Return-to-School Planning (2020-21)
To our families, The district will be working and receiving input from skateholders, administration of schools, community groups, the Return-to-School Planning Committee, and the School Board to ensure we reopen our schools the earliest and safest as possible.
We have officially begun this process, and would like to thank the community for its support during these difficult and unprecedented times.
During our reopening process, we will be requesting community input around different topics, such as health and hygiene, instruction, technology, etc. If our schools would reopen this fall, it is very likely that students and staff would have to socially distance in order to prevent COVID-19 from spreading in our facilities and in the community.
We appreciate the community's continued support, and invite you to check out our "Return-to-School Planning" webpage to read the latest updates from the district around the 2020-21 reopening process.
Stay healthy and safe during the summer,
Dr. Miguel Chavez
Superintendent
Graduation 2020
Following the state's COVID-19 guidelines, the district plans on holding an in-person commencement ceremony for the high school graduating Class of 2020. We are so excited and eager to celebrate their accomplishments as a class.
To ensure the health and safety of each of our attendees, the district has made the decision to only allow four (4) guests per graduate. Other family members or those who would like to watch the graduation may do so through an annual livestream that will take place live through the district's YouTube channel.
McClintock High School
Fourth Commencement, Class of 2020
Commencement Date: Saturday, August 15, 2020
Commencement Time: 5 to 7 PM
Commencement Location: Chavez Stadium (Chavez STEM Academy)
This date is/may be subject to change.
We hope to see our future graduates and their families at McClintock High School's fourth graduation commencement.
Foreign Language Adoption Committee Update, June 2020
COVID-19 has interrupted the committee's functions, but members of the committee did not let that stop them from ensuring their task is completed in time for the district for the 2020-21 school year.
Committee members brought creative ideas to mind, such as meeting virtually or meeting while socially distancing, following the state's COVID-19 guidelines.
"The district's Foreign Language Adoption Committee has done a phenomenal job during this crisis, we appreciate their efforts and those efforts will be reflected on the education and successes our students will obtain in the future," said School Board member Chris Johnson. "We would like to acknowledge, congratulate, and appreciate each member of the committee, whether they are a teacher, a staff, a parent, or a community member, we appreciate them."
District and school administrators plan to showcase the committee's efforts at a later time when the opportunity becomes available. Until then, the district would like to wish our families and community a great summer and hope to see students, staff, and their families sooner rather than later.
A Message from the Superintendent, May 2020
The end of the 2019-20 academic school year is approaching and there are only a few weeks remaining of "At Home" Learning.
First off, we would like to recognize and acknowledge the commitment and dedication our students, parents, and families have applied to ensure our students continue to learn, even during these difficult and unprecedented times. Our teachers and staff would like to remind students that they appreciate them, and are excited to see them once classes resume.
We have been working with state and local officials to determine when and how we can reopen our schools for operation. While it still remains uncertain whether we will reopen our schools in the fall, we would like to remind our families that together, we will overcome this crisis.
The district has set-up its own committee based on teachers, administrators, and parents to determine the district's own guidelines once our schools reopen, and the task of this committee will also be setting-up different security measures for district faculties. The committee will be working with the state and the district and will determine when it will be safe to reopen the district's facilities.
Planning for the upcoming school year will be difficult, considering the current circumstances. While we deem the education of our students essential, it is also important to consider and note the health and safety of our students, staff, and those working in our facilities.
Following direction from the state, the last day of online instruction is scheduled for Tuesday, June 16. This means that students will continue online learning until said date and that is when grades and reports from teachers are due to the district.
We are eager to return our students to our schools when possible and are determined to keep our community as informed as possible.
Stay safe and healthy,
Dr. Miguel Chavez
Superintendent
Celebrating and Appreciating Our Teachers and Staff
We are celebrating the hard work and dedication of our teachers — who are ensuring our students continue learning for success, as part of the district's main goal and vision.
"It's been really difficult to adapt to our new environment, and this crisis has affected everyone,” said Linda Jones, teacher at Lincoln Elementary. "What we've been focusing on as a district has been student engagement, we've been trying methods out of the ordinary to engage our students," she added. "I think if we all think positively and are all in this together, we will get through this."
