May 21, 2020

Hello families and students, 

We’re here with another round of answers to this week’s FAQ. As information changes, we encourage you to stay current on the latest updates from our state here and our district here.  

If you have other questions or concerns, please contact your principal. We are here for you, and want to get your questions answered!

1. How does the parent/student choice grading system work?

For the 4th quarter grades, parents/students get to choose which grading option they want:  letter grades or credit/no credit. Please indicate which grading model your student chooses for each class by completing this form by May 27, 2020. Please note, if parents complete the form multiple times, we will use the most recent entry as the grading choice. If the form is not completed, credit/no credit is the default grading model. The details of the board-approved grading option can be found here.  

2. Can parents/students change their minds?  

Yes, if families change their mind and enter data more than once, the district will use the most recent entry. Records will be kept of all the original data in case parents have questions about which choice was used.

3. How will you determine when or how you will open schools?

School will start Monday, August 10, 2020. We will work closely with our families, the Placer County Office of Education and local health officials to formulate appropriate plans to ensure we open in accordance with state and county guidelines. If you haven’t already, please complete the RJUHSD Parent Input Form: bit.ly/FallParentInput2020

4. Will meals be offered to students in the summer?

Yes, to-go style meals will continue to be served Monday through Friday from 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. at Antelope High School, Granite Bay High School. Oakmont High School, Roseville High School, Woodcreek High School, Excelsior Elementary, Greenhills Elementary to all students 18 & under. There are drive-up and walk-up options that include lunch, and breakfast for the next day. Find more information on the RJUHSD Food Services Website at www.rjuhsd.us/foodservice.

5.  How is the state budget going to affect our district? 

Early information from the state has prepared us for potential budget cuts. We will take an in-depth look into what that means for RJUHSD at our budget workshop meeting Tuesday, May 26 at 4:00 p.m. Meeting information will be posted to the district homepage by Friday afternoon.

Hello families and students, 

We’re here with another round of answers to this week’s FAQ. As information changes, we encourage you to stay current on the latest updates from our state here and our district here.  

If you have other questions or concerns, please email your principal. We are here for you, and want to get your questions answered!

Q. Has anything changed that would allow for an in-person graduation ceremony?

A. Placer County’s stay-at-home order was modified this week to move further into Stage 2. This means we mayhave approval to host an in-person graduation ceremony July 28-29, 2020. Keeping in mind we also serve students from Sacramento County, we will continue to closely monitor updates from our state and county officials. 

Possible locations, times, and exact details have not been determined and while we understand, this “wait and see” mode isn’t optimal for planning purposes, we do consider it great news!

To view the presentation Interim Superintendent Borjon provided to the board of education May 12, 2020 regarding a potential graduation ceremony, visit Graduation presentation

 

Q. When do you expect to make a decision about a July graduation ceremony?

A. We’re proceeding with the understanding that we must be in Stage 3 to host an in-person graduation ceremony in our county. We will seek guidance from our board of education at our regularly scheduled meeting June 23, 2020 and should have enough information to make a determination. 

 

Q. How often does the board of education meet and where can I find that information? 

A. We hold regularly scheduled board meetings on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month from 6 PM-8 PM, and hold special board meetings when necessary.

While the meetings are generally held at our district office, 1750 Cirby Way, Roseville, CA 95661, while we are dealing with COVID-19, the meetings are held via Zoom. 

Since COVID-19, we have held special meetings to address issues such as school closures and graduation ceremonies. Regular board meetings are posted at least 72-hours in advance, Special Board Meetings are posted 24 hours in advance. Our board schedule, agenda and meetings notes (along with Zoom instructions, if applicable) are posted here:  www.rjuhsd.us/boardmeetings

 

Q. Will there be changes to the 2020-21 school year calendar?

A. There are no changes planned for our 2020-21 school calendar. Our school year begins August 10, 2020, and the school calendar can be found on the RJUHSD website atwww.rjuhsd.us/calendar. 

 

Q. Will students start the 2020-21 school year at school with in-person learning or through distance learning?

A. At this time, we do not know the answer. We hope to start the school year at school. We are being advised to develop a Plan A, Plan B, Plan C, and even Plan D. We hope to have enough direction to be able to communicate a back-to-school plan in June. 

