Re-Visioning 2020-2021 FAQ
View responses to Frequently Asked Questions for Parents
*Please note, this is a living document. As information and related conditions concerning COVID-19 are continually changing, our team will be making updates daily so please continue to check back often.
100% Distance Learning Model
What is the date of the first day for the 2020-2021 school year?
The first day of instruction for students is Thursday, August 13, 2020. (Students attending CSArts High School Grades 9-12 will begin on August 12, 2020)
What Learning Model will the school year start with?
At the Special Meeting held on Thursday, July 16, 2020, the Board of Education unanimously decided to start the 2020-2021 school year on August 13, 2020, utilizing 100% distance learning. This difficult decision was informed by many points of data including the recommendation of our Re-Visioning Steering Committee and Taskforce and public health information that shows an alarming rise in the COVID-19 curve. Please read the full message from Superintendent Amerson here.
During Distance Learning, how do I contact my child's school if I need assistance?
Because our district and school offices remain closed due to COVID-19, if you have questions, please contact our schools by using the email addresses or phone numbers listed below:
DUARTE PRESCHOOL-CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER
Sofia Valdez, Coordinator: svaldez@duarteusd.org (626) 599-5124
Annabelle Lopez, Office Manager: Alopez@duarteusd.org (626) 599-5123
LaVena Martinez, Clerk Accountant: lmartinez@duarteusd.org (626) 599-5129
Website: DuartePreSchool.org
ANDRES DUARTE ARTS ACADEMY
Scott Moses, Principal: smoses@duarteusd.org (626) 599-5101
Cindy Duffin: Office Manager: cduffin@duarteusd.org (626) 599-5102
Technology Support: ADtechsupport@duarteusd.org
Website: AndresDuarteAcademy.org
BEARDSLEE DUAL LANGUAGE ACADEMY
Jennifer Romero, Principal: jromero@duarteusd.org (626) 599-5201 phone
Letty Tapia, Office Manager: ltapia@duarteusd.org (626) 599-5201
Technology Support: BDtechsupport@duarteusd.org
Website: BeardsleeAcademy.org
MAXWELL ACADEMY AN IB WORLD SCHOOL
Dr. Kelly Lawson, Principal: klawson@duarteusd.org (626) 599-5301
Office Manager, Alexandra Sanchez: Asanchez@duarteusd.org (626) 599-5302
Technology Support: MXtechsupport@duarteusd.org
Website: MaxwellAcademy.org
ROYAL OAKS STEAM ACADEMY
Dr. Esther Tamanaha, Principal: etamanaha@duarteusd.org (626) 599-5401
Erin Fish, Assistant Principal: efish@duarteusd.org (626) 599-5410
Technology Support: ROtechsupport@duarteusd.org
Website: RoyalOaksAcademy.org
VALLEY VIEW ACADEMY OF TECHNOLOGY & CREATIVE LEARNING
Margaret Rasmussen, Principal: mrasmussen@duarteusd.org (626) 599-5501
Office Manager, Luz Sanchez: lsanchez@duarteusd.org (626) 599-5502
Technology Support: VVtechsupport@duarteusd.org
Website: ValleyViewAcademy.org
MOUNT OLIVE INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY HIGH SCHOOL
Kevin Morris, Principal: kmorris@duarteusd.org (626) 599-5901
Ana Urias, Office Manager: aurias@duarteusd.org (626) 599-5902
Technology Support: MITtechsupport@duarteusd.org
Website: MountOliveInnovation.org
DUARTE HIGH SCHOOL
Luis Haro, Principal: lharo@duarteusd.org (626) 599-5701
Russel Earnest, Associate Principal: rearnest@duarteusd.org (626) 599-5712
Nina Thompson, Office Manager: nthompson@duarteusd.org (626) 599-5702
High School Counselors:
Renee Houlemard; rhoulemard@duarteusd.org or (626)-599-5716
Peter Castillon; pcastillon@daurteusd.org or (626)-599-5715
Norman Anderson; nanderson@duarteusd.org or (626)-599-5722
Technology Support: DHStechsupport@duarteusd.org
Website: www.duarteusd.org/dhs
During Distance Learning, how do I contact a District Office or Department Staff Member?
We apologize for the inconvenience, but to curb the spread of COVID-19 in compliance with public health orders, our district and school offices remain closed to the public. If you need to reach a member of our team, refer to the contact information below. For general information requests, please email communications@duarteusd.org or call (626) 599-5019.
Contacting Teachers, Principals and School Staff
Our teachers, principals, and school staff are committed to supporting your child’s learning. They will be available during school hours to respond to student and parent questions. Teachers will provide parents and students with their contact information and the times and methods for communicating with them. The best way to contact all other district and school staff members during Distance Learning is through email, but voice messages will be monitored. Click on the links below for our staff, school, and principal email and phone directories.
