COVID-19 Student and Family Digital Resource Center

Superintendent's Communications

Messages From Superintendent Matt Hill

Below you will find links to all of the communications that have been sent out by the Superintendent's Office so far. Please click on the date/language that you would like to review.

SUPERINTENDENT'S UPDATE 8-31-20 SPANISH ARMENIAN

SUPERINTENDENT'S UPDATE 8-13-20 SPANISH ARMENIAN

SUPERINTENDENT'S UPDATE 8-6-20 SPANISH ARMENIAN

SUPERINTENDENT'S UPDATE 7-30-20 SPANISH ARMENIAN

SUPERINTENDENT'S UPDATE 7-23-20 SPANISH ARMENIAN

SUPERINTENDENT'S UPDATE 7-16-20 SPANISH ARMENIAN

SUPERINTENDENT'S UPDATE 7-13-20 SPANISH ARMENIAN

SUPERINTENDENT'S UPDATE 7-9-20 SPANISH ARMENIAN

SUPERINTENDENT'S UPDATE 7-2-20 SPANISH ARMENIAN

SUPERINTENDENT'S UPDATE 6-25-20 SPANISH ARMENIAN

SUPERINTENDENT'S UPDATE 6-18-20 SPANISH ARMENIAN

SUPERINTENDENT'S UPDATE 6-11-20 SPANISH ARMENIAN

SUPERINTENDENT'S UPDATE 6-4-20 SPANISH ARMENIAN

SUPERINTENDENT'S UPDATE 5-28-20 SPANISH ARMENIAN

SUPERINTENDENT'S UPDATE 5-21-20 SPANISH ARMENIAN

SUPERINTENDENT'S UPDATE 5-14-20 SPANISH ARMENIAN

SUPERINTENDENT'S UPDATE 5-7-20 SPANISH ARMENIAN

SUPERINTENDENT'S UPDATE 4-30-20 SPANISH ARMENIAN

SUPERINTENDENT'S UPDATE 4-23-20 SPANISH ARMENIAN

SUPERINTENDENT'S UPDATE 4-16-20 SPANISH ARMENIAN

SUPERINTENDENT'S UPDATE 4-9-20 SPANISH ARMENIAN

SUPERINTENDENT'S UPDATE 4-3-20 SPANISH ARMENIAN

SUPERINTENDENT'S UPDATE 4-2-20 SPANISH ARMENIAN

SUPERINTENDENT'S UPDATE 3-31-20 SPANISH ARMENIAN

SUPERINTENDENT'S UPDATE 3-26-20 SPANISH ARMENIAN

SUPERINTENDENT'S UPDATE 3-24-20

SUPERINTENDENT'S UPDATE 3-20-20

SUPERINTENDENT'S UPDATE 3-18-20    SPANISH ARMENIAN

SUPERINTENDENT'S UPDATE 3-16-20    SPANISH ARMENIAN

SUPERINTENDENT'S UPDATE 3-13-20    SPANISH   ARMENIAN

SUPERINTENDENT'S UPDATE 3-12-20 PM SPANISH

SUPERINTENDENT'S UPDATE 3-12-20 SPANISH ARMENIAN

SUPERINTENDENT'S UPDATE 3-11-20 SPANISH ARMENIAN

SUPERINTENDENT'S UPDATE 3-10-20 SPANISH ARMENIAN

SUPERINTENDENT'S UPDATE 3-4-20

SUPERINTENDENT'S UPDATE 2-27-20

SUPERINTENDENT'S WELLNESS UPDATE

Academic Resources for Distance/Digital Learning

Attendance Procedures for Distance Learning

FAQ’s - Attendance Information for BUSD Students and Parents

Are teachers taking attendance?

Yes. Teachers mark the student “A” Monday through Thursday if they miss live (synchronous) instruction.

How is attendance being collected for online (asynchronous) instruction?

