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May 25: Instructional Schedule, Panorama Survey and Graduations
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
We are actually going to make it through this crazy, unnatural year. Thanks for your unbelievable work.
As you may have heard, the Board of Trustees approved a District-wide instructional schedule. You can find the details of this schedule in the following links.
- Overview of the Schedule: Board Meeting Slides
- Instructional Schedule with Minutes
- Calendar for the Year
- School Sample
We acknowledge that this does represent another shift for much of our teaching staff in this next year. To support this transition, we are offering 10 hours of summer teacher planning time (paid at “workshop” rate of $44.22/hour). Please complete this Google form if you plan to make use of this time (it is only available to teachers at the comprehensive sites). It asks you to describe what you plan to do and with whom you plan to collaborate. Please complete the form by June 4th and the work by August 6th.
SMUHSD has worked with its partner Panorama to develop a survey of staff about their experiences related to the culture and climate of our schools. In addition, the survey asks you to tell us what you think we should be prioritizing as we plan for what we anticipate to be the return of all students to our campuses in the fall. Here are the details about the survey:
Accessing Surveys:
- You should have received an email directly from support+sanmateo@panoramaed.com with your unique survey link on 5/24/21.
- If you have trouble accessing the survey, you can contact the Support team with your name and school at support+sanmateo@com.
Graduations are happening all over the District this week. While there’s a few things differently, it’s beginning to feel a lot like normal. If there ever was a school year to celebrate its ending, this is it!
On we go, into a summer loaded with possibilities.
Kevin
May 17: Bell Schedule Update and 360 Survey of My Performance
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
We appreciate the valuable input, suggestions and discussion around the Instructional Schedule over the last couple of weeks. Through this process, we have heard that there are many that are excited to have consistency and certainty going into next year as well as others that have some concerns about this shift. Through this process and some really thoughtful input, we have made some tweaks to the schedule in the hope that more folks will find the schedule to be in support of a successful launch of Fall 2021. Here are the adjustments that were made
- The periods were modified to provide more consistent and logical start & end times (0's and 5's).
- The brunch is 20 minutes and lunch is 40 minutes for the block days and 15 minutes and 35 minutes on Mondays
- A final schedule for 7th period was developed
Each year at about this time I seek your input into my performance. In addition, we’re interested in how the human resources, curriculum and instruction, and business office are performing -- ways we can do better and things we do well. I share this with the Board to inform the annual feedback they give me on my performance as superintendent. If you can find a few minutes this next week to fill out this survey by Monday, May 24, I’d really appreciate it.
These past few days I’ve been reflecting this year -- we have accomplished so much! And only two more weeks to see it through. Wow.
On we go, excited for June.
Kevin
P.S. Below is a message we are sending to families today:
Dear Families and Students:
On Thursday, staff will present to the Board a plan for a District-wide instructional schedule that aligns bell schedules at our six comprehensive high schools. The proposed schedule includes an 8:30 a.m. start time. This will be mandated by the state in the fall of 2022. The schedule will also result in a later end time (around 3:40 p.m.) three days a week (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday). Please see the presentation we’ll share with the Board on our website. The full agenda and Zoom login information can be found online.
The schedule includes block periods - teachers see their students three times per week on alternating blocks. This means four days of approximately 90 minute periods and one day of shorter periods 1-7.
- Tuesday/Thursday will be the “even” days (periods 2, 4, and 6) with the school day ending at 2:55 p.m. to allow for early release for all students (including those participating in athletics).
- Wednesday/Friday will be “odd” days (periods 1, 3, 5, and 7) with the school day ending at 3:40 p.m.
- Monday will be the day that all classes meet (periods 1-7) for 50 minutes each period with the school day ending at 3:35 p.m.
The proposed schedule would allow for an easy transition back to distance learning should we need to do so. The block period provides students with the ability to focus on fewer courses and allows students to balance homework over a longer period of time since there are fewer classes each day four days a week. Another highlight of the schedule is a longer passing period to ensure students have sufficient time to transition from one class to another. Students can take courses at multiple sites. Families who need to drop their students off early to school sites may do so. Our schools will provide libraries or other spaces for students.
As mentioned last week, we're really excited about graduation and celebrating the achievements of this remarkable Class of 2021. We're seeing a relaxation of health directives around mask-wearing outside change, seemingly daily. Who knows where we'll be next week when graduation occurs. We've decided, as we have done all year, to follow the health and safety guidelines that the County and State outline for graduations and large gatherings. We will insist that attendees at graduation wear a mask. CDC recommends schools continue to use the COVID-19 prevention strategies outlined in the current version of CDC’s Operational Strategy for K-12 Schools for at least the remainder of the 2020-2021 academic school year.
As a school district, we are required to continue with masking at graduation events. Our graduations will likely be the largest events many of us have attended in fifteen months, and the psychological impact may be substantial. Not all attendees and guests are eligible to receive the vaccine and we want all to feel safe to attend to celebrate their graduate.
No matter what, our graduates will see through our masks to see our smiles, affection for them, and our support.
On we go!
Sincerely,
Kevin Skelly, Ph.D.
SuperintendentMay 12: Budget Building, Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month and Golden Apples
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
Planning for next year is fully underway, with a big part of this work being developing the budget. We will have a Board Study Session tomorrow night at 7 p.m. to gather further Board and public input. Here is the agenda and Zoom information if you have an interest in attending.
May is Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month. On April 1, our Board adopted a resolution denouncing hate crimes and bigotry targeting Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. This spring we also held a family engagement listening event for our Pacific Islander families. In a community with a high percentage of families of Asian/Pacific American descent, it’s incumbent upon all of us to learn as much as we can about their remarkable heritage and contributions to society.
Noon tomorrow is the last chance to nominate a worthy colleague for a Golden Apple. If you would like to nominate a colleague who has gone above and beyond, you can submit one via the Intranet form or download the PDF version of the form and submit to Sayre at shappich@smuhsd.org by noon on Thursday, May 13.
On we go!
Kevin
May 11: Recognizing ITCs, YELLOW and a Message to Families and Students
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
Besides being educators this year, we’ve been students. And some of the ablest tutors and mentors have been our Instructional Technology Coordinators (ITCs). These folks work at each of our schools/programs and provide expertise in using the multitude of resources our District has to offer to support instruction. Yesterday Instructional Technology TOSA Jessica Valera organized a thank you end of the year closing. Besides the pizza, bubbly water and good conversation enjoyed outside the Mustang Room here at the DO, my favorite part was answering these questions questions posted around the room:
One thing I will miss working from home…coffee all morning (and afternoon), the bed to desk commute, comfy pants, not packing lunch - just snacking all day, and my dog.
I’m ready to never hear __________ again! --- awkward zoom silence, you’re on mute, can’t connect wifi, UNPRECEDENTED, zoom fatigue.
A remarkable part of yesterday’s ITC celebration was when Jessica shared the timeline of the year. Remember back on August 11, the first day of school when we wondered how we’d make it through the year? Now look at us -- we’ve almost done it!!!
Please make sure you thank our awesome ITC’s -- Jeff Spoering, Stacy Kratochvil, Angela Zink, Akiko Soda, Anthony Dilemme, Vince Bravo, Rachel Lauderdale, Aura Smithers and Terry Lien.
Tomorrow San Mateo moves into the Yellow! This is great news and is the result of so many people getting vaccinated and our collective efforts at safety. Here’s hoping we can keep it up. With the recent approval of Pfizer for all high school age students, we’re going to make a big push to have as many of our students vaccinated as soon as possible. Below is a note we are sending to families today.
And on we go, with eight days of instruction before finals week.
Kevin
Below is a message we are sending to families today:
Dear Families and Students:
Yesterday the FDA announced the approval of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination for 12-15 year olds. This is a super-exciting development as it means there’s the possibility that every person in our schools in the fall could be fully vaccinated.
We’ve been asked if being fully vaccinated will be a requirement to attend school. We don’t know, but it may be if the vaccines move from emergency use approval to full FDA approval. Mandatory vaccine requirements are typically made at the state level. Our District Board of Trustees has been a strong advocate for vaccinations for all employees and students.
Given that it takes at least five weeks from first vaccine dose to being fully vaccinated, we urge you to have your student vaccinated as soon as possible. As we look at offering in-person summer enrichment opportunities for students, being fully vaccinated may be a requirement, so time is of the essence. If you haven’t done so already, please fill out our survey for anyone 12 and older in your household. The survey also gives you the opportunity to share who needs the vaccine as well as the vaccination status of your students to help us target our outreach to those who still need the vaccine.
Graduations are right around the corner with ceremonies taking place the week of May 24. Seniors should have received detailed information from their schools. Those who live close to our schools will observe family members and graduates making their way to celebrate this happy occasion. We ask that attendees wear masks as appropriate and practice social distancing from those not in their households. This is a momentous occasion after a year when it was not possible to enjoy these types of celebrations.
What a year it has been. Like you perhaps, I’m feeling exhausted, excited, and proud of how we’ve persevered.
On we go!
Sincerely,
Kevin Skelly, Ph.D.
Superintendent
May 7: 100 Days of May and “I am” Poems
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
Sometimes in education we talk about the “100 Days of May” referring to just how LONG this month feels. Given that we finish before Memorial Day this year and we’ve already gone through a week, I’m thinking May won’t be the year’s longest month.
Capuchino staff and students have been writing “I am” poems which I find to be delightful! Check them out here (scroll to the bottom). I admire the courage of these student and staff poets as writing authentically about oneself is so hard.
Last night we had a very productive board meeting. Board members all offered their thanks for teacher and staff work during this season of thanks for our educators. Special Education, next year’s instructional schedule, and the new teacher induction program were presented, discussed, and appreciated. It was a good night! Julia Kempkey will host additional office hours on May 11 and 13 at 8 a.m. to get input on the instructional schedule. Here is the Zoom information for these meetings:
Meeting ID: 611 869 1864
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On we go, ready to enjoy a beautiful weekend.
Kevin
May 5: Vaccines Galore, a Poem About Love and a Crucial Point
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
Below is a note we sent to families with another opportunity for folks to receive a jab. While our county numbers continue to decline, the path out of the pandemic is through vaccinations. We’re going to make a big push to have all students fully vaccinated by the start of school. We are in the process of updating our survey to include those 12 and over, so we can share information about opportunities with more individuals.
Here’s a poem on love from Mary Oliver that I received today. It’s better for Valentine’s Day, but it works every day!
Of Love
I have been in love more times than one,
thank the Lord. Sometimes it was lasting
whether active or not. Sometimes
it was all but ephemeral, maybe only
an afternoon, but not less real for that.
They stay in my mind, these beautiful people,
or anyway beautiful people to me, of which
there are so many. You, and you, and you,
whom I had the fortune to meet, or maybe
missed. Love, love, love, it was the
core of my life, from which, of course, comes
the word for the heart. And, oh, have I mentioned
that some of them were men and some were women
and some — now carry my revelation with you —
were trees. Or places. Or music flying above
the names of their makers. Or clouds, or the sun
which was the first, and the best, the most
loyal for certain, who looked so faithfully into
my eyes, every morning. So I imagine
such love of the world — its fervency, its shining, its
innocence and hunger to give of itself — I imagine
this is how it began.
By Mary Oliver, From New and Selected Poems, 1992, Beacon Press, Boston, MA
It has been a long tiring year for everyone. But sometimes, you see energy, uncommon exertion, and teamwork that inspires. Burlingame and Aragon played girls volleyball on Friday night. They battled through five games. Thanks to AHS teacher, coach, and department chair Netty Trimble for sending me this clip of a one minute rally at a crucial point in game five. Such great play and coaching!
e have done the same this year.
On we go.
Kevin
Message to Families and Students:
Dear Families and Students:
We continue to plan for a return to campus in the fall where all students will be on our school sites for full-time instruction. With vaccines now available to everyone aged sixteen and over and the prospect of vaccines being available to children aged 12 and up as soon as next week, we are increasingly confident we can return to full-time instruction in the fall. We will continue to follow the State and County safety guidance to ensure we can do this.
With the possibility that vaccines will soon be available for those 12 and older, we are asking families to complete our 12+ vaccine interest and status form, so that we may share information about vaccine opportunities. Please feel free to include adults in your household who need a jab and any student 12 and older in your answers.
There will be a Pfizer vaccine clinic for any resident of San Mateo County aged 16 and older at San Mateo High School (506 North Delaware, San Mateo), this Saturday, May 8 starting at 10 a.m. while supplies last. Appointments are encouraged through myturn.ca.gov, but walk ups are also welcome. Students ages 16-17 need to bring a parent to offer consent or bring a completed and signed consent form. A flyer with more details is attached. Once again, please fill out the District survey if you haven’t done already, so we can share information as it becomes available.
This week is Teacher Appreciation Week, and May 4 was National Teacher Appreciation Day. Our Board adopted May 12 as Day of the Teacher and Classified Employee Week as May 16-22. Is it coincidental that all these events happen at the end of the school year? I don’t think so! May feels like the best time to thank those who change the trajectory of our students’ lives. I know I speak for the Board when I say I’m particularly proud and grateful for the collective work of our staff this year.
As always, thanks to you for your patience, goodwill, and support.
On we go!
Sincerely,
Kevin Skelly, Ph.D.
Superintendent
May 4: Vaccines for 12+ on the Horizon, Teacher Appreciation and More!
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
The San Mateo County Health Department administered 536 first dose vaccinations at San Mateo High School on Saturday. Many, if not most, of the attendees were SMUHSD students sixteen and over that we had identified through surveys and outreach as needing the vaccine. You may have seen the news that the FDA may authorize use of the Pfizer vaccine for 12-15 year olds as early as next week. We will continue to share information about vaccine opportunities for teens and adults and support county efforts to get vaccinated. If you or someone you care about needs a vaccine, please email vaccineinfo@smuhsd.org and we’ll get you information.
This week is Teacher Appreciation Week, and May 4 is National Teacher Appreciation Day. Our Board adopted May 12 as Day of the Teacher and Classified Employee Week as May 16-22. Is it coincidental that all these events happen at the end of the school year? I don’t think so! May feels like the best time to thank those who change the trajectory of our students’ lives. I know I speak for the Board and the larger community when I say I’m particularly proud and grateful for your collective work this year.
Many of you have plans to provide enrichment opportunities on your site for students this summer. If you are interested in doing this for ELD students this summer, please contact Samia Shoman. She is particularly looking for opportunities on Fridays between 8:30-12:30 and/or after 12:30 Monday-Thursdays the weeks of June 7-June 25th.
On we go!
Kevin
P.S. Two facts about COVID in our community:
- Just over 60% of the 16+ students in our district who have responded to our survey report that they’ve had at least one jab, and
- While cases in San Mateo county have been falling, young people 10-19 now make almost 17% of cases in the last 30 days as opposed to about 11% since the pandemic began. We gotta get young people vaccinated!
April 30: Summer Opportunities for Staff and Promoting Vaccine Opportunities for Students
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
Our schools are looking to engage students in a variety of ways this summer. We are offering up to ten paid summer enrichment stipends for summer work per site. This could include dance, music, leadership, science labs, drama, art, robotics, and the list goes on.
If you are interested in creating such an opportunity for existing and incoming students, please review the general details below and send your principal an email expressing your interest by Tuesday, May 4.
- Co-curricular and enrichment activities
- Max pay $1,500 for 20 hours of direct work with students (no paid prep time)
- Paid on a variable
- In-person only (no virtual component)
- No student credit offered for participation
- Not during regular summer school hours
Earlier this week we sent a survey to all families and asked them to respond if they have students 16 and over who need the vaccine. We’ve had over 1,400 responses (out of about 5,400 potential responses). Additionally, we learned that about 60% of respondents have received the first vaccine. This is good, but we’d all feel better if the percentage was significantly higher. If you are teaching or interacting with students 16 and older, you can help by encouraging your students to complete this survey, so we can share information about vaccine opportunities. We all share the goal of having students vaccinated as soon as possible.
On we go, into the weekend!
Kevin
April 29: In Community With Our Students and Families, and With Each Other
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
The other day I was talking to a coworker about whether we are in service to students and families in our District, or are we in community with them. The answer is, of course, both!
As I think about these two perspectives on our calling as educators, I'm drawn to the idea of being in community with our families and those with whom we work. Community evokes a sense of empathy; it’s less hierarchical. And thinking about ours as being a community, where we get as much as we give, can create a sense of gratitude for those with whom we work, and yes, those we serve.
Early on I had a job where I felt far away from the families and colleagues where I worked. This distance, and the effect it had on my work has been a reason I feel our efforts to build staff housing and more opportunities for people to live close to our schools, if they choose, is so important.
We haven't been able to be in community this year like we would have liked. And for those who are new this year to our District, I mourn for what you have missed. However, next year will be better. Like George Zimmer from the Men's Wearhouse used to say, "I guarantee it!"
On we go in service and community!
Kevin
April 26: Beating COVID-19 With the Help of Our Students
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
Happy Monday Afternoon. I hope, with the arrival of more students back on campus you had twice the energy as a usual first day of the week.
As mentioned earlier, we are trying to use our position as a place of trust in the community to encourage students sixteen and older to get a vaccine. Below you will find a message to the community we will be sending out tomorrow. (Note - We’re still working to finalize the link to the survey, so don’t send your students yet). When it’s done, your help in this regard would be most appreciated. Here’s hoping we can get all our 16+ students two Pfizer vaccines before we leave for the summer.
On we go, determined to do everything we can, personally and organizationally, to beat COVID-19.
Kevin
Dear Families and Students:
We are now in a crucial period in the battle to quell the Coronavirus pandemic. Young people make up an increased percentage of new COVID-19 cases in San Mateo County and the nation. It’s also clear that opportunities for travel, work, and to attend various events will be contingent on being fully vaccinated.
As vaccines become available, our schools will have opportunities to host vaccination clinics for students aged 16 and older to receive both doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine
We ask that all families please complete this survey at your earliest convenience so that we can communicate with you when these clinics occur and know who has been vaccinated.
In addition to these possible vaccine opportunities, there are a variety of options students can pursue to receive vaccinations. We urge students and parents to learn about these options to check these sites regularly as appointment opportunities grow. Learn more about other opportunities on our website or call 650-558-2366 or email vaccineinfo@smuhsd.org.Thank you very much indeed.
Sincerely,
Kevin Skelly, Ph.D.
SuperintendentSara Devaney
Student Health Coordinator
April 22
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
Below is a message going to families and students later today. Everything in it is relevant to our work, and I'm grateful to each of you for your efforts in this regard.
On we go!
Kevin
Dear Families and Students:
Today is Earth Day, when we are reminded of and reflect upon our stewardship to our most remarkable and beautiful planet.
The saying Après moi, le déluge, which literally translates, “after me, the flood” is attributed to the French King Louis XV to capture his indifference to the state of his country and the world upon his demise. Will the next generation surmise that we adopted a similar attitude with respect to climate change and environmental degradation? I hope not!
As a District, we recognize we have a role to play and are trying to do our part. Our Board of Trustees recently adopted a Declaration of a Climate Emergency brought to them by a group of students. We have appointed Sustainability Facilitators at each of our school sites, and we have a dedicated group of students and staff who meet monthly to advance this work. We have partnered with the San Mateo County Office of Education to conduct a Sustainable and Climate Resilient Schools (SCRS) Baseline Assessment. This report examined sustainability and climate resiliency efforts across all aspects of the District’s school communities: That said, more needs to be done -- the science is clear -- we are heating up our world to unsustainable levels.
Our teaching and family responsibilities are immense. We may not live to see climate change reversed, but we must surely add to our list of endless duties an effort to transmit the knowledge, skills, and values that will give those young people we serve the chance to do so.
On we go, dedicating ourselves to environmental stewardship.
Sincerely,
Kevin Skelly, Ph.D.
SuperintendentApril 21: Conversations After the Chauvin Verdict
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
Yesterday, the world learned the verdict in the trial of Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd. Guilty on all counts. This was such a historic event, and I will always remember how I felt and where I was when I heard this news.
As I have been processing my feelings, I have found the counsel and words of wise friends and family extremely helpful. It occurs to me that we all need to do this - connect with the wisdom of others. Here are some resources including mental health supports and educational materials that help navigate complex issues of race and bias. If we do nothing else with and for our students, I hope you will encourage the kinds of conversations that lead to growth, understanding, and learning. Our young people will inherit the earth. We need to give them all the wise counsel and good things we can. For this is a journey, and our work together will determine whether we make progress on racial justice.
As a District community, we have a collective responsibility to dismantle actions, decisions, and outcomes that uphold and perpetuate racism. What continues to drive us is the desire to live in a just world and to share this world with our students, where they will all feel safe regardless of their race.
On we go, bending toward justice.
Kevin
April 19: Adult Education Week, More Days for Students on Campus, Working From Home and More
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
Did you know that this week is Adult Education Week? We honor the students, staff, and administrators of our San Mateo Adult School. Over the years I have had the chance to spend a lot of time at the Adult School. It has a more diverse student population than one would think. While students of Mexican and Central American descent are well-represented, students of Brazilian, Ukrainian, and Asian descent are represented in numbers much higher than what I expected. SMAS is a place where folks work hard but also have a lot of fun. Their cultural festivities and community building celebrations are highlights of the year! Thanks to the staff who make the American Dream a reality.
At the Board meeting last Thursday staff presented a plan to allow most of the students already attending classes on campus to attend up to four days a week starting Monday, April 26. This was possible because the number of students who wished to come back was low, which is a bit disappointing. Nevertheless, it’s great that we can provide those families with situations where their students who need to be at school have the opportunity to do so. I know having more students on campus and in classrooms has accompanying challenges. Judging from the emails I am receiving, families are extremely appreciative of this.
Earlier it was mentioned that we’d look at allowing teachers to work from home on Wednesdays or other days when students were not on campus if they would like. We’d like to begin this practice next week with Tuesday, August 27 (when students will be attending classes via Zoom from home because of the SAT administration on campuses) and Wednesday, August 28 as the first days this will happen.
I’m still looking for poetry. Below is one I received on Friday I really like.
On we go, looking to see the beauty all around us.
Kevin
Allowables
By: Nikki Giovanni
I killed a spider
Not a murderous brown recluse
Nor even a black widow
And if the truth were told this
Was only a small
Sort of papery spider
Who should have run
When I picked up the book
But she didn’t
And she scared me
And I smashed her
I don’t think
I’m allowed
To kill something
Because I am
Frightened
April 14: Goodbyes and Hellos
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
Today we’re honoring Wayne Rasay, accountant for the learning side of the district office, as he retires this week after years of service to students and staff. This event reminds me that it is the season when we are saying goodbye to many people who have made giant contributions to our students and their colleagues. We appreciate their service and will find ways to honor them, despite the pandemic.
To replace the folks who leave, we need to find the best educators and other amazing people to join the District. It has been my experience that hiring and promoting from within, combined with individual recommendations from existing staff helps us land amazing people to serve our students. If you know someone who should be part of our team, encourage them to apply. A list of openings can be found on our website. You can even forward your “BFFs” this message from me and encourage them to keep an eye out for opportunities.