Principals and Support Staff Directory
Contacting District Department Staff
Business Services:
The Business Services Department will continue to process payroll, accounts payable, and develop budgets. Leave message via phone (626) 599-5025 or email to greyes@duarteusd.org.
Educational Services:
The Educational Services Department will continue to support distance learning and student academic needs. Leave message via phone (626) 599-5011 or email to nHillman@duarteusd.org.
Facilities Services:
The Facilities Department will continue to provide deep cleaning of school and district sites as needed and complete essential work orders. Leave a message via phone (626) 599-5053 or (626) 599-5040 or email to sarteaga@duarteusd.org.
Food Services:
The Food Services Department will continue to offer breakfast and lunch meals served curbside in accordance with the National School Lunch Program Monday-Friday from 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m at Andres Duarte Arts Academy, Maxwell Academy, and Royal Oaks STEAM Academy. Leave a message via phone (626) 599-5022 or email bvolz@duarteusd.org.
Health Services:
The Health Services Department will continue to monitor COVID-19 developments and provide routine health services. Leave message via phone (626) 599-5222 or email to ldowd@duarteusd.org.
Personnel Services:
The Personnel Services Department will continue to provide all human resources services, but only post job opportunities online and accept online applications. Employees can leave messages via phone (626) 599-5001 or email to rcrosby@duarteusd.org.
Student Services:
The Student Services Department will continue providing enrollment, permit, and student support services through online submissions. Leave a message via phone to (626) 599-5009 or email to idtpermit@duarteusd.org.
Special Education Services:
The Special Education Department will continue to support students and families. Leave message via phone (626) 599-5006 or email to jruiz@duarteusd.org.
Contacting Technology Services and Support
Parents and students needing technical assistance and/or account login information will be asked to email their school's technology team.
Andres Duarte Arts Academy: ADtechsupport@duarteusd.org
Beardslee Academy: BDtechsupport@duarteusd.org
Maxwell Academy: MXtechsupport@duarteusd.org
Royal Oaks STEAM Academy: ROtechsupport@duarteusd.org
Valley View Academy: VVtechsupport@duarteusd.org
M.I.T. High School: MITtechsupport@duarteusd.org
Duarte High School: DHStechsupport@duarteusd.org
DUSD Social Media Directory
We have also put together a DUSD social media directory of all the official sites operated by our district, schools, and staff for your convenience that can be viewed here.
Contacting Trusted Public Health Sources
We are working closely with our public authorities and health agencies to keep our community updated on all related developments. Find messages and resources on our dedicated COVID-19 webpage. Other trusted public health sources for information are listed below.
LA County Department of Education
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
California Department of Public Health
Would the 100% Distance Learning Model be applied to the Dual Immersion program?
Yes, students enrolled in Dual Language Immersion classes at Beardslee Academy will receive the full program via 100% Distance Learning.
How will Early College work?
Students enrolled in Early College will still take their assigned courses online through Citrus College during Distance Learning. Classes begin the week of August 17, 2020. If you have questions, please contact Mr. Anderson via email to nanderson@duarteusd.org.
What will the online schedule be like? How much time will be devoted to online lectures and classroom discussions (and will the lectures be video recordings or live)?
The schedules developed for 100% Distance Learning for Grades TK-12 can be viewed on our district website by clicking on the link below:
https://www.duarteusd.org/Page/6438
As denoted, the schedule for live interaction during each designated period for instruction and the methodology will be provided to students and parents by the teacher.
Will there be online sessions dedicated to socializing with the class in addition to sessions dedicated to instruction or will there be socialization built into the online sessions
We understand how important social-emotional health and socialization for students in a virtual environment will be. All of our schools will provide opportunities to encourage school-connectedness and socialization with their peers.
Will the children who need extra help get a separate one-one time with the teacher?
Additional support for students in need will be provided.
My children are participating in summer school with DUSD that is academically rigorous, will schools have the same standards or level of teaching during the regular school year?
The 100% Distance Learning model utilized for the upcoming year will be robust and rigorous. Many valuable lessons were learned from our successful summer school program that will be incorporated into the regular school year. The tentative Memorandum of Understanding reached with our teachers' union, the Duarte Unified Educators Association (DUEA), outlines the parameters of the distance learning model that can be viewed at the link below:
I was wondering what was happening with the Kindergartners that are starting this year! My 5 year old will be in Kindergarten and I am curious how she will learn this year.
Our teachers will be providing our parents the details of the program for each grade level. This year, our Back to School events for parents with children in Grades TK-5 will be held on August 13, 2020 beginning at 5:15 p.m. Also, school sites will be hosting virtual orientations for our KInder families. The dates and times will be shared by each school.
