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Local schools may be out on account of the coronavirus outbreak, but it doesn’t mean classroom instruction won’t continue.
The South Pasadena Unified School District is preparing for the launch of the Independent Study Distance Learning Program (ISDLP) on April 6.
March 30-April 3 is spring break in the district, per the negotiated and Board of Education approval, and ISDLP will start the following Monday.
“We recognize that you may have wanted the ISDLP to launch earlier, but like many other public school districts in Los Angeles County, we have had to contend with issues of equity and access, and we need to be responsible, thoughtful, and purposeful in our approach to meet the needs of all students,” said Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Dave Lubs in a message to SPUSD families.
South Pasadena’s five campuses, three elementary schools, a middle and high school, will be closed through May 4.
“These last seven days have given us the opportunity to complete the following activities in order to provide students with an equitable ISDLP on April 6,” explained Lubs in his correspondence.
Activities include:
- Provide supplemental educational resource lists during the two-week school closure for elementary students and secondary students;
- Provide teachers with professional development on technology tools and distance learning curriculum development;
- Develop protocols for services and accommodations for Special Education and Section 504 students;
- Develop digital classrooms and procedures for distance learning;
- Prepare technology for distribution to families in need;
- Prepare a technology support system for teachers and students to use when we launch.
“Since most homes are equipped with devices and internet access, these homes are capable of accessing the ISDLP that South Pasadena Unified will be offering,” wrote Lubs “In other words, all of the devices that you currently own and use to access the internet will work with the ISDLP. To reiterate, if you have a device at home, we recommend that you use that device to access the SPUSD Independent Study Distance Learning Program (ISDLP).
“You do not need to pick up an SPUSD device to access the ISDLP,” Lubs stressed, who provided information about the SPUSD device and distribution support system for students in need.
Chromebook Borrowing and Loan Agreement
“If your child does not have access to a device, SPUSD will temporarily loan your child a Chromebook to use for the ISDLP,” Lubs wrote in his message to families. “The SPUSD Technology Department will be dismantling Classroom Chromebook Carts that have been used for the last several years to ensure everyone has the ability to participate equitably in the ISDLP.”
Pursuant to board policy, “when any equipment is taken off-site, the borrower is responsible for its safe return and shall be fully liable for any loss or damage. The borrower and borrower’s parent/guardian acknowledge and agree to terms of use as specified in this Computer Loan Agreement Notice and District Laptop Use Policy Summary when borrowing the Chromebook,” continued Lubs.
Chromebook Checkout Guidelines, Dates, and Times
Chromebook pick-ups take place outside the South Pasadena High School Library at 1401 Fremont Avenue in the city.
“We strive to offer you the safest environment possible, so please abide by the recommended six feet of physical distancing at all times during the checkout process,” insisted Lubs, aware of social distancing concerns. “By picking up Chromebooks during the spaced time slots below, you will be helping us create a safe environment for everyone; however, if you are unable to attend at the designated time for your child, please select a different day and time from the time slots listed below. If you have more than one child, please select one grade level and plan a pick-up for that time. Parents and Guardians (or older non-elementary aged siblings) must be present to pick up devices for students in grades Preschool to 5.”
Lubs stressed that individuals do not need to pick up an SPUSD device to access the ISDLP.
Chromebook Borrowing and Loan Agreement
“If your child does not have access to a device, SPUSD will temporarily loan your child a Chromebook to use for the ISDLP,” said the assistant superintendent. “The SPUSD Technology Department will be dismantling Classroom Chromebook Carts that have been used for the last several years to ensure everyone has the ability to participate equitably in the ISDLP. Pursuant to board policy, when any equipment is taken off-site, the borrower is responsible for its safe return and shall be fully liable for any loss or damage. The borrower and borrower’s parent/guardian acknowledge and agree to terms of use as specified in this Computer Loan Agreement Notice and District Laptop Use Policy Summary when borrowing the Chromebook.”
Chromebook Checkout Guidelines, Dates, and Times
Chromebook pick-ups will take place outside the South Pasadena High School Library.
“We strive to offer you the safest environment possible, so please abide by the recommended six feet of physical distancing at all times during the checkout process.” Explained Lubs. “By picking up Chromebooks during the spaced time slots below, you will be helping us create a safe environment for everyone; however, if you are unable to attend at the designated time for your child, please select a different day and time from the time slots listed below. If you have more than one child, please select one grade level and plan a pick-up for that time. Parents and Guardians (or older non-elementary aged siblings) must be present to pick up devices for students in grades Preschool to 5.”
Internet access is needed to participate in the ISDLP.
Technical Support Resources
Lubs said the school district’s technology department will be working closely with teachers and parents to support students during the implementation of ISDLP.
“Beginning April 6, a live technology hotline will be available during working hours (8:00am-3:30 p.m., Mon-Fri). Email support and Google Hangout support is also available at technology@spusd.net. You will receive more detailed information concerning these resources in the weeks to come,” he wrote in his message. “Parents and students will receive more details soon about our Independent Study Distance Learning Program (ISDLP).”
Lubs recognizes it’s not an easy time for South Pasadena Unified School District families, writing, “Thank you for your patience and support during this time. As protocols and guidance change daily.”
For a full text of the message from Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Dave Lubs go to the SPUSD website.