We believe we will get through this together as a community, and we appreciate our community's continued support and willingness to adapt to our new normal.
We are always celebrating our teachers and staff, but now, more than ever — we celebrate their willingness and dedication to ensure our students continue learning for success.
The district is planning a celebration event to celebrate our teachers, students, families — our community, once it becomes possible.
Community Survey and Input Request: Early Learning Registration
To the Chavez community, After learning more about the Governor's executive "Stay Home, Stay Healthy" Order, the district is requesting community input in regards to how enrollment registration for the 2020-21 school year will continue.
At this time, all district in-person events have been canceled due to the current executive order, but the district may deviate and hold registration for students later than expected.
The district has also considered an online registration method, however, the district has never used such tool before and is the main reason why community input is requested.
Community input is crucial towards the district's decision, and that is why we are exploring and deviating new ways for such important events to occur in the best manner possible.
If the community believes we should hold in-person events while practicing social distancing, in the event that the "Stay Home, Stay Healthy" Order is lifted by June, the district will hold in-person registration while practicing social distancing, which it seems as the community would much prefer, however, the district deems community survey and input crucial, especially during these difficult times.
During these difficult and unprecedented times and events, we should care for each other, and together, we will return to our "normal" as best and soon as possible.
EARLY LEARNING REGISTRATION QUESTIONNAIRE
Sincerely,
Dr. Miguel Chavez
Superintendent
A Message to the Class of 2020
We are currently facing a crisis, and it is important to consider the safety of one another. We understand that since you have started your educational career, either preschool or kindergarten, your main goal has always been graduation.
We understand that this has been a years-long dream and that under the circumstances that we currently face, it is uncertain of what will happen in the future and is ahead of us.
I write this message to inform you that you are not alone, and I want you to know that your accomplishments will be acknowledged and celebrated.
At this time, we ask you to complete your assignments that are given through the Distance Learning model, and students that are in good standing and pathway to graduation, the diploma of graduation will be given to them.
We ask that our community stay home, stay safe, and stay healthy, as this is our part to "flatten the curve" of this virus, and in order for that to happen, everyone in their communities across the globe must do their part to slow the spread of COVID-19, and that part is staying home and healthy.
The district has been deviating and exploring on potential methods to celebrate the Class of 2020, and those potentials include a virtual graduation ceremony or postponing the currently scheduled graduation ceremony for a later time, in the event that the "Stay Home, Stay Healthy" Executive Order made by Governor is lifted at least 15 days prior to the scheduled graduation ceremony, rather than canceling the event. If none of these options are a possibility, the district may have to make the strongly difficult decision to cancel the event.
We ask the community to continue to monitor the district's website and social sites for further updates in regards to the COVID-19 impact.
Sincerely,
Dr. Miguel Chavez
Superintendent
All Schools Closed for Remainder of 2019-20 School Year
After learning more about the Governor's school closure extension, and our recent School Board emergency meeting, it is with great difficulty that we announce that all Chavez STEM Academy schools will remain closed for the 2019-20 school year.
We are currently facing a serious crisis, and with the progress we have made, is imperative that we aim to "flatten the curve" of this virus, and to ensure that happens as soon as possible, it is logical for all in-person classes to be canceled, and the district supports the Governor's recently made statement and decision.
During the school closure, our staff has been working and exploring great new ways to interact with our students, and this is only one example of the many, that reflects the commitment of our students and staff during these unprecedented times.
We have also been in close communication with local health experts and departments and taking their advice and consultations seriously since February, when the outbreak started to occur in our state.
It is important to stay together during these times, and the progress we make is what the future will reflect, and we must ensure that progress is positive, for a positive future. It is with those efforts that, unfortunately, our schools must remain closed.
It is also important that our students and families realize that while our schools will remain closed for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year, the district's Distance Learning program will continue until the end of the school year and updates in regards to improving this model will be shared in the future to improve the rigorous educational environment our students see as they learn at home.