I want to know more about the difference between the Distance Learning and Blended Learning Models for my Third Grade child. Do we do both, is one better than the other, or is it good to do both?
We would like nothing more than to welcome back all of our students and staff to our campuses, but only when it is safe to do so. We will continue to work toward the ultimate goal of delivering full time in-person instruction at our schools, and will monitor and evaluate public health conditions to keep you informed as to when in-person learning is possible. Until that time, we will utilize a spectrum of models designed specifically to provide the flexibility needed to pivot back and forth between them as health and safety conditions permit. The models we will employ throughout the 2020-2021 school year will continue to be developed in collaboration with our labor partners, but a general description for each is provided below:
DUSD 100% Distance Learning Model:
We will begin the year with this model starting on August 13, 2020. Rest assured, the DUSD 100% Distance Learning Model will be substantially different from the remote learning used at the end of last school year. This new model will offer our students a robust online learning experience with technology access for all that will have a strengthened emphasis on teacher-student engagement with daily live interactions with teachers and peers for the purpose of instruction, school connectedness, and social-emotional support as well as progress monitoring, accountability measures including grades and attendance, and parent education components. View the highlights of the tentative Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) reached with our teachers' union, Duarte Unified Educators Association (DUEA), at the link below:
https://www.duarteusd.org/Page/6439
DUSD Blended Model:
When safety conditions allow for in-person instruction, the DUSD Blended Model will cohort students into smaller groups to minimize the number of students and staff on campus at any one time to offer in-person instruction at school a certain number of days each week coupled with distance learning the rest of the time. Key elements of this model include consistent scheduling for in-person instruction across the district, prioritizing siblings to be placed in the same cohort, providing for more frequent in-person learning for students needing specialized services, accountability measures including grades and attendance, and ensuring the appropriate time, space, and resources needed to implement all public health and safety guidelines.
Will all classes be taught at least four days a week live with teacher and student interaction?
Yes, during 100% Distance Learning daily live instruction will be provided. The schedules can be viewed at the link below. Please note, the specific time live interaction will take place during the designated periods of instruction will be provided directly to students and parents by their teachers.
What subjects will be covered daily/weekly?
Your child will receive their class assignment or course schedule prior to the first day of school at registration. All of our regular subjects and course offerings will be offered to students and adapted as needed for the Distance Learning format.
I have a middle school aged child, how will they select their courses?
Each school will offer a system to guide students through the course selection process.
Will students still be assigned to a "school site?"
Students will remain at their school of attendance unless an intradistrict permit was approved.
How often are the Google Meets going to happen? Will they be longer than 30 minutes?
During 100% Distance Learning, daily live instruction will be provided. The schedules can be viewed at the link below. Please note, the specific time allotted for live interaction during the designated periods of instruction and methodology will be provided directly to students and parents by their teachers.
Parent Education, Training Opportunities, Resources, and Support
Can you provide a time frame for students to contact their teacher if they need extra help? Will online tutoring be available?
Each teacher will share with parents the supports that will be available for extra help and the way to request this help.
What if I need help using Aeries and Google Classroom?
Please click on the links below to view the written guides that contain helpful information and instructions to navigate our Distance Learning platforms.
How to Create a New Aeries Account
Haga clic en los enlaces a continuación para ver las guías escritas que contienen información útil e instrucciones para navegar por nuestras plataformas de aprendizaje a distancia. Desplácese hacia abajo para ver videos instructivos de la información presentada en las guías escritas.
Click the link below to view instructional videos of the information presented in the written guides.
https://www.duarteusd.org/Page/6430 (English)
https://www.duarteusd.org/Page/6432 (Spanish)
Will there be a "training" session for children and also for the parents who need it regarding Distance Learning?
All of our schools will provide virtual orientations regarding Distance Learning and online opportunities to assist our parents and students to learn the digital tools and platforms that will be used this school year. Please check with you child's school for dates and times.
Will there be an opportunity to meet our child's teacher online prior to the first day of school?
All of our schools will provide virtual orientations and Back to School events for our students and parents to meet their teachers. Please check with you child's school for dates and times.
My son does not do well in distance learning classes. How can the school help me? What are the resources available to help my son do well?
Each teacher will share with parents the supports that will be available for extra help and the way to request this help.
What options will be available for parents for childcare?
Our childcare partners are committed to finding solutions for parents who need support.
What support will there be for families that are essential workers? We can not homeschool our kids without quitting our jobs and then would be financially devastated. What happens to the kids in families like ours?
Our childcare partners are committed to finding solutions for parents who need support.
Are resources available for those parents who have to go to work?
Our childcare partners are committed to finding solutions for parents who need support.
Social Emotional Learning , Counseling, Support, and Resources
What counseling or mental health resources are available for my child?
