12 Thursday, September 24, 2020
Coastal View News • Carpinteria, California
Principal addresses reopening concerns and misinformation
BY CHRISTIAN BEAMISH PHOTOS BY ROBIN KARLSSON
On Monday, Sept. 21, Canalino Elementary School Principal Jamie Persoon sent families a letter addressing concerns and misinformation circulating about partial reopening plans for Oct. 1. “In reviewing emails and social media posts, it is evident that there is unfortunately a fair amount of misinformation floating around,” Persoon stated. “I have probably responded to 25 emails in which folks have been misinformed, causing undue stress and worry.” The principal then listed and responded to six issues: “There is no reopening plan”; “You don’t send information in Spanish”; “We don’t have enough PPE”; “A large percentage of students will be doing independent study”; “Staff don’t want to return”; and “Testing isn’t in place.” Persoon stated that reopening plans have been posted and regularly updated since July 24, and that all school announcements are translated into Spanish via the Aeries online portal, adding that most of the staff at the school also speak Spanish. Additionally, she noted, “Mayra Juarez is our bilingual office expert, and she can assist Spanish-speaking families with any questions or concerns.” Regarding the issue of personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies, Persoon wrote, “The district office maintains a constantly updated inventory list of PPE. Office coordinators have order forms to submit requests for additional needed items.” All classrooms will receive “readiness kits” during the week of Sept. 21, and the principal added, “We are installing portable and wall-mounted hand sanitizer stations this week; it was done last week at Aliso School. All students will receive a bag of five black cloth masks, intended to be washed on weekends, and we have thousands of disposable masks to distribute if a student forgets or loses their mask.” Teachers can request face shields, Persoon wrote, and she also stated that classrooms will be supplied with disinfectant wipes in addition to hand sanitizer, soap and water, and that daily cleaning is occurring with the Clorox 360 disinfectant machine with all surfaces. “I have attached photos of what the classrooms look like for the hybrid model, with the desks socially distanced,” Persoon wrote. The principal stated that she has “20 students choosing the independent study option between Canalino and Canalino Family School. Aliso has less than 20. Rounding up, there are 40 out of 937 students in elementary who are choosing independent study.” And countering the assertion that staff do not want to return, Persoon wrote: “Like families of our students, staff members are all in different circumstances with their families, health, etc. We support the decisions staff make. The staff have options for leave, and can work with human resources on those options. The majority of our staff intend to return to the hybrid model and are excited to see the students. They remain focused on student learning while maintaining health and safety for all.” Finally, on the issue of testing, Persoon stated: “CUSD has contracted with Merso labs. This week, 130 staff members are being tested for Covid-19. This will be ongoing. The state requirement is for all staff to be tested within two-month cycles. I myself and most of our staff is getting tested this week.” For families who choose to pursue independent study, Principal Persoon introduced a program that the district is using called “Calvert.” Students in independent study will have the opportunity
Students and staff will have their temperatures checked each day they attend school, and shared equipment like drinking fountains will be out of service.
Canalino Elementary School Principal Jamie Persoon demonstrates one of the plastic shields that have been placed on teachers’ desks as part of enhanced safety protocols at the school ahead of reopening in a hybrid attendance model Oct. 1.
Monica Shugart, above, have been installed throughout the campus. Front office staff member Mayra Juarez, right, will take temperatures when individuals enter the school. Custodian Peter Ramos, far right, has always put in an extra effort for CUSD schools. He now does even more, sanitizing bathrooms hourly with a Clorox 360 machine, and cleaning classrooms daily after school. to join a morning meeting via Zoom with their classroom. They also have continued access to apps like Scootpad, Dreambox, Starfall and Raz Kids, and Persoon welcomed parents to contact her by email for more information. “Teachers have a lot on their plates,” Persoon continued, “and they will be focusing on: 1. Health and safety of students and staff; 2. Quality, targeted instruction to students in person; and 3. Preparation and execution of Wednesday remote learning and assigning and giving feedback on asynchronous work.” The principal concluded by mentioning that her children attend Carpinteria Unified School District schools, and that her niece and nephew will be students at Canalino as well. “I am responsible for 600 students and 80 staff members on a daily basis, and I take that very seriously, as does the superintendent, the District Office staff, and the School Board, all volunteers on behalf of over 2,000 students,” Persoon wrote. “It seems to me we most benefit as a community when we work together to solve problems, share concerns, respectfully discuss when we don’t see eye to eye,” she continued. “…Our teachers and staff are top notch. This is an incredible team, and they are responding to ever-changing circumstances.” In conclusion, Principal Persoon added, “You are incredible families, supporting your kids in spite of many difficult challenges. We appreciate your partnership.”
Cohorts of no more than 14 students will attend school two days a week, wearing masks and working from desks placed at least six-feet apart.
Charles Bryant moves unused furniture to the cafeteria where all the extra desks, chairs and rugs are being stored to make room for socially distanced classrooms.