 

Thank you for your continued support. Stay tuned for more Q&A next week! 

 

Sincerely, 

 

Jess Borjon

Interim Superintendent

Roseville Joint Union High School District

 

 

We never thought the day would come that would land us in the position we are in today, and we are devastated for our students, families and staff. The health and safety of our students and staff remains our number one concern, and we are mandated to abide by the current health directive. 

We commit to providing you with a weekly update now until the end of May. We ask that you continue to communicate with your principal if you have questions or concerns. Please know we are here for you, and we’re in this together!

We encourage you to stay current with the latest updates from our state here: https://covid19.ca.gov/

 

If you have other questions or concerns, please email your principal. We are here for you, and want to get your questions answered!

 

Q. Will there be changes to the 2020-21 school year calendar?

A. There are no changes planned for our 2020-21 school calendar. We’ve heard the rumors too, but our school year begins August 10, 2020 and the school calendar can be found on the RJUHSD website at www.rjuhsd.us/calendar. 

 

Q. Will students start the 2020-21 school year at school with in-person learning or through distance learning?

A.  At this time, we do not know the answer to this. We hope we are able to start the school year at school. We are being advised to develop a Plan A, Plan B, Plan C, and even Plan D. As soon as we receive direction from our state and the Placer County Office of Education, we will most definitely communicate what we know. 

 

Q. Are meals still being offered to students while school is not in session?

A.  Yes, to-go style meals will continue to be served Monday through Friday from 11 am- 1pm at Antelope High School, Granite Bay High School. Oakmont High School, Roseville High School, Woodcreek High School, Excelsior Elementary, Greenhills Elementary to all students 18 & under. There are drive-up and walk-up options that include lunch, and breakfast for the next day. Find more information on the RJUHSD Food Services Website at www.rjuhsd.us/foodservice.

 

Q. Who should I contact to pick up my belongings on campus?

A.  Please contact your teacher or principal who will coordinate either a pick up or drop off of your items. 

 

Q. Who should I contact to return school belongings such as computers or books?

A.  Principals and teachers are coordinating an end of the year collection for all students. Each school will communicate the collection plan soon.  Contact your school site administration for more information.

What is being planned to substitute a traditional graduation ceremony?

Each school is planning a “Senior Graduation Celebration” which will be held online in lieu of a traditional, in-person gathering. While we wish that each student could experience a traditional graduation ceremony, we must abide by the "shelter in place" guidelines set forth by our local, state and federal government.  The virtual event will be held on the pre-COVID-19 planned graduation date of May 28 and 29. These online events will include as many traditional elements as possible, such as an address from the valedictorian and student body president, class photos, a message from the principals and more. Please check with your principal for additional details. 

Absent of a graduation ceremony, the Class of 2020 students and their families would like to plan some sort of gathering to celebrate graduation. Is that allowed? 

The schools and/or district cannot sponsor or be invloved in any family or public led events at this time.

The current directive states: 

“All public and private gatherings of any number of people not part of a single household or living unit are prohibited, except for the limited purposes...to perform Essential Activities, to receive or perform Essential Governmental Functions, or to operate Essential Businesses.”

Some schools have allowed students to pick up items, and others have not. Why is that and what is allowed?

First, we apologize for any inconsistencies between schools. There have been misunderstandings about the approved methodology to have students pick up belongings. 

Please know this: Staff want to return student belongings to their rightful owners, in the most timely way possible. The best way to coordinate retrieval of personal belongings is to contact your principal. 

Dr. Sisson, the Placer County Health Officer,  has provided these guidelines:

“Any visits to campus to retrieve materials to facilitate distance learning must respect the requirement for 6 feet of physical distancing whenever possible. This can be accomplished by spreading students out over time.”

“Students entering campus to pick up belongings from their lockers is allowed under the stay at home order. Many students may be retrieving books, which are clearly a necessary material for learning.”

When will we be able to gather again, as a group, as a class, as a community?

The short answer is, we don’t know. We wish we did. Again, we look to the Governor and the Placer County Health Officer for guidance.