The district offers a wide array of counseling and mental health resources for our families. Please find a listing on our website at the link below:
What social, emotional and educational help and resources will be available during Distance Learning to help parents support our children?
The district offers a wide array of counseling and mental health resources for our families. Please find a listing on our website at the link below:
How can I support my child?
Our district and schools will provide parent education opportunities and resources to support our families during Distance Learning.
Safety Conditions
If cases of COVID-19 do not decrease below the levels they were at when schools closed in March, will all schools be online all year? What are the conditions that will define "safe to return to in-person" learning?
Duarte Unified School District will start this school year using a robust and rigorous 100% Distance Learning Model for all students with the goal being to transition to in-person instruction when it is safe for students, staff, and families to return to our campuses. Because conditions related to COVID-19 are continually changing, we do not have a fixed timeline for the safe reopening of our school buildings right now.
Although our Board of Education had the foresight to open the school year with a rigorous 100% Distance Learning Model, Governor Newsom issued a new order the following day on July 17, that requires all public and private schools who had not already taken this action to remain physically closed in counties on the state’s monitoring list due to spiking COVID-19 cases. This includes all schools within Los Angeles County. Schools cannot re-open until their county has come off the state’s monitoring list for 14 consecutive days. Please learn more about Governor Newsom's directive and the updated California Department of Public Health Guidelines here. The Los Angeles Department of Public Health and Los Angeles County Office of Education will be updating their guidelines as well to align with this new order.
I hope Distance Learning will continue through Winter Break. The roller coaster of not knowing from day to day should stop for at least Fall Semester. What will be the timeline?
Duarte Unified School District will start this school year using a robust and rigorous 100% Distance Learning Model for all students with the goal being to transition to in-person instruction when it is safe for students, staff, and families to return to our campuses. Because conditions related to COVID-19 are continually changing, we do not have a fixed timeline for the safe reopening of our school buildings right now.
Although our Board of Education had the foresight to open the school year with a rigorous 100% Distance Learning Model, Governor Newsom issued a new order the following day on July 17, that requires all public and private schools who had not already taken this action to remain physically closed in counties on the state’s monitoring list due to spiking COVID-19 cases. This includes all schools within Los Angeles County. Schools cannot re-open until their county has come off the state’s monitoring list for 14 consecutive days. Please learn more about Governor Newsom's directive and the updated California Department of Public Health Guidelines here. The Los Angeles Department of Public Health and Los Angeles County Office of Education will be updating their guidelines as well to align with this new order.
Technology
Will my child use a school-issued computer or our own? If the former, how and when will we check that out?
DUSD has issued a computer or device to every student in Grades PK-12. If you are a new student, a student in Grades 6 or 9, or your current district-issued computer is not working properly, you will be provided with a new one. Each school will host a Digital Device check-out time for families to pick-up a computer if needed. Wifi hot spots will also be available and checked out to families in need. Please check with your child's school for more information.
My child will be starting First Grade, my question is will the district be providing a laptop or do I need to use my own? If the school gives us one, when do we pick it up?
DUSD has issued a computer to every student in Grades PK-12. If you are a new student, a student in grades 6 or 9, or your current district-issued computer is not working properly, you will be provided with a new one. Each school will host a Digital Device check-out time for families to pick-up a computer if needed. Wifi hot spots will also be available and checked out to families in need.
If August 13, is the first day of instruction, are there any upgrades that need to be done to laptops? Different Apps or programs?
Each school will be hosting a Device Distribution Day prior to which a technology needs survey will be sent to all DUSD families. This survey will ask whether your device is in need of replacement if you have been experiencing issues.
For those of us who are new to the district, when and how will we be given login information?
All of our schools will provide this information to our students prior to the first day of instruction either during registration or virtual orientation events. If you do not receive your login information, please contact your child's school directly.
How will tech support be provided?
Each site has a tech support email that can be used to communicate issues. The email addresses are listed below. Check with your school site for further information.
ADtechsupport@duarteusd.org
BDtechsupport@duarteusd.org
MXtechsupport@duarteusd.org
ROtechsupport@duarteusd.org
VVtechsupport@duarteusd.org
DHStechsupport@duarteusd.org
MITtechsupport@duarteusd.org
What if I need help using Aeries and Google Classroom?
Please click on the links below to view the written guides that contain helpful information and instructions to navigate our Distance Learning platforms.
How to Create a New Aeries Account
Haga clic en los enlaces a continuación para ver las guías escritas que contienen información útil e instrucciones para navegar por nuestras plataformas de aprendizaje a distancia. Desplácese hacia abajo para ver videos instructivos de la información presentada en las guías escritas.
Click the link below to view instructional videos of the information presented in the written guides.
https://www.duarteusd.org/Page/6430 (English)
https://www.duarteusd.org/Page/6432 (Spanish)
What Apps does the school use for assignments?