The Board will be meeting tomorrow night. The big items on the agenda are a return to campus update, the honoring of our AVID seniors, a report from the District English Language Advisory Committee (DELAC), and resolutions honoring the Day of the Teacher May 12 and Classified School Employee Week - May 16-22. The agenda and Zoom login information can be found online.
Thanks for who you are and what you do.
On we go!
Kevin
April 13: Post Spring Break Sprint
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
Welcome back from Spring Break, especially those who thought they would have to stay home this week but, thanks to the evolving health guidance, are with us in person this week. Whatever your situation, I hope last week allowed you to center yourself and prepare for graduation next month.
Did you know that the U.S. State Department has declared April Arab-American Heritage Month? I learned more from this article. Arab-Americans could be the fourth largest ethnic group in the District if they had a specific student census designation. Our District is better because of our students and staff of Arab descent. Today is the first day of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month. Not all Arabs are Muslim, but there are about 1.8 billion Muslims in the world.
We’re being increasingly asked what the fall will look like for teaching and learning. While we want to carry the ways we’ve improved students’ experiences in schools, we are planning for almost all of our students to be back, in person, in the fall. The state of California has indicated that expectations around instructional minutes will return to pre-pandemic levels. On sites, we plan on an instructional schedule that will be as consistent among schools as possible.
Below is a message that we will be sending out to families.
On we go!
Kevin
Dear Families and Students:
This is our first full week with students back on campus. I know I speak for my District colleagues when I say we are anxious to continue to do our darndest to finish this year strong and give our best to our students.
Health conditions and guidelines continue to change rapidly, with more opportunities for students. The San Mateo County Office of Education issued a recent update to the Pandemic Recovery Framework. Key points in the document outline changes to quarantine for fully vaccinated individuals after exposure and travel. Our District will continue to follow County Guidelines which require a 14 day quarantine period for students who are close contacts to a positive case. As for travel, fully vaccinated individuals are not required to test or quarantine before or after domestic travel unless they have symptoms associated with COVID-19 infection. Fully vaccinated individuals need to complete a COVID-19 test after international travel. Changes in travel guidelines are more likely to have an impact on adults as most of our students have not yet had the opportunity to be fully vaccinated.
Our schools are busy planning graduations. We are working through what these events will look like and to what extent they can be held in person. Your schools will communicate details with you in the coming weeks.
The District will administer the SAT to about 800 juniors on April 27th all day, in-person, at all six comprehensive school sites. These are students who have already signed up to take the SAT on this date, and we are not accepting new applications to sit for this administration of the SAT.
On April 27, all students who are NOT taking the test will stay home and engage in their classes from home (via Zoom). It should be noted that if a student participates in after school activities, they can still participate in those activities in-person on that day.
Finally, we’re busy preparing for next school year! Anticipated staff openings are being filled, student schedules are being created, and bell schedules with later start times are on the drawing board. Our plans and fervent hopes center around a full return for all students as public health conditions allow. The first day of school will be Thursday, August 12, less than four months away!
On we go, eager to finish this strange school year strongly.
Sincerely,
Kevin Skelly, Ph.D.
SuperintendentApril 7: No Need to Quarantine after Domestic Travel - Returning to work
Hello Most Wonderful Colleagues:
I wanted to share the following update from the San Mateo County Office of Education. The rules around quarantining after travel have been relaxed. This means that those of you who are engaging in domestic travel can and should return to work on Monday, April 12 unless you have gone through the interactive process with Kirk and have been given permission to work from home.
The relevant paragraph is:
- Fully vaccinated individuals are not required to test or quarantine before or after domestic travel unless they have symptoms associated with COVID-19 infection. Fully vaccinated individuals need to complete a COVID-19 test after international travel.
Kevin
April 2: Changing Guidance with Respect to Travel
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
To say we’re in a state of flux would be an understatement. Yesterday the CDPH released new travel guidelines. These guidelines state that non-essential travel is to be avoided to other states or countries. All persons arriving in or returning to California from other states or countries should self-quarantine for seven days after arrival with a negative COVID test (tests should be done three to five days after returning) or 10 days after arrival for those who do not opt to take a COVID test.
Given this new guidance we WILL NOT ask students and staff to quarantine unless they travel out of state.
Principals have updated staff affected by this change if their Spring Break travel plans will no longer require them to quarantine after Spring Break. If you have any questions, please contact your supervisor.
I’m excited to put the “out of office” message on my email inbox and I’ve promised myself at least three days fully unplugged. Further, I’m not going to bug anyone else with emails before Monday morning if I don’t have to!
On we go, proud of all we have accomplished together.
Kevin
P.S. Below is today’s message to families and students...
Subject: We Made It!
Dear Families and Students:
We made it! Yesterday was the strangest “back to school” our teachers and students are likely to encounter, but also it was strangely wonderful. We could not have made it this far without YOU - our students and families. Your patience, goodwill, and collective making of lemonade out of lemons have been extraordinary. Below are a few pictures.
As a District we are very fortunate to be able to offer streaming from the classroom. Many Districts in the Bay Area do not have this option, because they simply do not have the bandwidth for it. Our District’s strength in this area is due in large part to our District’s voters and taxpayers who have supported the facilities bond measures over the years. Thank you!
In addition, the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems in our District exceed industry and CDC standards. Everyone who comes on campus can be confident in this regard. We’re also appreciative of taxpayers for this fact.
We’re challenged to keep up with the changes in health advisories. Yesterday the California Department of Public Health released new travel guidelines. These guidelines state that non-essential travel is to be avoided to other states or countries. All persons arriving in or returning to California from other states or countries, should self-quarantine for seven days after arrival with a negative COVID test (tests should be done three to five days after returning) or 10 days after arrival for those who do not opt to take a COVID test.
Given this new guidance we WILL NOT ask students and staff to quarantine unless they travel out of state.
Now that we’re just starting up it’s almost sad that we’re headed into Spring Break. Like our students and staff, we all need a break from Zoom.
On we go, fortunate to be able to enjoy spring break and return to school energized and recharged!
Sincerely,
Kevin Skelly, Ph.D.
SuperintendentApril 1: A Fabulous Day, A Request for Help, Almost Time to Rest
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
I had such a great day today visiting schools! At each of the comprehensive schools I felt energy and warmth absent for the past year. There was so much good stuff happening on our campuses! The hard work and months of preparation felt rewarded in the high spirits of students as they came to school, many for the first time. I heard celebratory stories of joyously thankful parents, shy, nervous students, and relieved administrators that things were moving forward with few if any hitches.
Here is a picture from my travels.
On Thursday Trustee Linda Lees Dwyer and I visited Peninsula to see their opening and then went to Burlingame for time with the Phase 1 students. She got the jotform done! Yesterday was a really good day too.
I want to use my daily messages to staff to honor the various national and international times recognizing particular groups of people. However, I often struggle to find time to write something that does the topic justice or feels adequate expressing other’s lived experiences. If you would like to help me in this regard, please feel free to send me information that I can share with colleagues.
It has been my experience that, after a long hard push to get something done, when it’s actually completed I feel a wave of fatigue. Tomorrow is our last day before Spring Break. We’ve worked hard, with important things to do when we return. I hope you will do all you can to put yourself in the best place - mind, body, and spirit, to be your best for the last weeks of this most unusual school year.
On we go!
Kevin
March 30: Testing, Orange, and Tie Died Day at AHS
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
In the last message to staff I mentioned testing for COVID. The MOU with SMUHSDTA has an expectation that certificated staff will be tested every two weeks. The MOU with CSEA does not. At this point in the pandemic, there are plenty of reasons to continue to test, particularly the unvaccinated, like our students. Every time we have a positive test result I’m initially disappointed. Then I reflect on how it helps us slow down the spread of the virus by stopping the spread and I’m glad we do this work. Even though vaccines have recently been shown to dramatically slow the spread of the virus, we’re still in a race against variants. Let’s win.
We are still in the Orange Zone in San Mateo County, but our data is a bit better. The numbers are not dropping like they were previously, but our trend, as opposed to other places where case numbers are increasing.
Here’s a link to a draft of Thursday night’s presentation to the Board about returning to campus.
Today Trustee Peter Hanley and I visited Aragon. It was not a coincidence on my part that they had lunch for their staff! I didn’t realize it was Tie-Died day there, not tie-dyed day. Aragon is full of punny people!
On we go, enjoying the beautiful weather!
Kevin
P.S. Below is the message we sent to families today.
Subject: Final Preparations for Phase 3
Dear Families and Students:
In preparation to re-open, last week we COVID tested 2,567 students and staff - so far, with only two positive student cases. This testing, plus all the other steps we are taking suggest that we can be extremely confident that we can open our schools for on-campus learning safely for all concerned.
As a reminder, all students and staff will be expected to fill out the LiveSafe App or jotform before coming on campus each day. Visit our website to see questions you will be asked. As a District community, we are requesting agreement to the components of Community Expectations which outline expectations for masking and social distancing, gatherings, travel and behavioral expectations.
For the past month or so, the work around here has had similarities (and differences) to planning a big party. Entrance requirements, directions, seating guidelines, and the schedule of activities have all been reviewed and planned carefully. Invitations in terms of the family survey were sent out, and now we have the guest list.
We’re keen to see students on Thursday and Friday, knowing that not everyone will be attending “the April/May return to school” party. Whether your student is coming back to campus this semester or not, you can be sure we’ll work hard to prepare safely for an even bigger, more wonderful celebration in August for our students and families.
On we go, increasingly excited by the possibilities of post-pandemic life.
Sincerely,
Kevin Skelly, Ph.D.
Superintendent
March 29: Update - Staff Testing
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
We have one more week before Spring Break. Usually I think it’s downhill from Spring Break to graduation, but trying to draw similarities to previous years is pretty darn tough these days.
Per the MOU, all staff are expected to take a COVID test every two weeks, and can do so at their sites. Testing schedules at sites vary so be sure to check with your health and admin team for a specific schedule. Most sites will test twice weekly to accommodate the testing of staff, and cohort A & B students. If you miss a testing date, please reach out to your school’s health aid to learn more about your next opportunity. We are not requiring proof of a negative test to return to sites, but staff are expected to take part in this surveillance testing. As a reminder if you are experiencing COVID symptoms, do not come to your work site. Please fill out the LiveSafe jot form, and alert your supervisor to your symptoms.
For those of you who zoomed from your classroom today for the first time, I hope it went well and trust that if you had concerns or challenges that you have sought out the support you need.
Once again, it has been so nice to see many of you these past few days.
Kevin
March 26: Ramping up to see more students while enjoying each other’s company
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
We experienced a hiccup this morning with our internet outage that seems, thankfully, unlikely to occur again. At Capuchino and Burlingame, where I was visiting, staff were using the time productively, including visiting safely with colleagues. We all have so much to catch up with each other -- family changes, new hair styles, acquired pets, and other exciting news. Yes, this is a time to prepare for students to come back, but it is also a chance to see those people who have been and will be a part of our professional calling on behalf of young people.
While an internet outage can be a big headache, it is a good reminder of how very fortunate we are in our District. Many districts up and down the Peninsula aren’t able to bring students back because their sites lack the bandwidth to “room and zoom.” We are deeply appreciative of the tech department for this ability, as well as SMUHSD voters who provide the funds through bond measures to make this happen. We’re also grateful to the Maintenance and Operations folks who have carefully reviewed our ventilation systems throughout the District and consulted experts to assure our airflow exceeds all standards for safety during this time.
More and more of us are getting our second vaccines. If you have a vaccine selfie or back to school picture you’d like to share for Savvy Source, please email it to Sayre Happich (shappich@smuhsd.org).
We’ve tested 2,278 people this week, and we’ll likely reach the 2,500 mark by the end of the day. Results are rolling in, but so far not a single positive test result!
I hope you have a great weekend. The weather will cooperate!
On we go, excited to see students next week in person.
Kevin
March 24: This is Happiness
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
I can't express how great it was to see so many of you as I visited schools today. Yes, some of you are nervous, and I appreciate and honor those feelings. The other sense I got is that folks are SO HAPPY TO SEE THEIR COLLEAGUES. I didn't see any hugging but the laughter and glowing faces were there.
There will be bumps in the road and there's still a sense of brokenness, but we're starting to safely put things back together.
There's been a lot about athletics. Yesterday I stopped in on the Phase 2 Dance time at SMHS. You will love this video and the music! A bevy of beauties who can dance just as good as they walk!
On we go!
Kevin
March 22: March Madness, Physical Distancing and Temperature Taking
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
Happy Monday. March Madness is upon us! My fervent hope is that you are feeling healthy mind, body, and soul. Not sure about you, but the longer evenings have helped to lift my spirits.
Today we had a coffee cart outside the DO as we gathered six feet apart for a quick “Back to School” meeting. Several in attendance had joined the District since the pandemic and had never met some of their DO colleagues in person. I appreciated the warmth and genuine affection displayed.
As more and more folks come back on campuses, it’s worth remembering that we should not be within 6 feet of others and should refrain from meetings in-person if they can be avoided. We want people to feel comfortable on campus and on the other hand we want them to follow the guidelines.Six feet apart is at least 2 chairs between you in a conference room or opposite ends of a table. While the CDC has come out with new guidelines saying three feet is an acceptable distance for students in public schools, San Mateo County is much more stringent, and for now the six-foot rule remains in place. Despite our natural urge to be close to those friends and colleagues we haven’t seen in such a long time, for now we need to maintain physical distance. I know this will be tough, but we’ll need to model it for students. I’ll communicate about this in a message to families and students soon.
I think we have finished vaccinating everyone (some are done and some are awaiting jab #2). If you still need a jab, send an email to vaccineinfo@smuhsd.org. We got it (almost all) done before St. Patrick’s Day!
Upon the advice of health professionals and others, we will no longer be doing temperature checks. This is no longer a requirement of the San Mateo County Health Department, and we hope will eliminate longer waits and potential crowding while completing daily health screenings. Students and staff will still be responsible for filling out the LiveSafe mobile health screening app or complete this Jot Form daily before entering campus. We will communicate this operational change with families and students widely this week:
Tomorrow is the last office hours for this school year. I have really appreciated all the wisdom I have gained from this time with colleagues. Here’s the link to tomorrow’s meeting:
https://smuhsd-org.zoom.us/j/99478648790
Meeting ID: 994 7864 8790
One tap mobile+16699009128
We live in a time where Good News and Bad News come at us with more frequency than ever. As my children remind me often, we will get through this patch. We are making progress, despite the fits and starts.
On we go!
Kevin
March 19: A Long, Important Update - Spring Break Travel, Community Expectations, Interactive Process and Wednesdays
Hello Most Wonderful Colleagues:
I want to begin by thanking everyone for their hard work so far this year. We’ve held up remarkably well in what’s probably the most challenging environment for teaching and learning possible. I attribute this to the culture we have collectively created. As someone who has seen many district cultures, our sense of camaraderie and mission is remarkable. As I say in every interview with prospective employees, “This is a place that cares deeply about students, and that sense of care spills over into the community that exists here. People look out for each other and support each other in ways you just don’t see in other districts.”
We’re now getting close to the start of Phase 3. It’s exciting that almost all of us have received at least our first vaccine dose, that many students and families are eager to see us, and there’s a sense that things may possibly move closer to normal in the coming months. I know many people are nervous but I think we’ve created just about the best safety protocols possible.
We want to provide direction on four important topics -- Spring Break travel and subsequent quarantines, our community expectations, the interactive process, and expectations for Wednesdays.
Spring Break Travel
In an earlier email we asked staff to avoid travel out of the area during spring break. That said, we all realize that some people must travel to see sick relatives and take care of important personal matters. If you do travel farther than 120 miles from home, you will likely have to quarantine yourself for ten days upon returning. Please complete this form if you plan to travel farther than 120 miles from home. We anticipate granting people’s requests to work from home without having them use sick leave or being docked for pay. I hope staff will consider this seriously and avoid non-essential travel that involves activities that are potentially risky. Our colleagues and students are counting on us to be here for them in solidarity and support.
Community Expectations
As a District community, we are requesting agreement to the components of Community Expectations. These will be incorporated into the daily LiveSafe App/Jotform. Students and staff will be oriented to these expectations during the student orientation and transition back to in-person work and school.
The Interactive Process
The pandemic and the chaos it has sown has affected other areas of people’s lives. Over twenty percent of teachers and staff have requested some form of accommodations. Unlike other districts that have taken a very hard line on this, we are trying hard to be flexible, accommodating, and employee-centered. This will put pressure on those who can and do come into work, but it feels appropriate for the remainder of this school year. I’m confident that those who have asked for accommodations truly need them and that those who don’t need modifications understand that each and every person is in a different situation right now. While the remainder of the year is crucial to our journey back to in-person learning, we must remain united as a community. Some employees have brought their own children in to work to help bridge the gap with childcare. These are unique times, and I support employees who need to do this.
Wednesdays
There have been many inquiries about the rationale behind the expectation that certificated staff come to work on Wednesdays since students will be attending classes virtually. As we work through the challenges of post-Spring break teaching and learning, I’d ask for some patience on this topic. I promise that we’ll review this expectation for the week of April 28 and the remainder of the year by April 21.
Patience, generosity, dedication, and care for each other have carried us this past year. I’m confident there remains sufficient amounts of these virtues to hold us in good stead through the rest of the year.
Kevin
March 18: Supporting our students in tumultuous times
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
Today I received this note from Lynne Lee, who works for Coaching Corp, an organization in Oakland that seeks to train and place quality coaches in communities where sports opportunities are needed. She states more eloquently than I could what it was like to be an Asian American student and her thoughts on the recent increase in attacks on our Asian-American brothers and sisters. She closes by saying, "Ultimately, what they need is a coach."
We need to be the teachers, coaches, and mentors for our Asian-American, Pacific Islander, and all our students during this time of tumult and discord.
Kevin
March 17: Happy St. Patrick's Day
Hello Most Wonderful Colleagues:
Happy Saint Patrick's Day! I could go on about how my dad came to this country from the Ould Sod in 1963 with $200 (he still has that $200 BTW), how my brother visited our hometown Ballyjamesduff for the first time when he was 21 and someone identified him immediately as a Skelly, and how my mom made dinner for two Irishmen and they were soon my brother-in-laws. However, like celebrating the day properly, it will have to wait.
Attached please find a joint letter from me and the leaders of bargaining units regarding salary enhancements and when you should see these improvements in your paycheck. I appreciate those who lead our unions and the good work they do. It goes without saying that their roles have become exponentially harder this year, so make sure you thank them for their efforts on behalf of our staff and District.
We welcome back Middle College and Bridge teachers and staff today. They will be conducting in-person instruction starting next Wednesday. Also on campus today are some of our Peninsula High teachers. I look forward to visiting with these colleagues in the days to come.
On we go!
Kevin
March 15: A Metaphor for our Pandemic Situation, a Vaccine Update
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
An update on vaccines:
Important - if you have not yet received your first dose of the vaccine please fill out this Google form: SMUHSD COVID Vaccine.
An update from the SMCOE regarding second doses of the vaccine and some FAQs are below:
- For those who received a first dose of vaccine at one of the Event Center clinics on February 24th, 25th, or 26th, you should be receiving an invitation this week to sign up for an appointment for the second dose being scheduled for the week of March 22. For anyone who does NOT receive an invitation by the end of next week, please contact call 888-762-8229 – Monday to Friday, 8am-5pm or email: vaccine-sm-support@carbonhealth.com
- For those who received a vaccine at the Event Center after February 26th, you should have already received information on a follow-up appointment. For that second week of vaccinations, the county improved their second dose appointment process which is why some, who received first dose later than others, have already received their second dose appointments.
- For those who received a first dose appointment through Kaiser or personal health provider, please reach out directly if you do not receive information within a week of the expected second dose.
- For those who received their first dose through another source, please reach out to that provider if they do not receive information within a week of the expected second dose.
- Please note, there is a four-week waiting period between doses of Moderna and a 3-week wait between doses of Pfizer. Individuals must receive the same brand of vaccine for both shots.
- This link provides information from Carbon Health about second doses.
I’m absolutely thrilled that virtually every person who works for the District has had the opportunity to receive a vaccine and that almost everyone has received at least their first jab. Personally, I’m thrilled at the prospect of visiting my parents during the summer when guidelines on quarantining after travel have loosened. There are so many benefits to being vaccinated and so many more things we will be able to do when fully vaccinated. This Wednesday, Phase 2 staff will return to sites, and Phase 2 students and Phase 3 staff members will return on Wednesday, March 24 if we receive the anticipated news that San Mateo County has moved into the Orange Tier tomorrow.
Finally, I invite you to join me at office hours tomorrow if your schedule permits:
Join Zoom Meeting https://smuhsd-org.zoom.us/j/99478648790
Meeting ID: 994 7864 8790
One tap mobile+16699009128,,99478648790#
I think our nearly spring weather may be a metaphor for our battle with the virus. It’s been cold, windy and rainy these past few days. However, the beautiful spring flowers and the buds on the trees don’t lie -- spring is on the way. And just perhaps, wins over COVID-19.
On we go, excited about the possibilities that may just be around the corner.
Kevin
March 11: Is it safe to be optimistic yet?
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
Below is a message we will be sending to families later today.
As mentioned, we have a Board meeting. Tonight’s agenda and zoom login information is on our website.
Did I tell you how much I enjoyed seeing students back on campus yesterday?
And did I tell you how glad I am to work with all the hard-working, enormously dedicated staff members we have in the District. It’s inspiring!
Kevin
Dear Families and Students:
Yesterday, we welcomed some of our students with individualized education plans in our Special Education Department back on campus. I could almost see their smiles through their masks, with teachers effusive about having students on campus. Yes, school is different, but it’s a step in the right direction.
At tonight’s Board meeting we will be sharing out the results of our questionnaire to families about their interest in having their students return to school. We expect that about a third of our students District-wide will be back in classes (in cohorts) the week of March 29, if San Mateo County is in the Orange Tier. It should be noted that health conditions continue to improve and it’s likely we will be in the Orange Tier next week. By some measures we are already considered to be in the Yellow Tier. See tonight’s agenda and zoom login information on our website.
Over the next few weeks, we will continue to prepare for students returning to campus. In addition, sites will have opportunities for orientation and more sports and activities will begin. Keep an eye out for information from your student’s school.
An Update on Spectators at Athletic Events
The County has released new guidelines on allowing spectators at athletic events. The important highlights are that no more than four family members including no more than two adults and siblings may attend athletic events as spectators. All observers must maintain at least 6 feet from non-household members.
Travel Over Spring Break - April 3-11
Our ability to operate in-person learning safely takes a collective effort from all of us. As of today, the County guidelines for travel state that those who travel greater than 120 miles from home should quarantine for 10 calendar days upon their return. This is expected of our staff and students as well. We hope you all will stay safe during spring break: please avoid travel during that time so we minimize the chance of transmission for families and staff that would negatively impact our plans for return to campus. More information on travel guidelines can be found on the County website.