The process of improving this system requires time, and we ask that our students, staff, and families remain patient, as this process requires a partnership and cooperation as well.
As a district, we look forward to seeing our students when they return in the anticipated start of the 2020-21 academic school year.
Sincerely,
Dr. Miguel Chavez
Superintendent
COVID-19: Frequently Asked Questions
As there have been many sudden changes occurring, we would like to answer some common questions from our families and community members. This page will be updated.
1. How long will schools be closed?
(UPDATED APR. 13): Following the Governor's proclamation, all Chavez STEM Academy schools will remain closed for the remainder of the 2019-20 academic school year.
2. Will teachers assign student homework over the closure?
Our teachers have been working on developing homework assignments (such as work packets) for a potential school closure over recent weeks and will be sending that work home on the last school day before the closure, Monday, March 16.
3. Will the district keep families updated on the latest happenings?
Yes, the district will always keep families updated on the latest happenings and changes. Those updates may be found on the district's website, social sites, etc.
4. Will teachers provide students with work for student-use during the closure?
The district has been prepared for a potential closure since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak, preparing its staff for potential closures. On Monday, March 16, each teacher sent homework with their students for completion during the 6-week school closure.
5. How will the school closure affect graduation, graduation requirements, and twelfth-grade students?
As the district has launched an online learning program for students and teachers during the closure, the district observes that opportunity as regular instructional time. Therefore, the district plans to allow current twelfth-grade students to graduate at the end of the school year and students will receive credit based on their final grade on progress of their online classes. As the district is unsure of how we will progress at the moment, it is unknown whether a graduation ceremony will take place. The district is committed to notifying families on further updates and changes made.
COVID-19: Talking to Your Family About the Coronavirus
The information shared is provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
General principles for talking to children
Remain calm and reassuring.
- Remember that children will react to both what you say and how you say it. They will pick up cues from the conversations you have with them and with others.
Make yourself available to listen and to talk.
- Make time to talk. Be sure children know they can come to you when they have questions.
Avoid language that might blame others and lead to stigma.
- Remember that viruses can make anyone sick, regardless of a person’s race or ethnicity. Avoid making assumptions about who might have COVID-19.
Pay attention to what children see or hear on television, radio, or online.
- Consider reducing the amount of screen time focused on COVID-19. Too much information on one topic can lead to anxiety.
Provide information that is honest and accurate.
- Give children information that is truthful and appropriate for the age and developmental level of the child.
- Talk to children about how some stories on COVID-19 on the Internet and social media may be based on rumors and inaccurate information.
Teach children everyday actions to reduce the spread of germs.
- Remind children to stay away from people who are coughing or sneezing or sick.
- Remind them to cough or sneeze into a tissue or their elbow, then throw the tissue into the trash.
- Discuss any new actions that may be taken at school to help protect children and school staff.
(e.g., increased handwashing, cancellation of events or activities) - Get children into a handwashing habit.
- Teach them to wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing their nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.
- If soap and water are not available, teach them to use hand sanitizer. Hand sanitizer should contain at least 60% alcohol. Supervise young children when they use hand sanitizer to prevent swallowing alcohol, especially in schools and childcare facilities.
Facts about COVID-19 for discussions with children
Try to keep information simple and remind them that health and school officials are working hard to keep everyone safe and healthy.
What is COVID-19?
- COVID-19 is the short name for “coronavirus disease 2019.” It is a new virus. Doctors and scientists are still learning about it.
- Recently, this virus has made a lot of people sick. Scientists and doctors think that most people will be ok, especially kids, but some people might get pretty sick.
- Doctors and health experts are working hard to help people stay healthy.
What can I do so that I don’t get COVID-19?
- You can practice healthy habits at home, school, and play to help protect against the spread of COVID-19:
- Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow. If you sneeze or cough into a tissue, throw it in the trash right away.
- Keep your hands out of your mouth, nose, and eyes. This will help keep germs out of your body.
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Follow these five steps—wet, lather (make bubbles), scrub (rub together), rinse and dry. You can sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice.
