September 2020

Mark Your Calendars

• September 7: Labor Day (No School)

• September 8: PTC Meeting, 7:00 PM (join on Zoom)

• September 15: Back-to-School Night, 6:00 - 8:00 PM (more information will be sent separately)

• September 16: School Site Council/ELAC Meeting, 3:00 PM (join on Zoom)

Parent/Guardian Protocols During Distance Learning

As we move into a new full distance learning model this year, it’s important for our parents/guardians and their families to understand and respect the legal aspects pertaining to students, teachers, and staff.

Student Confidentiality

• All students have the right to confidentiality, which extends to distance learning.

  • Exception: By law, staff members are mandated reporters and required to report suspected child abuse, as well as safety concerns related to danger of self and to others.

• To the extent possible, all students should remain in a confidential setting while viewing in-classroom teaching.

• Per Education Code 51512, it is illegal to record teachers and/or students. This is a violation of student and staff privacy.

• In-classroom teaching is for the personal use of the student for the sole purpose of distance learning.

• Parents/guardians and family members of early elementary students may support students as they learn how to use online platforms to access learning.

• We ask that parents/guardians who need to communicate with their student’s teacher schedule a meeting with the teacher so that the live instructional time can proceed without interruptions. All teachers have identified office hours to support students and families.

Academic Integrity

• FUSD places a high value on academic integrity and honesty. Students are expected to use only the resources and references allowed by their teachers in completing assignments and assessments.

• While collaborative work with other students is often encouraged and acceptable, students must follow teacher directions when told to work independently.

• Students who cheat on assignments or assessments will be penalized.

Student Dress Code and Behavior

• Students should keep to the dress code as they would in a physical classroom, and avoid inappropriate clothes during a live session.

• The District has the right to monitor behavior, identify bullying, and set expectations for good behavior while using these platforms.

• The District may use audio or video recordings when investigating possible inappropriate behavior.

Visiting the School Site

Our school sites are closed to the public but there may be instances when the site administrator will contact you or students to come to the site. In order to follow health and safety guidelines provided by the Alameda County Public Health Department (ACPHD) and California Department of Public Health (CDPH), we ask that all visitors:

• Maintain a social distance of six feet with anyone around you. In addition, we will only allow a maximum of two visitors at a time in all school offices.

• Wear face coverings at all times. Those without a face covering will not be allowed on any school property.

• Limit their movement on campus to the school office only. Visitors, including parents/guardians, are not allowed to enter the school grounds or classrooms.

• Adhere to the drop off/pick up schedules for packets and assignments as determined and communicated by each school site.

Best Practices for Students and Staff during Distance Learning

• With an eye towards these privacy issues, we have put together the following shortlist of best practices when using distance learning platforms:

  • Avoid uploading sensitive, confidential, or personally identifiable information to these platforms whenever possible.

  • Always access these platforms from the same device (e.g., designate one computer for distance learning; do not use multiple computers or devices).

  • Regularly clear your internet history, including your browsing history, cache, and cookies.

  • Do not share your login credentials or meeting links with anyone.

  • Use an advertisement blocking program while accessing these platforms.

Reporting Student Absences

Please remember to report your child’s absence before 9:00 AM if they are unable to attend school. Email kstrack@fusdk12.net to report absence. Give your child’s name, grade, teacher’s name, date(s), and reason for absence. Your child’s education is our top priority. However, when a student is sick, bed rest at home is usually advised. If your child has a fever, he/she must be fever free for 24 hours before returning to school.

From the District Office - Posting of Emergency Information

Information regarding Emergency situations around FUSD such as lockdowns will be posted on the District website at https://fusd-ca.schoolloop.com/. Information will also be posted on the District Facebook page at Fremont USD and Twitter page at @USDFremont. Individual schools will also contact families via their respective communication systems as soon as it is safe to do so.

Eight Great Character Traits

Throughout the year, we will be reinforcing the importance of developing and showing good character at school, home, and in the community. During the month of September, we will focus on the character trait, "CARING and COMPASSION." Students will learn to take care of people, possessions, and the environment while showing kindness, appreciation, empathy, and compassion. Our school wide goal is to help students develop empathy and a willingness to consider the feelings and well-being of others.

A message to reinforce at home... Pay it forward. Caring is contagious.