A year ago today the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic. So much has happened since then. We’ve had our share of disappointments and false starts. That said, this time, where spring is around the corner, feels different. So much more seems possible, and we look forward to embracing these possibilities with you.
On we go!
Sincerely,
Kevin Skelly, Ph.D.
SuperintendentMarch 9: Tier Update, More about Vaccines and Poetry...Turning to One Another
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
We had hopes we'd be in the Orange Tier but alas, we're still red. We're trying to figure out why this is so. We have been and will continue to work to quell the virus.
We will be sending out information about quarantine times after travel and exposure as we learn more. Stay tuned.
There are about two thousand employees in the district who were eligible for a vaccine and we believe we're down to the last 250 who we think still need their first dose. Here's how we want to make sure we haven't missed anyone.
- This morning we sent a note to those people we THINK have not been offered a vaccine. If you didn't receive an email AND you still need a vaccine, please email vaccineinfo@smuhsd.org now. We will work to get you a vaccine.
- If you have received the jab and have not emailed vaccineinfo@smuhsd.org, please do so. This allows someone else to be vaccinated.
We are hopeful that we can have everyone receive the protection one dose delivers by the end of this week.
Below is a poem by Margaret Wheatley that I found apropos during this time. We've used her work in conjunction with our equity work. She's wise.
On we go.
Kevin
Turning to One AnotherThere is no power greater than a community discovering what it cares about.
Ask “What’s possible?” not “What’s wrong?” Keep asking.
Notice what you care about.
Assume that many others share your dreams.
Be brave enough to start a conversation that matters.
Talk to people you know.
Talk to people you don’t know.
Talk to people you never talk to.
Be intrigued by the differences you hear.
Expect to be surprised.
Treasure curiosity more than certainty.
Invite everybody who cares to work on what’s possible.
Acknowledge that everyone is an expert about something.
Know that creative solutions come from new connections.
Remember, you don’t fear people whose story you know.
Real listening always brings people closer together.
Trust that meaningful conversations can change your world.
Rely on human goodness. Stay together.
—Margaret Wheatley, “Turning to One Another”
March 8: International Women's Day, Vaccine Update and Office Hours
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
I got a text Friday night that the County has almost 100 staff members received an email offering vaccines on Saturday. I don’t know if everyone in this group was able to get their jab. If you were, please send an email to vaccineinfo@smuhsd.org so we can get you off the list. We’re down to the last fifteen percent or so, with more opportunities coming. Look for information later today or tomorrow.
Today is International Women's Day and this is Women’s History Month. A week ago I observed a BHS class where the paucity in international aid targeting women was discussed. I learned more about this topic. It’s becoming increasingly clear that strong democratic institutions, reduced inequality, and healthy children are all positively linked to the status of women. Our collective acknowledgement of this truth and efforts to incorporate this fact into how we view public policy seems crucial for our drive toward a more just and verdant world. In terms of the generation of young women we serve, I found this article from the Economist over the winter holidays to be insightful.
I hope you’ll join me for office hours tomorrow at 8 a.m. if your schedule allows. Here is the zoom login info:
Join Zoom Meeting https://smuhsd-org.zoom.us/j/99478648790
Meeting ID: 994 7864 8790
One tap mobile+16699009128On we go!
Kevin
March 5: Friday Thoughts, On Teaching Social Studies, and Student Poetry
Hi Most Wonderful Colleagues:
Happy Friday. I hope you have safe and rejuvenating plans for the weekend. For many of you, this weekend will offer the chance to get your first jab. It’s so exciting to follow the emails flowing into vaccineinfo@smuhsd.org letting us know that you have been vaccinated.
At next week’s Board meeting Social Studies teachers will be updating the Board on how they have been working on fulfilling the District’s goal to review and examine Social Studies courses and curriculum for bias, with the goal of creating the most inclusive and balanced instruction possible. Having been part of numerous conversations with families about the content in social studies classes, I somewhat understand how hard it is to teach social studies in a pluralistic society. This goal does not have an endpoint but is a journey as our understanding of history is always evolving.
Speaking of history, I found this article called “How to Love America - Patriotism in a time of division” thought-provoking. All true love affairs contain measures of blindness, harshness, and deep passion. And so it is for many of us with our country.
Finally, Sophie Abitbol shared this poem by Antonio Alvarado Ortigoza, a student in her Academic Language Development Class.
I feel bored during Covid 19
There is nothing to do
I can’t hang out with friends
I have to joining a zoom meeting every week
I try to do things to entertain me
I have to wear a mask everywhere I go
I don’t trust anyone
I have been in in lockdown for a year
I want to go to school
I want to see my friends
A lot of people don’t wear their mask which is bad
I can’t go to six Flags
I can’t go to my friends house
I hate Covid 19
On we go, dreaming of what we will do when this stifling time is behind us.
Kevin
March 4: Important March 4 Vaccine Update, etc.
Hi Most Wonderful Colleagues:
District vaccine group 2 folks may have received word that they can sign up for appointments at the San Mateo County event center on Saturday. Please make your appointment right away.
There's a good chance we will be getting some codes for use on MyTurn. If/when we do, we will share those with folks in Group 3. In addition, those who use Kaiser for health benefits may also receive opportunities for a vaccine this weekend. I am increasingly optimistic all staff members will have had the chance to get a vaccine by the end of next week.
Remember to take your name off the list if you already have received your first dose (email vaccineinfo@smuhsd.org with name). We’re also using this email to address any questions you might have.
Yesterday I was able to visit all the comprehensive high school campuses. It was exciting to see increased activity and energy -- all with safety in mind.
On we go!
Kevin
March 3: Vaccines, Town Hall, and a Poem that resonated
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
Happy Asynchronous Wednesday. I hope this different day offers what you and our students need during this continuing strange time.
I originally thought we’d have vaccines rolling out for educators every Wednesday but it appears that this weekend is when many of SM County staff will receive vaccines. Superintendent Magee believes there will be about two thousand educators county-wide who will receive invitations via text or email. Folks in priority 2 should be on the lookout for this opportunity. It appears these will be on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. If I learn anything more I’ll share it.
Last night we had a Town Hall for our families to discuss the various safety and operational aspects associated with returning to campus. It was a very large crowd on Zoom and Youtube with many good questions. You can find a link to the recording of the meeting here and our frequently asked questions here.
Today I get the chance to visit all the comprehensive sites. It’s not the same as when we are in full flow, but good tonic nonetheless.
I came across the poem below that was written pre-pandemic. However, its contents seem apropos for our collective experience. I think our collective hope is that there will be grace from this time of hunkering down and spring will unlock our hearts and set us (reasonably) free.
On we go, with spring around the corner.
Kevin
Because We Hunkered Down
by Malcolm Guite
These bleak and freezing seasons may mean grace
When they are memory. In time to come
When we speak truth, then they will have their place,
Telling the story of our journey home,
Through dark December and stark January
With all its disappointments, through the murk
And dreariness of frozen February,
When even breathing seemed unwelcome work.
Because through all of these we held together,
Because we shunned the impulse to let go,
Because we hunkered down through our dark weather,
And trusted to the soil beneath the snow,
Slowly, slowly, turning a cold key,
Spring will unlock our hearts and set us free.
Ayodeji Malcolm Guite is an English poet, singer-songwriter, Anglican priest, and academic. Born in Nigeria to British expatriate parents, Guite earned degrees from Cambridge and Durham universities.
March 2: Update on vaccines, town hall and an uplifting video:
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
Based on the updated Tier assignments San Mateo County remains in the Red Tier, but are very close to Orange. It’s so great that health conditions are improving but we all have to stay vigilant.
Our District-wide town hall with families to discuss in person learning is tonight at 6:30 p.m. Zoom information can be found on our website. We are encouraging families who need additional information to make a decision to attend, so they can submit their surveys before the deadline Thursday evening at 6 p.m. Right now we are trending at about 40% of students wanting to return to in-person learning.
Vaccine Update - Some of you received an email from Kaiser and, to register for a vaccine, were asked for an authorization code. These are being distributed by priority and, so far, our District is farther down the list. However, we hope to start receiving these codes for our District over the next two weeks. I do realize that waiting is hard.
Second Doses - this just in from County Superintendent Nancy Magee:
All school staff who received a vaccine on February 24, 25, 26 through the SMC Event Center drive-through events will receive an invitation from Covidvax@smcgov.org around March 17th to schedule their 2nd dose appointments. People will have the option to schedule for one of three (3) dates, March 24, 25, 26. These staff should be encouraged to sign up immediately when they receive the invitation. People tend to forget to register or they miss the window, and it’s harder to plug them into random clinics. For the best outcomes, it is much preferred that they schedule for the designated time periods offered in the mid-March invitation.
This video made me a bit weepy for lots of reasons. It reminded me how important the human touch is to our health. It is a cruel irony that hugging someone could be associated with spreading a disease, when in normal times, this is integral to how we share our humanity.
On we go, sending virtual hugs to those we care about who are outside our pod!
Kevin
Below is a message we are sending to parents today:
Dear Families and Students:
Thank you to all families who have completed the return to in-person learning survey Those who still have questions or need information in order to make a decision can attend our District-wide Town Hall tonight at 6:30 p.m. The Zoom login can be found on our website. If the Zoom meeting reaches capacity - you can also watch the Town Hall on our SMUHSD Events YouTube Channel. The survey is due no later than 6 p.m. this Thursday, March 4.
Our staff are being vaccinated and we’re hopeful all of our educators will receive at least their first dose by the end of March.
Update on new student support program - Bark for Schools
When schools give students access to devices and online accounts, an incredible world of learning opportunities opens up — as well as potential dangers. Digital safety is critically important to our District, which is why we are now using Bark for Schools to help us protect our students both online and in real life.
Bark monitors for signs of potential issues in our SMUHSD student Google accounts such as cyberbullying, suicidal ideation, sexual predators, threats of violence, and more.When possible dangers arise on school-issued accounts, Bark for Schools sends alerts to school and District administrators so we can address the situation in a timely manner. These alerts also give us insights that help us promote the wellness of the entire student body.
Learn more about Bark for Schools — including their commitment to student privacy. If you have additional questions, please contact Don Scatena our Director of Student Services at dscatena@smuhsd.org.
I’ve enjoyed seeing your students on Zoom when visiting classes. Their positivity keeps me going.
On we go, with hope for the future.
Sincerely,
Kevin Skelly, Ph.D.
Superintendent
March 1: Office Hours, Return to School, Travel, and Vaccines
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
Happy Monday. I hope you had a nice weekend.
With the approval of the Johnson&Johnson vaccine, the already expanding routes to vaccination will soon receive a big boost. While there’s nothing official, I expect the County to send vaccine offers to those remaining in Group 1B and many of the folks in Group 2 - those coming to work but not working with students and Group 3 - those working remotely this week and next. In addition, Kaiser is now opening up vaccines for educators so there’s another important path to vaccines. I’m still feeling optimistic that everyone will be lucky enough to have a chance to get a jab by St. Patrick’s Day. In a way we’re very fortunate to be essential workers so we can be at the front of the line -- there are many people who will have to wait a while before they’ll be eligible to receive this lifesaving vaccine.
And I hope you will get a vaccine as soon as you can. They are safe and adverse reactions are rare. I have not heard of a single case where someone was hospitalized for or died from COVID-19 after receiving the vaccine. That’s remarkable. I feel it’s our community responsibility to protect ourselves and others by getting the vaccine. This is particularly true as educators, because those we serve -- our students -- can’t get the vaccine.
Thanks to all of you who have sent emails to vaccineinfo@smuhsd.org letting us know you have received the jab. Note - It doesn’t matter where you get your vaccine, we still want to know!
Last week I shared the schedule for students returning to school. I am excited. Even though our schools will have considerably less than a third of their usual numbers just having the energy on campus is going to be exciting. Speaking of numbers, so far about 39% of students/families are indicating that they want to return this spring, fyi.
There have been questions about how we will handle travel over spring break. At this point SM County says that you have to quarantine for ten days if you travel farther than 120 miles out of the area. However, we expect this to change and there may be different criteria for those who are vaccinated. We’ll keep you informed. That said, until we are out of the woods travel should be avoided if it isn’t essential.
Office hours are tomorrow at 8 a.m.. Here’s the Zoom login:
Join Zoom Meeting: https://smuhsd-org.zoom.us/j/99478648790
Meeting ID: 994 7864 8790
One tap mobile+16699009128On we go, dedicated to our work on behalf of students and their families.
Kevin
February 26: Summer School, Vaccines, and the 2021-22 Calendar
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
Happy Friday. I hope you are doing so well you can hardly stand it.
Did I tell you how glad I am that so many of you have gotten the jab?
I’m equally excited that more vaccines are coming our way. While there are expanding and increasing numbers of paths to vaccination, it looks like there will be fairly large opportunities for Group 2 staff members and those who are Kaiser members to get a vaccine this weekend. Stay tuned and please, make sure you let us know if you have already gotten the vaccine (email to vaccineinfo@smuhsd.org). More information to come next week.
While adverse reactions to the vaccine are rare, they do happen. If you are not feeling well after receiving the vaccine and can’t come to work, please know that this absence will not count against sick leave. The science tells us that the vaccine is safe and the more of us who are vaccinated the healthier we will all be.
Our traditional summer school will take place June 1-July 21 this year. See slide 13 in the presentation from last night for details. We are working with SMUHSDTA to raise the pay rate for summer school for this coming summer quite a bit. We know that many of our students need the opportunity to accelerate their learning this summer and interacting with our fabulous teachers is the best path forward for this to happen.
In addition to regular summer school, we are excited that the Board authorized summer school to also include offering fun, non-credit enrichment opportunities for students this summer. We know students (and staff!) have so missed the chance to be on campus. We’re thinking that there may be VAPA, co-curricular, CTE, or other teachers who would like to create these learning opportunities in their area of skill or interest. More details to follow, but we anticipate these being scheduled and structured by teachers. Stay tuned for more details.
The Board approved the 2021-2022 School Year Calendar last night, allowing for planning at the school, District and personal level.
I’m finding myself more excited about the future than I have in quite some time. I hope you share this sentiment.
On we go!
Kevin
February 25: Dates for Return to Work, Update on Vaccines, HVAC and Ventilation
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
Happy Thursday. The late great Larry Teshara used to say that life rolls out like paper towels -- it starts slowly and picks up speed as you age. Even though this has been a year like no other, can you believe we are almost in March?
Effective yesterday we entered the Red Tier. Here is what this means for certificated staff and those who work directly with them regarding returning to campuses and when students will return. If you have questions you should start by discussing them with your site administrator.
- Phase 1 - Staff supporting specialized programs for specific students with disabilities. These programs may start in-person instruction fourteen (14) days after the County enters and remains in the Red tier.
- Teachers return Wednesday, March 3
- Students return Wednesday, March 10
- Phase 2 - Adds Staff supporting the Bridge program for newcomers, Peninsula Continuation High School, the Middle College program, and various voluntary enrichment programs. These programs may start in-person instruction no earlier than fourteen (14) days after the start of Phase 1.
- Teachers return Wednesday, March 17
- Students return Wednesday, March 24
- Phase 3 - adds all students who opt for in-person instruction to return to all campuses no earlier than five (5) days after the County has entered the Orange Tier and no earlier than five (5) days after the start of Phase 2.
- Teachers return Wednesday, March 24
- Students return Wednesday, March 31
Yesterday many, many of us were able to get vaccines. Thanks to the leadership of County Superintendent Nancy Magee and others, thousands of County educators and hundreds of SMUHSD folks were able to receive their first dose yesterday. These folks, combined with those of you who have already received "jabs," as the Brits say, mean that we're moving closer to having everyone receive at least their first dose. I'm so happy this is rolling out!!!
There are a few Group 1 folks who will be getting their jabs tomorrow (Friday). Next week it is hoped that Group 1 can be completed and we can move to Group 2 (tentatively scheduled for next Wednesday). Superintendent Magee reports that the county Group 2 numbers are smaller, but there are also significantly fewer doses designated specifically for educators next week. As a reminder Group 2 consists of staff members who are coming into work regularly. Stay tuned for more information. In addition, other avenues to a jab through medical providers will be opening up.
Remember, if you have already received a vaccine or have one scheduled, please email vaccineinfo@smuhsd.org. This is super helpful and we update the list for the county every day. Also, keep looking for other pathways to the vaccine, while being patient that a vaccine is coming soon to an arm near you! If we have the luck of the Irish, is it too much to ask that we’re all vaccinated by St. Patrick’s Day?
There have been questions about ventilation in our classrooms and other spaces. This is obviously really important given that COVID-19 is an airborne virus. Tonight our Board will be asked to approve contracts to make improvements where needs have been identified. See items M1-M4 on our agenda for details. Here’s an HVAC and ventilation memo that provides the status districtwide. Another reason why it’s so great we had the various bond measures over the years.
On we go, jabbing our way forward!
Kevin
February 24: 2/24 Message to Parents with Survey
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
Below is a message we will send to parents today along with the survey about returning to in-person learning.
Dear Families and Students:
Effective today, San Mateo County moved into the RED Tier of COVID cases, meaning there are 4-7 daily new cases per 100,000 people. Per the California Department of Public Health, schools may reopen after remaining in the RED Tier for 14 days. Given the trends, it is possible that the County will move to the ORANGE or “moderate” Tier in the near future. The San Mateo Union High School District needs families to complete this survey no later than 6 p.m. March 4 as we finalize our planning to begin a phased approach to in-person instruction. We ask that all families fill out one survey for each student in your household to allow us to plan and best serve all of our students.
Below is a reminder of what our phases mean and what Phase 3 will look like:
Phase 1- May Begin In-Person Instruction Two Weeks (14 Days) after the County enters the Red Tier - Students enrolled in Special Education programs AAC, ATC, BASE, HOPE, KEY and TDS may return to campus. The District Special Education Department and Case Managers are communicating directly with these families. If your child is served in one of these programs and you have questions, please reach out to your child’s case manager.
Phase 2 - May Begin In-Person Instruction No Earlier Than Two Weeks (14 Days) after the start of Phase 1- Students enrolled in Peninsula Continuation High School (including the Bridge program for newcomers), Middle College and various voluntary enrichment programs may be invited to return to campus.
Phase 3 - To begin no earlier than five (5) days after the County has entered the Orange Tier and no earlier than five (5) days after the start of Phase 2. All students who opt for in-person instruction may return to campus in the educational model outlined below.
What does Phase 3 look like?
Student schedules will not change. Students will keep the same classes and teachers whether they return to campus or not. Instruction will be delivered via Zoom whether the student is on campus or at home. Students who opt in to in-person learning will be in a classroom on Zoom while their teacher also teaches the students at home on Zoom. In most cases, teachers will provide instruction via Zoom from their classrooms. Students who opt to return to campus will participate in a hybrid model of instruction. Those deciding to return to in-person instruction will be placed into one of two “cohorts” or groups of students called “Cohort A” or “Cohort B”. Students returning to campus will attend in-person classes on their two designated cohort days each week. Students attend Zoom classes from home on their non-cohort days. Students who opt for 100% distance learning will attend Zoom classes from home just as they have done all school year.
For more information about what school will look like, please:
- View our screencast: What you need to know before you go! English | Spanish
- See Information about health and safety guidelines on our website
- Read this fact sheet about school reopening: English | Spanish
- Attend a District-wide virtual town hall on March 2 at 6:30 p.m.
Sincerely,
Kevin Skelly, Ph.D.
SuperintendentFebruary 23: Tuesday Red Tier, Vaccine Update and a Poem: Did I Miss Anything
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
Hooray! Today San Mateo County moved to the Red Tier. The rate of COVID-19 cases fell below 7.0 to 5.6%. This, as well as other factors triggered the reclassification of the county. We hope to see numbers continue to fall. We can now do more things safely in our personal lives and we can do more as a school district. But we must stay vigilant!
About 360 SMUHSD employees received emails from the County Office of Education about vaccine appointments. In my office hours this morning, a teacher pointed out that some clarification is needed on how this rollout will happen. While in San Mateo County all of us working in the education sector are in the Group known as 1B, the SMCOE has broken us down more specifically to roll out the vaccine:
Group 1 - Any staff currently working with students
Group 2 - Any staff coming into work regularly
Group 3 - Any staff working remotely
Those who have gotten an email from the County are in Group 1, and I am optimistic that Group 2 will be on deck to receive the vaccine next Wednesday (3/3), with those in Group 3 receiving the vaccine on 3/10.
Get the vaccine through the Oakland Coliseum if you can, though I hear that this opportunity may start being limited to Alameda County residents. Appointments can be made online at myturn.ca.gov or by calling 833-422-4255. Once again, if you have received the vaccine, or do not plan to take it, please email vaccineinfo@smuhsd.org to let us know. We will remove your name from our roster so more of your colleagues will get the vaccine sooner.
At the Board meeting on Thursday we will hear another report on returning to school. Topics to be discussed are classroom ventilation, athletics, student activities, and the potential schedule for reopening.
When I was a teacher back in the Stone Age, I was always amused when students returned from missing class and asked, “Did I miss anything?” Below is a poem that shares some potential answers to this question.
Did I Miss Anything?
By Tom Wayman
Nothing. When we realized you weren’t here
we sat with our hands folded on our desks
in silence, for the full two hours
Everything. I gave an exam worth
40 percent of the grade for this term
and assigned some reading due today
on which I’m about to hand out a quiz
worth 50 percent
Nothing. None of the content of this course
has value or meaning
Take as many days off as you like:
any activities we undertake as a class
I assure you will not matter either to you or me
and are without purpose
Everything. A few minutes after we began last time
a shaft of light suddenly descended and an angel
or other heavenly being appeared
and revealed to us what each woman or man must do
to attain divine wisdom in this life and
the hereafter
This is the last time the class will meet
before we disperse to bring the good news to all people on earth.
Nothing. When you are not present
how could something significant occur?
Everything. Contained in this classroom
is a microcosm of human experience
assembled for you to query and examine and ponder
This is not the only place such an opportunity has been gathered
but it was one place
And you weren’t here
On we go!
Kevin
February 22: Monday Afternoon Vaccine Update
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
We are awaiting updates on the vaccine schedule and I want to share a few key points:
- If you are able to get the vaccine through the Oakland Coliseum, I encourage you to do so. Appointments can be made online at ca.gov or by calling 833-422-4255.
- Those identified as being in group 1B in our District are “on-deck” for appointments for the vaccine on Wednesday, 2/24. In other words, our District is next up if spaces are made available.
- If you are in Group 1B, you may still get an email invitation for this Wednesday as late as tomorrow, so keep checking your email for this. If you don’t get an invitation for a vaccine appointment, you will likely get an invitation for next Wednesday.
- If you have already had the vaccine or have an appointment for the vaccine through some other venue, please email vaccineinfo@smuhsd.org to let us know. We will remove your name from our roster so more of your colleagues will get the vaccine sooner.