We are eager to be together, to celebrate our graduates, see classmates, and return to the life we knew before March 2020. And as soon as we can do that, we will. The likely scenario is that we will enter into phases of reopening, and we are told that large group gatherings will be the last to be approved.  

April 20, 2020

 

Dear Roseville Joint Union High School District families,

 

In response to the extended statewide shelter in place, the Roseville Joint Union High School District has determined that students will continue distance learning through the end of the school year, May 28, 2020.  

 

The administration and staff of the Roseville Joint Union High School District understand that distance learning creates many challenges for families.  Because students’ futures are so important, the District shall strive to provide students the opportunity to continue to develop college and career readiness skills.  

 

Over the past few weeks, concerns have been expressed about how grades will be assigned during distance learning. Roseville Joint Union High School realizes these concerns have caused anxiety and want to ensure all students are supported academically, socially and emotionally. Therefore, families may choose to receive letter grades or choose the Credit/No Credit option for each course in the fourth quarter.  Families have up until May 27th to decide.

 

Teachers have been working tirelessly to ensure students are prepared for next year during this transition to distance learning.  For questions about course expectations, please email teachers directly. For questions about college eligibility, please email guidance counselors.

 

Guiding Principles:

• According to the California Department of Education, districts must ensure grading policies during distance learning hold students harmless for their spring grades.

• RJUHSD agrees with the “do no harm” motto for students, both academically and for the social-emotional well-being of all students.

• RJUHSD will continue to teach, motivate, inspire and help all students. 

• RJUHSD will be as flexible as possible in every way.

 

Grading Choice:

• All RJUHSD students and families have the option to choose either a letter grade or credit/no credit for each course enrolled according to the guidelines below. 

• Please complete the digital form here by May 27th. The form is also located on our district website. 

• Teachers will be adjusting gradebooks this week to meet the new grading guidelines. 

 

What are the two grading options? 

• Option #1: Letter Grades: A, B, C, NM (No Mark) with the following percentages:

• A: 100% to 86%

• B: 85% to 70%

• C: 69% to 50%

• NM: 49% and below

• Option #2:  Credit/No Credit:  A credit would be earned for 50% and higher.

 

What is the impact on GPA?

• Letter Grades: A-C grades will impact GPA, depending upon which courses students are enrolled in. There is no GPA calculation for a No Mark

• Credit/No-Credit: Credit or No-Credit grades will not impact GPA. A No Credit is calculated as an F for athletic eligibility. 

 

Is there a GPA calculation for a No Mark?

• There is no GPA calculation for a No Mark. No Marks do not earn credits toward graduation. No Marks not resolved by January 1, 2021 will become No-Credit. 

 

Can seniors withdraw from a fourth quarter course?

• Seniors may request to withdraw from courses that are not needed for graduation, with no effect on their GPA. This is subject to counselor and school administration approval to ensure all graduation requirements are still being met. This applies only to Spring 2020, fourth quarter courses. TA, TI can be included in these requests. This process must be done by May 4, 2020. Requests made after this date will not be considered.

• The link to the request form is here.

 

What is the policy for late or missing assignments?

• Late and missing assignments will be accepted until May 20th. 

 

What is the impact on college admissions? (From CDE website):

• Letter Grades: Unknown at this time

• CR/NC: The university systems are willing to accept credit/no credit grades in lieu of letter grades for all courses, including A–G courses, completed in winter/spring/summer 2020 for all students. Grades of credit/no credit will not affect the UC or CSU calculations of GPA. In addition, the universities have identified a range of other flexibilities they will offer to support students’ access to college during this time. Please see the joint statement between the colleges, universities, State Board of Education and the Department of Education. For more specific information from each of the colleges and universities please see below links:

• University of California (UC)
  The University of California’s Response to COVID-19: Admissions and Financial Aid

• California State University (CSU)
  COVID-19 Interim Impacts on CSU Undergraduate Admissions Policies and Practices(Updated 09-Apr-2020)

• Community College letter
  California Community Colleges Guidance Letter

• Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities (AICCU)
  AICCU Institution Activities to Serve High School Juniors and Seniors

RJUHSD Parent Communication: COVID -19 (Coronavirus)

 

March 26, 2020   Spanish Russian

 

Dear RJUHSD Families,

 

First – thank you! Thank you for your trust and patience as we work together to navigate this ever-changing situation in our nation. 