The Google Suite will be the main platform that teachers use. Google Classroom, Google Meet, and Aeries Communications will be the primary forms of assignments and communication. Students will use Clever Single Sign On to access all applications. Training will be provided.
Student Attendance
Must my child participate in school work everyday?
Yes, daily participation will be required and teachers will take daily attendance.
Is there a specific time at which my child must login during the day for attendance purposes?
Yes, during 100% Distance Learning, students will be required to check-in for attendance purposes daily. Your child's teacher will be providing them with this information.
School Uniforms/Supplies
Is my child required to wear a uniform this year?
No, uniforms for students in Grades TK- 5 and TK-6 at Valley View will not be required this year.
What equipment and supplies will my child need? Will we get a supply list?
If supplies are needed, this information will be provided to our families by your child's school or teacher.
Communication
During Distance Learning, how do I contact my child's school if I need assistance?
Because our district and school offices remain closed due to COVID-19, if you have questions, please contact our schools by using the email addresses or phone numbers listed below:
DUARTE PRESCHOOL-CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER
Sofia Valdez, Coordinator: svaldez@duarteusd.org (626) 599-5124
Annabelle Lopez, Office Manager: Alopez@duarteusd.org (626) 599-5123
LaVena Martinez, Clerk Accountant: lmartinez@duarteusd.org (626) 599-5129
Website: DuartePreSchool.org
ANDRES DUARTE ARTS ACADEMY
Scott Moses, Principal: smoses@duarteusd.org (626) 599-5101
Cindy Duffin: Office Manager: cduffin@duarteusd.org (626) 599-5102
Technology Support: ADtechsupport@duarteusd.org
Website: AndresDuarteAcademy.org
BEARDSLEE DUAL LANGUAGE ACADEMY
Jennifer Romero, Principal: jromero@duarteusd.org (626) 599-5201 phone
Letty Tapia, Office Manager: ltapia@duarteusd.org (626) 599-5201
Technology Support: BDtechsupport@duarteusd.org
Website: BeardsleeAcademy.org
MAXWELL ACADEMY AN IB WORLD SCHOOL
Dr. Kelly Lawson, Principal: klawson@duarteusd.org (626) 599-5301
Office Manager, Alexandra Sanchez: Asanchez@duarteusd.org (626) 599-5302
Technology Support: MXtechsupport@duarteusd.org
Website: MaxwellAcademy.org
ROYAL OAKS STEAM ACADEMY
Dr. Esther Tamanaha, Principal: etamanaha@duarteusd.org (626) 599-5401
Erin Fish, Assistant Principal: efish@duarteusd.org (626) 599-5410
Technology Support: ROtechsupport@duarteusd.org
Website: RoyalOaksAcademy.org
VALLEY VIEW ACADEMY OF TECHNOLOGY & CREATIVE LEARNING
Margaret Rasmussen, Principal: mrasmussen@duarteusd.org (626) 599-5501
Office Manager, Luz Sanchez: lsanchez@duarteusd.org (626) 599-5502
Technology Support: VVtechsupport@duarteusd.org
Website: ValleyViewAcademy.org
MOUNT OLIVE INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY HIGH SCHOOL
Kevin Morris, Principal: kmorris@duarteusd.org (626) 599-5901
Ana Urias, Office Manager: aurias@duarteusd.org (626) 599-5902
Technology Support: MITtechsupport@duarteusd.org
Website: MountOliveInnovation.org
DUARTE HIGH SCHOOL
Luis Haro, Principal: lharo@duarteusd.org (626) 599-5701
Russel Earnest, Associate Principal: rearnest@duarteusd.org (626) 599-5712
Nina Thompson, Office Manager: nthompson@duarteusd.org (626) 599-5702
High School Counselors:
Renee Houlemard; rhoulemard@duarteusd.org or (626)-599-5716
Peter Castillon; pcastillon@daurteusd.org or (626)-599-5715
Norman Anderson; nanderson@duarteusd.org or (626)-599-5722
Technology Support: DHStechsupport@duarteusd.org
Website: www.duarteusd.org/dhs
During Distance Learning, how do I contact a District Office or Department Staff Member?
We apologize for the inconvenience, but to curb the spread of COVID-19 in compliance with public health orders, our district and school offices remain closed to the public. If you need to reach a member of our team, refer to the contact information below. For general information requests, please email communications@duarteusd.org or call (626) 599-5019.
Contacting Teachers, Principals and School Staff
Our teachers, principals, and school staff are committed to supporting your child’s learning. They will be available during school hours to respond to student and parent questions. Teachers will provide parents and students with their contact information and the times and methods for communicating with them. The best way to contact all other district and school staff members during Distance Learning is through email, but voice messages will be monitored. Click on the links below for our staff, school, and principal email and phone directories.
