teacher Assignments
From past parent surveys, we know that about 80% of our parents have indicated preference their children attend In-Person Instruction. For our remaining 20% of parents, you have shared that you prefer to have your children continue to receive instruction at home, even when we are permitted to return to in person learning. This information is vital to planning class assignments and how the school year will evolve. Below, you will see a very simplified process to our Continuum Models.
Additionally, because the entire district is starting with Distance Learning, we are launching Distance Learning 2.0 (DL 2.0) until we are cleared by county and state health care agencies to transition to in person instruction. To help families finalize their learning options, we are sending home a final commitment form.
- In the Final Commitment Form, you will be selecting from one of three choices. (see below) To help families understand the differences in programs, a video link is provided here: https://bit.ly/3iorL1V
- Because the C-VALT program is so unique, we will be providing an informational video on the C-VALT program, available on our website shortly. Families who commit to C-VALT will begin the year in DL 2.0 and transition to this alternative program after parents make a commitment.
- Families who do not complete the Final Commitment Form will be assumed to select enrollment in the In-Person Instruction model, once we are cleared by county and state health care agencies to transition to In-Person instruction.
- If a parent wants to change models, it will currently be done by trimester. We will do our best to accommodate mid-trimester changes but cannot make guarantees.
CONTINUUM OF LEARNING PLAN |
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The first model in our Continuum of Learning Plan is our In-Person instruction. This program meets the needs of approximately 80% of our families. |
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IN PERSON INSTRUCTION |
For our families who are committed to returning to our brick and mortar schools, we look forward to being able to return to In-Person Instruction in the future. For now, we will begin with Distance Learning. It is important that our families understand the Health and Safety Protocols that we will follow once we reopen schools. Please review CESD’s Safety & Health Protocols document that is posted on our district website. We appreciate your flexibility in knowing that these Safety & Health Protocols will continue to evolve based on the newest guidance and regulations. |
For our remaining 20% of families who selected to remain off campus for the entire school year, it is important for us to know if this is the choice you wish to make, as program selection may impact staffing. Either way, we are ready to support you. We have customized our programs to meet the needs of parents through the following platforms. |
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DISTANCE LEARNING 2.0(DL 2.0) |
The first platform is what we are calling DL 2.0 (Distance Learning 2.0). DL 2.0 is going to be how we start the year for all students, with a structured schedule, grading and a strong instructional program. However, once we return to school DL 2.0 will continue only for those families who select this option. |
C-VALT PROGRAM |
The second platform for those who need to have their children remain off campus for the year is being referred to as the Centralia Virtual Learning Alternative program, C-VALT. This program should be selected by families who are more interested in a program that has the flexibility of a home teaching/independent study program. Please note that this model provides the flexibility of an independent program, however, is not an “Independent Study” program as defined by the state. With this program, families will be assigned a teacher to support them as our students go through an independent curriculum. Families who select this program understand that flexibility in this program requires a commitment from families to engage with the teacher in a different way. |
We expect to have our families be able to log on to the AERIES parent portal to learn of the tentative assignment for each child and their teacher on August 12th. I expect that the first few weeks will have some enrollment adjustments as parents finalize their selection and we can expect to see another enrollment adjustment as we transition from Distance Learning back to the classroom. While these transitions require adjustments, all our teachers are more than ready and more than prepared to meet the needs of our scholars. Thank you for your understanding as we launch the 2020/21 school year!
August 3, 2020 Centralia Elementary School District Update
August 3, 2020 Centralia Elementary School District Update
Dear Centralia School District Families,
As you are aware, we will begin the school year in Distance Learning and transition to In-Person Instruction when it is safe to do so, following appropriate guidance. At Centralia School District, we are committed to delivering the highest quality education we can envision while prioritizing student and staff safety.
CALENDAR
In order to best prepare to offer our robust distance learning program, we have made some changes to the school year calendar, pending board approval at this August 5th Board meeting. The proposed changes are as follows:
- The FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL is August 13, instead of August 12
- Modified day will now be WEDNESDAY not Thursday
- November 30 is no longer a non-student day, it will now be a student day
TECH DEVICE NEEDS
Our priority is to provide devices for those students that currently do not have any technology devices at home. If your TK-6 child NEEDS a Chromebook for Distance Learning, please complete the Tech Device Survey by clicking here. Students who received a Chromebook in spring 2020 are not required to complete this survey; they may keep the device, and the terms and conditions of the Student Device Sign Out Agreement will be extended. Due to the high volume of need in the community, we appreciate the candidness of families who already have a device at home and don’t need one. This will help us get a device in the hands of children with this need.
TECH SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS
If your child is experiencing any technology issues, please submit a Help Ticket for their District-issued device using this email address studenthelp@cesd.us.
ONLINE PARENT PORTAL
The Aeries Parent Portal has been created for parents using the email address provided to the school. Parent Portal is a secure online tool where parents can access information specific to their child. To access your Parent Portal account, please check your email for an message from donotreply@cesd.us if you have not done so already, or click here to log in. If you have any questions, please go to the CESD Parent Portal Help Page or contact your child’s school.
ENROLLMENT & DATA CONFIRMATION
Please complete Data Confirmation through the Parent Portal if you have not already, in order to secure a spot for the 2020-21 school year. The deadline has been extended to ensure that all families complete this process.