- If you don’t have soap and water, have an adult help you use a special hand cleaner.
- Keep things clean. Older children can help adults at home and school clean the things we touch the most, like desks, doorknobs, light switches, and remote controls. (Note for adults: you can find more information about cleaning and disinfecting on CDC’s website.)
- If you feel sick, stay home. Just like you don’t want to get other people’s germs in your body, other people don’t want to get your germs either.
What happens if you get sick with COVID-19?
- COVID-19 can look different in different people. For many people, being sick with COVID-19 would be a little bit like having the flu. People can get a fever, cough, or have a hard time taking deep breaths. Most people who have gotten COVID-19 have not gotten very sick. Only a small group of people who get it have had more serious problems. From what doctors have seen so far, most children don’t seem to get very sick. While a lot of adults get sick, most adults get better.
- If you do get sick, it doesn’t mean you have COVID-19. People can get sick from all kinds of germs. What’s important to remember is that if you do get sick, the adults at home and school will help get you any help that you need.
- If you suspect your child may have COVID-19, call the healthcare facility to let them know before you bring your child in to see them.
COVID-19: Resources for Families
The district is in no way affiliated or sponsoring the following companies or organizations. This page may be updated.
COVID-19: Health & Safety Information
The information shared is provided by the World Health Organization (WHO).
1. What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. This new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.
2. What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms and don't feel unwell. Most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing special treatment. Around 1 out of every 6 people who gets COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and develops difficulty breathing. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness. People with fever, cough and difficulty breathing should seek medical attention.
3. How does COVID-19 spread?
People can catch COVID-19 from others who have the virus. The disease can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth which are spread when a person with COVID-19 coughs or exhales. These droplets land on objects and surfaces around the person. Other people then catch COVID-19 by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth. People can also catch COVID-19 if they breathe in droplets from a person with COVID-19 who coughs out or exhales droplets. This is why it is important to stay more than 1 meter (3 feet) away from a person who is sick.
4. What can I do to protect myself and prevent the spread of disease?
Stay aware of the latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak, available on the WHO website and through your national and local public health authority. Many countries around the world have seen cases of COVID-19 and several have seen outbreaks. Authorities in China and some other countries have succeeded in slowing or stopping their outbreaks. However, the situation is unpredictable so check regularly for the latest news.
You can reduce your chances of being infected or spreading COVID-19 by taking some simple precautions:
- Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.
- Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
- Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
- Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.
- Keep up to date on the latest COVID-19 hotspots (cities or local areas where COVID-19 is spreading widely). If possible, avoid traveling to places – especially if you are an older person or have diabetes, heart or lung disease.
5. Should I worry about COVID-19?
Illness due to COVID-19 infection is generally mild, especially for children and young adults. However, it can cause serious illness: about 1 in every 5 people who catch it need hospital care. It is therefore quite normal for people to worry about how the COVID-19 outbreak will affect them and their loved ones.
We can channel our concerns into actions to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our communities. First and foremost among these actions is regular and thorough hand-washing and good respiratory hygiene. Secondly, keep informed and follow the advice of the local health authorities including any restrictions put in place on travel, movement and gatherings.
All Schools Closed March 17 - April 24
The health and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff is the district's main and highest priority. District administrators have spent recent weeks communicating with local health departments and following their recommendations.
In the interest of the health and well-being of students, and following the state's recent order, Chavez STEM Academy schools will be closed starting Tuesday, March 17, and the mandated school closure will end on Friday, April 24. The district anticipates classes resuming Monday, April 27.
The district has continuously been monitoring the COVID-19 situation that has affected many across our state, the country, and the globe. This is a moment for our community to unite and care for one another, as there is currently a crisis that we may resolve together. The district is fortunate to share such a strong partnership with the community that, as we have empowered before, is crucial for the success of our students.
