[BHS Etree] ADMIN: BHS Update, April 2, 2020

Thu Apr 2 10:11:55 PDT 2020

PLEASE do not reply to this email

April 2, 2020

Good morning everyone,

First of all, I sincerely hope you are well.  I’m encouraged by a few news reports <https://www.politico.com/states/california/story/2020/03/30/bend-it-like-the-bay-area-doctors-see-flatter-curve-after-2-weeks-of-social-isolation-1269663> this week that our efforts at Sheltering in Place in the Bay Area are making a difference - and I know that we still have a long road ahead.

Many of us saw on the news yesterday that Governor Gavin Newsom and Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond have indicated the likelihood that school facilities could remain closed through the remainder of the school year. While those statements are not directives to extend the closure beyond the May date at this time,  it's clear that school districts are being strongly encouraged to plan for a longer term school facilities closure. This helps us think about putting in place plans that could in fact carry us into June, if need be.

We have been working hard to prepare for Distance Learning to begin in earnest after Spring Break.  Students, you should expect to hear from each of your teachers that week about when their office hour periods will be, and, starting Monday, begin to get assignments from each one. We are still working out grading policies, and there is a strong likelihood that we will move to a Pass/No Pass system for the remainder of the school year.  No matter what grading policy we end up with, it is important to engage with your teachers and do the work to the best of your ability.  We know that life circumstances have changed for many of you, and we will work with you to provide support in every way we can, but rather than thinking of school as “over” for the duration of this closure, know that we are moving to a completely new and different form of schooling.

As I wrote to staff earlier this week, when we begin Distance Learning on Monday, we will necessarily go through cycles of learning and adjusting.  Let’s be patient with each other, and more than anything, be mindful of our collective physical and mental health as we move forward.

I will write again in a few days with more details about Distance Learning, and I expect that the Superintendent’s Office will be sending out a communication before the week is over as well.  Please see below for important information about Chromebook distribution at BHS on Monday, April 6th.

Thank you,
Erin Schweng
(on behalf of the BHS Admin Team)

UPDATES:

Chromebook Distribution - MONDAY APRIL 6th 
We want everyone to be ready for “distance learning” beginning Monday, April 6th. This means all students need access to a computer and the internet.   
On Monday, April 6th there will be another Chromebook distribution day at Berkeley High School.
We still have a limited number of Chromebook laptops to loan to families who are having a difficult time providing a computer for their student. 
If your family needs a Chromebook to do school work, please come to Berkeley High School on Monday, April 6th between 11:00 am-3:00 pm. Go to the Milvia Street doors by the cafeteria.
Anyone 18 or younger will also be able to pick up free breakfast and lunch “to go” from Nutrition Services at the same location from 11:00 am-1:00 pm
Please practice social distancing by being 6 feet apart at all times. Thank you in advance for following our signs and procedures for safe distancing while picking up a chromebook and food at Berkeley High School. 

Free Internet resources/Network Information is here <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vR7IDa3L2WehamV76LIqHaxk18J1tYEL/view>. 
Note that Sonic is also now offering wifi services <https://www.sonic.com/cov19> for those in need.
This information can also be found on the Berkeley High School home page <https://bhs.berkeleyschools.net/>.

Seal of Biliteracy Update
To all students who have not yet submitted the on-line application for the Seal of Biliteracy, please submit by April 10, 2020.   You no longer need to submit hard copies of your supporting documents (transcripts, test scores); we will verify those in school records.  Final due date is APRIL 10th.  We will not be able to accept applications after that time.  Thank you!

Suggested Resources for Families <https://docs.google.com/document/d/15KxueBGZwhBvxIVS0OLGewgkX273XVeeoBhvwmPzAqY/edit?ts=5e73fb80>
Please visit the new, updated version of this document here <https://docs.google.com/document/d/15KxueBGZwhBvxIVS0OLGewgkX273XVeeoBhvwmPzAqY/edit?ts=5e73fb80>. We will continue to update this document as we become aware of changes and/or new resources.

Volunteering/Donations
The Berkeley Public Schools Fund will be leading district volunteer efforts and donations efforts and coordination. Their work is currently focused on providing support to the students and families most impacted by COVID-19. They are working with the BUSD Office of Family Engagement and Equity, the BUSD Homeless Outreach Program and the District Administration to identify needs and to direct services to students and families. Needs they are currently aware of include groceries, emergency housing assistance, books and access to technology.  While the exact needs are coming into focus, it is clear that the effects are broad and the need is great.  If you would like to get involved:
Please Donate to Support Students and Families <https://www.berkeleypublicschoolsfund.org/donate-2-2/online-donation/>
Sign up to Volunteer <https://www.berkeleypublicschoolsfund.org/forms/bsv-one-time-volunteer-events/> (BSF will be in touch regarding upcoming volunteer opportunities)

Health Center
Students, check your email for an important update I sent last week about health services while the health center is closed there are City of Berkeley services available.

Testing updates
State SBA testing: Governor Gavin Newsom has suspended all state tests for the 19-20 school year.

IB assessments:   Earlier this week we received urgent news from IBO to share with you about new deadlines. The IBO has reversed course and is now moving up the deadline. This means students must submit their completed IAs to their teachers by April 10th, 2020 and that there is no longer a May extension for any school. This includes Visual Arts and Music (who normally have longer times in regular conditions). We will be working with World Language teachers to set-up online oral exams. We have made this deadline as late as possible for students, but it only gives your teachers 5 days to grade everything. If you complete work earlier, please submit it to your teachers so that they have as much time as possible to complete their work for you. We are very aware of how difficult this change is and are advocating as much as possible that IBO reinstate our extension. However, until we hear otherwise, we need to proceed with their new guidelines.. We will keep you updated as we learn more.
If you have questions or concerns, please contact IB Coordinator Keldon Clegg (keldonclegg at berkeley.net <mailto:keldonclegg at berkeley.net>) or BIHS Vice Principal Carrie Berg (carrieberg at berkeley.net <mailto:carrieberg at berkeley.net>).

Advanced Placement (AP) testing: 
We are working with the College Board to get and effectively communicate information regarding this year's AP test and format to students and families. Please check out the most recent update from the College Board <https://apcentral-preview.collegeboard.org/about-ap/news-changes/coronavirus-update>. Refer to BHS’ AP FAQ <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1uWoQzjGUSpqy7exsUWHMKgrt52t24EI2lwIHWmlI6ZA/edit?usp=sharing> for answers to the most common questions and we will update information as we receive it from the College Board. If you have further questions, please email aptestcoordinator at berkeley.net <mailto:aptestcoordinator at berkeley.net>.

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