CLASSROOM TEACHER ASSIGNMENT FOR 2020-21
Your child’s classroom teacher assignment for 2020-21 school year will be posted on your Aeries Parent Portal account prior to the first day of school, August 13 (pending board approval). For Parent Portal access, please visit the Parent Portal Help Page , and if you have trouble accessing your portal you can email portalhelp@cesd.us or contact your child’s school.
TK SCHOOL & TEACHER ASSIGNMENT
Transitional Kindergarten (TK) students’ school assignments can be viewed via Parent Portal Data Confirmation. TK classroom teacher assignments will be posted on the Aeries Parent Portal account prior to the first day of school on August 13 (pending board approval) as with all other students.
SCHOOL OFFICES OPEN BY APPOINTMENT
The school offices are now open for visitors by appointments. Please call or email your school office manager or principal to schedule an appointment. We ask that visitors to our sites comply with health and safety protocols, including the wearing of a face covering.
FREE & REDUCED MEAL PROGRAMS APPLICATION
The 2020-21 Online Applications are available NOW! Click here to apply. If you need any assistance in completing your application, please contact the Food Services Office at 714-228-3183. It is important that all parents complete a meal application, even if you do not want to participate in the food program. Parent eligibility is a measure often used to fund district programs by state and federal agencies. Thank you for completing this application!
CHILD CARE
The last day of the summer Child Care program was Friday, July 31. This is the usual break in service, as this is the time when Child Care staff prepare and train for the fall. As far as Child Care for fall when learning resumes August 13 (pending board approval), Child Care is currently taking a wait list as we await guidance on how we will be able to open and provide services for our community as we start the year distance learning. Contact Child Care directly if you have any questions at 714-228-3153.
PARENT MEETINGS WITH PRINCIPAL
Centralia Elementary School District is complying with the Governor’s orders to remain in distance learning until local conditions demonstrate a readiness to reopen schools for in-person learning. When the county has met this threshold, we will inform families and begin the transition to in-person instruction. For now, we welcome our families to begin the school year with distance learning on August 13 (pending board approval).
Anticipating questions from families, please look forward to opportunities to engage with your school principal and key staff as we prepare to start the year.
DRIVE-THRU PICK UP PARTIES
The schools will be scheduling Pick Up Parties for textbooks, materials, and Chromebooks as needed. Information and schedules will be sent by the site principals. In order to abide by social distancing guidelines, the materials will be distributed in a drive-thru format.
Please know that our District is committed to ensuring that our program implementation is meaningful and representative of the high caliber of education that is emblematic of the Centralia School District. We are committed to review program outcomes on a monthly basis, to maintain careful attention on the health status of our community and to stay updated on the latest information from our guiding health agencies. This ongoing evaluation will then inform us on the gradual return to “brick and mortar” school learning.
In closing, we want to thank you again for your partnership and support. Be well and stay healthy. I look forward to a successful return to school.
In Service,July 30, 2020 Centralia Elementary School District Update
July 30, 2020 Centralia Elementary School District Update
July 16, 2020 Centralia Elementary School District Update
July 16, 2020 Centralia Elementary School District Update
- In the next week, all CESD families will receive an email asking for Data Confirmation. This is a process that families will use to access our AERIES database to update and confirm that the enrollment information is accurate for your child.
- Anticipating questions from families, please look forward to opportunities to engage with your school principal and key staff as we prepare to start the year.
- Additionally, please remember that we offer live person support at 714-228-3141, Monday-Friday from 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM.
June 18, 2020 - CLICK TO READ
June 18, 2020 Centralia Elementary School District Update
- 43 % indicated wanted their children to return to school.
- 36% of our families indicated that they would prefer to have their children enrolled in distance learning.
- 20% indicated wanting to return in what we called a “hybrid model,” indicating wanting their children in school only part of the week (2-3 days is how it was described).
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Strong communication between school/teacher and family
- Face to face zoom meetings
- Responsiveness of staff
- Consistent schedule
- Making the best of a tough situation
- Flexibility of completing the work
- Some parents did not like distance learning for their children
- Not enough Zooms or too many Zoom meetings
- Difficult for multi-children families to manage the many schedules
- Some parents wanted more packets
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Provide meaningful education and social-emotional benefit to our students
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Ensure the application of health safety protocols, as permissible by current guidance
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Create the least disruption possible to our families
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Include considerations from employee association groups and parent groups
_____
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In-Person Learning: Child receives instruction at school every day. Parents who choose this plan want their children to attend school Monday-Friday, during the regularly scheduled hours. For these families, having their children return to school is greatly important.
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Full Distance Learning: Child receives instruction via online Distance Learning/ Virtual Learning at home only. Parents who choose this plan have decided that they want a plan that keeps their child with our district either through a distance learning model or an independent virtual school model. For these families, keeping their children at home is the primary factor of importance.
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Hybrid/Blended Model: Child attends school 2-3 days or 2-3 partial days for direct in-person instruction on the basic core programs (math, reading, writing) and would complete the remainder of the instruction at home independently. Parents who choose their plan are tentative about their children returning to school 100% and would want to have their children gradually ease into returning, by having students come either in a combination of a certain number of days per school, with the remainder of the days at home. Please note that current state funding plans do not permit this model for the new school year, but it is possible that the state may offer a waiver again.