The district has been preparing its staff for a potential school closure since the beginning of March, and that preparedness will benefit both our students and our families. We would like to remind our families that Monday, March 16 will be a regular school day, and our teachers and instructors will benefit from this day by instructing our students on what is to happen in recent weeks, and our teachers will be assigning hard-copy work for all students. For students placed in challenging courses at the high school level, the district has been communicating with AP teachers and they have been fully cooperating and we have developed homework for students in Advanced Placement (AP) courses that they may complete both on hard copies and online in a rigorous-like environment. The district will also share educational programs so students can remain engaged during the closure for each grade level.
Once again, we appreciate the strong district-community partnership and show sincere gratitude for the community's patience during these difficult times.
Sincerely,
Dr. Miguel Chavez
Superintendent
Public Health Update, March 2020
The district takes the safety of students and staff into serious consideration and will continue to promote safety by taking the safest, most effective, and appropriate precautions.
Following the suggestion of local health departments, the district has developed an emergency plan in response to the coronavirus, and changes have become a consideration. At this time, our schools will be following regular operations unless stated otherwise.
In efforts to promote student and staff safety, the district is enhancing sanitation by providing hand disinfectants in every classroom and promoting handwashing habits for students and staff. District custodial services are continuously monitoring the situation and disinfecting our facilities daily.
We invite you to read the following procedures below provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Follow CDC’s recommendations for using facemask.
- CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear facemask to protect themselves from respiratory viruses, including 2019-nCoV.
- Facemask should be used by people who show symptoms of 2019 novel coronavirus, in order to protect others from the risk of getting infected. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION
In the event of changes to regular operations in our schools in regards to or related to the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the district will advise families as soon as possible.
We appreciate the community's continued support and patience during this situation, as we are focused on ensuring our students and staff remain safe.
Early Learning Registration 2020-21
The district will be holding informational meetings in regards to early learning and those interested may register at the meetings. All meetings will be held at the Curie Middle School commons.
Schedule
- Monday, March 16, 6-7:00PM
- Monday, March 23, 6-7:00PM
- Monday, April 6, 6-7:00PM
- Friday, April 17, 6-8:00PM
Attend the Capital Projects Community Meeting
Interested community members are invited to attend the community meeting on Wednesday, March 18 from 5 to 6:00 PM in the McClintock High School commons.
"We would like to appreciate the continuous and strong support from the community and would like to share the exciting progress of the district's future facilities that are expected to be completed this summer," said Superintendent Dr. Miguel Chavez.
Attend Our Spring Choral Festival 2020
"We have been preparing for the annual festival since late January," said McKenzie Suchy, the choral teacher at Lincoln Elementary. "As we have been preparing for a long period of time, our students are excited and eager to perform at the festival and show the community their talents. Our community members are invited to attend the event Tuesday, March 10 starting at 6:00 PM."
We look forward to seeing our community members at the festival!
Get Involved With Your School Board
The Chavez School Board would like to empower more community involvement as we have gained a partnership between the district and the community and we believe this partnership is crucial to the success of our students.
Our School Board invites you to attend its School Board meetings, which are held every second and fourth Tuesday of every month. If there are ever any exceptions to the regular School Board meeting schedule, those updates will be shared on the district's social sites.
The School Board often holds executive meetings for certain issues that must be resolved, the district and School Board ask community members to not visit the Board during their executive meetings.
Part of the district's strategic plan is to listen to our community members, if our community members ever have questions or concerns, they may contact the district or School Board through our social sites and may be transferred to the Superintendent, School Board, or a district staff member that may have more knowledge or certainty on the topic or issue.
As always, Chavez STEM Academy supports our strong community's strong support for the district and our students.
Learn More About Graduation Requirements for Students in Our High Schools
The district focuses on ensuring our students receive a high-quality education focusing on our mission statement, "Our mission is to provide a high-quality, comprehensive, and meaningful education for all students."
In efforts to strengthen our vision, the district has adopted new graduation requirements for the Class of 2021 and beyond.
Many community members have been curious regarding this change made since 2017 and the district will be hosting different events to share how we are ensuring every student is successful. We will also share about the many programs we offer as extracurricular activities for students.
24-Credit Graduation Requirements Informational Meeting
- Monday, February 24, 5-7:00 PM
- McClintock High School Auditorium