- Finally, if you receive an invitation from the County to get the vaccine, do not forward it to anyone. An invite sent to your email is intended for you only, and anyone not on a District list will not receive the vaccine.
Recently I was speaking with some parents about what their students were missing most about school these days. While one might think it was seeing their friends, the most common report I heard was that students miss seeing their teachers. As I reflected on this, it makes so much sense. If we think about our own experiences in classes, we remember our teacher much more than who else was in the class.
Learning is a social process. Teachers are the people who make that happen. Students yearn to be with those who inspire them, call forth their best, and spark the wisdom that will endure far after they have left the classroom.
While there’s work to be done, I’m excited that it looks increasingly likely that we will be able to provide teaching in person this spring.
Kevin
February 18: Please Read - Vaccine Update
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
I want to update you on vaccines. This coming Wednesday, February 24, San Mateo County will be offering a special vaccine day for those working in education (teachers, administrators and others working with K-12 students) at the Event Center. This first day will be for those educators who are working directly with students in classrooms and pods. In the coming weeks there will be additional days for educators with the goal of having all educators vaccinated as quickly as possible.
As a District, we are submitting our list based on the criteria county superintendents agreed on:
- Category 1 - Staff who are working with students in person
- Category 2 - Staff who are coming into work regularly
- Category 3 - Staff who are working remotely
The County will start with the districts working with the most resource-challenged students using these three categories. (Next Wednesday will only include those staff who meet category 1 criteria but it may take more than one day to vaccinate this group)
Here’s what you need to do:
- If you have already received a vaccine or have one scheduled, please immediately send an email to vaccineinfo@smuhsd.org. This will allow our county to vaccinate as many people as possible and have no wasted vaccines or appointments.
- If you are in category 1, you can expect to receive an email from the District in the next few days alerting you to the possibility you will receive an appointment this coming Wednesday.
- If you receive an invitation it is only for you. Do not forward to others!
- Get the vaccine if you can! You can get the vaccine through this process or through the Oakland Coliseum (ca.gov website, etc.) or reach out to your healthcare provider for possible options. Our collective health depends on having as many people as possible vaccinated.
- Stay patient. You will get a vaccine soon!
We will keep you informed as information becomes available.
On we go!
Kevin
February 12: The Lunar New Year, Cases and Board Meeting
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
Throughout history, we have seen violence and persecution associated with times of tumult, upheaval, and societal stress. Now is such a time. As many in our community celebrate Lunar New Year, we all need to be vigilant and join our voices with so many others that condemn the rise in racism and xenophobia, particularly as it attempts to absurdly link the pandemic to Asians. Site administrations are sending messages about this dangerous trend to their communities. I want to support those communications and ask that we all celebrate Lunar New Year by embracing those who might feel particularly vulnerable. It’s so important that we stay united as we struggle to emerge from this challenging time.
Cases continue to drop in our county and across the country. Here’s hoping they continue to decline. The human race is undefeated against pandemics! And we’ll win this one too!
Tonight’s Board meeting will probably have its share of fireworks. Such is democracy! That said, I’m extremely proud of how we have stuck together as a district community during this challenging time.
On we go, determined to assure the safety of others so we can all feel safe.
Kevin
February 10: Purple, Jeopardy, Vaccines, and Transportation
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
As you may have heard, while our Covid numbers continue to decline, we’re still in purple and may stay that way for a few more weeks. The information comes out every Tuesday, so we’ll update you on Wednesday going forward.
SMHS Math teacher extraordinaire Jared Wilke will be appearing on Jeopardy TONIGHT! I knew he was smart, telegenic, and a great teacher, but didn’t know about this skill. Tune in at 7:00 p.m. on ABC.
Yesterday I attended a meeting with the other county superintendents and, as you can imagine, the conversation was dominated by talk of vaccines. I don’t have any further update for you, but will provide more information as it becomes available. As mentioned earlier, priority will be for those working in districts with higher need students and those working directly with students in person.
I want to take this opportunity to thank the Transportation Department staff for their flexibility and sense of service. These folks have been the equivalent of utility players on a baseball team. I’m reminded of the John Fogerty song, “Centerfield” where he sings, “Put me in coach, I’m ready to play….” Besides their willingness to do whatever is necessary, each and every one of them brings joy and sunshine. They are truly wonderful.
And so are you.
On we go!
Kevin
February 8: An Update on Reopening
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
I hope you had a chance to enjoy the fine weather this weekend. Health conditions continue to improve in San Mateo County, and we are hopeful that we will soon move into the Red Tier.
At this Thursday’s Board meeting we will bring a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the SMUHSD Teachers’ Association and an MOU with CSEA to the Board regarding site reopening. Attached is a tentative agreement (TA) on a 2 percent salary increase for 20-21. The salary TA must go to the County Office of Education before we bring it to the Board.
Below are some central points of the reopening DTA MOU:
- Unit Members Return Prior to Assigned Phase. All unit members will return to campus at least five (5) days prior to the beginning of the unit member’s phase provided they do not meet health criteria that prevent their attendance as determined through the interactive process.
- Notice of Inability to Return to In-Person Instruction. Unit members who are medically unable to return to in-person instruction shall provide notice to the District as soon as possible and at least five (5) days in advance of their in-person phase. (HR will send out a notice to staff after board approval.)
- HVAC Systems. The District shall ensure all HVAC systems operate on the mode which delivers the most air changes per hour. This includes disabling demand-controlled ventilation and opening outdoor air dampers to 100% as indoor and outdoor conditions safely permit. Only classrooms that have Merv-13 air filters will be used and the Merv-13 air filters will be replaced as needed, in accordance with manufacturer recommendations.
Below is the phase language:
Phases of In-Person Instruction. The District may return to in-person instruction in the following phases.
1. Phase 1 includes the following specialized programs: ACC, ATC, BASE, HOPE, KEY, and TDS. These programs may start in-person instruction fourteen (14) days after the County enters and remains in the Red tier.
2. Phase 2 adds: Bridge, Peninsula Continuation School, Middle College, and various voluntary enrichment programs. These programs may start in-person instruction no earlier than fourteen (14) days after the commencement of Phase 1. The reopening of Peninsula Continuation School shall be contingent upon the ability to occupy the new facility dedicated to the School. Bargaining unit member’s participation in in-person instruction at Peninsula Continuation School in this Phase 2 shall be on a voluntary basis. In addition, the number of students at Peninsula Continuation School for in-person instruction shall be limited to a maximum of thirty (30) students per day.
3. If the District does not open any of the programs listed in Phase 1 or 2, the opening of the program may be moved to the next phase.
4. Phase 3 allows all students who opted for in-person instruction to return to all campuses no earlier than five (5) days after the County has entered the Orange Tier and no earlier than five (5) days after the commencement of Phase 2.
Teachers and other staff who are unable to return to work due to a health condition will have the opportunity to go through an interactive process with Human Resources. Kirk Black will email staff about this shortly.
Training for teachers and other staff on a safe, successful and effective return to campus will be forthcoming.
As for news about vaccines, I am still hopeful that we will be able to make our staff interacting with students a top priority followed closely by those coming into work.
Good news - last week we tested 546 student athletes and had ZERO positive cases.
I hope you’ll join me in at my office hours tomorrow at 8 a.m.:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://smuhsd-org.zoom.us/j/99478648790
Meeting ID: 994 7864 8790
One tap mobile
+16699009128,,99478648790# US (San Jose)
+12532158782,,99478648790# US (Tacoma)Heads up: I will not have office hours on February 16, but I will resume on February 23.
In closing, I know that the thought of in-person learning makes many of us nervous after nearly a year of virtual instruction. It makes me pause as well. All of us feel a great responsibility to make sure we do this safely. More to follow on this topic.
Kevin
February 3: Update on Vaccinations, Office Staff Heroes, and Safety
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
Yesterday I was on a Zoom call with the superintendents from San Mateo County. As you can imagine, one of the biggest questions was when county educators would receive the vaccine. While things are in a state of flux with demand for the vaccine overwhelming supply, we remain hopeful that educators will be in the queue soon. Decisions like this involve thinking about the issue across multiple ethical dimensions. And while it may not be up to the county superintendents, our recommendation is that we start with those staff members in the county who are working in person with students first, starting with staff from the schools with the highest percentage of unduplicated count (defined by the state as socio-economically disadvantaged, EL, and foster youth). We’d then go to staff who are coming into work and then staff who are working remote using the same “need-based” order.
We hope that the vaccine rollout will quickly gain momentum. I will keep you updated as I learn more. Stay tuned. Health conditions continue to improve with lower infection rates and ICU occupancy rates. This is good news.
It is always good tonic for me to spend time on sites in the main offices. The people in these offices are our goodwill ambassadors. They greet visitors and newcomers with warmth and hospitality. This year they are true front line workers who make sure students and families get what they need and help with all manner of tasks made necessary by the pandemic. Belated thanks for your work in the past and for stepping up this past year.
I mentioned earlier how pleased I am that our latest testing of staff at schools turned up zero positive COVID cases. Sara Devaney and her team have done a great deal of contract tracing and we can’t find a single instance where our operations contributed to COVID spread. I know we are all dedicated to keeping this the case as we continue the battle against the virus.
On we go, hopeful for the future while careful in our actions.
Kevin
January 27: PTO Meetings, Family Engagement with Spanish-Speaking Parents, COVID Testing News and More
Hello Most Wonderful Colleagues:
These past ten days I have been a guest at three of our school's evening PTO meetings. There I have answered questions and heard parents' views on how the year is progressing. While there are deep concerns about the social/emotional toll the pandemic is having on students, parents were uniformly appreciative of staff efforts on every dimension to do right by their children. For example, last night at Capuchino I shared the agenda with three members of Cap's fabulous science department. Everyone in attendance raved about how professional, creative, and caring they were. They were emblematic of the work educators throughout the District are doing. It's inspiring.
On Monday Samia Shoman and the Family Engagement Coordinators led an evening discussion with our Spanish-speaking parents on DACA and other immigration issues. Thanks to CHS Counselor Alex Chavez for presenting on this topic. I can only imagine how difficult it is for the many families in our District who fear deportation, experience discrimination, and whose children can only dream about the possibility to fully contribute to the economic, social, and political progress of our country. We must find a way to help solve our immigration challenges humanely and fairly if we are to be a moral beacon as a country.
Good news on the COVID testing front -- last week we tested over 130 staff members and had zero positive cases. Way to go, folks! You are doing things right!
Below please find a note to families that we will be sending out shortly, for your information.
On we go, with confidence and optimism.
Kevin
Dear Families and Students:
I hope the second semester is proceeding well and you are feeling a little more optimistic about the world as the rain comes down to heal the earth, virus cases seem to be falling a bit, and there’s more room in ICU beds for those particularly sickened by the virus.
We have scheduled two District asynchronous Wednesdays -- February 3 and March 3. Students will not meet in their Zoom classes on these days. Students will still be expected to engage in schoolwork on these days, and their individual teachers will indicate how they should participate in class. The state of California expects schools to provide students with work equivalent to the regular class period that day (30 minutes). Some examples may include:
- Reading physical materials (novels, textbooks, related current event items) or listening to audio books
- Creative expression related to the content area and support of skill development
- Outdoor activities, observations in nature, everyday connections to content area
- Interviews of family, caregivers related to topics being studied
- Extension time to work on something started during synchronous class
- Recordings of performances submitted by students.
Teachers will be available during regular school hours during asynchronous days to answer questions via email, Canvas messaging, phone calls or texts. Teachers will let students know the best way to communicate.
Students who do not participate will be marked “distance learning not engaged.” Like with many issues, there’s no unanimity about asynchronous days, so we’re trying to find middle, common ground. We may have additional asynchronous days. Stay tuned.
The District is committed to offering the SAT and ACT for current 11th graders in April if health conditions allow. We know that testing centers are cancelling testing options and we want to help as we can. Eleventh grade students and families will receive more information via email on Monday.
January 25: Stay at Home Orders and our Work on Racial Justice, Immigration and Environmental Stewardship
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
Happy Monday! I hope this email finds you doing so well you can hardly stand it! I am cheering the fact that stay at home orders have been lifted in response to more capacity in hospitals’ ICU rooms. While we are a long way from conquering the pandemic, having fewer people in hospitals, with the possibility that infection numbers are declining are cause for optimism.
There’s a tendency to place a lot of hope on one person to solve problems. In our country, the change of leadership is obviously not going to be enough -- we are all engaged in trying to make a more just and verdant world. I think we in the District have a chance to focus on three fronts that are so important for our role as educators -- racial justice, immigration, and environmental stewardship. In the next week or so I’d like to talk about some of the ways we are and could make more impact in these areas. On the environmental front I’d like to share news of an open position at each of our schools approved by the Board last Thursday night. We are looking for sustainability warriors who have a deep interest in supporting our work in environmental stewardship at the site level. These positions (paid on a variable) are open to certificated or classified staff. Learn more by viewing the job posting. I’m excited about all of these fronts, as I know many of you are. Stay tuned.
I want to remind you that we’ll have office hours tomorrow at 8 a.m. to discuss various topics, with a focus on guidelines around our scheduled asynchronous day next Wednesday, February 3.
Here’s the link:Join Zoom Meeting
https://smuhsd-org.zoom.us/j/99478648790
Meeting ID: 994 7864 8790
One tap mobile
+16699009128,,99478648790# US (San Jose)
+12532158782,,99478648790# US (Tacoma)
On we go, hoping that we have good reason to be hopeful.
Kevin
January 22
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
At last night’s Board meeting, the Board approved return to school plans for each of our campuses. A link to the presentation can be found here. I really appreciate all the work people have done related to this heavy lift
While these site plans are a necessary step to reopening school, they are independent of when we would return and do not define the health conditions that would have to be present for that to happen. We have and will continue to negotiate and work toward agreement with SMUHSDTA on conditions for returning to school. Finally, the Board would have to approve a return to school.
At my office hours on Tuesday, January 26 from 8-9 a.m., Julia Kempkey, Sabbie Hopkins and Jessica Valera will join to discuss asynchronous days including guidance for instruction, attendance and staff expectations as well as answer questions. The next asynchronous day is Wednesday, February 3. Here is a guidance document on asynchronous days Julia created for staff.
Here is the Zoom information for all who can attend:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://smuhsd-org.zoom.us/j/99478648790
Meeting ID: 994 7864 8790
One tap mobile
+16699009128,,99478648790# US (San Jose)
+12532158782,,99478648790# US (Tacoma)
Finally, at last night’s Board meeting Peninsula High staff, parents, teachers, administrators, and students shared why they love the school and the work that they do. PHS teacher Marlo Bagsik agreed to let me share his comments to the Board with all district staff.
On we go, dedicated to opening the gifts that are our students.
Kevin
Good evening members of the board. I’m Marlo Bagsik and this is my 5th year serving at Peninsula High School. I’m an 11th grade English teacher, Guided Studies teacher, English Dept. Chair, MTSS Coordinator, PD Coordinator & Instructional Leadership Team Member. (Yes, these are all my current roles I hold right now.)
The testaments of our community that you’ve just witnessed are my family members, which is why I stand here as a proud PUMA along with them.
But if I can, I’d like to take this opportunity to describe what inspired me to be in education. From the onset, my aspirations were to serve marginalized, underprivileged, underserved and underrepresented communities.
But today, I’d like for you to see them as “Gifts”--early in my pursuit of becoming an educator, I was enlightened to see all students and their narratives as “Gifts” that they offer to us, teachers and educators. The unfortunate reality is that, not every teacher or educator will see them as “Gift” so it becomes natural that students secure the wrapping or even protect their gifts by being cautious to who they offer it to. At its worst, it can be hard for them to even offer their “Gifts” to us because they’ve lost trust that anyone will receive it graciously.
This is too often the case when we receive new PUMAS on our campus. They come to us, fearful, skeptical and sometimes even defensive because they just don’t want to feel like their “Gifts” aren’t valued. What we as a staff have the great honor of doing is unwrapping their “Gifts” and celebrating with them what’s inside. This is what keeps me coming back--I’m addicted to unwrapping the “Gifts” that our PUMAS offer daily and I’m sure many of my colleagues feel the same.
In my 5 years, this is the first time I’ve spoken to the board on behalf of my PUMA family-- I question and wonder, why? Maybe I, too, am skeptical and fearful just like our students and was only willing to keep our “Gifts” among the Puma family? Maybe I’ve become too disheartened by all the statistics and the fundamental ideologies that systemically hurt our “Gifts”? Maybe, it’s because what it takes to serve our PUMAS is too much to explain? The list can go on...
But today, I’m acting with the same courage it takes to enter our doors as a new PUMA. Today, I’m offering you and inviting you, the board, to see our “Gifts”, see our needs and hopefully see us for who we truly are so that we can continue to unwrap all the “Gifts” that enter the Peninsula doors. I can assure you, what you’ll find are narratives filled with struggle, hope, love, compassion, tenacity, generosity and more. Our PUMAS never cease to be amazing.
January 11: Three Quick Things
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
- We had talked about offering some COVID testing through the District. Given the continued Stay at Home orders, we're not going to test folks except for those who need to be on campus or are coming in on a regular basis. We will move forward with on-campus staff testing beginning next week and then schedule student/athletic testing beginning last week in January.
- We have office hours tomorrow. I am particularly interested in talking about next year and your thoughts on how things may be different for teaching and learning.
Join Zoom Meeting: https://smuhsd-org.zoom.us/j/99478648790
Meeting ID: 994 7864 8790
One tap mobile:
+16699009128,,99478648790# US (San Jose)
+12532158782,,99478648790# US (Tacoma) -
You still have time to nominate a colleague that goes above and beyond for a January Golden Apple award. If you are on campus, you can login to the For Staff section of the website and access the nomination form. Otherwise, download the pdf and email it to Sayre by Friday, January 15.
Kevin
January 8: One Week Down
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
Happy Friday! We have made it through the first week of the Spring Semester, and what a week it was. Thanks to everyone who helped students process the events in Washington as they dealt with their own reactions and feelings. For me personally, I am motivated to become even more committed to being an instrument for healing, dialogue, and change than ever before.
Here is a message I’m sending to families today.
On we go, with hopes for better times ahead.
Kevin
January 6: Today
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
Like all of you, I am so concerned about civil society as I watch the events unfolding in Washington D.C. My fervent hope is that this remembered as a moment from which our citizenry's collective shame and outrage result in a pulling back to a place of wisdom and rebuilding.
We can't control the activities of those in Washington, but we can continue to set an example of how a complex organization deals with conflict and challenges. I thank you for your work every day to counteract the challenges present in our broken world.
I trust you all as you have important conversations with students and each other in the days to come.
Kevin
P.S. Resources from April Torres, Manager of Mental Health Services
We recognize that our students may feel additional stress and anxiety during this period of uncertainty and the most recent political crisis.
Wellness Counselors are available for support by phone, email or visit the links below to sign up for drop-in support. Appointments are available during regular school days and hours:
- Aragon: https://go.oncehub.com/AHSWellnessDropIn
- Burlingame: https://go.oncehub.com/BHSWellnessDropIn
- Cap: https://go.oncehub.com/CHSWellnessDropIn
- Hillsdale: https://go.oncehub.com/HHSWellnessDropIn
- Mills: https://go.oncehub.com/MHSWellnessDropIn
- Middle College: https://go.oncehub.com/ACryan
- Peninsula: https://go.oncehub.com/PHSWellnessDropIn
- San Mateo: https://go.oncehub.com/SMHSWellnessDropIn
- TUPE: https://go.oncehub.com/TUPEWellnessDropIn
Additional Resources:
- Care Solace: an online resource with a live 24/7 concierge meant to assist individuals in finding local mental health related programs and counseling services. (888) 515-0595
caresolace.com/smuhsdfamilies - Crisis Text Line: text "home" to 741-741
- National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
- Anonymous Alert: anonymousalerts.com/sanmateouhsd
- StarVista Crisis Hotline: 650-579-0350
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233, thehotline.org/
- 911 or visit your nearest hospital emergency room if you can get there safely
January 4: Turning the Calendar into a New Year
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
Happy New Year! Welcome back to our continued slog through the pandemic. There’s so much to be optimistic about 2021, even if it’s not all visible these first few days of the year. Alas, even though the calendar turned over, not everything else has.
In December we had talked about doing COVID testing this first week back. In an effort to encourage all to follow the stay-at-home orders we will delay our covid testing until the stay-at-home order is lifted. We will update our testing schedule on or around January 8 when we have new information about the current orders.
Here’s some more information about Covid:
- State stay-at-home orders will remain in effect in the Bay Area until at least Jan. 8 with potential to extend depending on intensive care unit capacity projections, state health officials said Saturday.
- The state’s stay-at-home order is triggered when a region’s average ICU capacity falls below 15 percent. The Bay Area’s current ICU capacity is at 7.9 percent, according to the California Department of Public Health.
- As of January 1, a total of 414,684 vaccine doses have been administered statewide. As of December 28, a total of 1,762,900 vaccine doses have been distributed to local health departments and health care systems that have facilities in multiple counties.
I’ll host office hours again tomorrow Tuesday from 8-9 a.m. Below is the Zoom information. I hope you can join me if your schedule permits.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://smuhsd-org.zoom.us/j/99478648790
Meeting ID: 994 7864 8790
One tap mobile
+16699009128,,99478648790# US (San Jose)
+12532158782,,99478648790# US (Tacoma)
Like you, our students have displayed remarkable resilience and positivity so far this year. I hope you can continue to find your strength in the coming weeks.
Kevin
December 17: One Day to Go
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
We have ONE MORE DAY to go until we reach perhaps the most highly anticipated winter break in the history of education! I plan to model mental movement away from work for much of the break, including putting an “out of office until January 4” message on my email.
When we resume in January we will likely be in the same position we are now in terms of stay at home orders. For that reason, we continue to advise folks to work from home to the extent possible while allowing those who need or have to come to work to do so. If you have questions, talk to your supervisor.
For our academic schedule we have landed on keeping Wednesdays as the “5th day” just as it was in the fall. We won’t add any asynchronous days to the January calendar (because we already have two four-day weeks that month), but we will look at February and the remainder of the semester to build a few asynchronous days into the calendar. The days are yet to be determined, but we will communicate with you when we return from break.
Read the message I sent to parents this morning (12/17) about resilience and hope for your information.
On we go, with optimism for the new year.
Kevin
December 14: A shout out to healthcare heroes and Activities Directors
Hi Most Wonderful Colleagues:
Perhaps you too felt a little lighter as you witnessed seeing the healthcare worker heroes receiving vaccinations these past few days. My fervent hope is that this signals the beginning of the end to the pandemic.
Last week I met with the school Activities Directors and learned more about the many, many things they are doing to give life and energy to students outside of classes. It's remarkable how creative and extensive these efforts have been. Each one of these people do so much to keep the climates and cultures on our campuses healthy and fun.
During our discussion we all shared how much we miss having students in person. These folks, perhaps more than others, not only give energy to students, but feed off the energy of their students. I like nothing better than seeing happy, healthy, engaged students. My life has been diminished by their absence. And my heart will sing when they return.
