It’s no secret that when things are stressful and tense, our patience can wear thin. I have high expectations, and I know you do too. I have to remind myself often to relax and be patient. We’ve never experienced anything like this before, and there isn’t a roadmap or a list of instructions that truly prepare us for the emotional roller-coaster ride we're on now. But I have immense hope. Where there is hope, there is the courage to continue moving forward because to do so means we believe there are brighter days ahead. I encourage you to be mindful and grab hold of that feeling of hope.
Distance Learning Survey: We value your input! Below is a link to UUSD’s Distance Learning Survey, which allows you to provide feedback on distance learning. This survey is vital to our understanding of how Distance Learning is working for your family so far and what can be improved. We will share the results of this survey with District leadership and staff to learn, improve, and make changes to our program.
Click here to complete the Distance Learning Survey.
Your input is extremely valuable, and I encourage you to complete the survey, which should take about 10 minutes. (This survey is through Hanover Research.)
Technology Support: Please let us know if you need technical support of any kind. To provide you with service during these challenging times, we have set up a Google Meet where technical support staff will assist you virtually. Go to meet.google.com/nvp-dpxi-uct anytime from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
You can also call our Technology Support Hotline at 707-472-5074 from noon to 8:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS): If severe weather threatens a portion of our electric system, it may be necessary for PG&E to turn off electricity in the interest of public safety. Distance Learning depends on electrical power. In the event of a PSPS, we will stop Distance Learning while the power is out and start again as soon as possible after power resumes. We have two extra days built into our school calendar to make up days lost due to a PSPS.
UUSD coordinates with the City of Ukiah, County of Mendocino, Office of Emergency Services (OES), and PG&E to monitor the potential for a PSPS situation. If we need to close school due to a PSPS, we will communicate through all of the usual channels such as phone, email, text, Facebook, press releases, local radio stations, and website updates.
2020 Census = School Funding: I would like to urge all parents and guardians to complete the census. In California, the 2020 Census determines who receives over $7 billion in vital federal aid for programs in Ukiah Unified schools like Title I, Special Education, English Language Learner Support, and Migrant Education. The census also determines the number of representatives California has in the U.S. House of Representatives and the number of votes we have in the Electoral College.
The census does not ask about immigration status. It is simple and confidential to complete; your identity remains anonymous. Any information you provide on the census is protected by law and cannot be shared with anyone or any other federal agency. The deadline is September 30, 2020. Here are three easy ways to complete the 2020 Census:
- Online at my2020census.gov
- By phone at 844-330-2020 (a list of in-language options is available here) or 707-757-6504
- By mail, if you received a paper form
Distance Learning Tip: UUSD Distance Learning Resources
UUSD staff has gathered a variety of resources to help students and families be successful with Distance Learning. Visit the Distance Learning Tab at www.uusd.net to view resources or follow one of these specific links:
Student and Family Resources for Distance Learning
Technology Accessible Instructional Materials
Free and Reduced Price Internet Service
Technology Tools for Distance Learning
Social-Emotional Support: If your child is having difficulty dealing with this stressful situation, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. You can always view our Social-Emotional and Mental Health Resources here. For children in our Ukiah Unified schools, please call your child’s school or e-mail the school counselors for support. Helping Children Cope With Changes Resulting From COVID-19 If you are experiencing a crisis, please contact the Mendocino County Crisis Hotline at 855-838-0404, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Don’t give up hope. We have made it through tough times before, and we will make it through again with flexibility, compassion, and kindness. Do not hesitate to let us know what your needs are. We are always here for you and your family! Reach out to your school for assistance, or call our District Hotline at 707-472-5003.