End of Year Parent Message May 29 2020 - CLICK TO READ
Hello CESD Families,
With the end of the 2019-2020 school year, we want to thank our parents and families for your partnership in having taken on new, unexpected and expanded roles in your child’s learning during these past few months. We appreciate your support and partnership, essential for continued student learning during this unprecedented time. I am also extremely grateful for the innovative and hardworking staff here in the Centralia Elementary School District, who work tirelessly to keep communications strong with our families during these past months of distance learning.
As we hear about the Governor’s Stages for reopening in California, we know that schools are currently slated to open as part of Stage Two. It is my understanding that further guidance on the reopening of schools is forthcoming from the California Department of Public Health in the very near future. We will use this new guidance to inform us about our path to the reopening of schools. Please know that our decision-making is being guided by input from stakeholders and that we are intent in listening to your needs as well as complying with local, state and federal guidance that keeps our students and staff safe as we return. We will be looking at a variety of models that consider current and potential new health orders.
As the landscape before us continues to shift during this pandemic, please know that we continue to adjust and revise our plans with each new information piece. We anticipate a finalization of our plan for reopening in the next few weeks. As always, the health and safety of our students will be the primary driving force behind our decisions.
DISTANCE LEARNING SURVEY
We are receiving valuable information from our families about our distance learning program. At this time, I want to encourage our families who have not completed it to please complete it. We are extending the window for completion and will be closing it on Tuesday, June 2nd, 2020. Please click HERE or go to our District website www.cesd.us.
DISTRICT OFFICE
The District Office will continue to assist parents and the community remotely during the summer (with the exception of holidays). Live in-person support will be available for student enrollment at the District Office by appointment only. Call 714-228-3141 if you would like to schedule an appointment for assistance with student enrollment.
SUMMER CHALLENGE
We invite our students to participate in the optional Study Island Summer Learning Challenge and continue learning with the District’s online programs, through Clever. Please look for details on the District website.
ONLINE PARENT PORTAL
The Aeries Parent Portal has been created for parents using the email address provided to the school. Parent Portal is a secure online tool where parents can access information specific to their child. To access your Parent Portal account, please check your email from donotreply@cesd.us if you have not done so already, or click: https://centralia.asp.aeries.net/student to log in. If you have any questions, please go to the CESD Parent Portal Help Page.
CLASSROOM TEACHER ASSIGNMENT FOR 2020-21
Your child’s classroom teacher assignment for 2020-21 school year will be posted on your Aeries Parent Portal account prior to the first day of school. For Parent Portal access, please visit the Parent Portal Help Page , and if you have trouble accessing your portal you can email portalhelp@cesd.us.
CENTRALIA EDUCATION FOUNDATION FIREWORKS BOOTH
Please support our schools by purchasing your fireworks from the TNT Fireworks booth, located at Walter Knott Education Center, 7300 La Palma Avenue, Buena Park. Sales begin July 1, and we are looking at adding drive up shopping from your car. All proceeds from the sales are used to support student programs at all Centralia schools via the Centralia Education Foundation. Please check our website for more information as we get closer to July 1.
CENSUS
The 2020 Census is happening now. The results of Census counts guides funding for much-needed services and programs in the community including hospitals and schools. Please complete the Census questionnaire and be counted if you have not done so already. You can complete your Census online at my2020census.gov, by phone, or by mail.
THANK YOU!
We want to sincerely thank our parents, teachers, and staff for coming together for our students during this unprecedented time. We look forward to working together to continue the excellent work of Centralia School District.
Have a wonderful summer!
In good health,
Norma E. Martinez, Superintendent
Centralia Elementary School District
Website: www.cesd.us
Twitter: @CentraliaSup
Facebook@CESD.us
Instagram: @CentraliaSchoolDistrict
May 1, 2020 Message to the Community - CLICK TO READ
May 1, 2020
Dear Centralia Families,
At this time, it is necessary to inform our community that Centralia Elementary School District (CESD) schools will remain physically dismissed and open virtually, with continued distance learning for the duration of this school year. We had been hopeful for students to return May 11, 2020. It is evident that this is not the time to end stay-at-home practices for our students. With May 21, 2020 being the scheduled end of school, our energies remain focused on concluding the year with the maximum amount of learning happening in your homes through our distance learning programs. Keep at it and stay engaged! Please know that we are also in the midst of the strategic planning necessary to open the 2020/21 school year, ready to support our students and families in whatever form that may be, with the high standards that you have come to expect from CESD.
I would like to take this time to answer some questions about end of the year procedures for our CESD schools. Please review this document for details about end of year procedures for students.
__________________________
GRADES/REPORT CARDS
In this unprecedented year, virtually all California Schools are closed, and the issue of report cards has been deliberated at all levels. At the high school level, this conversation is critical since grades have implications for graduation credit, grade point average, college admission and so much more.
At the elementary level, our report card system is different. Our grading is used as a feedback tool to assist parents in knowing where their children’s mastery of foundational standards lay. Teachers typically use a grading reporting system that relies on in-person assessments (tests & quizzes), performance tasks, and completion of assignments from directed, teacher-delivered lessons in our award-winning brick and mortar schools.
After listening closely to the feedback from our representative teachers, administrators and in compliance with state guidance, I wish to share that our grading system for Trimester 3 is being modified. Though we will use the same report card as in the past, we will not be updating any standards-based grades on the report card and will instead provide teacher feedback in the comments section to each of our students. This feedback will let our parents know of their student’s level of participation in distance learning. I acknowledge that while the 3’s and 4’s on the report card would be nice to see; the habits of hard work, persistence, dedication and perseverance that have been demonstrated by all is beneficial in the short and long term during this unique time in our history.
