Dear Torrance Unified School District Families,
Thank you for your response to our initial Return to School survey. Over 11,000 parents responded, with 76% of families indicating that they wish to have their students return to school. We firmly believe that students learn better when physically at school with their teachers and are working hard to ensure that in-school learning can resume, while maintaining the health and safety of our students, teachers and staff. However, we recognize that a number of families may not be comfortable physically having their students return to school on Wednesday, August 26, 2020.
At our Monday, June 15, 2020 Board of Education meeting, potential plans for a return to school in August were shared based on recommendations from the Reopening Task Force.
We are asking families to choose between either a Blended Learning option or a Distance Learning (only) option for the next school year.
Option 1 - Blended Learning
In order to follow social distancing guidelines, we will need to create classroom space for fewer students to be in school at a time. Until we are able to return to full-day, five day a week, in-person instruction we will use a Blended Learning model. Students would attend school for part of the week and learn from home part of the week.
The following will be in place for TK-12 students who choose the Blended Learning option:
● Students assigned to a teacher(s) as in the past
● Classes will be divided into 2 cohorts - A or B (families with multiple children will be assigned to the same cohort)
● Students will use Google Classroom or eTUSD when learning from home
● Classroom seating will allow for social distancing
Option 2 - Distance Learning (only)
Students who choose not to physically return to school would learn from home five days a week. Our credentialed TUSD teachers have been working diligently to further develop our Distance Learning curriculum. While there is no replacement for in-school learning, we will ensure students receive a world-class education while at home in the coming year.
Distance Learning (only) will include:
● TK-5 and 6-12 Virtual Schools - Not a pre-packaged curriculum! All classes are being created using the TUSD curriculum and supplemental instructional materials and taught by TUSD teachers.
● Parents will have the opportunity to participate in weekly sessions from District Lead Teachers to further assist with at-home learning for the TK-5 program.
We want nothing more than to have ALL our students back at their schools with their teachers and friends. However, until that becomes possible, the return to school will need to be a shared responsibility. Students, parents, teachers, staff, and our entire community will need to commit to supporting one another. For additional information please see the attached K-12 School Option Infographic and Frequently Asked Questions.
As we continue the process of planning for the upcoming school year, we would like additional input from our families. This second survey will allow you to provide information and preferences for your child(ren). Please respond to the survey questions by Thursday June 25, 2020 to assist us with our planning.
Parent Survey #2
There are still two months until the first day of school and much can change in that time. We continue to monitor the Los Angeles Department of Public Health and Los Angeles County Office of Education for updated guidance and will share any new information as it becomes available.
K-12 School Options Inforgraphic
Spanish Translation of Parent Letter
Spanish Translation of K-12 School Options Infographic and FAQs