• UPDATE TO THE CVUSD COMMUNITY REGARDING 
    SCHOOL CLOSURES DUE TO 
    NOVEL CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)
    APRIL 15, 2020

    superintendent

    Dear CVUSD family:

    I hope you and your family are healthy and doing well while staying home to slow the spread of COVID-19. Yesterday, California Governor Gavin Newsom held a press conference in which he stated that a key component to reopening society is achieving herd immunity from the novel coronavirus, and that the idea of allowing large gatherings of crowds by this summer is “negligible at best.” Our District takes guidance from state, county and local leaders and my staff and I continue to monitor developments of this pandemic by remaining in regular contact with our County Department of Education and public health officials. I want to provide you with the following updates:

    Graduation Ceremonies – Class of 2020

    One of the most disappointing aspects of this pandemic is the uncertainty with which we are able to approach high school graduation ceremonies for our high school seniors who have worked so hard for their achievements. We know how important it is to recognize our graduating seniors and cheer them on to the next chapter of their lives. As such, the District will be producing virtual, video graduations so that seniors will be honored and recognized on their actual graduation date, and given their due applause from their parents, families and CVUSD community. These videos will be available for viewing by the community on the regularly scheduled graduation dates of May 26, 27 or 28, 2020.

    Because of circumstances beyond our control, the high school in-person graduation ceremonies scheduled for the end of May will not take place.

    In order for CVUSD to consider rescheduling in-person graduation ceremonies for a later date, the State of California, County of San Bernardino, Cities of Chino and Chino Hills would need to lift the current ban on large social gatherings and allow for crowds to congregate. The District will continue to monitor public health orders in determining whether rescheduling of in-person graduation ceremonies are feasible and realistic.

    Distance Education

    Education is an essential service and staff recognize the extraordinary responsibility to support continuity of learning and services for our more than 27,500 students. To that end, soon after closing school sites to students and the public, CVUSD implemented Emergency Distance Learning Plans. Yesterday, a transition to Distance Learning will continue virtual education from their teacher websites. If you have any questions regarding Distance Education for your child, you may contact their teacher directly or your school principal. Contact information for principals can be found from the District website home page. 

    Policy changes are being made at the collegiate level to ensure that student admissions are not adversely impacted by COVID-19 for seniors and juniors. Institutions in California will provide flexibility for standardized exams, including waiving them. Please check individual campus portals for acceptance requirements.

    Grading 

    With education continuing remotely for the remainder of this school year, students will be receiving final grades and remain on the path to graduation and culmination. Rest assured, all school assignments will be graded with empathy and sensitivity given the abnormal circumstances surrounding us. Students will be held harmless from any impacts of school closures related to COVID-19.

    Assessment Tests

    Testing updates are as follows:

    • State Testing, California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP), cancelled for this school year. The cancellation includes Smarter Balanced Assessments for grades 3-8 and 11, California Alternate Assessments (CAA) for grades 3-8 and 11, and California Science Test (CAST) for grades 5, 8, and 11.
    • Summative English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC) canceled for this school year.
    • Initial ELPAC to assess newly enrolled students whose primary language is not English will resume once school is back in session.
    • Physical Fitness Test (PFT) on hold until students return to school.
    • Advanced Placement (AP) Exam updates: Students may choose to take a 45-minute online exam at home or have their registration fees refunded. Visit the College Board AP website https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/coronavirus-updates#free-ap-classes to access the free, live AP review lessons. For the latest updates from AP click on this link https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/about-ap/news-changes/coronavirus- update?SFMC_cid=EM288604-&rid=80389355
    • PSAT/SAT: All tests scheduled for this year through Chino Valley Unified School Day program have been cancelled. The College Board cancelled the May 2, 2020 SAT and SAT Subject Test. Please visit the College Board SAT website https://pages.collegeboard.org/natural-disasters for more information and refund updates.

    Summer School 2020

    With the stay at home and social distancing orders in place indefinitely, traditional summer school 2020 will be provided through Distance Learning. For more information on virtual summer school, please visit the Alternative Education website at https://www.chino.k12.ca.us/domain/71 

    Social Emotional Support

    The sudden changes to daily life brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic may be stressful to children and adults alike. It is natural to feel a range of emotions, such as stress, worry, anxiety, boredom, or low mood. The District is committed to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of our students and families during this stressful and uncertain time. Please know that everyone will react in their own way and if your situation is more than you can handle, I encourage you to reach out for help. For your reference, our Health Services Department has compiled a list of helpful resources on our district website at https://www.chino.k12.ca.us/Page/34605

    Thank you for your continued partnership and dedication to our students. I will continue to update families with any important developments. I am confident that together we will successfully navigate our new landscape brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. We are in this together, and we will get through this together.

    Sincerely,

    Norm Enfield, Ed.D.

    Superintendent