Report cards will be emailed to parents through teacher communication channels on May 21, 2020. If you have not received your report card by the end of the day on May 21, please contact your school office.
CHROMEBOOK DEVICE COLLECTION
We presently have more than 2,000 CESD Chromebook devices in use in our community. I appreciate our community’s support in collecting them back so that we can make all necessary updates to them for use at the start of the new school year. They will be collected in the following manner:
Grade 6: Principals will be providing a schedule for Chromebook device collection for all sixth graders. Thank you for helping us to return all devices. You can expect this collection time to be during the week of May 18.
Grades TK-5: Students who borrowed a district Chromebook in these grades will have two options:
Option 1: Families who are ready to return their devices may return them during the week of May 18, as indicated by an upcoming principal notification.
Option 2: We have had feedback from teachers and families requesting extra time with the Chromebooks in order to take advantage of June as extended learning time. I am happy to announce that all TK-5 families who wish to borrow the Chromebooks longer will be able to return them on July 7 & 8, 2020. A brief survey will be sent out to all families, so we can identify who would like to utilize this extended Chromebook time.
SUMMER LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Realizing that many of our students may need to continue learning during the month of June, CESD is pleased to offer the following educational options for our children.
- Extended School Year for Eligible Students in Special Education
Students whose IEPs call for participation in Extended School Year (ESY) will be provided information regarding the distance learning opportunity offered for eligible students during the regularly scheduled time of ESY, June 1 - June 26, 2020. Our office of Special Education will be in contact with these families with registration information.
- Voluntary Summer Learning – The Study Island Learning Challenge
As a way of motivating our students to continue to learn independently, CESD is pleased to offer a summer Study Island Learning Challenge to all students in the district!
Study Island Learning Challenge Dates: June 1 - June 30, 2020
Challenge: We encourage students to continue to practice developing their proficiency level on state standards learned throughout the school year. We encourage our students to make a goal of earning Study Island blue ribbons for the standards in their grade level. This serves as a great review and preparation for the new school year. More information about this program will be provided to our families on the Centralia Distance Learning web page and through your school principals/teachers.
RETRIEVAL OF STUDENT MEDICATION & PERSONAL BELONGINGS
Prior to May 21, your school principal will be providing information about how families can gather their student’s personal medication still stored in school offices and any personal belongings left in the classrooms.
SCHOOL MEALS
I am proud to share that CESD will continue to offer our pick up meal program, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at San Marino School, Danbrook School and the Walter Knott campus from 10 am to 12 noon during May and June. This meal service is open to all children under the age of 18, regardless of district of attendance. We recognize that there is a need for access to food in our community and we are happy to provide this valuable resource.
For more information, please see visit www.cesd.us/summerfood/ for up-to-date details.
6TH GRADE PROMOTION
CESD prides itself in the high-quality education programs for our students and the great promotion send-off that is made available to each 6th grade student in our schools. Regrettably, our tradition of an in-person promotion assembly will not be possible this year. Our school teams are working to conclude our year in a celebratory manner, in which we can say congratulations and farewell to our incredible 6th grade scholars, while complying with current physical distancing safety protocols. More information will be coming to you from your school principal.
2020/2021 SCHOOL YEAR
As you may be aware, Governor Newsom has made comments about considering a possible earlier start to the school year, mentioning late July or early August. While we are already an “early start” district (our first day of school 2020/21 is scheduled for August 12, 2020), CESD intends to continue to work with state and local agencies/health experts to determine the next steps. At this time, our anticipated first day of school has not changed. We will keep you updated about any changes or modifications as time progresses.
__________________________
Any time I am faced with critical decisions, I am reminded of the importance and strength of mindset. We do not always control what happens to us, or the circumstances in which we are thrust; however we are in control of our perspective and our reaction to it. It is as the adage says, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.”
As your Superintendent and as a parent, I assure you that none of us thought that this year would end in this way. Is there something to celebrate in all of this? Absolutely!
I celebrate our families who have been extremely resilient, understanding and supportive during this time. Thank you for letting us be in your home and partnering with us in such an incredible way!
I celebrate our teachers who are working so hard, day in and day out, to create incredible lessons. They are also reaching out to our students so that the loss of learning is minimized and that connections with one another is maximized. I truly believe that the level of support provided by our teachers and staff is unparalleled, and truly reflective of the high quality practices that are a hallmark of CESD.
I celebrate our incredible support and operations staff who continue providing the necessary services to keep education moving forward. From paying the electrical bills to serving meals, making calls, deploying devices, keeping our campuses clean and so much more; our support and operations staff keep our district gears moving!
I celebrate our district and school administrators who are carrying on, transferring guidance into practice and helping to guide and lead. Our principals are amazing!
I celebrate our Board of Education whose leadership and work of advocacy is so valued at this time. We must continue to speak on behalf of the needs of our children now, and always!
And most important, I celebrate our students. Our students are the future leaders of our great nation. As dissonant as this experience is to this generation, I wonder how many of them will be buoyed by it to become scientists, engineers, inventors, medical professionals and leaders who will defend us wisely from future pandemics? To our students, I say to you, in the words of Dr. Seuss, “You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think and loved more than you’ll ever know.” You make us all so proud!
