Superintendent’s Update to Ukiah Unified Families: August 21, 2020
As if everything around COVID-19 is not challenging enough, we started the school year this week with thunder, lightning, rain, power outages, a major gas leak in our community, an earthquake, and fires all around us! To say that our current situation is challenging would be a severe understatement. I traveled around the District this week to visit schools as they were handing out Chromebooks and materials, and I was inspired by Nokomis Kindergarten Teacher Amber Walker’s Lemonade Stand! As new students arrived to pick up their back-to-school items in a way that no family has ever had to deal with before, they were greeted with a lemonade stand and the message that when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade! How true this is! Our kids need all of us to pull together, provide stability during this uncertain time, and make lemonade out of these lemons we have been handed. Thank you for helping us make the best of this tough situation for our children.
Help with Distance Learning: Please reach out immediately if you have any questions or concerns. There is no question too small or insignificant. If you or your child are having any issues with Distance Learning, here is what you can do;
- Contact your child’s teacher by phone, email, or through Google Classroom.
- Contact your child’s school if you are unable to reach your child’s teacher.
- Call our Distance Learning Hotline at 707-472-5003, and we will connect you with the right person or find the information you need.
Help for Families in Quarantine: If your family is under quarantine or isolation due to COVID-19, please reach out to us for help. In addition to meal delivery and learning support, our Family Community Liaisons can assist families with many things, including access to local services and programs outside of Ukiah Unified. Please contact your school’s Family Community Liaison for help or call our District Hotline at 707-472-5003.
Distance Learning Tip: Children need a good workspace to get the most out of Distance Learning. Here are some tips to help you create a functional spot for your children to learn.
- Eliminate Distractions – Take away video games, phones, tv, and toys.
- Light – Make sure your student’s workspace has plenty of light. Use natural light when possible; children learn better when exposed to natural light.
- Keep Essential Supplies Close – If your child has everything they need close by, they can focus on learning.
- Personalize Your Student’s Desk – It helps children to personalize their own space for learning.
- Try a Dry-Erase Board – This is an excellent tool to have during Distance Learning.
Videos for Parents and Guardians:
Watch a video about Google Classroom.
Watch a video about Google Meet.
Information Must Be Verified For Every Student Each Year: To verify vital information and communication preferences for your student, visit our Aeries Parent Portal. If you need any help or access to a computer, please contact your school for assistance.
Social-Emotional Health: Do not hesitate to reach out for help, call your child’s school, or e-mail the school counselors for support. View our Social-Emotional and Mental Health Resources. If you are experiencing a crisis, please call the Mendocino County Crisis Hotline at 855-838-0404, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Ukiah Unified is here for you and your children during this uncertain time! Thank you for your kindness, flexibility, and positivity to support the children in our community! Again, please do not hesitate to let us know what you need! Reach out to your school for more information, or call our District Hotline at 707-472-5003.