Students complete the Google Attendance Form (it is a purple form posted in the student’s Google Classroom) Monday through Friday. Please see the video below to get instructions on how to complete the Google Attendance Form and get credit for attendance for asynchronous (online) learning Monday through Friday.

https://youtu.be/tu2IiBAdd5k

Please note that some sites use an “E” on Fridays and some leave attendance blank for students who are present online on Fridays. The “F” on Friday indicates an absence.

How late can students submit attendance for the daily asynchronous learning?

11:59pm the day of attendance.

How do I excuse an absence?

It is the same process as during the traditional learning model. Parents have 3 days to clear absences and communicate with school (email, school attendance email, phone, app). Please check your child’s school site website for information on where to send attendance verification emails.

What is BUSD’s expectation for attendance?

Students need consistency and focus now more than ever. Students should attend all live synchronous instruction and check into their Google Attendance Form every afternoon or evening when completing their online work.

What if a student is missing live or online learning?

Our District understands that the key to success and learning is consistent attendance. Students chronically absent will be contacted by school staff to ensure the student is getting the support they need. Compulsory Attendance laws for California are in place, and if students begin to miss more than 10% of the school year, then BUSD has an obligation to support and intervene to help the student improve.

Is attendance taken on Fridays?

Yes, your child will submit their attendance through the Google Attendance Form when completing their online work on Fridays. Please note, if your student has an “F” on Friday, it indicates and absence for that day as they did not fill out their attendance form on Friday.

How can I check my child’s attendance?

All parents have access to the Parent Portal and attendance information is there.

What are the new attendance codes that we will see in the Portal?

D Not engaged in Distance Learning (absence)

E Engaged in Distance Learning (present)

J Not engaged in Asynchronous (online) learning, but did attend synchronous (live instruction).

F Friday not engaged in Distance Learning (absence)
California State Library Resources
California K-12 Digital Resources

Online content from Encyclopaedia Britannica, ProQuest research databases, and TeachingBooks are available — at school, at home, in libraries, on laptops, on phones — to all.

These three databases are provided for all California students from the California State Library.

Encyclopaedia Britannica (PreK-12)

A comprehensive interactive resource for research and learning for grades K-12. Includes correlations to California Content Standards and other valuable teacher resources. Post links directly to each school level, elementary, middle or high.

Need help from Britannica? See our support page. (800) 621-3900 x 7160 | edsupport@eb.com

TeachingBooks (PreK-12)

One-stop resources for books you are reading and teaching, including author and illustrator interviews, lesson plans, and other enrichment content.

Need help from TeachingBooks? See our support page. 510-239-7391 | accounts@TeachingBooks.net
ProQuest (Grades 3-12)

* The icons above and main links below work for accessing these resources on your school campus. Students and staff with the district/school's off-campus access name and access codes should use the "Off-Campus Access" links below when using from public libraries or other non-school locations.
- CultureGrams - Concise social, cultural, and political information on countries, U.S. states, and provinces around the world. (Grades 3-12)
  CultureGrams Off-Campus Access
- SIRS Discoverer - A general reference database providing safe, reliable, curriculum-aligned content and features for use by students and educators. (Grades 3-9)
  SIRS Discoverer Off-Campus Access
- SIRS Issues Researcher - Pros and cons on 360+ (and growing) complex social issues with relevant, credible information that tells the whole story on the major questions of the day. (Grades 6+)
  SIRS Issues Researcher Off-Campus Access
- eLibrary - Guided Research edition delivers one of the largest general reference collections of periodical and digital media content including more than 11,000 Research Topics (Grades 6+)
  eLibrary Guided Research Off-Campus Access
- eLibrary - Database Edition General reference aggregation of periodical and digital media content with editorial guidance for novice researchers. (Grades 6+)
  eLibrary Database Edition Off-Campus Access
- ProQuest Central Student - designed to bring instant results to users across thousands of journals, magazines, newspapers, videos, reports, and more. This resource brings together some of ProQuest's most used databases in education, humanities, psychology, science, social sciences, and news. (Grades 9+, IB, AP, College Prep)
  Central Student Off-Campus Access
- ProQuest Research Companion - a self-guided product that supports information literacy, writing, and research skills instruction.(Grades 8+)
  Research Companion Off-Campus Access
- Schools & Educators Complete - eBook subscription database of over 13,000 titles that supports English Language Arts, Science, Math, Social Studies, Health, Physical Education, Information Literacy and Technology. (Grades 9+, possibly some content for Middle School, also includes professional development content for faculty)
Need help from ProQuest? See our support page. 800-521-0600 | customerservice@proquest.com
Free Online Access from Spectrum and other vendors