In good health,
Norma E. Martinez, Superintendent
Centralia Elementary School District
Website: www.cesd.us
Twitter: @CentraliaSup
Facebook@CESD.us
Instagram: @CentraliaSchoolDistrict
April 6 Message to the CESD Community from Superintendent Martinez - CLICK TO READ
April 6, 2020
Dear Centralia Staff and Community:
As I write this update, please know that my heart is filled with a longing to return to “normal”, not just for our families but for our students and our staff. This unprecedented time of COVID-19 has proven to be the most significant challenge of our time, impacting each of us in unimaginable ways. By observing social distancing, many are enduring the isolation that comes with these stay-at-home practices, along with the anxiety of dealing with possible job and financial instability, and concerns for personal health or the health of loved ones.
It is with immense gratitude and appreciation that I tip my hat to each of our employees and families who have demonstrated love, courage, care and support for one another through these trying times. The compassion and care shown in our Centralia community give me hope that together, we will overcome this challenge.
This past week, Governor Gavin Newsom and State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Thurmond indicated that schools would probably be closed for the remainder of the school year, as a result of increasing COVID-19 cases in California. In anticipation of such a recommendation, I authorized Centralia schools to dismiss students until May 11, 2020. As of this update, school districts across Orange County are still contemplating whether to announce a school dismissal for the remainder of the year or to make this decision in the coming weeks. While the extended dismissal seems to be inevitable, we are focusing our attention on formally beginning our extended learning time, which we are referring to as our distance learning plan. Understandably, this school dismissal is creating a profound sense of loss for our students, families, teachers, staff, and community; however, part of what we do as educators and parents is prepare our children to develop resiliency, hope, optimism, healthy habits, and determination. That is part of our focus as we move forward with this new way of learning.
As we prepare for this first week of distance learning, we will continue to make every effort to ensure that students have the necessary tools to stay connected with their teachers as we launch this new way of teaching and learning. This past week, our focus was on student access and teacher readiness. We also distributed close to 2000 Chromebook devices to our TK-6th grade students. Our teachers had time to plan and prepare for distance learning. Our teachers and staff began the work of earnestly connecting with our children and testing out the communication tools in use. What that looks like may appear different for each child, grade level, and classroom as teachers continue to work hard to connect with and engage their students in continued learning. Connectivity and having access to a device is critical and we will continue to support our families. For families who are still without connectivity or a device, please contact your child’s principal. We need to have our students be ready to learn online as soon as possible.
Our food services department has resumed the service of providing meals to our community. We have made some modifications to our meal service to comply with recommendations in order to keep our employees and our community as safe as possible during this time of social distancing. Our food services staff will continue to prepare and provide drive through take and go free meals for all children under the age of 18, Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays from 10:00 - 12:00 at Danbrook, Walter Knott and San Marino Schools. Please join me in giving a huge shout-out to our food services staff for their dedicated service.
I thank our staff for your openness to a new way of teaching and I thank our families for your patience as we work together to create meaningful learning opportunities for our students in your homes. But I want to be clear, this is not business as usual. In our schools, our teachers are the lead learner, teaching with mastery and control over their schedule in their classrooms. We recognize that our teachers are about to provide instructional opportunities in your home. With over 4100 students in our district, we are bound to have significant differences in each of our students’ homes and our teachers want to support our families through this process. Please help us to support you by staying in proactive and positive communication with our staff.
My heart goes out to each and every one of you as we all try to find balance in our new reality. Although we are physically apart, we are in this together as Team Centralia. We look forward to continuing to teach, engage and support our students through distance learning. Please take care of each other and stay healthy.
Yours sincerely,
Norma E. Martinez
Superintendent
Centralia Elementary School District
Website: www.cesd.us
Twitter: @CentraliaSup
Facebook@CESD.us
Instagram: @CentraliaSchoolDistrict
March 27 Distance Learning from Educational Services- CLICK TO READ
LETTER TO FAMILIES ABOUT DISTANCE LEARNING
FROM EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
Dear CESD Families,
The CESD staff knows that this temporarily school dismissal has a tremendous impact on our students and steps will need to be implemented to support the continuity of learning for our students.
You may be asking, “How does this school dismissal affect my child’s learning?” For most of our grade levels, by this time of year, most of the essential standards have been taught and we are preparing for the administration of the SBAC state testing. You are aware that SBAC state testing has been waived this year, making this preparation unnecessary. For our primary grades, this time is valuable in that we see our children’s developing independence and academic growth.
Though school has been dismissed for your child, we want to continue to support our students’ review and learning through an extended learning opportunity, something that we will refer to as distance learning. The State of California defines distance learning as anytime a student and teacher are not in the same location during the learning period. Distance learning can take on many forms, including the use of paper packets, online instruction, television and other external resources (CDE, 2020).
We are well aware that the high quality instructional program that our families have come to expect from CESD is one that takes place in our classrooms, with a dynamic teacher at the helm, support staff as needed, and energetic interactions between our students and staff. This is what makes our district a highly competitive and innovative learning system. Like you, we look forward to the days when we can return to our “brick and mortar” schools, our routines and our dynamic instruction. Our efforts to engage in this extended, distance learning mode is to help prevent the loss of learning and to help our young scholars stay engaged and motivated during this challenging time.
For our students in Special Education, we recognize the importance of providing instructional opportunities that address their unique needs. Please know that our special education staff is exploring options to connect with our students and families during this school dismissal time. We will do what we can to provide supports to our students during this closure, to the degree that we can, with the limitations that we have. Please look for further information from your child’s case manager.
