Superintendent Ostash Welcomes You to the 2020-21 School Year:
I’m looking forward to a year when we get to start school without a pressing emergency - last year we were in the midst of managing the damages associated with the July 4 and 5 magnitude 6.4 and 7.1 earthquakes. And, now, we are navigating a global pandemic that has impacted every facet of American life, not least of which, the operation of our public schools.
Starting in July, we have worked very hard to implement a planned, high quality Distance Learning (DL) program for students. Among many resources, one of the most exciting additions to this year’s rollout is the implementation of Canvas, a learning management system (LMS), that enhances the learning experience for all.
While there is great opportunity to leverage in this new and temporary DL environment, I want you to know that we realize there is some loss that many of us will experience as a result of virtual-only interaction. What we offer on campus, during “normal” times, is a kaleidoscope of academic, social, mental, physical, and inter-personal services. We must work diligently to innovate our approach so that we can ensure continuity of all of these services as much as humanly possible. We will build a strong community through virtual learning to best accommodate our students, and your family.
There is nothing ordinary about this year. But we are investing extraordinary resources and energy into our DL program so that students are engaged and feel connected to the learning process. We are all looking forward to our return to the classroom - but in the meantime we will push forward in a virtual learning environment with a focus on maintaining strong connections with students, teachers, families, and community!