We realize that not all of our students have access to internet in their home. Spectrum has agreed to support students during this time with free wireless internet access. Please follow the links below to access free/reduced service to support learning resources.

Get Free Spectrum Internet

California Dept of Education Access: Telecom and Data Companies Extending Services
Instructional Technology Family Support Site
Parent Portal Weekly Progress Reports (Secondary)
U.S. Dept of Education Student Privacy Policy Office letter to Dr. Hill and LEA Report

Technology Training Tips and Problem-Solving

College Criteria & Admissions Updates

Supporting Students At Home

Structuring Your Day

It is helpful to structure your student's day so they have a routine, work time, and break time. It is also important to spend time with family and friends (virtually) so they don't feel isolated and overloaded.

WHAT DOES A DAY LOOK LIKE (SAMPLE ELEMENTARY SCHEDULE) ENGLISH

SPANISH

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SAMPLE SCHEDULE FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS ENGLISH

SPANISH

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SAMPLE SCHEDULE FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ENGLISH

SPANISH

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Online websites with suggestions for activities to make learning more interesting.

A Simple Guide To Learning from Home English Spanish

Tickled Pink (elementary)

Khan Academy Lessons and Sample Schedules
Creating a Virtual Study Group

Once you have decided to conect with fellow students virtually, the next step is to make sure that your virtual study group can be productive as well as supportive and social.

Students may use Googlemeets, Zoom, or FaceTime as a vehicle to virtually meet.

Some things to remember are:

Keep it small

Whether it's in the classroom or in the corporate world, the bigger a group gets, the harder it becomes to manage and the less effective it tends to be. Including too many people in your group can make it difficult for everyone to contribute equally, and it may also cause scheduling conflicts and other problems. As a general rule, limiting the number of participants--perhaps to around a half-dozen or so--will make it easier for people to work together and get more out of the group.

Keep it short

When you have a ton of material to deal with and/or a looming deadline, such as a test or an impending project due, it may seem like a good idea to try and cover a lot of ground quickly with very lengthy sessions. But making sessions too long--say, anything more than 45-60 minutes--can increase the likelihood of disruptive latecomers, early departures, and no-shows. If possible, you may want to opt for shorter, but more frequent sessions.

Keep it focused

Just as a teacher supervises what goes on in the classroom, an online study group will benefit greatly from having a leader or moderator to manage sessions and keep everyone's attention focused on the subject at hand. This person is a logical choice to set the group's agenda and ensure the discussion keeps tangents to a minimum (that is, unless the group happens to be studying geometry).

Keep it quiet

Although online study groups give you the option to connect from just about anywhere, it doesn't mean that someplace like a noisy, crowded café is a good study venue. For the benefit of everyone in the group, try to log in from somewhere that's relatively quiet and conducive to learning, such as a bedroom or home office. Another strategy is for all members of the group to mute their microphones and only unmute when they are speaking. For that matter, when in an online study session, resist the urge to check e-mail or engage in similar distracting activities.