We sincerely appreciate your patience, understanding, and continued support for all of our students as we navigate this change.
As we prepare for a full transition, please be reminded that families can access learning using the following online resources during the week of March 30-April 3.
- Use this OCDE resource to engage your child/children in learning during the transition to Distance Learning.
- Use our regular CESD online resources available HERE.
Distance Learning Rollout
We are very proud and grateful for our staff who have taken on the tremendous task of transitioning to distance learning within a very short timeframe in order to continue to educate and support our students. Please view the details in timeline below.
Timeline
CESD will work with staff and families to focus its energies in this way:
March 30-April 1: Ensure that all homes are prepared for distance learning. During this time, our priority will be to ensure that all homes have access to a device and internet connectivity. (see below for access to a technology tool survey).
April 2- April 3: CESD will roll out a soft implementation of Distance Learning. Teachers will be connecting with their class through Zoom in small group and whole group delivery. Be sure that your email is up to date on our database. Your child’s teacher will be in contact with you on the details of their daily schedule, how to log on, and how to access resources. If you do not yet have an email account, we recommend that you get one to facilitate conversation between the parent and home.
April 6 - May 8: Students will engage in Distance Learning. We again thank you for your patience as our plan evolves according to the needs of our students and adjustments are made to help families in the transition. Our teachers will be providing their students a weekly schedule of the distance learning opportunities, including face to face zoom meetings.
The purpose of Distance Learning is to provide continuity of learning to all of our students, Preschool-6th grade. Teachers and administrators have been working hard developing lessons and using Distance Learning platforms. Teachers will now be able to communicate, teach, connect and provide feedback to students online. For families who may have difficulties accessing Distance Learning online, alternative plans will be available.
TIPS to assist your child in a successful experience during Distance Learning Instruction, please be sure to do the following:
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- Ways to take care of your Chromebook
- Keep it on a flat surface
- Be sure not to pile things on top of your Chromebook
- Keep the keyboard clear
- Keep food and drinks away from your device
- Make sure your hands are clean before using your Chromebook
- Close the Chromebook if you need to move it
- Don’t carry your Chromebook by the screen
- Keep it charged
- Tell your teacher if it breaks
- Stay on teacher-approved websites
- Ways to take care of your Chromebook
- Ensure your child has their device ready and is logged in daily. We want our classes to begin with a morning meeting between the teacher and the class. Look for that message from your child’s teacher.
- You may assist your child in logging on and support them by allowing students to do the work independently. Students should be able to independently extend their learning with the direction of the teacher.
- If you and your child need support in joining a Zoom meeting with your child’s teacher, please click on this link: Zoom Tutorial
- If your child needs support in logging onto Clever (to access online programs such as ST Math, Accelerated Reader, etc.), please click on this link: Clever
Device Access
Our priority is to provide devices for those students that currently do not have any technology devices at home. For students that do not have a device or internet access to participate in Distance Learning, you will be able to check out a device and obtain information to gain internet access. To gather information on your child’s access to a device, CESD is requesting your participation in a tech survey. To access the tech survey, please click HERE. Please take this survey by Friday, March 27, 2020 so we can take an accurate inventory and prepare the devices for distribution. Again, due to the high volume of need in the community, we appreciate the candidness of families who already have a device at home and don’t need one. This will help us get a device in the hands of children with this need.
CESD staff will be disseminating devices at your child’s school on Tuesday, March 31-Wednesday, April 01, 2020. If you filled out the tech survey, you will receive an email by Monday, March 30 with details on your pick-up date and time, including instructions on how to pick up the device from school. In order to abide by social distancing guidelines, the device checkouts will be a drive-thru format. You will drive your car into the main parking lot and a staff member will check out a device to you and provide you with information on how to obtain internet access. You will need to bring your child’s Student ID # to check out the device. Please read the Chromebook Device Loan form by clicking the links below prior to arriving to pick up a device.
ENGLISH- Student Device
SPANISH – Student Device
KOREAN – Student Device
Tech Support for Students
If your child is experiencing any technology issues, please submit a Help Ticket for their District-issued device using this email address studenthelp@cesd.us. This email address will be operational as of April 1st and will also be posted on the District and school websites.
Special Education
Our Special Education and Related Service personnel will be supporting distance learning for students who are on Individual Education Plans (IEPs), as feasible within a distance learning model, starting the week of April 6, 2020. For students with IEPs, special education case managers will communicate with students (as appropriate), parents and guardians the plans for providing instructional support consistent with distance learning. Special education and related service areas will be addressed through planned activities, consultation, and digital support as feasible. This will look different for each grade level and for each student. Please contact your child’s special education teacher or school site administrator with questions as they arise. You can expect to hear from your child’s teachers and related service providers the week of March 30-April 4, 2020.
March 20 Message to the CESD Community from Superintendent Martinez - CLICK TO READ
March 20, 2020
Dear Centralia Families,
As you are aware, the Centralia School District held a special meeting on Friday, March 13, 2020 to address our efforts to help “flatten the curve” regarding the spread of COVID-19. In that meeting, our Board of Education declared a State of Emergency and stated that schools would be closed to students from March 16-20, 2020. The week of March 23-27 was already part of our regularly scheduled spring break, with all schools and the District office normally closed during this week. With March 30 quickly approaching, our district had to take into consideration our present status, both as a district and community to determine when to reopen schools.