I hope you are finding ways to have some joy in the coming weeks. We're almost at Winter Vacation. On we go!
Kevin
P.S. Tomorrow's office hours are at 8 a.m., and I welcome everyone. Here's the link to the Zoom call.
December 9: A Wednesday Update
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
Please find a message that I am sending to families today about the Board Meeting and other topics.
I have also included a newsletter that Manager of Mental Health, April Torres and our mental health professionals are sending home to families in the next two days. I think you will find it interesting.
The other day I was talking to my sister who works at a Veterans' Hospital in Salem, Virginia as a social worker. She shared with me a story about helping a young man attempt to navigate his way through some tough times. In her telling I was so struck by her remarkable combination of empathy, thoughtfulness, and utter dedication to her craft.
And so it is with the talented mental health professionals in our district. Their ability to show love, concern, and healing for our students while drawing strength from their work consistently inspires me. These folks are so important to our mission and we're fortunate to have the resources to serve our students.
On we go!
Kevin
December 7: Our Present Thinking About the Next Two Weeks
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
We are in a strange place with various health directives and different restrictions based on the county in which you reside. While we think it’s safe to come to work, you should stay home if your supervisor says so. On the other hand, if you are a more effective teacher or worker from your workstation and continue to feel comfortable in your classroom or work site, please come in. We have ended athletic and academic pods through Winter Break as well as in-person registration for next year.
As mentioned on Tuesday, we're watching the rising number of COVID cases as well as progress on the vaccine. Last night the Board gave direction to staff to further develop a plan to return to in-person instruction assuming we return to the Red Tier. Planning for the future is imperative despite the present uncertainty. Things will continue to develop and evolve. While it’s all frustrating and confusing, I believe the best thing we can do is stay calm and keep doing what we’re doing on behalf of students to the best of our ability.
I appreciate the folks who come to my office hours on Tuesday mornings and share their thoughts on how things are going from their perspective. You and other staff who reach out help gain a better perspective on our collective work. If you want to join Tuesday office hours at 8 a.m. here’s the Zoom information:
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 994 7864 8790One tap mobile: +16699009128,,99478648790# US (San Jose)
I received the following perspective from a teacher that I think says more articulately than I possibly could about what it is like to teach right now:
There is an old saying among writers that “real writers are those for whom writing is more difficult than it is for everyone else.” The point is that because they are committed at the deepest levels, writers are in a constant state of frustration, dissatisfaction with their work because they only see all the ways it could be better. I think the same could be said of teachers in the District. I am painfully aware of the feeling that no matter how long and hard I work at a day’s lesson, I would be 80% better and more effective if I were in-person….
I hope you are feeling a sense of accomplishment as we're nearing the first semester finish line. It may not feel like it, but you are crushing it!
On we go!
Kevin
November 20: Covid and Holiday Travel
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
There have been questions about what employees should do if they are travelling or having gatherings for the holidays. Obviously there’s a lot going on and multiple situations to consider, so definitive guidance is hard to give.
The bottom line is that if you are doing something that raises your risk of contracting COVID -- examples include travelling outside the Bay Area, gathering with other families or others outside your household, or doing indoor activities for extended periods with folks outside your usual group, then you should work from home for 14 calendar days upon returning. Here is some guidance from County Health. As mentioned, please contact your supervisor if you need to stay home.
If your supervisor has any questions, they will work with Sara Devaney to make decisions.
Conditions and expectations are changing quickly. So unless we want to send missives daily, please use your best judgment and err, as always, on the side of safety.
On we go, finding joy in the holidays, no matter what!
Kevin
November 18: Board Study Session, Holiday Travel and Other Information
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
On Thursday at 6 p.m. our Board will have a special meeting and study session where they will take part in an equity learning session facilitated by the National Equity Project. Staff will then present a response to the recent Grand Jury Report - “Hate @ Schools - Opportunities Lost” for Board approval.
All are welcome to join and view the meeting as the Board engages in this important work and provides us their thinking. The agenda and Zoom login information can be found on our website. You can also watch the meeting on our YouTube channel if you aren’t able to attend.
Below is a note to families that will go out later today.
A word about holiday travel. State and County health officers are recommending that residents avoid travel and gatherings with members outside their households over the holidays. In line with these recommendations I’m asking our employees to avoid travel and gatherings with people outside your household if at all possible.
Before embarking on travel during the next two months, please contact your supervisor or Human Resources to assess the risk of your travel and determine whether self-quarantining and testing upon your return may be needed. If a sudden need to travel arises, please contact Human Resources as soon as you return.
During a global pandemic our behaviors outside of work have an impact on not only on ourselves, but also on our co-workers and the students we serve. Thank you for your attention and support while we navigate these conditions and strive to keep all our families, colleagues, students as safe as possible.
See the article from Scientific American for more ideas to stay safe.
Finally, I want to acknowledge the concerns many people have with the thought of bringing students back on campus. We have a ways to go before this happens in any large numbers and the climb in COVID cases makes that path steeper and probably longer. I encourage you to keep doing what you are doing -- giving all you can to your vocation on behalf of our young people.
On we go, confident that what got us this far will continue to support us in the next part of our journey.
Kevin
Message to families:
Dear Families and Students:
On Thursday at 6 p.m. the SMUHSD Board will have a special meeting and study session where they will take part in an equity learning session facilitated by the National Equity Project. Staff will then present a response to the recent Grand Jury Report - “Hate @Schools - Opportunities Lost” for Board approval. All are welcome to join and listen as we engage in this important work. The agenda and zoom login information can be found on our website. You can also watch the meeting on our YouTube channel later if you aren’t able to attend.
Thank you to all of the families who have answered our Spring Survey. If you have not filled out the survey, I encourage you to do so before it closes at 6 p.m. on Monday, November 23. This NON-BINDING SURVEY is an opportunity for the District to gain insight into how many of our families would like to send their students to school (knowing what they know now, and assuming health conditions do not worsen). Further, we want to learn more about what factors are important to families as they contemplate his decision. When we are in a position to offer different options and educational models to families we will share more details and survey our community again. We have all seen how public health conditions can change rapidly, and our District will be guided by science and directives from public health officials in our reopening plans. Our next regular Board meeting is December 3 at 7 p.m. and our conversation about reopening will continue. Zoom meeting information and the agenda will be posted on our website when it is available.
Finally, I want to acknowledge what a strange and difficult time this is. While we recognize how students are struggling, every employee I encounter marvels at their collective resilience. I believe we are closer to the end of the pandemic than its beginning, and I’m eager to see what unexpected strengths we gain from our experiences.
On we go, dedicated to safety during the rest of the calendar year.
Sincerely,
Kevin Skelly, Ph.D.
SuperintendentNovember 13: Update from Board Meetig - Spring Semester Reopening Update
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
Last night our Board heard a Spring Semester Reopening Update, and provided valuable feedback on planning for the second semester. I understand the link to this presentation in my email was problematic for some, so it is attached to this email.
Board members expressed interest in seeing staff and students return to campus and are anxious to see the results of the survey we will share with families today (also attached). While they realize there are no perfect solutions, they placed a high value on maintaining the number of instructional minutes in our present instructional schedule. They were also looking for ideas that do not disrupt student or teacher schedules to the extent possible. Finally, there were multiple comments on the importance of serving our students with special needs and in providing expanded opportunities for clubs, athletics and extracurricular activities, all of which we know pay dividends in terms of students’ social and emotional well-being.
In the coming weeks the Spring Committee will meet and we will bring more information for the Board at their December 3 meeting.
At my upcoming office hours next Tuesday at 8 a.m. I will be happy to answer any questions about this planning. Of course you can email me anytime.
On we go, with dedication to safety and care for each other..
Kevin
November 12 Message: Board to Discuss Spring Semester Tonight
Hello Most Wonderful Colleagues:
I hope you enjoyed a non-synchronous, non-asynchronous Veterans Day Holiday.
Tonight we have a school board meeting where we will discuss the second semester instructional plans. I want to thank the many staff members including teachers, administrators, staff, parents, and students (approximately 90 people) who have helped this work. Presentation materials are posted. I don't expect any decision to be made by the Board tonight, but I do expect them to give some feedback and direction on the committee work to date.
What we do next semester depends heavily on health conditions in our area in the coming weeks and months. And while we can't know the future, we also need to be prepared to take advantage of various opportunities and possibilities. That is the only responsible course of action.
Our meeting starts at 7 p.m. Zoom info and the agenda can be found on the website.
On we go, wearing masks and keeping social distance!
Kevin
November 9 Message: Hope is Alive
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
Happy Monday!
I try to tell you how important your work is in the lives of students. I know this is true because I encounter so many alumni who share how much your individual and collective work means to them if they were alumni of our District and to their children if they were parents. Here’s a study that shows that “Teens who have good, supportive relationships with their teachers enjoy better health as adults, according to research published by the American Psychological Association.” It further argues that relationships with school staff are more important than peers in shaping future success.
As mentioned on Friday, I will be holding office hours tomorrow, Tuesday. You are welcome to come and share or listen. Stop in any time from 8 to 9 a.m. if you are available. Alternatively, feel free to drop me an email to share what’s on your mind. Here’s the link to the meeting.
If you have Halloween pictures you’d like to share, Sayre Happich, our magnificent communications specialist would love to include them in the next Savvy Source. The same goes for your pics of quarantine crafts or hobbies you’ve taken on these last several months.
While Thanksgiving is around the corner, this past week brought a flood of positive news. There are tangible reasons to be optimistic! We might have a COVID vaccine in the coming months. The turnout for the election shattered all previous numbers. And our democratic institutions seem to be holding up well. As has been our national custom, election results are being accepted by the public as fair and accurate. Yes, there are enormous challenges, but hope seems to be on the rise.
On we go, with more lightness and optimism about the future.
Kevin
November 6 Message: Office Hours and Free Money
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
Ok, one of the topics in the title is more interesting than the other -- and it's neither spam nor a teaser.
First, I wanted to let you know that I will be having virtual office hours every Tuesday starting next week from 8:00 to 8:45 a.m. Here's the zoom link and you can just drop in at your convenience.
Second, about the free money. The benefits folks do a fine job sharing information about the benefits package in the district but I'd like to remind everyone that all employees are eligible for FREE $400 in the form of support for medical costs or reimbursement for student loan payments employees make. Even if you had your loan payments suspended it still makes sense to pay $400 on your loan and have the district reimburse you. It’s FREE MONEY. IT’S THE BIGGEST NO-BRAINER IN HISTORY!
Here's a link for more information.
On we go, dreaming of more money falling from the sky.
Kevin
November 3 Message
Hello Most Wonderful Colleagues:
It goes without saying that we're all anxious as we await the results of the election. I hope that you are doing all you can to keep calm and prepared to carry on, no matter the collective decision we make as Americans on our leaders. I am heartened to see so many young people engaged in the process across the nation and the relative peacefulness that has characterized this tense time. Thanks in particular to our social studies teachers for their efforts to register students to vote and educate them on its importance.
This year, like many classified staff members, our student nutrition folks have embraced more warmly their responsibility to serve students and families who are most in need. Staff has adjusted work schedules and worked long days to provide meals for children. They've also reached out via telephone multiple times to encourage families to come pick up five days of both breakfast and lunch meals for any child under eighteen years of age. Here's a picture of some Cap student nutrition workers and the flowers they received from a grateful family. With all our collective riches, no one in our community should go hungry.
Today I received a poem in honor of Salvadoran Oscar Romero, who was assassinated for his efforts on behalf of his country's poor. Here is a passage that struck me as particularly apropos about the work of our student nutrition staff, and all of us engaged in working with young people.
We cannot do everything, and there is a sense of
liberation in realizing this.
This enables us to do something, and to do it very well.
It may be incomplete, but it is a beginning,
a step along the way, an opportunity for ....
grace to enter and do the rest.
We may never see the end results....We are workers, not master builders, ministers, not
messiahs. We are prophets of a future not our own.No matter what happens today, we will continue to do the sacred work for our students' future.
Kevin
October 27 Message
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
As you may know, at its October 22 meeting, the Board directed staff to begin studying the possibility of bringing students back in some sort of hybrid model for the second semester (after the Winter Break) with a report to the Board at their Thursday, November 12 meeting. Families would be given the chance to choose the manner of instruction they would like for their student. We expect families to be fairly split on the topic.
We will begin the work of forming a committee, exploring logistics and learning schedules, and having preliminary conversations with families about what they would like for their students. As elementary schools start to open for in-person learning and surrounding high schools study a second semester change in learning models, we have a responsibility to do the same. There's a lot we have learned since the Spring to inform our work, and we are clearly not doing this work alone.
To be clear, no decision has been made by the Board. However, in the next few weeks we will be soliciting opinions on this topic and will be asking their preferences about staff preferences about teaching in person or virtually. All processes and logistics are being drafted and will be discussed. We keep you informed as we move forward.
On we go into the Orange Tier!
Kevin
October 16 Message
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
Last night we honored and celebrated the 36 certificated staff members who reached permanent status this year. Principals shared the many accomplishments of the people who worked at their particular schools. Each of the 36 gave Oscar quality comments (except they stayed within suggested time limits :). SMUHSDTA President Craig Childress bequeathed “permanent” markers on the honorees, and PD TOSA Sabbie Hopkins basked in the afterglow of these marvelous folks. Finally, the Board heaped praise on this magnificent group who are now charged with helping write the history of the District for the next generation.
At the same time we are honoring those who will help our District moving forward, I want to recognize someone who has perhaps made the largest contribution to the District’s financial and operational health these past fifteen years. CBO/Deputy Superintendent Liz McManus has announced her retirement at the end of December. Liz joined our District at a particularly precarious time for the District. Her careful stewardship of District resources has enabled so much good to happen here. Where would we be now if it hadn’t been for her? While her departure is a blow to the District, we wish her all the very best. The search for a new CBO will begin immediately.
I am thankful that I can work with you all.
On we go.
Kevin
P.S. Below is a message we will be sending to families shortly.
Dear SMUHSD Families and Students:
On Tuesday, October 20 at 6:30 p.m. the District and the Black Parents Association will host a virtual town hall entitled Unity in the Community where we will review the results of a recent Thought Exchange and discuss how these ideas align with District goals. In the Thoughtexchange, we reached out specifically to our African American students and families (or those who identify as African American and another race) and asked what we could do to serve them more effectively. Respondents told us that anti-bias and anti-racism training, curriculum and staffing were at the top of their minds as well as networking and mentoring opportunities and anti-racism in the community.
We may not have all of the answers at this meeting, but it is an opportunity to continue this dialogue. I hope you will join if you are interested. The Zoom login information can be found on our website.
It goes without saying that we live in a time of division, fear, and anger. I recently received the following from a wise parent. It is from the remarks from Ana Mari Cauce, the President of the University of Washington, and it resonated with me, particularly when I engage in conversations about race.
At times we will need to give each other grace. Grace is most definitely not a free pass for racist actions or language, for the willful disregard of others’ pain, or an excuse for callous cluelessness. and it does not preclude the need to apologize or make reparations when harms – even unintentional ones – occur. Grace is a recognition that even when we share values and goals, we each bring our own struggles and vulnerabilities to the table and our communications are filtered by both our own limited personal histories and our limited knowledge of the histories of those we are engaged with. What I mean by grace is that we must recognize the humanity of others and that we are all incomplete in our efforts to learn and grow. I too am learning each day. But, without the presence of grace, we will not fully engage with each other out of fear that we will get shut down, or worse, if we say the wrong thing – or the right thing the wrong way – so we shut down before we even start.
Our collective progress runs through difficult conversations and listening. We will go farther if we do so with compassion, humanity, vulnerability and a large portion of grace.
On we go.
Sincerely,
Kevin Skelly, Ph.D.
Superintendent
October 15 Message
Hello Most Wonderful Colleagues:Tonight we will have a special Board meeting with one agenda item -- to honor the 36 certificated staff members who received permanent status this year. This is always a wonderful chance to celebrate not only the accomplishments of these people, but also the support and mentorship they have received during their journey to become full members of the SMUHSD community. Typically many colleagues show up in person to whoop and holler on their behalf. This year it'll have to be virtual! Here is the Zoom and YouTube info for thise who want to watch. Teachers being honored tonight are listed below.I also want to let you know that on Tuesday, October 20 at 6:30 p.m. we will be having a Town Hall meeting - Unity in the Community - focused on hearing from our African American families about ways we can improve experiences in our District and community. We invited all students and families who identified themselves as African American or African American and another race. We also sent invitations to similar students/families in our partner districts. Here is the Zoom info if you would like to join us.On we go!Kevin2020-2021 Permanent Status Certificated Teachers
Aragon High School
Lindsay Bussey
Marie Escoto
Robert Flores
Sara Kixmoeller
Anton Moshkounian
Katherine Newsom
Lea Sanguinetti
Burlingame High School
Thomas Bennett
Alecia Martin
Megan Nasser
Sally ShurterCapuchino High SchoolGustavo Chavez Andrade
Brooke Connell Dauwe
Perpetual Doyle
Thi Ngo
Kyra RedenbaughJacqueline Rogers
District Office
Grace Goodwin
Laura Hansen
Matthew RossillonHillsdale High School
Sarah Berger
Jeannine Button
Julielle Damer
Dagny Dingman
Veronica Heintz
Courtney Joseph
Omar Munoz
Candace ThomasMills High School
Molly Kovacs
Michelle Myers
Peninsula High SchoolMatthew Gallegos
San Mateo High School
Jamie Fanton
Daniela Galvan Fonseca
Angela Magyari
Enrique Montaldo
Joanne SablichOctober 9 Message
Hello Most Wonderful Colleagues:Happy Friday! I hope you have a chance at rejuvenation this weekend as I know folks have been giving so much to students and each other.As you may know, September 15 to October 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month and October is LGBTQ History Month. Often when we think of history we look at texts or historical materials. I'd like to offer you the chance to share your personal histories as they relate to these important parts of our history. We'd like to gather these stories and share them in the October issue of the Savvy Source. Please share your stories, experiences, thoughts or even a poem or passage that means something to you with Sayre Happich by October 19. Your stories are important as we seek to understand the journeys each and every one of us have taken to become part of our community.Last night the Board met and offered its appreciation for all of our efforts. While we may not see the successes we usually observe, that doesn't diminish the importance of our work.On we go.KevinSeptember 28 Message
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
It has been so great to see many of you when I visit campuses or come in to work here at the District Office. We’re doing everything possible to ensure staff and student safety as we come to work. To do this at scale, we’re launching a tool called LiveSafe for all staff. Many of us have been using our Jotform or a school site based symptoms screening. As of October 1, 2020, we will switch platforms so we have a comprehensive health screening program Districtwide. Once you’ve created a profile, you can easily respond to our Daily Health Check before reporting to work for the day. Prior to 10.1.20, we are asking all staff to download the app to your phone from this link here.
I have been using Jotform and look forward to the change. My strategy for making sure I don’t forget to fill out the form is to put the completion of the form as the first thing on my calendar every day. Perhaps you have a better way to remember. On a completely different note, I received the following poem and thought I’d pass it on. If you have something short and inspiring to share, send it my way. We all need inspiration!
The river is famous to the fish.
The loud voice is famous to silence,
which knew it would inherit the earth
before anybody said so.
The cat sleeping on the fence is famous to the birds
watching him from the birdhouse.
The tear is famous, briefly, to the cheek.
The idea you carry close to your bosom
is famous to your bosom.
The boot is famous to the earth,
more famous than the dress shoe,
which is famous only to floors.
The bent photograph is famous to the one who carries it
and not at all famous to the one who is pictured.
I want to be famous to shuffling men
who smile while crossing streets,
sticky children in grocery lines,
famous as the one who smiled back.
I want to be famous in the way a pulley is famous,
or a buttonhole, not because it did anything spectacular,
but because it never forgot what it could do.
On we go, taking care of logistics while searching for inspiration.
Kevin
September 25 Message
Hello Most Wonderful Colleagues:Below is a message that we will be sending to our community later today.
I know each and every one of you believe the climate on our campus is of paramount importance. Thank you for your continuing efforts to combat hate.
Kevin
Dear Families and Students:
This morning the San Mateo Daily Journal published a story about the San Mateo County Grand Jury report - Hate @ Schools -- Opportunities Lost that was released yesterday. The report recounts three incidents at Burlingame High School which occurred over a two year period and offers recommendations for San Mateo County schools to improve their responses to hate incidents in our schools.
It has been my experience these past six years that each and every staff member in our District shares the Grand Jury’s sense of urgency for this work. We know that students cannot learn when they do not feel safe. Families who entrust their students to our care should have confidence that we will do all we can to eliminate hate. Further, public schools have an enduring responsibility to instill in our students values of empathy, acceptance, and respect for others. As your student’s first teacher, I’d encourage you to share how important these values are to you and your family.
We will prepare and our Board of Trustees will review a formal response to the recommendations outlined in the report. If you have thoughts you’d like to share please reach out to me at kskelly@smuhsd.org.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Kevin Skelly, Ph.D.
SuperintendentSeptember 23 Message: Making Social Connections
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
Once when I was a teenager and depressed my father, who rarely delved into my emotional space said, “If you want to be happier, go do something for someone else.” At the time he was doing the equivalent of watering a rock, but this message stayed with me.
I can remember times being a new teacher and wondering if what I was doing made any difference. A wise colleague suggested that besides reaching out to the families of students who were struggling I make a comparable number of calls to families of those students who shined. And while both calls were important, the calls to the students who were doing well had benefits for me. I’d inevitably hear things like, “you are the first teacher who has ever called” or “my son loves your class.”
So many social connections are broken these days. Since many of the random, joyful encounters that make our work so great are on hiatus, it is important that we find ways to be there for ourselves and for others.
As always, I appreciate all you do to connect in our community during these times of brokenness and pain.
On we go, determined to do something for someone else.
KS
September 21 Message
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
As you may know, medical premiums and contracts with medical insurance providers are renewed every calendar year. For some time, the District has had a Benefits Committee made up of our four labor associations, the Business Office, and Human Resources. This group meets each fall to discuss and finalize health benefits, including copays, employer/employee contributions to health care costs, and other aspects related to health benefits for the following year. In previous years this work has taken into October or the first part of November to complete its work. This year, after one meeting, they are already done, so we know what things will look like in 2021! Providing excellent health benefits for employees is a high priority of the Board and all members of the District. I am really pleased that the group has completed its work so early this year and we can meet our collective interest in making sure costs are low and coverage is excellent for employees and their families.
This coming year’s benefits will be described in greater detail in material you will receive from Human Resources staff later this month. However, I want to make sure you know as early as possible that, in 2021, full time employees will see no increases in health care premium contributions. Further, many part time employees will see the cost of employee only coverage options decline as part of next year’s benefits.