Mental Health Resources

Mental Health Resources

Explaining COVID 19 to Children

Elementary Second Step Support for Home

Mind Yeti - Meditation for Elementary Aged Children

List of Community Resources

Stress and Depression Information LA

Psychological Impact and Stages during COVID - PDF

Students After Suicide Support

HOTLINES AND RESOURCES

Online resources for mental health and stress manaagement.

https://discoverymood.com/

https://namica.org/coronavirus-tips/

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/managing-stress-anxiety.html

https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/suicide/copingwith-stresstips.html

https://psychcentral.com/blog/stress-management-tips-for-students/

https://www.verywellmind.com/top-school-stress-relievers-for-students-3145179

https://www.accreditedschoolsonline.org/resources/student-stress/

https://www.activeminds.org/blog/coping-and-staying-emotionally-well-during-covid-19-related-school-closures/

211 resource for LA County
LGBTQ Support

BUSD strongly supports our LGBTQ students. Below are online resources available to utlitize from home.

https://californialgbtqhealth.org/resources/coronavirus-2019-information/

PFLAG is the extended family of the LGBTQ community. We're made up of LGBTQ individuals, family members and allies. Because together, we're stronger.

The Los Angeles LGBT Center is building a world where LGBT people thrive as healthy, equal, and complete members of society.

https://www.lgbtcenters.org/LGBTCenters/State/59/California

The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning youth.

Gender Spectrum helps to create gender sensitive and inclusive environments for all children and teens.GLSEN partners with community organizations, political organizations, and school districts to support every student, in every school, so that they are valued and treated with respect, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. They believe that all students deserve a safe and affirming school environment where they can learn and grow.

Financial and Social Resources for Homeless LGBTQ+ Youth.”

https://www.moneygeek.com/financial-planning/resources/lgbtq-homeless-youth/

Coronavirus Information

BUSD COVID Containment and Exposure Management Plans
Updated Coronavirus Information and LInks
New Statewide Coronavirus Informational Website

https://covid19.ca.gov/

Center for Disease Control

CDC is responding to an outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel (new) coronavirus that was first detected in China and which has now been detected in more than 100 locations internationally, including in the United States. The virus has been named “SARS-CoV-2” and the disease it causes has been named “coronavirus disease 2019” (abbreviated “COVID-19”).

On October 5, 2020, the CDC issued updated guidance to its How COVID-19 Spreads website, which includes information about the potential for airborne spread of the virus that causes COVID-19.

CDC continues to believe, based on current science, that people are more likely to become infected the longer and closer they are to a person with COVID-19. Today’s update acknowledges the existence of some published reports showing limited, uncommon circumstances where people with COVID-19 infected others who were more than 6 feet away or shortly after the COVID-19-positive person left an area. In these instances, transmission occurred in poorly ventilated and enclosed spaces that often involved activities that caused heavier breathing, like singing or exercise. Such environments and activities may contribute to the buildup of virus-carrying particles.

CDC’s recommendations remain the same based on existing science and after a thorough technical review of the guidance.

People can protect themselves from the virus that causes COVID-19 by staying at least 6 feet away from others, wearing a mask that covers their nose and mouth, washing their hands frequently, cleaning touched surfaces often and staying home when sick.

On January 30, 2020, the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee of the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak a “public health emergency of international concernexternal icon” (PHEIC). On January 31, Health and Human Services Secretary Alex M. Azar II declared a public health emergency (PHE) for the United States to aid the nation’s healthcare community in responding to COVID-19. On March 11, WHO publiclyexternal icon characterized COVID-19 as a pandemic. On March 13, the President of the United States declared the COVID-19 outbreak a national emergencyexternal icon.

If you are a close contact of someone with COVID-19 and develop symptoms of COVID-19, call your healthcare provider and tell them about your symptoms and your exposure. They will decide whether you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there is no treatment for COVID-19 and people who are mildly ill are able to isolate at home.

If you are a resident in a community where there is ongoing spread of COVID-19 and you develop COVID-19 symptoms, call your healthcare provider and tell them about your symptoms. They will decide whether you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there is no treatment for COVID-19 and people who are mildly ill are able to isolate at home.

For people who are ill with COVID-19, but are not sick enough to be hospitalized, please follow CDC guidance on how to reduce the risk of spreading your illness to others. People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 are able to isolate at home during their illness.