Principals and Support Staff Directory
Contacting District Department Staff
Business Services:
The Business Services Department will continue to process payroll, accounts payable, and develop budgets. Leave message via phone (626) 599-5025 or email to greyes@duarteusd.org.
Educational Services:
The Educational Services Department will continue to support distance learning and student academic needs. Leave message via phone (626) 599-5011 or email to nHillman@duarteusd.org.
Facilities Services:
The Facilities Department will continue to provide deep cleaning of school and district sites as needed and complete essential work orders. Leave a message via phone (626) 599-5053 or (626) 599-5040 or email to sarteaga@duarteusd.org.
Food Services:
The Food Services Department will continue to offer breakfast and lunch meals served curbside in accordance with the National School Lunch Program Monday-Friday from 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m at Andres Duarte Arts Academy, Maxwell Academy, and Royal Oaks STEAM Academy. Leave a message via phone (626) 599-5022 or email bvolz@duarteusd.org.
Health Services:
The Health Services Department will continue to monitor COVID-19 developments and provide routine health services. Leave message via phone (626) 599-5222 or email to ldowd@duarteusd.org.
Personnel Services:
The Personnel Services Department will continue to provide all human resources services, but only post job opportunities online and accept online applications. Employees can leave messages via phone (626) 599-5001 or email to rcrosby@duarteusd.org.
Student Services:
The Student Services Department will continue providing enrollment, permit, and student support services through online submissions. Leave a message via phone to (626) 599-5009 or email to idtpermit@duarteusd.org.
Special Education Services:
The Special Education Department will continue to support students and families. Leave message via phone (626) 599-5006 or email to jruiz@duarteusd.org.
Contacting Technology Services and Support
Parents and students needing technical assistance and/or account login information will be asked to email their school's technology team.
Andres Duarte Arts Academy: ADtechsupport@duarteusd.org
Beardslee Academy: BDtechsupport@duarteusd.org
Maxwell Academy: MXtechsupport@duarteusd.org
Royal Oaks STEAM Academy: ROtechsupport@duarteusd.org
Valley View Academy: VVtechsupport@duarteusd.org
M.I.T. High School: MITtechsupport@duarteusd.org
Duarte High School: DHStechsupport@duarteusd.org
DUSD Social Media Directory
We have also put together a DUSD social media directory of all the official sites operated by our district, schools, and staff for your convenience that can be viewed here.
Contacting Trusted Public Health Sources
We are working closely with our public authorities and health agencies to keep our community updated on all related developments. Find messages and resources on our dedicated COVID-19 webpage. Other trusted public health sources for information are listed below.
LA County Department of Education
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
California Department of Public Health
How will I contact my child's teacher or teachers with questions/concerns/compliments?
Teachers will provide parents and students with their contact information.
What communication tools will the district, schools and teachers utilize to interact with students and parents?
Our district developed communication priorities and protocols during the Re-Visioning Communications Taskforce and established the importance of streamlining communications platforms and providing 2-way engagement between parent/teacher and student/teacher. For these reasons, we have transitioned to the Aeries Communications platform district-wide. This will replace the current Blackboard system to offer teachers the ability to call, email, and text parents and students directly and for parents and students to respond to these communications. Staff will receive training during Professional Development Days prior to school starting and parents/students will receive instructions from their teachers how to navigate the system. It is a user friendly platform that we hope our learning community will find helpful.
What is Clever Single Sign-In?
Our district developed communication priorities and protocols during the Re-Visioning Communications Taskforce and established the importance of providing our students one sign-in for all of the digital tools and platforms that will be used during Distance Learning. Clever Sign-In is the system our district has adopted to serve this function.
When are we going to get further instructions regarding the First Day of School? Things like teacher's name, and way to communicate with them. Communication with a teacher should not feel that is a burden or a reason to feel embarrassed because of lack of knowledge, whether it's technology based or the material that is being given on that day. Communication with the teacher should be encouraged.
All of our schools will be providing this information to our parents and students prior to the first day of school. Please contact your child's school for specific dates and times.
Special Needs
How will IEPs and 504s be handled?
As needed, IEP teams will address any new accommodations/modifications identified. For more information, please contact our Special Education Department at jruiz@duarteusd.org or (626) 599-5006.
Will IEP Meetings be scheduled prior to August 13, so parents and students can be assured they are making correct class and subject choices?
If your child has a 504 or IEP, your child's case provider will be in contact with you to schedule an IEP as needed. For more information, please contact our Special Education Department at jruiz@duarteusd.org or (626) 599-5006.
What are the plans for helping my child meet social skills IEP goals when they can't socialize with other kids?