Please be assured that our District team has been monitoring the rapidly evolving guidance coming from federal, state and local agencies including the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the White House, the State of California Governor’s office, the State Superintendent’s Office, the California Health Care Agency, the Orange County Department of Education and the Orange County Health Care Agency (OCHCA). We remain in close communication with all Orange County superintendents, and together we are discussing how to best address this health crisis for the communities we serve.
Since the emergency Board of Education meeting, held on March 13, 2020, much has changed:
- We continue to monitor the OCHCA website for the latest number of COVID-19 cases in the county. We know that this number is increasing, and all news sources indicate that the current availability of COVID-19 testing will impact the case count.
- California Governor Gavin Newsom has held several press conferences this week. On Tuesday 3/17/2020, he advised parents and students not to expect schools to be back in session in the next few weeks, and possibly not reopen until after the summer break (ABC7, 3/17/2020 California Gov. Gavin Newsom warns parents to be prepared for schools not to open until after summer break). On the morning of 3/19/20, he stated that he anticipated “at least 25.5 million people in California will be infected over an eight-week period” (LA Times, 3/20/2020 Gov. Newsom orders all Californians to stay home as coronavirus cases top 1,000), and on the evening of 3/19/20, he announced a statewide “stay at home order” for all of California, with exceptions to many essential businesses (Executive order N-33-20).
- We are listening to our District staff and local parent community and we know that part of the stress for you is the ambivalence of knowing how long to plan and prepare.
Acting on the information that we currently have and in order to protect the health of our students, staff and community, the Centralia Board of Education has granted me the authority to dismiss students from school from March 30, 2020 to May 8, 2020, with an expected return to school date of May 11, 2020.
If the COVID-19 outbreak situation stabilizes sooner, we are prepared to retract the May 11, 2020 date and welcome back our students and staff to our brick and mortar schools. If Governor Newsom or another official agency extends our dismissal beyond this time, we will review those recommendations, take appropriate action and keep you informed.
The Board of Education and I are fully aware of the challenge this places on our students, staff and families. Please know that the decision has made thoughtfully and with great intent. By sharing this extended dismissal date of May 11, our District staff can engage in thoughtful long-term planning to adjust to distance learning and families can create stronger at-home contingencies to support their children at home, emotionally, physically and educationally. Safety for all is the main driver.
I am aware that many of our families have children in the Anaheim Union High School District (AUHSD) and that they have issued a different school dismissal date. I support their decision, as every District in California is making unique decisions considering the timeline of dismissal based on their community needs.
I know that you will have many questions. My next update will share the upcoming plans to transition to distance learning, including making sure that all students have access to a device from home and internet connectivity. We will communicate information on how we can continue to serve you in a virtual school/District office world.
I want to share with our families how incredibly blessed with are to have such dedicated staff in our District. Everyone is impacted by this dismissal. Everyone is jumping on board to learn, to collaborate and to think critically and creatively. Our District-wide commitment and success to adjust to this temporary reality rests on us all. I can assure you that our staff is being diligent and thoughtful.
I appreciate your patience, trust and understanding as we all navigate the issues surrounding this health crisis and its impact on our everyday life. Stay healthy, stay positive and know that we are looking forward to a return to school.
Please continue to monitor our website www.cesd.us, stay connected with our School Messenger calls and emails, and our social media platforms. Thank you again.
Yours sincerely,
Norma E. Martinez
Superintendent
Centralia Elementary School District
Website: www.cesd.us
Twitter: @CentraliaSup
Facebook@CESD.us
Instagram: @CentraliaSchoolDistrict
March 13 Message to the CESD Community from Superintendent Martinez - CLICK TO READ
CENTRALIA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT CLOSES SCHOOLS FOR ONE WEEK
(MARCH 16 - 20, 2020) AND WILL REMAIN CLOSED DURING
THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED SPRING BREAK (MARCH 23 -27, 2020)
March 13, 2020
Dear Centralia School District Families,
The health and safety of our students and staff is our highest importance. With that in mind, an emergency meeting of the Board of Education was convened this afternoon, March 13, 2020. The Board provided direction authorizing me to take all appropriate action to respond to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Out of an abundance of caution, in an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19, and with guidance from local, state, and federal public health experts, students will be dismissed from school beginning Monday, March 16 through Friday, March 20. In addition, schools will remain closed during the regularly scheduled spring break, scheduled for March 23 - 27. To date, there are NO confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Centralia Elementary School District or any other districts in Orange County. We will be providing additional communication should it become necessary to extend student dismissal beyond spring break. This is not an easy decision and not one that was taken lightly. The closing of any school has real consequences beyond the loss of instructional time.
Federal, state, and local health agencies advise that students should stay home and minimize social contact as much as possible to keep caregivers and adult family members safe. While children have not been shown to be at high-risk for serious illness from COVID-19, these steps are critically important in supporting public health as children can transmit the virus to those most vulnerable.
Our District is taking the following steps to provide support to our families:
INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT
Centralia Elementary School District is in the process of providing options to our students to continue learning while school is closed.
- Teachers will continue preparation for a move to Distance Learning.
- Families can use this OCDE resource to engage your child/children in learning during the transition.
