As the Los Alamitos Unified School District began to tweak its online learning system and students somehow adjusted to getting lessons online, they also learned that the “closure period” will now last longer, at least until April 17.
“In light of Governor Gavin Newsom’s order for all state residents to stay home until further notice, along with consultation from orange county district leaders and public health care agencies, we have decided to extend the closure of our schools through at least April 17,” said Dr. Andrew Pulver, Superintendent of the Los Al system in a note to the community.Pulver initially “dismissed” classes for two weeks, yet the board had given him authority to make the decision to extend the closure as necessary to protect the system and its students.
In his letter to parents and students, Pulver said “we will reevaluate this decision as events dictate and as we receive further guidance from public health officials.”
According to Pulver, the Learning Connection, the Los Al Unified instructional program is up and running, “offering our students high-quality enrichment opportunities during the closure period.”
He said teachers are using Google Classroom to provide lessons and resources for students, providing a link to a wide variety of free at-home educational programming from public television and other online sources.
“I think it’s important for all of us to appreciate that Learning Connection is a work in progress,” said Pulver, noting that “in the space of a few days, our amazing teachers and staff planned, created and successfully launched something that normally would have taken a year to deploy and train all involved.”
Pulver said they have “begun fine-tuning the platform, seeking the best ways to engage our students.”
In addition, the superintendent said that because of “high demand and state guidance,” the system would continue the “Grab-n-Go” meal distribution during the school closure period from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. each school day at Los Alamitos, Weaver and McGaugh elementary schools.
Service at Los Alamitos High School is being moved and consolidated to Los Alamitos Elementary location. Additionally, he said, beginning this week, the system would be including a breakfast meal (along with lunch) that can be served at home the following morning.
The Superintendent ended his message with a “bright note,” which included a brief glimpse at a YouTube video highlighting the trials and tribulations of teachers getting connected online with their students.
