OUR ASK
We, the undersigned, support a district plan designed to maximize in-person, in-class instructional time for our students. We understand that modifications and restrictions informed by CDC and California DOE guidelines should be in place to ensure the safety of our teachers and students. We also understand that the district may need to pivot in the future if public health conditions deteriorate.
We strongly urge the district to present a 5-days-per-week plan that maximizes in-person instruction before any formal action is taken by the school board.
A 5-days per week in-person model will provide students with consistent,
in-person instructional time that is necessary to ensure their social, emotional well-being and academic growth.
OUR PRIORITIES
1. HEALTH AND SAFETY
... is the #1 priority for our district. Masks, PPE, and social distancing will ensure the safety of our community. If necessary, educational stakeholders can be provided with options for alternative learning environments.
2. CREATE A CULTURE OF SHARED RESPONSIBILITY
All community members must play an active role in creating trust and adhering to a communal set of rules and behaviors. Parents, students and teachers need to be part of the design of the social contract.
3. UTILIZE OUR COMMUNITY RESOURCES
... to identify and obtain available square footage in order to maintain distancing guidelines. According to Superintendent Booker, the main obstacle to returning kids to school full-time 5xweek is a lack of space. Creative solutions that utilize our ample outdoor and community spaces such as Veterans Hall and the Community Center will meet these needs.
4. CREATE AN ACTION-ORIENTED TASK FORCE
... to enlist the community’s help. Parents and community members can find tents, secure community space, raise money for cameras, additional internet bandwidth, and address other unmet needs.
5. THE COSTS OF KEEPING KIDS AT HOME ARE MONUMENTAL
Disengaged students, lower academic outcomes, a dangerous increase in mental illness/depression, and increased stresses on families leading to abuse/neglect are taking a critical toll.
6. KIDS ARE LOW-RISK AND RARELY SPREAD INFECTION
Multiple health studies have indicated that kids rarely spread the virus. At the recent Board of Education meeting, Dr. Rutherford, a UCSF Pediatric Epidemiologist stated that there is a very low risk of teachers and students contracting and spreading Covid-19 if masks are universally worn in school.
7. WORKING FAMILIES CANNOT FUNCTION
Families bear the burden of closed schools. Few families can realistically support a model of “alternate days” that disrupt learning. This is especially true for elementary school families.
8. RISK OF FAMILIES LEAVING THE DISTRICT
If PUSD does not maximize in-person instruction, the district risks losing families to private schools, homeschooling, and alternative public school options that offer more in-person instructional time.
9. FLEXIBILITY/PLAN B
We need plans to pivot to distance learning if health conditions deteriorate, however, we must start the school year designed to maximize the amount of in-person instruction possible.