The health and safety of our students is a responsibility we take seriously. We are in constant communication with the Placer County Office of Education, Placer County Public Health and statewide education leaders on how we can keep our learning community safe in the midst of this growing health crisis.

In order to slow the spread of COVID-19 to the maximum extent possible, we have decided to extend school closures through May 1. This is a unified decision made in consultation with the Placer County Health Officer and in collaboration with school district and charter school leaders throughout Placer County. During the extended closure, plans for distance learning and meal service will continue as planned. 

• Distance Learning will continue through May 1st with a pause over spring break (4/6/20 - 4/13/20)
• Meals are available for pick up Monday - Friday 11am - 1pm, including over spring break
• If you do not have internet service please call our district hotline (916) 462-9511, and leave a message with your student’s name, six digit ID#, and the nature of your issue. 
• Graduation Update: We understand the profound impact of possibly cancelling this once-in-a-lifetime event and the anxiety that is weighing heavily on our seniors and their families. No decisions have been made at this time.

As our district community navigates this difficult time, we must continue to follow the “shelter-in-place” order issued by Governor Newsom and stay home except for essential activities. 

We all want students back in school and for our communities to return to normalcy as soon as possible. But, not at the risk of their health and safety. New information is surfacing rapidly and we will continue to diligently monitor the situation and re-evaluate our steps in the coming weeks.

 

Thank you,

Dr. Denise Herrmann

Superintendent

RJUHSD Parent Communication: COVID -19 (Coronavirus)

March 19, 2020

 

Good afternoon RJUHSD families,     Spanish     Russian

We are extremely proud of the phenomenal job our teachers and staff are doing to launch comprehensive distance learning in our district.  As one parent wrote: “ I want to commend the RJUHSD faculty for their proactive response to engaging online learning during this time.  It’s probably the best thing for our children to interact with their teachers and academics during this time of uncertainty.  They need school during these times. Comparing notes with other parents, RJUHSD by far sets the example for engaging the children.  Thank you for your leadership during this difficult time.”

We appreciate our families' support as we work together during this extraordinary, complex, and unprecedented time. The California Department of Education issued updated guidance for public school districts to support the implementation of distance learning options for students. 

State Testing Update:  Governor Newson issued an order to suspend state standardized testing. We anticipate CAASPP testing will be canceled, pending federal approval. 

SAT Testing:  The College Board has canceled the May 2nd SAT administration, as well as the makeup test dates for March. Please visit the College Board website to keep up to date on cancellations, makeups, refunds, and more.

Advanced Placement (AP) Testing:  The College Board is providing free resources to support remote learning, and they’re working on a plan for students to take AP Exams from home. AP COVID-19 Website.

ACT Testing:   ACT has rescheduled its April 4th national test date to June 13th across the U.S. in response to concerns about the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). 

School Closure Update: Based on the Governor’s statement during his press briefing Tuesday evening, our staff is preparing for the genuine possibility of school closures being extended beyond April 13th, 2020.  I recommend that you begin planning for extended school closures, too.

Internet Access Update: Please check in with your student to make sure they have logged into their student.rjuhsd.us email address. Students and families who do not have reliable internet access at home should call the district technology hotline at (916) 462-9511. We will do whatever we can to ensure all students have access to our distance learning program. 

Food Service: The Roseville Joint Union High School District is committed to serving nutritious meals during the current school closure.  To that end, we have received a waiver from the State of California that allows us to provide free breakfast and lunch to ALL STUDENTS (age of 18 years and younger) in our district.  We will continue to serve to-go style meals to students from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at the following school locations:

• Antelope High School
• Granite Bay High School
• Oakmont High School
• Roseville HIgh School
• Woodcreek High School

Important: A student must be present, but ID is not required. We will have drive-up and walk-up options. Meals will include lunch, in addition to a breakfast for the next day. 

Class of 2020: We want to acknowledge the Class of 2020 and their families.  We realize this is a stressful time for high school seniors in our district, in California, and across the nation.  We will work with teachers, counselors, and school site administrators to communicate next steps about end-of-year activities as they become available. 

