Distance Learning

Starting August 12th, all GUSD students will start the 2020-2021 school year in distance-learning. In GUSD's distance learning model, students and teachers will participate in daily live lessons. Distance learning will be conducted on a set schedule. Students will log-on to class meetings every day for a specific period of time, and will participate in a virtual classroom that includes classmates and teachers from their school sites

Computers and Internet Connections: Every student who does not have an available computer at home will be provided with a Chromebook by the District and families without an internet connection will receive a hotspot connection. Parents and students will attend a short training on the use of the Chromebook on the same day of pick-up.

Attendance in Class Meetings: Students will be expected to log-on to class meetings every day for a designated period of time, and will participate in a virtual classroom. Students are be expected to attend online class just like when they are attending school in person; daily attendance in distance learning will be required and teachers will take attendance each day and/or period.

Teacher Office Hours/Small Group Chats: Teachers will also be sharing opportunities for your child to join in small group video chats, online discussions, and/or office hours Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday between 1:20-2:30 p.m.

Distance Learning Professional Time: The Distance Learning Professional Designated Time is every Wednesday from 1:10-1:50 p.m. During the Distance Learning Professional Time, students are expected to work on independent or group assignments.

Communication with Teachers: Students unable to attend at the assigned times must communicate with the teacher.

Assignments/Lessons: New work and assignments will be posted by 8:30 a.m. by classroom teachers.

Students Behavioral Expectations: Students are expected to maintain the standards of appropriate behavior as if school were in regular session. Any concerns with student behaviors will be handled appropriately as it would be if students were present at school.

Child Care for Essential Workers: The Morgan Hill Unified School District is the designated South County provider for essential workers that need child care. If you are an essential worker and are interested in this program, please visit: https://www.mhusd.org/essential-workers-childcare.

The Santa Clara County Office of Education is offering additional information for essential worker childcare. For more information, please visit: https://www.covidchildcarescc.org/child-care-application

Meal Distribution: The Gilroy Unified School District will continue to provide breakfast and lunch for students during the school week (Monday-Friday). Parents or caregivers will be able to pick-up meals. The District is currently determining distribution sites and scheduling to best fit families’ schedules. Applications for free or reduced meals are being accepted now. For more information and to apply, visit: https://www.gilroyunified.org/parentstudent-resources/child-nutrition

Mental Health Services for GUSD Students: GUSD acutely aware of the impact of the COVID19 pandemic has had for some of our students. The Gilroy Unified School District is committed to supporting the social-emotional well-being of our school communities. Mental health agencies in South County will be providing much needed support for our students. SVMS Counselors will provide academic, social emotional, and college/career development. We will continue to put effort towards removing barriers that interfere with student success and continue providing interventions. If someone in your family is struggling, please encourage them to reach out for help. GUSD has a list of resources available here: https://bit.ly/GUSDMentalHealthResources. Support is free of charge and is confidential.

Questions: Send your questions about anything GUSD-related to questions@gilroyunified.org or

call (669) 205-5590 and our staff will reply within 48 hours.