GREENFIELD — Elementary and middle school students in Greenfield are about to finish their first quarter for 2020-21, and Greenfield Union School District intends to review information to adjust school offerings as it prepares to shift to the next quarter while under continued distance learning.
“It is essential to hear the voices of our students, staff and community,” said Superintendent Zandra Galvan in a statement to parents on Sept. 25. “We are ‘Better Together,’ and I thank you for your grace, kindness and patience during these times.”
Last week marked 32 total days of distance learning for Greenfield students. Some of the data being reviewed by the district are schedules, attendance, health guidelines, social-emotional wellness and the potential future of hybrid education with both distance and in-person instruction.
The district will announce its plans based on that data on Oct. 8. The beginning of the second quarter starts Oct. 16.
While the digital divide has been an issue for Monterey County school districts, Greenfield began to address the problem early by distributing electronic devices to students and secured Wi-Fi hotspots through Monterey-Salinas Transit.
“We continue to be averaging 95 to 99% average daily attendance,” Galvan said. “Our teachers and instructional support staff are engaging in rigorous content lesson and so we do not want anyone to miss out.”
Since the early efforts last school year, Greenfield has secured more than 60 broadband access points available at all hours. District technology teams are available during the day as well as Monday through Thursday, from 5 to 8 p.m.
Galvan urges parents to also log in and check messages, as teachers will routinely send them messages in regard to their child. If there are problems logging in, she recommended calling their school to get help.
A total of 5,435 meals were distributed at Greenfield schools last week, an increase of 610 meals over the prior week’s distribution. Galvan said the district will add new items each week to the menu. Meals are distributed Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. at all the elementary school sites.
If students or parents go to their campuses, Galvan said they need to call first and enter through what have been designated as “wellness stations” to get a temperature check before conducting school business. Visitors are asked to wear a mask, maintain social distancing and sanitize hands upon entry.
English learner testing is required by the state, and Galvan said that is being provided with in-person testing to comply with state law. District staff will balance that requirement with the health guidelines to reduce Covid-19 infection.
“We will adhere to all Monterey County health regulations and ensure personal protective equipment is utilized at all times,” Galvan said.
She plans to continue issuing weekly statements about the school district and encourages the community to follow GUSD on social media in order to get up-to-date information about the schools.