West Park High School is still expected to open on time for the 2020-21 school year. Construction is considered an essential service and will continue should Placer County order a ‘stay at home’ directive.  WPHS staff is working remotely and is available via email. 

Social Distancing: Some parents have requested additional guidance from others on how to implement social distancing with teenagers. Here are a few links that you might find useful: 

• Tip From Mom in Italy About Covid-19 and Teens
• The Challenges of Social Distancing for Teens
• Tips for Managing Your Child’s Social Distancing
• Guidance from Placer County Department of Health

Sacramento County recently announced a ‘stay at home’ order for its residence, effective at 11:59 pm tonight.  Complete list of Public Health Order FAQs

All of our schools will continue with meal pick up Monday - Friday from 11am - 1pm 

Q: Am I allowed to leave my home while this Order is in effect?

A: Yes. Individuals may leave their place of residence to: 

• acquire or receive essential services or supplies to ensure the health and safety of yourself and your family
• engage in outdoor activity that does not involve close contact with other people
• obtain services and supplies for yourself and your family
• to perform employment functions that are permissible under the Order

 

Thank you for your kindness, flexibility, and grace as we navigate through these uncertain times.  We commit to doing our absolute best to care for our families, staff, and students during this global health crisis.   

 

 Respectfully,

 

Denise Herrmann

Superintendent

 

Enclosures:   CDE Guidance on Distance Learning

                    CDE Guidance on School Meals

RJUHSD Parent Communication: COVID -19 (Coronavirus)

March 17, 2020        Spanish      Russian

Good afternoon RJUHSD families,

As we enter new territory with school closures, I want to compliment our families, principals, teachers, support staff, Board of Trustees, and students as we have prepared for distance-learning these next three weeks. The overall tone and feedback from parents and staff has been positive, understanding, collaborative, and solution oriented.

It is our intent to support the request to limit exposure to others, therefore, we are making arrangements to close the District Office to the public beginning today, Tuesday, March 17. Upon closing, we will have on the front door information to reach District staff as well as on the website with links and email addresses. Similar to our site-level staff and leaders, District staff will be accessible via email. There may be times the District Office has activity such as critical pre-arranged appointments and deliveries. 

Distance Learning begins tomorrow, students should check their student email for instructions from their teachers. 

We remain committed to providing updates in this rapidly evolving matter. In the meantime, we will use this opportunity to answer some of the common questions that have surfaced from staff and families in recent days:

 

How long are schools closed? 

All schools are closed through Spring Break and scheduled to reopen April 14, unless the District receives new direction from Placer County Public Health. 

Any precautions families and staff should take while schools are closed? 

While students and staff are out of school, Federal, State and County Public Health officials stress the importance that everyone maintain appropriate social distancing measures (avoiding gatherings, staying home as much as possible, etc.). This is crucial to help slow the spread of the virus among both the school-aged and general population. 

Will employees be paid during the closure?

• Yes, base salary and benefits will continue for all employees (certificated and classified).
• Short- and long-term substitutes (certificated and classified) will be notified they are released. This notification makes them eligible for unemployment benefits. 

Will students have to make up this time in the summer? 

Given the gravity and scale of this emergency throughout California, we expect and await direction from the state for specific instructions, including processes to apply for a waiver which would not require make-up days.

What do we do for students who don’t have internet access at home?

Students and families who do not have reliable internet access at home should call the district hotline at (916) 462-9511. 

When can I pick up my student's materials/medications/etc. that were left behind before my school's closure? 

We are sorry for this disruption and inconvenience for our students and families, and appreciate everyone's patience and flexibility at this time. We will make sure to communicate specific details and instructions to our families once they are available; until then, it is crucial that we limit activity on our school sites per Public Health guidelines. 

Will meals be served to students who rely on school nutrition? 

Yes. 

• Meals will be available outside the front office of each comprehensive school site Monday - Friday 11am - 1pm (no service over Spring Break, 04/06/20 - 04/13/20)
• To avoid large congregations of people, we will offer drive-thru and walk-up service

Will distance learning options be available to students?

