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Swift Ten Questions for PVUSD Superintendent, By Dr. Michelle Rodriguez
FEATURED COLUMNIST Ten Qs for PVUSD Superintendent
Editor’s Note: On Nov. 11, Santa Cruz County Superintendent of Schools Faris Sabbah said plans to move to hybrid instruction (bringing back 50% of the students at a time) may not be able to be realized in January because the county was moved back to the state’s Red Tier for COVID-19 prevention. The Red Tier does allow in-person services for small cohorts of students who are being unsuccessful with distance learning. •••
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Dr. Michelle Rodriguez, superintendent of Pajaro Valley Unified School District, answers questions from parents and staff.
What’s being done for expectations/ uniformity throughout all schools? (When it comes to social distance learning) My child’s school will request children to keep the camera on while in school. But when
I email the board, I am told it isn’t a rule from the district. Are principals allowed to implement their own rules for distance learning aside from our current district plan? Demanding or “highly encouraging” or “rewarding” students for keeping their camera on and ignore Zoom fatigue, anxiety and all other negative aspects of this is dangerous to our children’s well being.
The issue of camera/no camera is indeed connected to student wellbeing. The original intent of the “no camera required” rule was to recognize the challenging learning environment that some students may encounter at home, the technology issue the use of the camera causes for some students, and the psychological impact it has on other students.
At the same time, some of the goals of synchronous learning are to build community, decrease the sense of isolation and provide actionable feedback to students. Many of the goals are enhanced when the students have their cameras on. We have found a higher level of learning from engaged students when they receive consistent feedback, and therefore, we are highly encouraging students to keep their cameras on.
Many teachers and administrators are using positive incentives to encourage students to have their cameras on. No one can require students to have their camera on.
To address this issue, I am holding a focus group with approximately 35 people including students from each secondary school, parents from Migrant Ed, DELAC and SSC, teachers, counselors and administrators on Friday, Oct. 16 to come up with additional recommendations and solutions.
By Dr. Michelle Rodriguez, Superintendent, Pajaro Valley Unified School District
In addition, we have also highlighted best practices as an administration team as well as individually supporting sites from our district office level, as well from other district departments. All Secondary Administrators have also been trained in the Health and Safety precautions of COVID-19 prior to distribution events this year. In addition, sites break down distribution events through several formats to ensure physical distancing and protocols are followed. This can include grade-level time span assignments, multiple day distribution, and specific course materials pick up by subject area. Classified and certificated personnel on campuses plan and execute the distriPajaro Valley Unified School District officials lead a tour Oct. 23 of six newly renovated facilities funded by Measure L, including Bradley Elementary, which got fresh paint, Watsonville High School’s cafeteria upgrade and the fields at Pajaro Valley High School. From left, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Rodriguez, principal Clara Fernandez and board president Daniel Dodge Jr. bution events within the safety precautions. In past years, afterschool programs were staffed by a combination of Certificated and Classified staff who were also regular day employees. Now during Why is my student’s teacher telling them How do I apply for low-cost Distance Learning, these staff are prothat they HAVE to have their cameras on internet through Cruzio through viding student support online during or they will lose participation points? Equal Access Santa Cruz County? the school day. We should not be requiring students to use their cameras and they should You may apply to low-cost internet through Cruzio, you can apply There were a few afterschool staff who were not district employees as well. We are not be losing points or receiving lower through the links below, one in Spanish hoping to recruit any available nondistrict grades due to not using their cameras. and one in English. https://cruzio.com/ staff over the next few weeks to provide
As noted in the previous question, services/broadband/easc-suf-espanol/ or targeted student support. This fall is quite we are encouraging students to have https://cruzio.com/services/broadband/ different from last spring, since most their cameras on so that we can provide easc-suf/. instruction is taking place through digital a higher level of instructional and behav- To submit the form you will need platforms such as Google Meets, Google ioral feedback. Please contact your child’s the Signup Code, which is EASC- Classroom, and Seesaw instead of instructeacher first and then the site administrator 2020SCHOOLS, otherwise you will receive tional learning packets as in the spring. if necessary. an error code before submitting the form. Please do not hesitate to contact the appropriate Assistant Superintendent, so What are the locations of your What training has been provided to admin- they are able to work with the school site
Safe Spaces? How can I get my child istrators regarding materials distribution? administration directly to support the safe to attend a Safe Space? Our site’s materials distribution is chaotic distribution of materials on that campus.
