The somewhat controversial decision by Manteca Unified to roll out electronic devices to all K-12 students as part of a $30 million Going Digital initiative five years ago is paying off dividends in a way never imagined at the time.
Starting Monday Manteca Unified is making sure all students have their district issued digital device in case they left it at school at the start of spring break as school faculties ramp up an effort so the district’s nearly 25,000 students can switch to distance learning during the duration of shelter in place orders that are the result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Manteca Unified had already suspended school instruction March 23 through April 3. That was tacked on to spring break that officially ended this weekend.
The district is now working on the possibility of providing students with distance learning options, including educational resources and practice exercises in the strong likelihood school closures are extended. The staff will be preparing for short term and long-term transitions to a distance learning model which provides access for students to work towards achieving grade level standards.
Next week, March 23-28, students in the fifth through 12th grades should:
*Call their school office to plan to retrieve their device (in the event they left it at school)
*Check their student email to await further direction from their school principals and teachers regarding next steps for the possibility of remote learning beginning April 6.
Next week, March 23-28 students in kindergarten through fourth grade will:
*Receive information from their school principal via pre-established channels of communication (parent/guardian email, phone call, text, app, and social media) specific to their time and date to pick up their laptops through a drive by station at their school.
*Instructions will be communicated for pickup of laptops the week of March 30 through April 3for the possibility of remote learning beginning April 6.
Next week, March 23-28, students in transitional kindergarten will”
*Receive information from their school via pre-established channels of communication (parent/guardian email, phone call, text, app and social media) to await further direction from their school Principals and Teachers regarding next steps for the possibility of remote learning beginning April 6.
Comprehensive parent resources will be shared on the District website with families on Monday, March 23, to support students during school suspension of programming.
For additional information, look for an FAQ in the coming days as well as up to date information on www.mantecausd.net. You may also call (209) 825-3200 or email your questions to communityoutreach@musd.net.