This is good news in an uncertain time. We are fortunate that the District has the resources to cover cost increases. Equally important is the fact that, in our District, health insurance costs have been remarkably stable these last six years. In fact, this is the first time the amount the district contributes to employee benefits has needed to increase to cover full time employees. While the connection is imperfect, there is a relationship between our collective health and health care expenditures. The fact that employees take steps to be healthy and practice healthful habits helps rein in costs. To support self-care, wellness and community, staff and family are encouraged to participate in District Wellness activities and incentives such as virtual Mindfulness and Yoga classes and virtual race reimbursements. These pursuits are even more important as many aspects of our lives become more difficult.
Even though we don’t have the personal interactions we did pre-pandemic, I am sending good energy and best wishes as you confront life’s extra challenges these days.
On we go, to better health!
Kevin
September 16 Message
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
Last evening I was sitting at home and looked at the weather app, which I find myself doing much more than Californians have typically had to do. For the past month this activity has made me glum, so I was so EXCITED to see the air quality described as GOOD. My wife and I threw on our walking shoes and headed out for a long walk. Along the way we ran into many other ecstatic travellers celebrating the fresh air after 30 straight Spare the Air days.
A silver lining of this difficult time is that I find myself celebrating and being grateful for many things I previously took for granted. Last night was such an occasion. It felt like the universe was sending me a much needed message of hope and possibility. And then today we had rain and accompanying healing of the earth!
On we go, celebrating small wonders we previously overlooked.
Kevin
September 14 Message
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
On Friday I had a chance to watch many of the Back to School videos that were prepared last week. Wow! They were awesome. It would be impossible for a parent who experienced these classroom introductions not to be inspired and admire those charged with instructing our young people. It sent me bouncing into the weekend. Thank you for that.
As we look at our collective work this year, it's easy to feel an overwhelming sense of ownership. We feel a responsibility to each and every one of our students to shepherd them through this extraordinarily tough time. When I am gentle to myself, however, I realize that I will fall short. What makes you effective is that you care so deeply and believe in your super power (whatever it may be). And you should. But to be healthy -- mind, body, and soul, we also have to remember that there are limits to our ability to change the world and forces greater than ourselves.
On we go!
Kevin
September 11 Message
Hello Most Wonderful Colleagues
Happy Friday! Below is a note that I will be sending to families and students later today.As always, and on behalf of the Board, I want to thank each and every one of you for your remarkable work, goodwill, and dedication to our collective calling to serve young people and their families.On we go!KevinDear Families and Students:Last night the Governing Board approved staff’s recommendation that the District continue with distance learning for virtually all instruction for the remainder of the semester (through December). The Board cited multiple reasons for their decision. Health conditions in San Mateo County continue to be the primary concern, with few expectations the environment will improve soon. Bringing students back too early poses the risk of then having to close again and return to distance learning. Making this decision now provides certainty for our families and organization as we continue to confront the challenge of providing outstanding instruction virtually. While we’re all disappointed with the situation in which we find ourselves, our only choice is to soldier on and find small victories where we can. In that spirit, on behalf of the Board I want to thank everyone -- families, students, teachers, administrators, and staff -- for the hard work and determination demonstrated so far this year. We’re having more success than many expected!
I should note that there may be some exceptions to students returning to campus earlier including small learning pods of students whose educational needs cannot or are not met without being on campus. These students would all be in carefully monitored cohorts.
Another exception could be Peninsula High School students who operate on the trimester system. If we are safely able to do so, we will attempt to bring this smaller group of students for whom school is a challenge to their new campus in Burlingame when it opens in mid-November at the start of their second trimester.
Reopening our schools safely will be determined by many factors, including some we cannot control. And it will be hard! During the next few months we will continue to provide updates. You can always find out more details about how the year is unfolding by attending Board meetings virtually or watching a recording of return to school reports on the District’s YouTube channel here.
On we go, determined to do our collective best.
Sincerely,
Kevin Skelly, Ph.D.
SuperintendentAugust 26 Message
Dear Colleagues:
I am reaching out to you in full transparency regarding two COVID cases we have seen in our District community across the past few weeks.
First I want to provide information on our rationale for the notification process, which is often strictly directed by the County Health Department. We start at the center of a case and notify those closest to the case (the infected person and their direct contacts), and we move out from the circle from there. This is a time intensive process which requires a lot of sensitivity and confidentiality. We inform individuals on a need to know basis. If a case occurs at a school we inform those in the school community and may not inform the entire District.
During this process if you hear of a case, we ask you not to disseminate this information. Please allow the District to follow its process. This allows us to work as quickly as possible to inform those who need the information versus spending time dispelling rumors. You have my word that if you are potentially affected by a case we will notify you as soon as we are able.
While your risk may be very low, it is normal to feel a wide range of emotions during this time including stress and anxiety about the situation. If feelings of stress become overwhelming, help is available. Employees can take advantage of our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and/or our partnership with Care Solace. Staff can also reach out to their healthcare provider for advice or information on mental health support.
District Employee
A District employee came to work last week. The employee went through the mandated health screenings including temperature check. As the day went on, the employee began to feel sick. When they went home they were directed to reach out to their physician who determined they should be tested for COVID and were found positive. The employee reported this to District staff with information about employees with whom they had been in contact. Those other employees were informed, were excused from work, were asked to quarantine and be tested. There is no evidence of spread to date. The employee is expected to recover fully. All employees followed District and county health protocols.
Student
On Thursday, August 20 the Stanford Health Van was at San Mateo High School. Some students in learning pods took advantage of the COVID testing available from the van that day. All students in the pods received health screening and temperature checks prior to their attendance in the pod. One student tested positive for the virus. Results were shared with the District late Tuesday afternoon by County contact tracing staff. The Site and District administration met that evening. All employees who were in any way exposed to this student will be excused from work for two weeks, have been asked to quarantine, and will be offered testing, as will the students in the learning pod. The learning pod will be disbanded for two weeks. All students and staff followed District and county health protocols.
Summary
I want to emphasize that all health protocols were followed in both cases. It can be argued that District activities and protocols did and will slow community spread by providing more testing in the case of the student, and providing awareness of signs of COVID-19 in the case of the employee. However, these two cases are reminders that we must be vigilant and the virus is prevalent in our community.
We are not waiting for an outbreak to thoroughly disinfect our campuses. Please know that the District is fully committed to adhering to the four pillars (health and hygiene, face coverings, physical distancing, limiting gatherings) and the areas in question (as are all areas that are used each day on our campus) are disinfected nightly with Clorox 360 and #49 which are known to kill the Coronavirus effectively.
We will continue to reflect on these cases and see what lessons we can learn. We know that COVID is in our community. It is incumbent upon us all to keep in mind we may have the virus and not know it, and that those around us may as well. And we need to act accordingly. To date we believe all members of our community are complying with expectations when on campus and we will expect this from each and every student and staff member.
As always we ask that staff be mindful of possible COVID-19 symptoms and be diligent about filling out the health form before reporting to work. If you should experience any symptoms, please reach out to Sara Devaney for further direction.
If you have questions or concerns, please let me know.
Kevin
FAQs
What if I used the same restroom as the infected person? What if I was in the same room as an infected person?
Individuals are only considered to be at high risk if they have prolonged close contact with an infected person. Using the same restroom or being in the same room as an infected person is not considered to put an individual at high risk for contracting COVID-19.Define close contact.
Close contact is defined as being face-to-face with an infected individual during the infectious period of the virus (less than six feet and without a face covering) for more than 15 minutes. More information can be found on the CDC website: CDC Exposure DefinitionI’m feeling COVID-19 symptoms. What should I do?
If you are feeling COVID-19 symptoms, you can contact your primary care provider for information on testing, or call our COVID information line at 650-558-2228.
August 24 Update
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
At the Board meeting last Thursday, principals gave short reports on how the first four days of school had unfolded. Each principal spent time sharing specific details of how their sites had come together to make things work and to thank people for their outsized contributions to our remarkably successful launch. Yes, we have work to do, and the challenges of this semester are daunting. But we can do this work successfully. I share the sentiment of one of our principals when he said, “I am confident our teachers and students will continue to grow in this new dynamic and will be patient and empathetic with one another as we move from fledgling zoom based instructors to skilled and capable distance learning experts.“
Here is a message that we sent to families on Friday alerting them to a Community Convening that will take place next Tuesday, September 1 at 6 p.m. to discuss with families the start of the school year.
I wish you strength as you confront all the challenges associated with this most unusual time in which we are living.
On we go!
Kevin
August 10 Update
Dear Fearless Colleagues:
Welcome, certificated staff, to the first somewhat official day of the 20-21 school year.
Some years ago I was hiking along a well-travelled route and walked for a considerable distance with a young man down on his luck. His partner had left him, he’d lost his job, and all his local haunts were full of friends who had nothing new to tell him. He told me, “I’m doing this journey because I want to hear some new stories.”
In our age of social media and the assault of news, we have stories all around us. Like junk food, how the stories are processed before we consume them doesn’t seem to make us healthier. More often than not it leads us more to anger and discouragement than empathy and enlightenment. So I have been trying harder lately to find uplifting stories, tales of resilience and triumph, and, more than anything, hope.
Today I had the chance to tune into snippets of our schools’ back to school gatherings. A focus on self care highlighted your discussions, which was wonderful. And every speaker talked about the hope that this new year represents. Thank you for that!
In twenty years we will all still remember this coming semester. Other school openings will have run together. This one will not. I look forward to telling my tale, and yours, to my grandchildren in 2040!
On we go, with our future stories in mind.
Kevin
July 21 Update
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
Below please find a message we just sent to families by phone and email, for your information.
As you may know, the District and our teachers association met on Friday to discuss a variety of topics. While language is being finalized, I wanted you to know as soon as possible that, for at least the first six weeks, certificated staff will have the opportunity but not the expectation that they work from their school sites. Stay tuned for more information in the coming days.
This has to be one of the most challenging times our District has faced. My fervent hope is that it will end soon. But no matter how long it lasts or how tough it is, I can't think of an educational setting in which I'd rather be.
On we go!
Kevin
Dear SMUHSD Families:
On Friday you should have received a mandatory survey asking for your choice on the educational delivery option for the fall semester. We know that some of you may not have received it. If that’s the case, you can go to the District website to access it. Thanks to the thousands of families who have already responded and please remember the deadline of Friday, July 24 at 6 p.m.
As a District, we recommend that all families choose to have their students enroll in online synchronous learning and choose option A for a whole host of reasons. This option provides students with a regular daily schedule, a credentialed teacher instructing the class, and allows for far more socialization and student support than independent study (option B). While there are a small percentage of students who can learn independently, our experience is that few students thrive without the structure of classes, teacher support, and ongoing learning expectations. We will be holding a virtual Q&A meeting to further explain options to families tomorrow, July 22 at 5 p.m. Spanish and Chinese interpretation will be available.
Zoom login information can be found on our website.
Finally, I don’t know about you, but I find myself embracing two truths that sometimes balance but are often out of kilter. The first is that we as a District are making more progress with more goodwill than that experienced by many of my superintendent colleagues. The other is that our challenges have never been greater, resulting in fewer tangible successes than any of us would like.
Helping to center the scale has been a few days with family and efforts to find gratitude for the opportunity to work in our community. I hope you are finding ways to balance yourself as well.
Sincerely,
Kevin Skelly, Ph.D.
Superintendent
July 2 Update
Dear Colleagues:
Below is an update I'm sending to families today. I'll send you an update next week, but in the meantime enjoy your weekend!
Dear SMUHSD Students and Families:
I hope this note finds you healthy and doing your part to keep those around you in fine form as well.
Even though this is a week where many administrators and others are taking time off, planning for the fall is underway. The logistical challenges associated with the upcoming semester are daunting. However, I am pleased with the direction the school board gave us at their June 25 Board meeting. A summary of the important steps taken are included in my message from June 26 that can be found on our website.
I’ve received a lot of questions about what synchronous learning is and what it will look like. The best way I have heard it described is that, no matter where you are, the instruction is happening in real time and all students are receiving it together. The District is committed to providing synchronous learning for all students almost every day, regardless of what phase of opening we are in.
In the coming weeks each District family will be asked to complete a questionnaire choosing important elements of your student’s educational experiences for the coming semester. This will help the District to gauge your interest in distance learning with scheduled time for instruction vs. fully independent study; classes your student might plan to take outside of the District, and their need for a Chromebook and/or Internet access. For ninth and tenth graders, we will also ask about your choice for physical education classes. As we build the logistics around this we may ask whether or not your student wants to take Physical Education in person on campus or would prefer to meet this graduation requirement in another way. Students with IEPs and English Learners will also have questions that pertain to their experience. More information will be forthcoming. Stay tuned for this.
There have been questions about the fall sports season. The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) has a state-wide meeting on July 20, and they will provide some direction to schools with respect to this important topic. No matter what they decide, our District plans to offer some sports in the fall depending on our ability to have students participate safely. As soon as we know more information we will share it.
I hope your student reads this summer. Something. Anything! I have found upbeat stories of success and redemption to be a tonic for our troubled times. See our school websites for a few ideas. Here is one list of suggestions from the Hillsdale High website. Escaping the world for a few hours and developing empathy through a piece of literature can be very helpful.
I invite you to join the next board meeting on July 14 at 1 p.m. Next week I’ll share the agenda. Look for weekly updates from me and news from your principals later this month.
On we go!
Kevin
June 26 Update
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
Below please find a summary of the Board meeting last night. I am sending this to you first before sending it to the larger community.
We now have clear direction from the Board on important elements of our instruction for the Fall. For those of you who have been involved in the reopening planning process, I know I speak for the Board when I share my appreciation for your involvement and ideas. I also hope that you see your handprints in this plan.
Each and every one of us will see our work this fall as dramatically different than what we signed up for when we joined the District or became an educator. We are literally reinventing almost every aspect of high school life. Your work has always been noble, important, and crucial to our providing the very best education possible for those we serve. This will be more true than ever in what will undoubtedly be a tumultuous fall.
On we go!
Kevin
Dear Families, Students and Staff:
I want to share some outcomes of last night’s School Board meeting as well as thoughts about how we move forward to provide the very best education we can for our students this fall.
The major takeaways from the Board meeting are that the Board endorsed the following:
- An instructional schedule that builds a basic seven period class schedule for all six comprehensive high schools. This schedule outlined in the presentation to the Board which can be found on our website provides about 187 minutes per week per class of synchronous, teacher led instruction time with attendance taken and students engaged in learning. This instructional schedule (on slides 4-6) works whether classes meet in person or are virtual and we can move from virtual to in-person instruction seamlessly as health conditions permit.
- Beginning the school year in Phase 2 if public health conditions continue to allow. The presentation to the Board included a phased approach (see slide 8). Phase 2, would allow for small groups of students to receive outdoor instruction (this includes Physical Education and potentially classes like performing arts). However, with respect to phases that would open up in person instruction further, the Board asked staff to continue to refine the phases and report back at the next board meeting on July 14 at 1 p.m.
- A robust orientation schedule for all students in August. Schools will begin planning these activities and we expect them to take place mostly on campus. As part of this orientation the District will provide students who need a computer right away for school work with Chromebooks, any textbooks needed, hotspots, and health protocols around face coverings, social distancing, handwashing and the like.
- The establishment of locations on each of our campuses where students who have Internet access issues, or lack a place at home to participate in virtual classes can work safely and effectively. We are looking at other options to bring students to outdoor locations as well where students can access the Internet for online learning.
- The District will continue to provide nutritious breakfasts and lunches to students eligible for the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program. These students will get nutritious meals every day school is in session.
Everyone is eager to have students safely back in school experiencing on campus learning. Students, teachers, staff and administrators long for a return to the in-person learning we had before March 13. The Board directed staff to report back at every fall meeting about the success of the instructional program and indicated a desire to adjust phase movement based on health directives and program efficacy. Further, the Board shared its view that whatever phased approach to bringing students on campus they adopt should be mindful of the particular needs of students at each grade level -- for example seniors needing support with college and other postsecondary planning to freshman making the transition from middle school.
Fall will be far better instructionally than the spring was, of this I have no doubt. The Board has budgeted ample time and money for teachers to plan, improve skills, and collaborate. Our teachers have the talent and commitment to doing this work right. As a community, we need to acknowledge and accept that the first semester will very likely start with much of instruction being virtual, synchronous teaching and learning.
COVID-19 has "brought this nation to its knees," Dr. Robert Redfield, director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said last Tuesday. Even if we disagree with the direction of the District, we must put aside our differences, get on our feet, join together, and work to give our students the education and support they deserve despite the enormous challenges we face.
As always, thank you for your support of our students.
Sincerely,
Kevin Skelly, Ph.D.
Superintendent
June 8 Update
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
On Thursday night, June 11, the SMUHSD School Board will meet at 5:30 p.m. At this meeting they will receive the first report from the Return to School Committee. Specifically they will be asked to give staff guidance on the following recommendations:
- To the extent that it is practical and safe, schools in the District will open for in-person learning on August 17.
- Discussion of the bell schedule recommendation for the first semester with review of its success at a board meeting in October or November.
The state has recently published its guidance on school openings that can be found on the California Department of Education website. According to our recent survey, the vast majority of our students and families want and even need us to provide in-person learning. We believe we can meet the guidance from the state and county officials. Of course we can’t eliminate all risk but we can manage risk.
The other recommendation is that the Board endorse a bell schedule for the first semester. We believe this bell schedule meets the four pillars of school opening - health and hygiene, face coverings, physical distancing and limiting gatherings.
We believe the bell schedule being recommended to the board for the beginning of the year also allows for the most safety in stable cohorts; reduces lunch contacts, allows for targeted student support; extends learning options and creates more opportunities for college classes, clubs, activities, counseling, and the potential for athletics. You can see presentation materials, and a screencast summarizing the bell schedule recommendation and discussion here.
If you have comments, you can send them to returntoschool@smuhsd.org. The agenda and Zoom link to attend the meeting can be found on our website. The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. this Thursday.
We will continue to travel on this journey together into the new school year. Until then, I hope you enjoy your summer.
Kevin
June 4 Update
Hi Most Wonderful Colleagues:
I have been trying to give your inbox a break, but I wanted to let you know that the Return to School committee has been doing their work and will be reporting to the board on Thursday night when we will seek direction from the Board. We will send you a copy of draft presentation materials no later than next Monday.
On we go.
Kevin
May 29 Update
Most Wonderful Colleagues:
I hope you enjoy this end of the year video!!
Here's to a great summer!
Kevin
May 28 Update
Hi Most Wonderful Colleagues:
It's finally here -- the end of this most exhausting, unsettling school year.
If you have the time and inclination, I welcome again your feedback on my work and the work of several departments this year. If you can complete this survey by Wednesday, June 3 at one o'clock, that would be great. No pressure.
I'm meeting with principals and other members of the leadership team for their end of the year meetings. They brag about those they work with, and bask in their afterglow. I do too.
Thanks for that.
On we go, ready for the summer.
Kevin
May 27 Update
Hello Most Wonderful Colleagues:
Here are a few things about which I have been ruminating:
- My inbox resembles the discussion we are having as a nation about reopening. There are people who don’t think we can do anything in the fall except virtual learning and others who will be angry if we do anything different from pre-pandemic times.
- In my discussions with the School Board, we agree that we should make decisions carefully, guided by the public safety directives we receive. The Return to School Committee is doing their work in an atmosphere of changing guidelines. As time goes on, we learn more about the virus and its spread. This will inform the policies and practices we put in place. There will be a time where we have to make a decision, but for the moment we do have time to plan for multiple options before deciding on a course forward.
- The time since March 13 has been really hard. But the advantage we had was that almost every teacher had built relationships with their students. Going into the fall, most teachers will be teaching students about whom they know very little and one-quarter of our students will be brand new to our District. While we will be better trained technically, the relationships will be far weaker. My hope is that this period has strengthened our capacity for empathy and our desire for authentic connection.
- We will have all virtual learning for some students. I have heard from some parents that this is what they want, for various reasons. We will have an idea of the numbers after folks complete the survey due next Monday.
- We will not please everyone. Just like our politics these days, folks are polarized on these decisions. Gentleness, civility, disagreeing agreeably, and assuming good intentions will be needed by the bushel basket.
Finally, thank you to staff members who have sent me nice notes, shared reactions to messages, disagreed agreeably, offered suggestions, and, in myriad ways, just been helpful.
Kevin
May 26 Update
Hello Most Wonderful Colleagues:
I hope you had a nice long weekend and are surviving this heat wave. We still enjoy some of the greatest weather on the planet here.
Perhaps you saw this article in the New York Times that describes how teachers are feeling about quarantine education. It matches much of what I read in the staff survey comments.
Today we are sending surveys to parents and students asking some questions about how the school year has gone and what they are thinking about for the fall. Here is my message to them to including links to the surveys.
Kevin
May 22 Update
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
The end of the school year always seems to see a spike in drama. Students make poor decisions, some seem to self destruct, and everybody -- students, parents, and many of us are not on top of our games. As I often joke, May seems to have 100 days.
Yesterday I had a chance to watch a marvelous video the Hillsdale Athletic Department put together highlighting what was a remarkably successful year for their students athletically. It also featured other elements of the school including the dance program. I was reminded that there, and in all our schools and departments, many, many good things happened.
Enjoy your Memorial Day Weekend. As we go into the last week, I'm hopeful that you and I have time to reflect on your professional successes.
On we go, with excitement for the summer!
Kevin
May 21 Update
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
The famous management consultant and writer Peter Drucker said “Culture eats strategy for breakfast.” This isn’t to say that strategy is unimportant, but rather a positive culture is so much more so.
The people I admire most embrace two seemingly contradictory truths at the same time. The first is that we are doing fabulous, life changing work on behalf of students. And based on my experience in many other places, I haven’t seen this done better. The other is that we have so much more to do. Everywhere one looks there’s work. And it takes the passion, teamwork, and collaboration I see from our staff each and every day.
Today I went by one of our high schools as they said goodbye to their seniors. In many ways it was more meaningful and touching than what I have witnessed at our formal graduation ceremonies. Dozens of staff members rolled up their sleeves and made this happen. And this is just one example of countless activities that have taken place these past few months.
On we go, dedicated to creating a stronger, more positive culture in our district, worksite, and with those we share the most sacred calling we call our work.
Kevin
May 20 Update
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
The fervor of activities during a school year wax and wane. For those of you who are involved in graduation, senior awards, and other end of year activities, this is a particularly busy time. Further, many of the systems you have used in the past won’t work in our present situation. Thanks for your flexibility and ingenuity.
In addition, there are other parts of closing up the school year that involve the business, instruction, personnel, and various other departments. Your contributions are also appreciated.
We have a regular Board Meeting tomorrow night (Thursday, May 21) at 7 p.m. which will include an update on District operations during shelter in place. Attached please find a copy of the draft presentation materials. Our hope is that this presentation will provide the Board, staff, and public a fairly comprehensive summary of where we are as a District and what we are thinking about for the fall across multiple dimensions. You are welcome to join the meeting via Zoom. Instructions can be found on our website.
Finally, you can see the message I shared with families and students today here.