As needed, IEP teams will address any new accommodations/modifications identified. For more information, please contact our Special Education Department at jruiz@duarteusd.org or (626) 599-5006.
What options for individualized learning will be available to my child including software that individualizes instruction based on a child's level?
As needed, IEP teams will address any new accommodations/modifications identified. For more information, please contact our Special Education Department at jruiz@duarteusd.org or (626) 599-5006.
Arts Instruction and Electives
Will there be any arts or other elective type instruction?
Yes, and our teachers will be employing creative ways to deliver arts instruction and elective courses in a virtual environment.
Physical Education, Sports, and Extra-Curricular Activities
What will happen with sports and other extra-curricular activities?
As of July 20, the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) has determined, in collaboration with their 10 Sections, that education-based athletics for the 2020-2021 school year will begin with a modified season of sport schedule. Following this announcement, each CIF Section Office will release their own calendar to reflect regular season starting and ending dates and Section playoffs. It is anticipated that most Section start dates will commence in December 2020 or January 2021. Find more information on the CIF website. The Middle Grades competitive ports league that DUSD participates in will not resume this school year.
Until safe to do so, extra-curricular activities requiring group congregation will not be permitted which includes field trips, assemblies, etc.
Will there be P.E.? How will this be delivered?
Yes, P.E. instruction will be provided during Distance Learning. Our teachers are developing creative methods to deliver the physical education standards in a virtual environment.
Virtual Academy Program
Where do we get the information for the DUSD Virtual Academy Program?
A Virtual Academy Program - Interest Survey was issued to all families on July 28, 2020, that explains the key components of this optional program. This information can also be viewed on our website here.
The Virtual Academy Program option shows it is only for K-12. Do we not have the same option for TK? My son will be in TK this coming year and I would like him to have this option.
Yes, the Virtual Academy Program has been adjusted to include placement of students in TK. See further information about the program on our website here.
Can the Virtual Academy Program option be possible for parents to choose at a later date? I would not want my child precluded from that option because I didn't choose it in August.
Yes. The Virtual Academy Program would not commence until it is safe for our district to transition to in-person instruction. Right now, we are simply gauging the level of interest so that we can plan for the right number of teachers, staff, and materials.
Will there be a difference in instruction between the Virtual Academy Program and 100% Distance Learning instruction? Can parents opt to transfer a student from one to the other mid-year? Are the teachers the same?
There is a difference between 100% Distance Learning and the Virtual Academy Program. All students attending DUSD will begin the year will 100% Distance Learning taught by the teachers regularly assigned to the school where the students are currently enrolled with the goal being to transition to in-person instruction when it is safe for students, staff, and families to return to our campuses. Once able to return to our school buildings, if safety conditions were to require, a transition back to 100% Distance Learning could be reemployed. 100% Distance Learning will offer our students a robust online learning experience with technology access for all that will have a strengthened emphasis on teacher-student engagement with daily live interactions with teachers and peers for the purpose of instruction, school connectedness, and social-emotional support as well as progress monitoring, accountability measures including grades and attendance, and parent education components.
We do understand that some parents/guardians may not want their children to return for in-person instruction when the district makes this transition and would prefer for their children to participate in full-time remote learning for the entire 2020-2021 school year. The DUSD Virtual Academy Program is being developed to meet this need. This option will provide the core curriculum and would commence at the time when students transition to in-person instruction. Once placed on the Virtual Academy Program, a commitment to complete the year in the program would be required.
DUSD’s Virtual Academy Program would be focused on the core TK-12 Grade curriculum aligned to the Common Core Standards. Classes would be delivered through the Acellus platform that uses video-based lessons with digital instruction and assessment. An assigned DUSD teacher would oversee student progress and provide live interaction to support the learning.
How will the Virtual Academy Program be different from the DUSD 100% Distance Learning Model?
There is a difference between 100% Distance Learning and the Virtual Academy Program. All students attending DUSD will begin the year will 100% Distance Learning taught by the teachers regularly assigned to the school where the students are currently enrolled with the goal being to transition to in-person instruction when it is safe for students, staff, and families to return to our campuses. Once able to return to our school buildings, if safety conditions were to require, a transition back to 100% Distance Learning could be reemployed. 100% Distance Learning will offer our students a robust online learning experience with technology access for all that will have a strengthened emphasis on teacher-student engagement with daily live interactions with teachers and peers for the purpose of instruction, school connectedness, and social-emotional support as well as progress monitoring, accountability measures including grades and attendance, and parent education components.
We do understand that some parents/guardians may not want their children to return for in-person instruction when the district makes this transition and would prefer for their children to participate in full-time remote learning for the entire 2020-2021 school year. The DUSD Virtual Academy Program is being developed to meet this need. This option will provide the core curriculum and would commence at the time when students transition to in-person instruction. Once placed on the Virtual Academy Program, a commitment to complete the year in the program would be required.