If you have been in China or another affected area or have been exposed to someone sick with COVID-19 in the last 14 days, you will face some limitations on your movement and activity. Please follow instructions during this time. Your cooperation is integral to the ongoing public health response to try to slow spread of this virus.

SYMPTOMS OF THE CORONAVIRUS (CDC)
Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.

The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.^*

Fever

Cough

Shortness of breath
Call your doctor if you…

Develop symptoms, and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19

OR

Have recently traveled from an area with widespread or ongoing community spread of COVID-19.

HOME ISOLATION INFORMATION

HOME QUARANTINE INFORMATION

PLEASE SEE BELOW FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE FLU AND THE CORONA VIRUS FROM THE CDC:

HOW DOES THE CORONAVIRUS SPREAD

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE CORONAVIRUS

TALKING TO YOUR CHILDREN ABOUT THE CORONAVIRUS

INFORMATION ABOUT THE CORONAVIRUS

ADDITIONAL CDC RESOURCES

FLU INFORMATION FOR PARENTS

STRATEGIES FOR COPING WITH COMMUNICABLE DISEASE SPANISH ARMENIAN

CONTROLLING COVID-19 IN SCHOOLS

“WHAT CALIFORNIA WANTS PARENTS AND STUDENTS TO KNOW ABOUT COVID-19"

TALKING WITH CHILDREN: Tips for Caregivers, Parents, and Teachers During Infectious Disease Outbreaks

COPING WITH STRESS DURING INFECTIOUS DISEASE OUTBREAKS

CDC AND PREVENTION, Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

HANDWASHING AND HAND SANITIZER USE AT HOME, AT PLAY, AND OUT AND ABOUT
COVID 19 Testing

COVID VACCINATION INFORMATION

Other Family Resources

Immunizations and Physician Visits
Childcare Resources
Other Family Resources

Explaining COVID 19 to Children

Special Education Parent Resource Handbook

Using Social Media to Engage Families

Burbank Temporary Aid Center (BTAC) - Assistance for Housing and Food

Covered California - Extended Enrollment Period for COVID 19

What I Need (WIN) App for Families and Children in Need of Resources

Los Angeles Winter Shelter Program - Still open as dates have been extended due to COVID 19

Domestic Violence Information

My Health LA - Free medical care information

My Health LA - 30 Day Waiver Agreement

Applications for the Unemployment Insurance Program:

English Spanish Chinese

Applications for the Paycheck Protection Program (allows small businesses with less than 500 employees to apply for emergency COVID-19 loans which can be 100% forgiven if the funds are used for paying employees, rent, mortgage, or utilities):

English Spanish Chinese

Medi Cal Information for Immigrants ENGLISH SPANISH

Nutritional Support and Keeping Active

P-EBT Benefits

The Last Day of BUSD Meal Distribution was MAY 20^th

PANDEMIC EBT Is Available
Get help buying food while schools are closed.
Families with children who already receive CalFresh, CalWorks or certain Medi-Cal benefits do not need to apply.

They will get their P-EBT card in the mail during the month of May. P-EBT cards will begin arriving around May 7, 2020 through May 22, 2020.

Families with children who are currently eligible for free and reduced-price meals, and do not receive their P-EBT card in the mail by May 22, 2020,
Must apply online between May 22^nd and June 30^th

The P-EBT program is administered through California Department of Social Services. If you have any questions please contact CDSS directly.

Telephone
(916) 651-8848

Website
https://www.CDSS.ca.gov/home/pandemic-ebt

Beginning May 22^nd you can apply online by visiting: www.CA.P-EBT.org

IMPORTANT PLEASE READ:

School districts are not handling the applications or distributing the cards.

Families who need to apply for P-EBT benefits need to fill out the state application and provide their current information.

The amount being given is a one time flat rate of $365 per child and not a monthly rate.

This amount is in addition to the EBT benefits families are currently receiving.

Families either have to already be receiving county benefits, and are Directly Certified, or qualify for the free and reduced meal program by the online or paper application they submitted.

Direct Cert families should have automatically received their cards. Direct Cert the County sends it to the address they have on file. If your address has changed, you will need to contact your social worker to update those records.