On we go, ready to cross the finish line of this school year.
Kevin
May 19 Update
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
This week we will be expanding the protocols for all employees regarding their health as they come on to our campuses. Your supervisor will be asking you a few questions. While you should never come to work if you are not feeling well, these questions are one more step in making sure our collective work spaces are safe.
In the graduation message I recently recorded, I talk about Despedidas. This is the Spanish term for farewells. When I lived in Ecuador, Despedidas were a big thing. Ecuadoreans understand that honoring those who are leaving is important not only for those who are leaving, but also to those who keep on going.
Finding ways to honor the retirees who have given so much to our profession always seems inadequate and this has never been more true than this year. Here are the staff members who will be retiring at the end of the school year.
Certificated
Robert Williams, Carl Pastore, Joyce Dickson, Margaret Balmana, Karen Breslin,, Mark Nicols, Donald Bush, Cristina Trujillo, Deborah Stuart, Shelly Koski, Roberta Lighty; Adult School: Tim Simmers, Shaina Thompson and Katherine Lieban.Classified
Maria Elwood, Ernesto Cruz, Armando Pena Arbizo, Alice Larson, Gregoria Granados and Karen Ho.Administrators
Carolyn Schwartzbord, Director of Special Education, Patricia Kurtz, Principal Aragon High School, and Tim Doyle, Director of the Adult School.And finally, the most wonderful Roberta Beeken, Administrative Assistant, who has helped me stay on the straight and narrow these past five years.
Obviously there are folks who will be leaving for other work adventures. We honor their service as well. And just like the Class of 2020, we hope to honor this year’s retirees further when this pandemic ends and we can fully enjoy the warmth that comes from being with each other.
On we go, trying to make ourselves worthy of those who went before us.
Kevin
May 18 Update
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
Some years back, I spent a Thanksgiving break with my brother-in-law’s family. The patriarch of the house was Tom Adams, a wonderful man of infinite routine and sagacity. Every morning he would go through the house and say, “I’m going to the store to get the newspaper. Does anyone need anything?” I was younger and a bit of a wise guy. On the fourth day of his asking, I lied, “No, Tom, I already went to the store and picked up the paper.” Tom was enraged. My family and I were almost tossed out of the house on the spot.
While we may not all be like the great Mr. Adams, we all love our routines, and we count on them to give our lives structure, if not meaning. For some time after the Shelter in Place directives, it felt like there was a collective adrenaline that carried us through. At some point the newness wanes and we yearn for the familiar -- seeing our co-workers, lunch, even our desks and chairs!
Not only do our routines give us structure, but they save us time. For example, I’m sure staff members have some tried and true activities associated with how they wrap up a school year. This year undoubtedly requires something different. Two general sentiments I hear from people are fatigue and a sense that everything takes longer. Perhaps these are two sides of the same coin.
In any case, we are nearing the finish line. The end of the year brings a chance to rest and recenter.
On we go, finding the energy outside our routines.
KS
May 15 Update
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
Happy Friday.
As always, I learned from my conversation with staff during office hours yesterday. Three things struck me. First, it’s clear that professional development time, and time with colleagues as we go into next fall is going to be indispensable. We’re already planning some front end, but more will certainly be needed. Staff will be recommending a major, one-time investment in time for teachers to adapt to our new realities. I hope certificated staff will make plans to engage in this work.
Second, several people commented that they felt like they were teaching in a vacuum. Much has been written about how teaching can be a lonely profession, even when there are thirty students in a classroom. I can only imagine how hard it is now. It’s all the more important that we find ways to build connections and strengthen pedagogical connections in our ecosystem.
Finally, there were three SMHS counselors in the office hours and they shared that some of their greatest success in reaching out to students came through Facebook and Instagram. I have often been leery of social media, but it may be that, now more than ever, we need to go where our students are. And this old dog is going to have to learn some new tricks!!!
I hope that your day winds down early enough today that you can enjoy some element of your life outside work before you stop for the day and enjoy a good night’s sleep. We all need that tonic, and rarely more than these days.
Here is today’s message to families. It borrows from my note to you yesterday.
On we go!
Kevin
P.S. Don’t forget about the staff surveys by Monday at noon. The PD one is linked here, and the other is here.
May 14 Update
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
Yesterday I took a bike ride with my 24 year old son. He’s turning into such a wonderful person -- sensitive, funny, gentle, and full of hope, laughter, and wisdom. As we rode, I shared with him that what we are experiencing now may be the most disruptive events in history in at least the past seventy-five years. As we navigate this time together and individually, here are a few thoughts:
- We need to be gentle with ourselves and others. Far more than Covid-19, our energy and thoughts are contagious.
- We can only do our best. More than ever, much is out of our hands. Sometimes, and particularly now, it is a world of intentions rather than results.
- Exercise, being outdoors, practicing mindfulness are all more important than ever.
Concerns over mental health are paramount at this time, for both our staff and the communities we serve. At our last meeting, our Board approved an MOU for a contract with Care Solace. Care Solace is a concierge mental health service that makes it easier for staff and their families to connect with mental healthcare resources and providers in their communities. The same service is available to our students and their families.
While the EAP program remains an option, Care Solace is another resource for you. It is free of charge concierge service that is available to staff and their immediate family members as a confidential connection to longer term treatment.
You can learn more by visiting our website. Students and families can be referred to the same information on the public-facing side of our website. For more information, please reach out to District Mental Health Manager, April Torres.
My son left today to return to Michigan where he works. Despite his age and maturity, it still feels like I am sharing someone innocent with the potential cruelty of life. And then I am reminded that “With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.”
On we go, with hope for those coming after us.
Kevin
May 13 Update
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
Yesterday I sent a link to two surveys -- one for all staff and another for just certificated staff. I forgot to mention to please complete them by Monday, May 18 at noon so we have time to review and compile the results. Here's a link to the all staff survey and here is the one for certificated staff about PD needs. Once again adult school teachers and classified staff members do not need to complete this second survey.
Tomorrow I will be hosting office hours from 3-4 o’clock. Here is the Zoom information:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/92740213467?pwd=dTdMQXdpbTM5REY0UlV6YXV1a3Eydz09
Meeting ID: 927 4021 3467
Password: 714539
Phone: 1-669-900-9128 (use the above meeting ID and password)
Here is a message I will be sending to families today. As you can imagine, I hear many reports about students struggling in this age of isolation. I know you are doing your best for others. Remember to take care of yourself as well.
On we go, knowing we are part of a community that cares.
Kevin
May 12 Update
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
We crave certainty, but live at a time when there is precious little of it. Usually planning for next year is fairly straightforward, but next year will be something very different.
As we try to plan for various contingencies, we've developed a VERY SHORT SURVEY for all staff. It has five questions and space for whatever comments you might have. We are trying to learn the level of concern staff have about returning to work, what if anything we can do as a district to address concerns, and thoughts about how folks are holding up during this strange, unsettled time.
Here's a link to the survey. All staff members are requested to complete the survey.
In addition, the learning side of the house is thinking about professional development needs as we prepare for various contingencies that could occur in the fall. They have prepared a survey that can be accessed here about PD needs. It is for CERTIFICATED staff. Adult school teachers and classified staff members do not need to complete this second survey.
Thank you very much indeed.
Kevin
May 11 Update
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
First, Happy Belated Mother’s Day! I hope your Sunday was as nice as the weather was.
Here is the message we are sending to families today updating them on what’s going on. One thing you can note is that we are considering a later start for students. Right now the thought is to bring all the PD days spread through the 20-21 calendar to the beginning of the year so we can have more time to prepare for what may come with the new year. Obviously we don’t know what the fall will look like, but having a few more days to prepare has value. Stay tuned for more as the reopening committee does their work.
Here’s the update we gave to the board at Thursday’s meeting, for your information. Each board member expressed their appreciation for staff’s efforts during this challenging time.
Today more staff members came to the sites to begin making sure we are ready for whatever comes next. Thank you. No matter where you are working, please make sure you take care. Not only do we need you to make our District work, but we also need you to be healthy and safe.
On we go, with 13 more school days to go.
Kevin
May 8 Update
Hi Most Wonderful Colleagues:
When I get discouraged, one of the first people I call is my mom. She grew up in Ireland, her dad was Master Martin, the head of a school in Kilnaleck, County Cavan and her mom was a teacher. One time I called home and my dad said she was down at the main library -- she'd read all the books in the branch next to our home. He exaggerated, but not much.
Almost invariably, the first words out of her mouth are "Hope" is a Thing with Feathers." It comes from this beautiful poem by Emily Dickinson.
Good tonic for our times.
On we go, with hope.
Kevin
“Hope” is the thing with feathers
“Hope” is the thing with feathers -
That perches in the soul -
And sings the tune without the words -
And never stops - at all -And sweetest - in the Gale - is heard -
And sore must be the storm -
That could abash the little Bird
That kept so many warm -I’ve heard it in the chillest land -
And on the strangest Sea -
Yet - never - in Extremity,
It asked a crumb - of me.
May 7 Update
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
Not only is our work different and more difficult at the moment, but it’s more difficult to see the fruits of our labor. These days we often receive so little feedback on our efforts. For example, when I was a teacher it was enormously satisfying when students did well on an assessment -- it validated the efficacy of my instruction and I could bask in the achievements of my students. Now most of us just don’t have the feedback we are used to getting.
I want to acknowledge those of you who are working at the sites on occasion or every day. I’m sure it isn’t easy to leave your homes and loved ones to come to the job site, put on your PPE, and venture in. Thank you.
While I am acknowledging hard work, I want to recognize the board members for their support these days. There’s a board meeting tonight (the link to the agenda is here) with a whole assortment of topics for them to understand and provide wise direction. You are welcome to tune in.
Not only are people working hard, but they are also finding creative ways to engage students. I wasn’t sure how our performing arts were going to keep instruction going in a virtual world -- but they have made it happen. Here are a few samples I know about.
Burlingame/SMHS Combined Choir
Aragon Music From the Heart virtual performance
Finally, it’s staff appreciation week. A few years ago I wrote this piece about my junior high math teacher. Some of you may have seen it before. I share it as a reminder to each of you - you make a difference in the lives of the young people you work with. I hope you never question what influence you can have over the course of a young person’s path. Thank you for all that you do!
On we go, despite the difficulty of our work.
Kevin
P.S. Here is the message I sent to families yesterday.
P.S. Below is the message I sent to families yesterday.
May 5 Update
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
Happy Cinco De Mayo!
This day prompts me to give a shout out to the World Language teachers during this staff appreciation week! I have seen so much great world language instruction during my observations of teachers in this District. Your creative lesson planning has been so inspiring! As we build understanding of others, your work is indispensable.
But of course it isn’t just the world language teachers who are the all-stars of the District. It is each person that does their bit to make our District a great place to work and learn. We all do our part so that learning is prized and students receive what they need to go forth with confidence and skill.
Yesterday I sent you some information I borrowed from the SMCCCD that contained our expectations when you come on campus. Attached here you will see some posters and the like we have posted on our campuses for those who have been back at their workplaces. Please take a moment to review them.
The end of the school year is always so exciting. While this one is different from any other, it shouldn’t diminish our enthusiasm for all that has been accomplished by our students or our satisfaction with the efforts we have all made on their behalf.
En Nosotros, vamos juntos!
Kevin
May 4 Update
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
Happy Monday! And happy first day of what is Staff and Teacher Appreciation Week. I’m not sure if site-based folks noticed it, but I tried to make a special point of visiting campuses this week in the past. This was not only because I love and appreciate y’all, but also because I could bask in your afterglow and share in the nice food parents always have available! Another thing to miss with our sheltering in place.
As we wind down this year and start ramping up for this summer and fall, we need more people to return to work. Stay tuned, if you haven’t heard. We want you to be as safe as you can be. I came across this material from the SMC Community College District and it says succinctly and clearly what we all need to keep in mind as we go to our schools.
To All SMCCCD Employees:
San Mateo County Health has ordered employers, including SMCCCD, to distribute formal social distancing protocols to all employees. These protocols apply to any employee on District property, including the three college campuses and the District Office. This applies to all District employees currently required to work onsite, and will apply to all employees who return to work onsite in the coming months. Please read and keep a copy of these social distancing protocols.
There are five basic rules for social distancing at work:
-
Do not enter District property if you have COVID-19 symptoms
-
Maintain a minimum six-foot distance from other people
-
Sneeze and cough into a cloth or tissue, or into your elbow
-
Wear a face covering
-
Do not shake hands or engage in unnecessary physical contact
These procedures are legally mandated by the San Mateo County Health Officer.
The first meeting of the School Reopening Committee was held today. Here's a copy of the presentation Deputy Superintendent Kirk Black shared. Thanks to all who are serving. If we thought virtual learning is complicated, reopening schools is going to be even more so.
I was speaking with an educator I greatly admire and he shared that he's not sure this is what he would have signed up for. Who would?! That said, like the rest of us, he's swinging hard on behalf of nine thousand students who need and deserve our best efforts. Thank you for your contributions.
On we go, with our best foot forward!
Kevin
May 1 Update
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
Happy May Day!
I appreciate the time folks took yesterday afternoon to come to office hours. Communicating well is never more important than now. There were some topics that we discussed that are worth mentioning here.
First, there were many questions about reopening in the fall. Our goal is to be as ready as we can be. Maintenance and operations folks are going to be gearing up starting next week to make sure we campuses are clean and good to go. Theater folks are getting their spaces ready by the end of May, for potential instruction in these spaces. And the school reopening committee will hold its first meeting next Monday. Safety will be a guiding principle of this group and notes will be shared through my daily messages. A wise colleague pointed out that the distance learning we are doing now will be less complex than where we are headed when schools reopen in some fashion. In other words, reopening will be really bumpy.
Second, please know that progress reports were NOT mailed home to families. We didn’t feel comfortable bringing staff in to do this. On Monday teachers will be informing administrators and families again if students are in danger of not earning credit. We WILL be mailing information to families of failing students next week. As you know, there’s nothing like a call home, if home can be reached, to motivate a student to get to work. We want each and every student to have the most productive and successful semester possible, especially during these tumultuous times.
Finally, questions were raised about how much rigor there should be during this time of virtual learning. Much of our District communication has been about getting through the semester with students earning credit. However, we also need to do everything we can to make sure students are prepared for additional study in an area and create challenging, interesting, compelling instruction. This isn’t easy in the best environment and that’s not present today. I found the following diagram helpful in my thinking about these next four weeks. Please keep checking in with your students.
Doomsdayers always claim the end is near. And if they’re talking about this school year, they’re right!
On we go...into the weekend! Enjoy.
Kevin
April 30 Update
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
An educators’ job is a jealous lover – it constantly craves more of our energy; it relentlessly demands our thoughts and, whether we like it or not, there always seems to be more to do to support students. Keeping perspective is always difficult and when we are out of kilter, it’s particularly difficult to make wise decisions. We need to be at our best to do our best for the students, families and staff we serve.
I’m hearing a lot from folks that one of the more stressful aspects of today’s work is long days that bleed into family and personal demands. It’s harder than ever to turn it off. And video calls are exhausting! Here’s an article sent to me by a board member that helps explain why.
On the other hand, I had an energizing office hour with some of our fabulous colleagues at three today. I look forward to telling you more about it, but it’s time to make dinner.
On we go, with fellowship and good things to nourish us!
Kevin
April 29 Update
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
Thanks again for all your diligence as we close out April and head into the final stretch of a school year like no other. It’s easy to focus on how diminished this time has been in myriad ways. However, another, more satisfying sense is that real learning continues to happen and we are looking after the various needs of our students with considerable success. Like much of what we do as educators, we never realize the full measure of what we accomplish. This is particularly true this semester. That said, what you do has never been more important.
Yesterday I talked some about office hours, and it struck me that I should “eat some of my own cooking.” In that spirit, I am going to have my own version of office hours tomorrow at three o’clock. You are welcome to stop in. Here’s the zoom information.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/91521918971?pwd=cUQ2bFNRMko0NzVZQmRSa3A5N1V3Zz09
Or by Phone: +16699009128
Meeting ID: 915 2191 8971
Password: 534134We are still accepting nominations for Golden Apples. If you have issues with the form (login required), you can email Sayre with your nomination, include the following information:
1. Your name
2. Who you are nominating, school site, classified or certificated
3. Why you are nominating them
Thanks for who you are and what you do.
Kevin
April 27 Update
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
I am super inflexible. I joke that I should get a scholarship for my yoga classes based on need. Yoga teachers, who are uniformly perky and upbeat, try to say something positive as I hardly do the most basic pose. Invariably, after watching me for a few moments an instructor will announce “remember, this is an all levels class. Your goal is to focus on your own practice.”
Our present time requires a different kind of flexibility. We have to be comfortable with extensions (our Shelter in Place has been extended through May). The range of our students’ skills, motivation, and accessibility has expanded. And our standards for performance from colleagues, students, and ourselves must be adjusted. Like the end of every good yoga class, our best actions may be savasana -- corpse pose -- where we just stop doing and just exist.
A wise person sent me this article I plan to share with families in the next few days. It says what I am saying, only better. Some states and countries are relaxing restrictions on movement. There’s evidence we are bending the infection curve. We will arrive.
And on we go!
Kevin
April 24 Update
Hello and happy Friday my most wonderful colleagues!
It’s no secret that there were more bumps than usual in our negotiations with CSEA. While nobody likes conflict (ok, maybe not nobody -- I have met people who seem to enjoy conflict!), its presence didn’t diminish the efforts of employees on behalf of students and everyone focused on the challenges both parties identified as areas of concern. As mentioned in the joint communique CSEA Chapter 519 President Carrie Velez and I signed, classified staff members will receive their retroactive 4.44% salary increase with their May paychecks and any residual payment on other earnings in June. See the document for details. And thanks to Carrie and other executive team members. They have worked extra hard this year.
Below please find my note to families that we will send out later today. I find myself giving a lot of advice to folks at times. And, as it is with my kids, it’s easier to give than to actually do! I’m often talking to myself as much as anyone else.
I hope you have a marvelous weekend with the right combination of rest, challenge, and pleasure.
Kevin
April 23 Update
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
Please find a copy of a side letter that was agreed upon by the SMUHSDTA and the District with respect to expectations for teachers for the rest of the year. I appreciate the work of DTA leadership in cooperatively arriving at this document. There shouldn’t be anything surprising here, however, please note that there are expectations regarding office hours for all teachers starting next week. You should communicate your particular office hour schedule with your students in accordance with the agreed upon expectations as soon as possible.
Yesterday and Monday we gave a Golden Apple virtually to most deserving staff members. The recipients were honored in a virtual meeting with their peers. As I shared in these ceremonies I was struck by how important community is for us all. I hope that you are staying mindful of how much you need human connections, and how much others count on you for purpose and meaning.
A good friend of mine wrote recently about the connection between suffering and love. Even though he is not an educator, it struck me as particularly apropos for our situation. For out of our collective suffering from this time there seems to spring an unusual amount of …”Appreciation, at least, but more like admiration, fondness, respect, and caring have surfaced in places heretofore unnoticed.”
I am coming to think we are all enrolled inescapably in this COVID-19 “School of Suffering”. However, what if this School of Suffering is also a School of Love? The curriculum, of course, is Love, something we all know about, each from our own stories and dreams. Nonetheless, we may still be stymied about this course we are in, afraid of how to get through it. In this sweet and bitter experience called life, we are all enrolled in this course and we will pass it - not just with credit, but with distinction!
On we go, with honor and distinction.
KS
April 21 Update
Dear Colleagues:
Today during a Zoom meeting there was discussion about the process of change and how one must enter a time of unknowing and waiting. This time is invariably confusing and often characterized by suffering and pain. However, what awaits us afterwards drives us forward, as it often represents a more compassionate and better future.
As I read the comments I was struck by how hopeful and positive participants were. And this raised my spirits! We’ve seen the power of contagion and the shelter in place is a by-product of this. At the same time, our noble thoughts and actions are equally infectious. I can’t remember a time when it felt more important to share our best with our community.
On we go, with compassion and optimism.
Kevin
April 17 Update
Dear Colleagues:
Here is the message I sent to families and students today regarding our move to Credit/No-Credit for the Spring Semester.
In order to guide your work going forward under the Credit/ No Credit grading system and your work time on Monday, the Instruction Team has created another short screencast and google slideshow.
Once again, thank you for all that you do and who you are. Sometimes the events of our world are discouraging. Then I think of what you are doing for students and I can recenter myself.
I hope you have a relaxing weekend!
Kevin
April 15 Update
Dear Most Wonderful Colleagues:
As I mentioned yesterday, the Board of Trustees will meet virtually tomorrow night at 5:00 p.m. to discuss grades. As superintendent, when folks have varying opinions, my job is to give the Board multiple choices and a clear outline of the advantages and disadvantages of different paths forward. When we are at our best as a community, the ideas and choices are openly debated with the perceived merits articulated. Then the Board, in its wisdom, makes a decision and on we go.
This Board has NEVER received as many communications as they have about grades for this semester. The five board members and I have read the ones many of you have sent and appreciate the wisdom and compassion backed by years of experience working with students that they display. The board have demonstrated themselves to be good stewards of the district and I have every confidence they’ll do so again tomorrow night.
We don’t know when this period of Shelter in Place will end, but we do know that like winter, this quiet, lonely period will give way to a new time. It is a big challenge to be at peace with not knowing this strange time’s ending and to be ready to embrace the possibilities our collective reset will offer. We have the great privilege to be engaged in the work to prepare students for the promise and possibility that the future has, and always will have.
Kevin
P.S. Here is the message we plan to send to families tomorrow.
April 13 Update
Dear Colleagues:
I have received so many emails from students, families, and staff members these past few weeks. While I have every confidence that we will make it through this time, the future feels more uncertain. Every email seems full of concern about the disruption and a sense of helplessness.
We are trying to make things more equitable by helping our most needy students. But being out of school exacerbates inequalities. Today, certificated staff worked on how to become more excellent at virtual teaching. But this can’t match the experience of personal instruction, as this article sent to me points out.
So what we need most, I believe, is mercy, compassion, and, yes, love. You express that through your efforts to support students, to build a routine in their lives, and to find some way to listen. We can’t be like this chocolate bunny let the Coronavirus eat our ears so we can’t hear and be empathetic to the needs of others!
-Kevin
April 13 Update
Dear Teachers and Staff,
We hope that you had a rejuvenating spring break. To support your work today, we have a few resources for your reference.
First, there is a message from Dr. Skelly in these Google Slides.
Second, here is a screencast of the Google Slides.
You can also find more details in this document for our remote learning work going forward.
If you have any questions about this information, please let us know.
Take care.
Thanks so much,
The Instruction Team
April 8 Update
Dear Colleagues:
We've decided to move the Special Board Meeting rescheduled for tomorrow night to next Thursday, April 16 at 5 p.m.
The workday for certificated staff will continue on Monday, April 13 and virtual instruction will resume for students on April 14.
I hope you enjoy the rest of your spring break.