PVUSD Safe Spaces are located at Aptos and nothing is being kept track of for Junior, Radcliff, Mar Vista, Pajaro teachers regarding which students receive Could you review the expectations Middle and Watsonville High. what... some students get some supplies, regarding COVID safety precautions for
Safe Spaces exist to provide a sup- others don’t. Our site administration has staff working at school sites? Specifically, portive and supervised environment for said that it is the principal and AC and only what are the expectations regarding staff high need students who need specialized a couple of volunteers passing out. Where wearing masks in shared indoor spaces? intervention and support. Referrals are are the classified staff that is supposed to At my site, office staff are not wearing made only through the Site Wellness be funded by our ASP funds? This is a huge masks while they are working in the front Team. debacle for families, students, teachers and office and only put them on when other
If you feel that your child could benefit admin that needs to be ironed out. people enter the office. My understanding from attending a Safe Space, please contact your site administrator. The Site Wellness All Elementary Site Administrators have been provided training in following had been that staff need to wear masks at all times when working in indoor public Team will decide if this is the appropriate PVUSD Health Safety protocols pertaining spaces, and this feels unsafe for me as a action to be taken or if other interven- to COVID-19 before the distribution of staff person entering the main office. tions should be tried prior to attending a Safe Space. If it is the best option, the Site instructional materials and supplies. As part of this training, they have been If a staff member is in any room or enclosed area where other people are Wellness Team will refer the student to the provided appropriate personal protective present, and they are unable to physically District Wellness Team. equipment, signage to help ensure physical distance they need to wear a mask. Except
Once the District Wellness Team distancing is maintained during distri- for the following directives included in our receives the referral, they will work with bution events, along with staggering grade local county health order: the family to place the student in a Safe level pickup times. A variety of school staff “10 Questions” page 25Space. assist in the various distribution events. www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / November 15th 2020 / 23
By Hedwig Heerschop
Pajaro Valley Art’s gallery is open Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sundays through
Above: Sadness and pain honoring my mother’s loss • by Martine Mahoudeau
Below: We are all Stardust • by Heidi Alonzo By Christine Loewe tinsel, glitter and endless supply of holiday baubles have arrived on store shelves, carols have begun playing over loudspeakers, and many are ready to turn their thoughts to the joy of the holiday season.
While 2020 has upended so many daily norms, many are determined to not let it diminish the spirit that comes with the holiday. Unfortunately, while some are thinking of creative ways for safe, socially distant celebrations many others Dec. 13 by appointment only. Hours will be 11 a.m. to 4 pm. Masks and social distancing will be required. To schedule an appointment, go to pvarts.org/appointment. Not ready to visit in person? See the virtual tour at: https://my.matterport.com/ show/?m=4xoqWLBhv5D
Mi Casa es Tu Casa: Nuestra Familias/ My House is Your House: Our Families is PVA’s annual exhibit inspired by Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead), a traditional holiday in Mexico that celebrates those who have passed away.
This year our family-friendly exhibit features papel picado by Catalina Delgado Trunk from the collection of Paul Brennan; regional artists’ interpretations of this holiday; and coloring pages from the Fiesta de Día de Muertos Art Activity Book published by the Watsonville Film Festival. You can view (and take selfies with) the fabulous pieces created by Priscilla Martinez, which were showcased in the Plaza.
This year, our nation has suffered so many losses. We are saddened that we could not celebrate and honor those who have passed with community altars as we have in the past, however, we have created a beautiful, heartfelt show. We dedicate this exhibit to longtime supporters and friends, Cheryl Marquez and Hal Hyde.
Artists: Heidi Alonzo, Elyse and Stephan Biggs, Trino Castro, Kathleen Crocetti, Maia Cahill, Genevieve Daly, Catalina Delgado Trunk, Paul are managing deep struggle this year. For those who lost their homes in the CZU fire, were impacted by COVID layoffs, and those facing a variety of economic and social hardships, the holidays bring yet another burden.
Fortunately, in Santa Cruz County there are programs like the Volunteer Center Adopt a Family Project where community members can make a difference for a family in need. Each year the Volunteer
E.A. Hall Middle School altar Mi Casa
DeWorken, E.A. Hall Middle School, David Fleming, Juan R. Fuentes, Ome Garcia, Maria Gitin, Rosa Hernandez, Geneffa Jonker, Vanessa Ledesma, Gaby Litsky, Priscilla Martinez, Martine Mahoudeau, Meritt Medusa, Cindy Rodriguez, Laura Ortiz-Spiegel, Samuel Torres, Graciella Vega, Martha Vega, Augie W.K, Gerardo Zambrano, Emauel Zúniga. n •••
Curated by: Tracy LeCroy and PVA Gallery Committee. Call 831-722-3062 for
Anna Gertrude Hildebrant Lance and Joseph Beavers Lance • by David Fleming
Make the Holidays Brighter for a Family in Need
The holiday season has begun. The
more information. Center partners with 25 nonprofits to meet the needs of 400+ families.
Partner nonprofits provide the project with a short bio about each family and a list of the items that each family member requests. Adopt a Family Project staff and volunteers then set to work connecting these families with donors. Requests include basic necessities like sheets, towels, or shoes along with special gift requests for the children.
“For many of us the holidays are such a joyous time with family and friends, but for struggling local families this is instead a stressful time of year. It is truly heartbreaking to read through our binder of family stories and to know that without this project these children might not have a warm jacket, let alone gifts or toys,” said Volunteer Center Adopt a Family Coordinator Aisha Charves.