DUSD’s Virtual Academy Program would be focused on the core TK-12 Grade curriculum aligned to the Common Core Standards. Classes would be delivered through the Acellus platform that uses video-based lessons with digital instruction and assessment. An assigned DUSD teacher would oversee student progress and provide live interaction to support the learning.
With the Virtual Academy Program, if not enough students sign up, etc. , are the teachers guaranteed a position elsewhere in the district? If the teachers are not the same, how were they selected for these positions?
Food Services
How will students be served meals during Distance Learning?
Starting Thursday, August 13, 2020, Duarte Unified will offer curbside meal distribution of a combined breakfast and lunch offering daily. Please note, since the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has revoked the ability of all school districts to offer a free meal program, we are now required to resume service under the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). These regulations base free and reduced pricing for meals on an application approval process.
Families will be notified in the mail by the Duarte Unified Food Service Department of your status if you have been automatically approved for free or reduced-price meals.
If you do not receive this letter, then an application must be filled out either by submitting an online or paper form. To do so, please follow the directions below:
Online Free & Reduced Meal Applications: Online applications will be available at www.schoolcafe.com starting on Monday, August 3, 2020.
Paper Free & Reduced Meal Applications: Forms will be available at each food distribution location to be turned in curbside during meal distribution hours.
Please allow for up to 10 days for applications to be processed. The last day for the 30-day carryover of your meal status from last year’s application will be 9/25/2020. After 9/25/2020, if an application has not been received, your status will automatically change from Free or Reduced to Paid status. Any charges made to the account after 9/25/2020 will be the sole responsibility of the parents.
Meals will be charged to meal accounts based on your approved meal status (Free, Reduced, or Paid) and applied to your child’s meal account.
All parents who choose can create an account online at www.schoolcafe.com and payments can be made online with a credit card. Cash or Checks to be deposited will still be available curbside at our dropbox for student meal accounts. There will be no cash back at the dropbox. If you do wish to write a check, please make it payable to “Duarte USD Food Service”.
If you have any questions about creating an online account, please call the Duarte Unified Food Service Office at 626-599-5022 or 626-599-5023 or you may call the school café helpline at 855-Pay – 2EAT or 855-729-2328.
Meals will be distributed every day Monday – Friday from 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. except for major holidays. You will be notified in advance as to days of closure for curbside meal distribution.
The distribution locations are:
Andres Duarte Arts Academy (1433 Crestfield Drive, Duarte, CA 91010)
Maxwell Academy - IB World School (733 Euclid Avenue, Duarte, CA 91010)
Royal Oaks STEAM Academy (2499 Royal Oaks Drive, Bradbury, CA 91008)
Parents can go to any of these three locations to pick up meals for their children regardless of where they actually attend school within DUSD including CSArts-SGV.
Meal Prices for the 2020-2021 school year will be as follows:
Breakfast for Students:
Free - $0.00
Reduced - $0.00
Paid - Elementary/Middle - $1.50
Paid - Duarte High School, CSArts High School & MIT High School - $1.75
Lunch for Students:
Free - $0.00
Reduced - $0.00
Paid - Elementary/Middle - $2.50
Paid - Duarte High School, CSArts-SGV High School & MIT High School - $3.00
Family members of DUSD or CSArts-SGV students who would also like to enjoy our delicious food can purchase meals to be paid in cash at the time of sale for $6.00. All meals, depending on the item given, will need to be heated up at home to 165 degrees before eating.
In order to help facilitate and speed up the distribution process, we are including a meal distribution card for you to bring with you each time you pick-up your meals so that we can get your food to you as quickly and safely as possible curbside. This card can be downloaded in English and Spanish. Please have it filled out before coming curbside for meal distribution.
Any questions regarding the above information can be directed to the Duarte Unified Food Service Department at 626-599-5022 or 626-599-5023.
Homeschool and Independent Study
What is Homeschool and how can my child participate?
Students who are in homeschooling are not enrolled in their district of residence; therefore, the district and CDE do not provide guidance on how to home school. Homeschooling requires the parent/guardian to open their own private home-based school and file the Private School Affidavit (PSA) with the California Department of Education (CDE). Parents who file the private school affidavit to educate privately or "home school" their children must select and provide all curricular, instructional, and other materials. For more information, please contact our Student Services Department at nothman@duarteusd.org or (626) 599-5010.
What is Independent Study and how can my child participate?
Independent Studies (Is) is an alternative educational program that follows the district-adopted curriculum, and work is governed by a written master agreement signed by the student, teacher, parent, and other relevant adults. Students enrolled in IS usually do not attend classes but are guided by a teacher. Contact our Student Services for more information at nothman@duarteusd.org or (626) 599-5010.