April 7 Update
Dear Colleagues:
I tried not to interrupt your spring break, and here I go.
The Bay Area County Superintendents and Health Officers made the call to officially declare Bay Area campuses including ours closed for the remainder of the school year.
The Board and I have received considerable input regarding the Credit/No-Credit proposal we were planning to discuss tonight at our special meeting. In order to take the time to consider their thoughts, we’ve moved this special meeting to Thursday, April 9 at 5 p.m.
All of the details are outlined in the message I sent to parents earlier today. Enjoy the remainder of your spring break.
April 3 Update
Dear Colleagues:
TGIF! I can’t remember being more ready for Spring Break. You must be as well.
At last night’s board meeting the board decided to have a special meeting next Tuesday, April 7 at 5:00 p.m. to consider changes in Board Policy to Credit/No Credit. There was no way under the Brown Act for the board to approve changes last night. I did have a chance in my comments to articulate why this move made sense at this time and I know they will weigh strongly the views of educators in this matter. I will send an update on Wednesday about this matter as I know it is important as teachers plan the rest of the year.
While nothing has been declared in our county, it’s clear that schools will be closed for the rest of the year. I’m really sad about this, particularly for those teachers who are retiring as the goodbyes will be harder. We’ll put together a list of retirees and others leaving the district in a future message.
Here is a message we’re sending out to parents later today, for your information.
A teacher read my message yesterday and pointed out that I had suggested that online instruction could, with enough preparation, match in-person experiences. I see how he could come to that conclusion. That’s not what I think and apologize for how that was written.
There will be plenty of hard work and emotion when we return to school after spring break. But I hope you have a chance to move away from this during the next nine days. You owe yourself, those you love, and the work you will undoubtedly throw yourself into when you return to recharge and rejuvenate. We will only reach out to you via email over spring break if absolutely necessary.
Be Well,
Kevin
April 2 Update
Dear Colleagues:
While teachers and certificated staff have been doing challenging, new work, so have many classified staff members. While it’s always dangerous to identify some and not others, the tech folks and the finance/payroll workers are both the ones I see when I go to the district office and emblematic of all our classified staff.
Our tech staff are enabling learning, interviewing, virtual board meetings, Chromebook/hotspot distribution to happen, while keeping the network operational. Budget folks are planning for next year while making sure bills are paid and everyone receives the right amount on their paycheck.
While teachers' jobs are different, so it is with classified staff members. I acknowledge that we are asking different amounts of time from different folks and we all appreciate the flexibility, teamwork, and gentle spirit from everyone whose work has been changed during this unprecedented time.
We anticipate a robust conversation around grading at our Board meeting tonight. We will solicit the Board’s support of a Credit/No Credit grading system during school closures. Here is a memo I just shared with our Board of Trustees and that we will discuss at our meeting tonight. Schools will use their virtual time together on 4/13 to discuss parameters for how we operate under these new guidelines.
Our District is awaiting a final decision on school closures for the remainder of the school year. As I have said in past messages we continue to work with the San Mateo County Office of Education, other Bay Area Superintendents and Bay Area Health Officers to make this important decision. I will update you as soon as I know more.
NEXT WEEK IS SPRING BREAK. Our homework policy remains intact. Staff and students alike should use this time to step away from our work and rejuvenate so we are well rested (a few classified groups excepted…).
I can’t wait for Spring Break because I get to spend time with my new granddaughter Fiona Rose! She was born yesterday, April Fools Day. She, her brother, her parents, and my other kids and son-in-law (ten total) will be here at our house for the foreseeable future. Happy chaos!
On we go!
Kevin
April 1 Update
Dear Colleagues:
Today is April Fools Day. I’ve had some good times on April 1 over the years and had some ideas for today, but none of them seemed remotely apropos. If you have any tricks you pulled out today, I’d love to hear them.
I was in a sad mood yesterday when I was out for a walk. I’d just heard the State Superintendent of Public Instruction declare that school would likely be out for the rest of the year. Earlier in the day various teachers and administrators had reached the virtually unanimous opinion that Credit/No Credit is the least bad of all the grading options we can have for work this semester. And then I decided to follow the advice of smart people I respect to lock up our athletic fields to the public.
All of these actions reduce the sense of agency and control we have and the sense of possibility for those about whom we care. Our seniors are highly unlikely to have the same rites of passage every single previous graduating class has had. Students will not have the same opportunities to see their hard work rewarded through outstanding marks, or the satisfaction of knowing that their extra effort moved the needle on their academic record. And, for heaven sakes, kids and others can’t even walk around our darned tracks!
None of us know how or when life will return to some normalcy. I find solace in this “prayer” I particularly like -- Desiderata.
Hang in there.
Kevin
March 31 Update
Hi Colleagues:
At the end of every principals' meeting I try very hard to tell our site leaders how much I love them. And I mean it! They do fabulous work and, in no small part because of this, my life is a whole lot easier.
The same is true of each of you. I was telling Craig Childress just a few minutes ago that I have never worked in a place where everybody I encounter works diligently and conscientiously at their work at hand.
All over this country there are people who have been laid off their jobs and are now looking for work. And there are folks who are feeling socially isolated who may wonder whether their existence even matters. You don't have to worry about that. Your work for our students not only has meaning, but it is about as noble work as you will find.
Thank you.
Kevin
March 30 Update
Dear Colleagues:
A few brief thoughts.
- Principals and others will discuss giving students the opportunity to retrieve instruments/art materials from school sites. We are assessing the need for other materials and finding ways to provide electronic copies of novels. More to come. Please contact your site administration if you have needs in this regard.
- We still need to plan for next year. This includes registering students, hiring staff, and building a budget. All of this work is taking place, despite the associated challenges. Thanks to all those who are straddling this year and next with their work to keep the trains running reasonably on time.
- There’s a regularly scheduled board meeting Thursday night that will take place virtually. Here’s the agenda. Despite the chaos and uncertainty, our collective goal is to keep making our District a model of efficiency, caring, and fiscal probity.
- Below is a draft of my message to families for today.
Thanks for who you are and what you do.
Kevin
March 30 Update from Superintendent Skelly
Dear Families:
Today marks the start of week three of at-home learning. I hope you are finding ways to be gentle and kind to those with whom you are cohabitating.
On March 24, 2020 the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors adopted a temporary Countywide moratorium on evictions from residential units for non-payment of rent by tenants directly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The emergency regulation takes effect immediately, and unless extended by the Board of Supervisors, expires May 31, 2020. Tenants will have up to 180 days after the expiration of the emergency regulation to pay delayed rents that were not paid while the emergency regulation was in effect.
For more details about the regulation, please visit the San Mateo County Department of Housing website.
In this environment of unexpected virtual learning, our teaching staff will use the Monday after Spring Break, April 13 for online professional development to discuss plans to best serve our students for the remainder of school closures. There will be no assignments given and no schoolwork expected from students on this day. Online learning will resume for students on Tuesday, April 14.
Students living in San Bruno needing internet access can receive in-home modems from San Bruno Cable free of charge. San Bruno students may call 650-558-2480, to request a modem. Students who have hotspots who no longer need them are encouraged to call 650-558-2480 to return them to the District.
Sending positive thoughts!
Kevin Skelly, Ph.D.
Superintendent
March 27 Update
Dear Colleagues:
Happy, happy Friday. I hope that you find some time for whatever calms you this weekend. Perhaps like me you are helped by connecting with those you love who know you best. In general I have found that we are all muddling along, which has been reassuring. And connecting virtually about our work has had its own solace.
Today during our admin call there was a recognition that the lengthened school closure and the reality of doing school virtually has taken a lot out of everyone. It was decided that the Monday after Spring Break, April 13 will become PD day/work day for teachers. We will publicize this to students and families that no assignments given to students and school work for students will recommence after Spring Break on Tuesday, 4/14.
Below is an email we are sending out today to families asking for their thoughts on how we can improve our students’ experiences. As noted, the same request was made of students and we’re now over 2,700 responses. Your view is also really important. Here’s a LINK to a survey we hope you will complete by Tuesday 3/31 at 10 a.m.
Tech Loaner devices: Because of the limited supply of hotspots available through our District, we are encouraging our students to take advantage of the free public wifi hotspots that are available in various locations including a service through Xfinity. Learn more on our website.
Finally, I thought you might find this pie chart amusing:
Take care of yourself, mind, body and soul.
Kevin
March 26, 2020 Update
Dear Colleagues:
Thank you. This can’t be said enough.
Today I was in a virtual conversation with our PTO presidents. To a person they mourned the thought of not having the chance to do their annual staff appreciation events that go with the end of the year. There was bitter irony in their sentiments that if there ever was a year when they are particularly grateful it's this one, and there’s a good chance they won’t be able to do the celebrations in the same way.
After talking to our parent/family school leaders, the board held an emergency meeting where we updated them on the last two weeks. Each board member made a point of thanking staff for how they have stepped up to do something different and/or more complex. Your ears must have been burning!
A few other takeaways from the board and PTO discussions:
- Equity is harder when instruction is delivered virtually! Differences in family resources, language skills and academic support needs are greatly magnified. I marvel at the work so many are doing on the equity front right now.
- Many students are, like their teachers, working long hours. As a wise teacher pointed out to me, one of the advantages of teaching multiple periods of the same subject is that you can modify and adjust during the day. This isn’t possible with online instruction. You’ve probably already thought of this, but it might be a good idea to check in with your students about how long an assignment took or its degree of difficulty. For example, if you expect the work of your class to take an hour a day, tell your class that if they’re spending more time than that, you want to know.
- We need to start thinking about school closures that extend beyond even this school year. We’re certainly hoping it doesn’t get to this. We will start to have discussions about summer school right away.
- There’s a collective sadness that many of the rites of passage for seniors may not happen this year. It’s impossible to imagine Senior Prom in a world of social distancing, for example!
- Parents, students, and the board are keenly interested in how we deal with grades this semester. This is complicated! I anticipate that the state will leave this up to school districts as this feels like a community decision. Assistant Superintendent Julia Kempkey and others are working on guidelines with teacher leaders. The feedback from some parents is that they recognize how complicated this is, and want to make sure the diligent student who has been committed to learning and achievement during this extraordinary time have a chance to show what they know.
Here’s a sign in my neighborhood I saw during my walk with my grandson this afternoon you might enjoy.
On we go!
Kevin
March 24 Update from Superintendent Skelly
Hello Colleagues:
As promised, here's today's daily email. I don't have much to report.
Today I sent a voice message to all parents. Internal reviews of the message in English were positive. However, it was felt that my Spanish version would be best read by a native speaker. I am both chastened and relieved. I need to pay better attention when visiting our great Spanish teachers' classes!
Based on my calls with county superintendents, there may be an update on school closures tomorrow. Stay tuned.
We are also starting to think about formulating guidance around student grades. This will be a discussion during our virtual meeting with principals tomorrow. If you have any strong thoughts you'd like to share, please let me know.
Finally, here's one of my favorite poems about the value of work. As Gibran wrote, "Work is Love Made Visible." We're blessed to do our work.
To Be of Use
The people I love the best
jump into work head first
without dallying in the shallows
and swim off with sure strokes almost out of sight.
They seem to become natives of that element,
the black sleek heads of seals
bouncing like half-submerged balls.
I love people who harness themselves, an ox to a heavy cart,
who pull like water buffalo, with massive patience,
who strain in the mud and the muck to move things forward,
who do what has to be done, again and again.
I want to be with people who submerge
in the task, who go into the fields to harvest
and work in a row and pass the bags along,
who are not parlor generals and field deserters
but move in a common rhythm
when the food must come in or the fire be put out.
The work of the world is common as mud.
Botched, it smears the hands, crumbles to dust.
But the thing worth doing well done
has a shape that satisfies, clean and evident.
Greek amphoras for wine or oil,
Hopi vases that held corn, are put in museums
but you know they were made to be used.
The pitcher cries for water to carry
and a person for work that is real.
March 23 Update from Superintendent Skelly
Dear Colleagues:
This is an uncertain time of uncertain duration. There’s talk of things returning to normal quickly and other news that suggests that school will remain closed through the school year. This makes it really tough for all of us to decide how to adjust course expectations and decide policies such as whether grades should be pass/fail, etc. I appreciate the input I’ve received from teachers in this regard.
On a macro level, I hope state and regional policymakers take their time deciding on school closures. Yes, it leaves uncertainty, but it allows for such a momentous decision to be made with as much information as possible.
I participate in a near daily conversation with the other superintendents in the county. The plan right now is for San Mateo County Superintendent Nancy Magee to work with other Bay Area Superintendents and the Bay Area Health Directors to make a joint call about school. As soon as I know anything I will share it.
Assistant Superintendent Julia Kempkey and others are working on a common survey for students, families, and staff asking for feedback regarding how things are going. Look for a link to it in an upcoming message near the end of this week.
I heard a politician describing the “unnatural” time in which we are living. Social distancing is not natural. We crave community and a connection to others. I saw the results of a teacher’s survey of students and the one thing consistently mentioned was how much they missed seeing their friends. As you think about how you maintain learning, consider ways you can nudge your students to have interactions and reach out to each other to form learning groups or simply go over material.
My fervent hope is that you have others in your circle who are supporting you, and you have the strength to reach out to vulnerable folks. We will make it through this.
Kevin
P.S. Below is a draft of what I plan to send to families tomorrow. I welcome your thoughts, as always.
DRAFT Message 3/24 - from KS to Families
Dear Families:
I participate in a near daily conversation with the other superintendents in the county. The plan right now is for San Mateo County Superintendent Nancy Magee to work with other Bay Area Superintendents and the Bay Area Health Directors to make a joint call about school. As soon as I know anything I will share it. Here’s hoping we are back in session after spring break.
I heard a politician describing the “unnatural” time in which we are living. Social distancing is not natural. We crave community and a connection to others. I saw the results of a teacher’s survey of students and the one thing consistently mentioned was how much they missed seeing their friends. As you think about how you support your student, consider ways you can nudge them to have interactions and reach out to each other to form learning groups or simply go over material, with a particular emphasis on bringing in students on the fringes. On that note, we will be sending a survey out to our students to better understand their experiences to better support them.
Speaking of social distancing, I’ve received numerous communications about this topic as it relates to our schools' fields. As I visit these and go on walks, it’s hard to tell how well this is going as one cannot tell who is a “family.” Let’s all do our part to practice social distancing in these situations. The science on this is clear -- if we have fewer interactions we’ll bend the infection curve.
Take care,
Kevin Skelly, Ph.D.
SuperintendentMarch 20 Update from Superintendent Skelly
Dear Colleagues:
As we come to the end of the first week of school closures, I continue to be so impressed by your dedication to serving our students. Whether it is providing meals for our students on the front lines, delivering tech devices, planning and providing virtual instruction or monitoring our campuses, you are doing an amazing job in these new and ever-changing circumstances! Read the message we sent to families today which reiterates much of the information we’ve sent. Some new information includes updates on testing (CAASPP, AP and SAT).
Teaching and Learning
It has been inspirational to see how creative and dedicated you are to your students. However, I hope you are also aware of your limitations and the limitations some of your students face in matching the instruction that you would provide if school were in session. There are some additional thoughts on supporting ourselves in this new virtual world in this screencast from Julia Kempkey, Sabbie Hopkins and Dominic Bigue, please view this screencast through this link instructional update screencast. You can find the Google Slides with all live links referenced in the screencast HERE.Free Food
Denis Vorrises tells me that the number of students we are serving meals to rises daily. Yesterday we served 515 meals at Mills and San Mateo High Schools. Our partner districts are also serving food at a number of different sites. If you know someone who can benefit even if they are not students in our District, please share these flyers (English, Spanish, Chinese). Primrose and Samaritan House are offering similar services. The California Department of Education has also created a free California Meals for Kids mobile app to help families find free meals. View comprehensive information about food services on our website.Self Care
Finally, I hope you’ll make time for self care and will take advantage of the resources curated by our Benefits Coordinator, Meghan Sartain.I hope you have a restful and rejuvenating weekend. Please send any feedback my way. It’s a great way for me to keep up with what’s really going on! Enjoy your weekend. My next update will be Monday.
Kevin
March 19 Update from Superintendent Skelly
Dear Colleagues:
We are moving close to the end of our first week with the new normal. My days revolve around answering emails, participating in Google Hangout and Zoom meetings, and addressing the needs of family and friends who are affected by or are more vulnerable to the COVID-19 virus. In particular, I’m trying to be more conscientious about reaching out to those I love who are more socially isolated during this time.
I’m not sure if you heard, but CAASPP testing for this year was just cancelled. That’s a relief for the whole system!
In yesterday’s message to families, I solicited feedback about the first few days of learning from home. While comments were almost uniformly positive, there was great enthusiasm for opportunities for students to interact with their teacher visually. Here’s an example:
Today, one of his teachers had office hours. I noticed a "spring in his step" and an eagerness to get dressed and engage with other students via video and chat. It was great. I have also seen him motivated by teachers that are posting videos of themselves teaching a lesson or attempting to engage with students.
If you can find ways to provide virtual office hours or screencasts, that’s great. On the other hand, please don’t make a requirement that students show up for virtual classrooms. They, like us, have other commitments or tech limitations that prevent their participation online at a specific time.
Another theme from parents was a worry about how this time would affect grades, transcripts, and the like. This is understandable as we’re all on edge about the repercussions of this pandemic. We should give students every benefit of the doubt on performance issues while schools are closed. We’re in uncharted waters, but I trust you to sail your students through.
Finally, students and families miss everything that is associated with school! I sure hope we can get back to it soon. I’m so grateful for you and all you are doing to support our students! Thank you!
KS
March 18 Update from Superintendent Skelly
Dear Colleagues:
Here is a link to the message we are sending out to families today. It contains some information that is also important for you.
I enjoyed hearing from some of you about how teaching and learning is taking place with you and your students. As always, I am impressed with the community you have created and the professional manner folks are tackling the challenges that come with teaching virtually.
As you can see in my message to families, I solicit feedback from them about the first few days of school closure. I invite you to ask students how things are going from their perspective. It’s often difficult to know how long an assignment will take, etc. Many of our students will have other demands on their time, so we want our requests to be similar to what we’d have if school were in session.
This morning a number of our staff members delivered about 50 Chromebooks and 150 hotspots to students across the District so they can stay engaged and learning can continue during the closure period.
Thanks to you all for your hard work!!
March 17, 2020 Update from Superintendent Skelly
Dear Staff:
Here are a few items worth mentioning:
- For staff who still need a wifi hotspot (or mobile device) to work from home, please complete this form and come to the District office between 10 a.m.-11 a.m. tomorrow, March 18, 2020. That will be the last opportunity for the next week to secure a mobile hotspot.
- Chromebooks and hot spots are being distributed to students whom we have identified who did not pick them up at school this week. We will continue to gather names of students who need technology assistance, and find a way to deliver devices to them.
- CASSP and CELDT Testing - So far there has been no direction from the state about cancelling these tests at this point, but this may change. Stay tuned.
- Advanced Placement Tests - There has been no change to the testing schedule at this time, but staff should monitor this website for any changes and resources being promoted by the College Board.
- We are continuing to serve food at Mills and San Mateo from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. We are compiling comprehensive information about other sites and will share this on our website and other channels.
- As a system, we’d be interested in knowing how things are going in terms of on-line learning. If you want, feel free to drop me a note.
- Principals and Council members are talking on a Google Hangout every other day. If you have a topic you think we should discuss, please let me know.
Please take care of yourself and, despite the restrictions on interaction, find ways to be in touch with those you love.
Kevin
Update from Superintendent Skelly - Monday, March 16
Dear Colleagues:
Since the decision was made to close school last Thursday, we have been progressively reducing District operations and expectations regarding reporting to work. This afternoon the seven Bay Area Counties have issued a “shelter in place” order. This order means that non-essential employees are directed to stay home until April 7. Unless you have been specifically told otherwise, you are NOT to report to work until then.
Please continue to monitor your District email at least daily. This is the most reliable way we can communicate. Given the fluidity of the situation, we will work hard to provide updates and we’ll count on you to stay in touch.
After today we will not be able to distribute Chromebooks or hot spots to students or staff.
Our meal program at San Mateo and Mills High Schools will continue 11 a.m.-1 p.m. from Monday-Friday, as this is considered an essential service.
Teachers, I hope that you are feeling reasonably prepared to support student learning during this time. This will be messy and uneven, but it will provide students and families some semblance of normalcy during this unprecedented time. You will undoubtedly do your best while taking care of yourself and your family.
Staff will be paid at the end of the month as would happen if school were in session. For those of you who don’t use direct deposit, your checks will be mailed to the address on file.
We will send daily emails until further notice.
If you have questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to ask. No question is a bad question, as we say in our business. Further, if you hear a rumor, please help clear it up.
Thank you.
Kevin
Update from Superintendent Skelly - Sunday, March 15
Dear Colleagues:
We have decided that it is in the best interest of our CERTIFICATED staff to make reporting to workplaces OPTIONAL for tomorrow (Monday, March 16). This is an unprecedented time, and different staff will have variable responsibilities.
For SITE CLASSIFIED STAFF, there will be differentials in workload. Principals will be communicating expectations for classified staff members, with the goal of keeping time expectations to a minimum. Your flexibility and understanding in this regard are appreciated. For DISTRICT CLASSIFIED STAFF, please stay tuned for direction from your supervisor if you have not yet received it.
Here is our plan for tomorrow, Monday:
Certificated Staff - if you wish to come to your site tomorrow, please come by between 9 a.m. to noon.
Site Classified Staff - please report between the same hours. Principals may request that certain classified staff report earlier or stay longer. If this is the case, your principal will reach out to you directly. If you need a mobile device or hotspot, please complete this Google Form on Monday by end of the day.
Please note - school buildings will be open from 8 a.m.-3 p.m, but we hope you will go to your site between 9 a.m. and noon. School campuses will be closed after 3 p.m. tomorrow until further notice.
Our goals for all staff are:
- Provide an opportunity for staff to pick up materials that will enable them to work virtually. This includes the distribution of chromebooks and hot spots to staff who need them.
- For certificated staff - We will send a screencast regarding supporting students learning at home to your email shortly.
- For certificated staff - provide you an opportunity to meet with your PLC virtually
- Turn off computers and electronics, empty your trash, take home food in the refrigerators. After Monday our facilities will be placed in holiday mode, and HVAC systems and equipment will be turned off.
We have established this smuhsd.org/staff-updates webpage to log updates to staff during this school closure period. To log into our “for staff” webpage please use the same login and password as you do to login to your computer. In addition, we will send an email every day by 5 p.m. with an update.
Our work may be messy and imperfect in the coming days and weeks, but I recognize and appreciate your efforts. Thank you for your patience, flexibility and hard work.
KS
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Join Superintendent Skelly via Zoom on Tuesdays at 8 a.m. to discuss the present, the future or whatever is on your mind. Ask a question, tell a joke, connect with colleagues during these most unusual times. We hope to see you there.Meeting ID: 996 8497 3011