- Families can use our regular CESD technology resources available HERE
ACCESS TO MEALS
The district will be providing school meals so that students have access to breakfast and lunch during the week that school is closed, March 16 -19. Meals will be provided at the following locations to all children present under the age of 18, rain or shine:
- Walter Knott Education Center
7300 La Palma Avenue, Buena Park
Breakfast 8:00-8:30 AM, Lunch 12:00-12:30 PM
- Danbrook Elementary School - GRAB AND GO
320 Danbrook Street, Anaheim
Breakfast 8:00-8:30 AM, Lunch 11:00-12:30 PM
- San Marino School - GRAB AND GO
6215 San Rolando Way, Buena Park
Breakfast 8:00-8:30 AM, Lunch 11:00-12:30 PM
CHILD CARE OPTIONS
At this time, childcare options are being made available to our families currently enrolled in our before and after school childcare programs. A separate message is going out to our child care and Club CASA families regarding their options.
NEIGHBORHOOD RESOURCE CENTER (NRC)
The NRC will remain open from Monday, March 16-20. The NRC continues to provide information of importance such as local food banks, community supports, etc.
- Neighborhood Resource Center
320 Danbrook Street, Anaheim
714-228-3235, Hours of Service: 8:00-4:00 PM
SCHOOL OFFICES
While school offices will be closed to the public for walk-in services, they will be open for phone and email service from 8:00AM to 3:45PM. Please access our website for the school office phone numbers.
We will continue to send updates to families through School Messenger on any developments that may impact student attendance at school. This information will also be posted under News and Announcements on the district website, www.cesd.us.
On behalf of the Board of Education and our entire district staff, I thank each of you for your patience and trust as we all work together through this unprecedented public health crisis.
Sincerely,
Norma E. MartinezSuperintendent
March 12 Message to the CESD Community from Superintendent Martinez - CLICK TO READ
MESSAGE TO THE CENTRALIA COMMUNITY FROM SUPERINTENDENT NORMA E. MARTINEZ
March 12, 2020
Dear Families:
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) has created alarm among many parents, and it is important that parents are aware of the present situation for COVID-19 in our community. The intent of this letter is to provide parents with general information about COVID-19, and specific information about our ongoing efforts to address this health topic, with guidance from the California Department of Health. Centralia Elementary School District (CESD) has been working closely with our local agencies and out of an abundance of caution has implemented the following protocols to ensure the safety of our students, staff and community members.
Social Gatherings
In an effort to slow the spread of the COVID-19, the state’s public health experts are asking that, for the month of March, all social gatherings be cancelled or postponed if they exceed 250 people. In CESD, this guidance will be in effect until April 3rd or until further guidance is received. This guidance does not apply to activities such as attendance at regular school classes, work, or essential services.
- CESD schools will remain open unless we are directed by the OC Health Care Agency (OCHCA) to close. We will continue to follow the guidelines provided by the official agencies.
- All scheduled Open House events are cancelled for the time being.
- All non-essential schoolwide assemblies and events in excess of 250 people are cancelled. Schools may hold grade level assemblies in the MPR or outdoors, but assemblies will not include spectators/family members. Grade level assemblies will be limited to students only.
- All field trips are cancelled until April 3rd. Schools may work to reschedule these, if the vendor agency permits.
- We have reviewed all school events during this time and will be cancelling or postponing any event that normally has a parent audience.
Student Attendance
Local and state public health officials have informed Orange County school districts that it is appropriate for schools to remain open and maintain as normal a schedule as possible. Only absences due to illness or a specific quarantine directed from OCHCA will be excused. Families engaged in self-quarantine due to travel are asked to contact the school office. Absences resulting from a reluctance to send children to school due to fear will be marked unexcused. According to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), the health risk to the general public in California from COVID-19 remains low, but our schools are taking common sense precautions to prevent the spread of all infectious diseases.
Hand Shaking/No-Touch Greetings
CESD is following the Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidance to discourage the use of handshakes during this time. An instructional video is being distributed to our schools to teach students non-physical ways to greet one another, and we ask that anyone who comes to the district office or schools also engage in any of the four following alternatives to hand shaking:
- The Nod
- The Bow
- The Wave
- American Sign Language “Hello” greeting
- Teachers have provided direct instruction on hand washing and personal hygiene, with class posters and instructional videos available to them.
- Staff is encouraged to keep their own personal space clean.
- Students are permitted to bring liquid hand sanitizer for personal use, if used appropriately and is not a distraction from learning.
- Staying home if you are ill.
- Covering your coughs and sneezes with a sleeve or tissue, disposing of the tissue immediately in the trash.
- Bring a personal hand sanitizer bottle with you and use as needed.
- Be mindful of what you are touching.
- Engage in the no-touch greetings (see above).
- Is your contact information with the school up to date? We may need to contact you to pick up your child within a short window of time.
- If you are working, have you updated the list of those who can pick up your child from school in case you are unable to leave work?
- If school is asked to close, the closure can last anywhere from one day to several weeks (as we have seen in news reports). Are you developing a child supervision schedule with trusted adults in your community?
- Are you taking steps to sanitize your home?
- These times may be scary for your child. Reassure him/her that all efforts being taken are to support their health. https://www.apa.org/ The American Psychological Association offers resources for you.
- Take advantage of online resources, like the CDC, to finalize your Family Preparedness Plan for COVID 19. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/home/index.html
February 28 Message to the CESD Community from Superintendent Martinez - CLICK TO READ
Distance Learning Letter to Families