Other families need to fill out the online application between May 22nd and June 30th.
Nutrition & Healthy Eating

These websites support families with healthy eating suggestions and nutritional information.

https://www.busdfoodservices.com/data/pdf/10_Tips_to_healthy_eating_and_physic al_activity_for_you.pdf

https://www.busdfoodservices.com/index.php?sid=1101131625567654&page=parentstudentteacher

http://www.center4research.org/myplate-new-alternative-food-pyramid/
Keeping Active

Keeping active is not only good for all of us but it can enhance learning and promote good mental health.

Here are several online resources to help incorporate physical activity into your day.

https://www.gonoodle.com/

https://www.busdfoodservices.com/data/pdf/MyActivityPyramid.pdf

The Body Coach TV (on YouTube - all ages)

SPARK (lesson plans that you can do as a family with fun activities)

Cosmic Kids Yoga

Mind Yeti - Elementary Yoga for Kids
Additional Nutritional Support and Resources

BUSD will be distributing 5 days worth of meals to students who qualify for free and reduced lunch on Wednesdays. Those families will be notified of the days, times, and locations for distribution.

LA County Regional Food Bank Near You

In addition, please be aware that the following county resources are also available:

Local Resources in LA County – A dedicated group of volunteers has been compiling a list of food, housing, health, transportation, and education resources for the coronavirus crisis that is divided into three general categories: children and youth, adults, and elderly. Please view this link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1S-WJaMa4q3yNrEBfSFKEdSQArcNc_MTI2LiUA63Ycyg/preview. From this list, we wanted to highlight:

Everytable – offering FREE FOOD to EVERYONE, this includes delivering meals to seniors at their home. Call the Everytable Helpline at 323-458-6487 for questions and more information. View updates on their Instagram page.

El Torito – offering FREE KIDS MEALS for children under the age of 12. View updates on their Facebook page.

Grocery Shopping for Seniors – ALL Northgate Gonzalez Markets and Super A Foods will offer 1 hour that is exclusively dedicated for seniors to grocery shop only. ALL Vallarta Supermarkets will offer 1 hour that is dedicated for seniors, disabled people and pregnant women to grocery shop only. Refer to the Google doc above for dates/times. Note, Northgate Gonzalez Markets does offer grocery delivery services.

Grocery Stores – Per Mayor Garcetti, grocery stores will continue to be stocked during the coronavirus outbreak, so please avoid panic-buying or over-buying. Only take what you need, as many people are not fortunate enough to buy a 2 week supply of food at once.

Per Governor Newsom, people enrolled in programs such as, Medi-Cal for health care, CalFresh for food assistance, CalWORKS for indigent families, will be able to keep them, uninterrupted for the next 90 days until June 17.

Student Services

Superintendent's Communications

Messages From Superintendent Matt Hill

Academic Resources for Distance/Digital Learning

Attendance Procedures for Distance Learning

California State Library Resources

Free Online Access from Spectrum and other vendors

Instructional Technology Family Support Site

Parent Portal Weekly Progress Reports (Secondary)

U.S. Dept of Education Student Privacy Policy Office letter to Dr. Hill and LEA Report

Technology Training Tips and Problem-Solving

Chromebook Troubleshooting Tips

New Instructional Technology site for support

Technology Training Videos and Assistance

Troubleshooting Alcatel Hot Spot

College Criteria & Admissions Updates

Supporting Students At Home

Structuring Your Day

Creating a Virtual Study Group

Mental Health Resources

Mental Health Resources

LGBTQ Support

Coronavirus Information

BUSD COVID Containment and Exposure Management Plans

Updated Coronavirus Information and LInks

COVID 19 Testing

COVID VACCINATION INFORMATION

Other Family Resources

Immunizations and Physician Visits

Childcare Resources

Other Family Resources

Nutritional Support and Keeping Active

P-EBT Benefits

Nutrition & Healthy Eating

Keeping Active

Additional Nutritional Support and Resources