Distance Learning begins Wednesday, March 18th students should check their student email for instructions from their teachers. 

How will Special Education students be served?

The Governor's March 13 Executive Order directs the state to issue guidelines by Tuesday, March 17 that ensures students with disabilities receive a free and appropriate education program as required by state and federal law. The Director of Special Education will send a separate communication to families. 

What about state testing? 

Given the gravity and scale of this emergency throughout California, we expect and await direction from the state.  

I'm not receiving emergency alerts (text, email, phone, etc) from the District. What can I do? 

Updates to your personal contact information are made online via Homelink. We will be posting updates on our website: www.rjuhsd.us/coronavirus. 

What is the status of the Personal Finance Course for class of 2020 and class of 2021? 

Class of 2020: The Personal Finance course for the class of 2020 can now be completed entirely online - even the final assessment. Information will be shared with seniors that will enable them to access the course final after completion of all the units.

Class of 2021: The Personal Finance course for the class of 2021 will be closed down for maintenance and repair until May.

Why did students receive a Zoom invitation? 

In order to streamline communication the district has adopted the Zoom online meeting platform. On March 17th, all students received a Zoom invitation to their student email Students should click on Google and use Google login credentials. Be on the lookout for additional information.

RJUHSD Parent Communication: COVID -19 (Coronavirus)

 

March 13, 2020     Spanish     Russian

 

Dear Families and Students, 

 

After long and careful deliberation with the Placer County Office of Education and Placer County Public Health , the entire county will close schools to students beginning Monday, March 16 through the end of regularly scheduled spring break (which ends Monday, April 13).  We are taking this measure in order to protect the health and safety of students and school communities. 

Schools are an essential service and crucial to our communities. We are facing an unprecedented health crisis in our community, and new information is surfacing rapidly. It is likely our community will be seeing many more cases of COVID-19 in the coming weeks and months and this will require a measured, sustained response. 

Academic Information Our dedicated teachers have organized lessons and materials for distance learning during our closure. Following two days of additional teacher preparation, we anticipate the start date for these distance learning lessons to be Wednesday, March 18th, 2020.

Food Services We are actively working with our nutrition services department to ensure students have access to meals during this time. Beginning Monday meals will be available for pick-up from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on each comprehensive high school campus. More information will be available soon.

Health and Safety Reminders Per public health officials, please continue to avoid large groups of people and remain at least six feet away from others. Do not gather in other locations such as shopping malls, movie theaters or community centers even while school is closed. Be mindful in childcare decisions to avoid exposure to vulnerable populations. Remember to continue efforts to reduce the spread of germs by washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, cover your cough or sneeze, stay home if you are sick and continue to disinfect frequently touched surfaces. 

While school is closed, our custodian teams will be taking additional measures to disinfect classrooms, restrooms, the multi-purpose room and frequently touched surfaces such as desks, keyboard and doorknobs using state-recommended cleaning materials. 

We understand that there are many unanswered questions. We will contact you regularly throughout the school closures to share new information as it becomes available. 

We thank you for your patience as our district community navigates these uncharted waters. The safety and wellness of our students and staff is our top priority, and we thank you for your cooperation and support in helping us to maintain a healthy and safe learning environment. 

Respectfully, 

Denise Herrmann 

Superintendent 

RJUHSD Parent Communication: COVID -19 (Coronavirus)

March 12, 2020

Dear RJUHSD Families,

At this time, based on information provided by the Placer County Health Officials, all RJUHSD schools remain open.

Our highest priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of our community during the rapidly changing COVID-19 health threat. With the recent suspension of athletic activities by nearly all professional sports and a growing number of collegiate and high school athletic programs throughout the state and country, we are suspending all athletic contests and practices and all other after school activities effective today through April 13, 2020. We understand and acknowledge the disappointment felt by student-athletes, coaches, and families as a result of this decision.

This decision is based on our inability to ensure these events do not contribute to the spread of the pandemic. We will continue to work closely with PCOE and Placer County Department of Public Health to evaluate the status of possible school closure.



Respectfully,


Denise Herrmann

Superintendent  

RJUHSD Parent Communication: COVID -19 (Coronavirus)

March 11, 2020