Our entire Twin Rivers team is eager to get students back in classrooms with their teachers and friends. Unfortunately, that’s not going to happen this school year.
On Wednesday, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Thurmond, stated that he did not think students would be able to return before the end of the school year. On Wednesday, Gov. Gavin Newsom confirmed that schools would not be reopening for the
rest of the school year to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Therefore, Twin Rivers’ schools will remain closed for the rest of the 2019-2020 school year.
Truly, this is not what anyone wanted. It was a difficult decision that involved deep discussions, with the number one priority the health and well-being of our students, staff, families and the community.
Though our campuses are closed, the school year is not over. Our administrators, teachers and support staff will continue to do everything we can to meet the educational needs of all students. We couldn’t have a better team in place as we switch to remote teaching and learning for the remainder of the year. Teachers will provide instruction through Distance Learning beginning April 27. Over Spring Break (April 6-13), we will continue to distribute Chromebooks and hotspots to our students who need them—12,000 Chromebooks and 2,500 hotspots requested so far. We will also continue to provide Grab-and-Go meals for students over Spring Break and through the remainder of the school year. We have provided 94,000 meals from March 17 through April 2.
For the Class of 2020
Information is changing daily during this unprecedented time and we don’t have all the answers today. For our seniors, we know this is especially unsettling for you. We are working closely with the California Department of Education and the State Superintendent of Instruction as we make decisions and provide guidance to schools, students and their families.
Here’s what we do know:
- Graduation Requirements – The California Department of Education (CDE) has issued new graduation guidelines—all seniors who are on track for graduation will be able to graduate. Twin Rivers may seek a waiver from the state to allow seniors the opportunity to meet state requirements with necessary flexibilities because of the waivers.
- Credits –Students will be “held harmless” for the grades they had at the time of school closures; yet, they will have the opportunity to improve their grade through re-assigning of past assignments and the online credit recovery program, Edgenuity and Charge. We are reviewing CDE guidelines and the possibility of students receiving a pass/fail status versus letter grade.
- Supports for Credit Recovery – Edgenuity is a digital platform where students can recover credits. The District pays for all students’ access, and students will need access to a device and internet. Teachers will be able to monitor progress and check in with students to support the online learning platform.
- Graduation Ceremonies – We are committed to celebrating the Class of 2020. At this time, we do not know when, but we will plan to host a traditional ceremony once public health officials determine it safe for our students and families—even if this means a ceremony in the fall.
- Decision about Proms – It is with regret that the 2019-20 proms will be canceled, but with schools closing for the remainder of the year that includes events such as proms. We will be working on refunds and some virtual opportunities to connect.
- UC Admissions – The University of California (UC) has announced it will reduce some admission requirements for fall 2020, including suspending the letter grade requirement for A-G courses completed in winter/spring/summer 2020 and suspending the standardized test requirement (SAT) for students applying for fall 2021 freshman admission.
- CSU Admissions – The California State University (CSU) is reviewing whether to drop its testing requirement for admission. We’ll let you know as soon as there is a decision.
- AP Exams – The College Board will offer a 45-minute online free exam for each AP course. More information is available at https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/coronavirus-updates.
It’s a lot to absorb and more information is coming. Be sure to check the District’s website at twinriversusd.org/coronavirus, all school websites and social media pages, as well as email.
Please continue to be cautious and follow all directives from the Governor’s office and public health officials—stay at home, practice social distancing when it’s essential for you to go out, and continue to wash your hands frequently with soap and water to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
Take care and stay safe!
Warmest regards,
Steve Martinez, Ed.D.
Superintendent, Twin Rivers Unified
