Frequently Asked Questions (as of 4/9/20
Please understand that our situation is constantly changing and “fluid.” We will do our best to provide the most updated information as it becomes available.
Is school still open?
On April 8, 2020, our Exeter Unified board members decided to have all schools remain
closed through the end of the year, due to the coronavirus pandemic. The District will
continue to monitor whether we can reopen schools in mid-May.
When will the District determine if we should reopen?
Our current understanding is that COVID-19 cases will peak in early May. If that is the
case, we will not resume school this academic year. We will make the determination
toward the beginning of May when we have the most current information.
How will the District determine if we should reopen?
In consultation with County Superintendent, Tim Hire and other Tulare County school
district Superintendents, we will use the following criteria to determine when it is safe to
reopen our school sites:
1. The California State Shelter in Place order has been lifted.
2. The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in California has remained
constant or has declined for a two-week period.
3. The directive to social distance has been removed by the State of California.
4. The limit placed on social gatherings has been removed by the State of
California.
Do these school days and class times need to be made up in the future?
At this time students will not be required to make up missed instructional time. We will continue to take direction from the Tulare County Office of Education, The California Dept. of Education and the State of California to understand and explore all options and requirements. We will certainly keep you posted.
Are COS/Reedley Dual Enrollment Classes Cancelled?
As these are college classes with college oversight, we are following their direction. At this point, Dual Enrollment classes have been moved to an online platform. Students should check their email for instructions.
How will this closure affect Graduation?
We continue to take direction from the State and County regarding all future events after April 13th.
How does the school closure impact the school calendar?
We do not plan to extend the school year due to the school closure. The last day of
school will remain on June 4, 2020.
What is the plan for learning?
Initially in mid-March when school was suspended, packets and online learning was
provided for students to engage in optional enrichment opportunities. However tonight
with the board decision to extend the closure of schools, we will now engage in
Distance Learning. Distance Learning is online with your students’ teacher through
platforms including Google Classroom and SeeSaw. Teachers will create lesson videos
to share with students and connect through phone calls, emails, and online office hours.
Distance Learning is new for both our students and staff and although schools will
remain closed, learning is still expected to occur and will begin immediately following
Spring Break on Tuesday, April 14, 2020 through June 4, 2020.
Where is the best place to get information on updates?
Please visit the District and School Sites web-pages for information.
Are sports done for the season?
The California Interscholastic Federation officially ended spring high school sports across the state Friday due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Can students do online courses while at home?
If students have learning opportunities in an online format, they are encouraged to participate. We will not be specifically enrolling students into online programs at this time.
What if we need a device or do not have high-speed Internet connection at home?
The district has contacted families over the past two weeks to determine this need. All
devices and hotspots will begin being checked out to families as soon as possible. Your
school site will be contacting you with the specific time and location for check out.
How can I get tech support for my student at home?
Please call the tech hotline at: (559) 671-0472 or email: [email protected]
How does the school closure impact my student’s grades?
Teachers are encouraged to provide feedback on assignments that are provided during
the school closure. The intent of providing feedback for work that is assigned during
Distance Learning, is to gauge learning and provide appropriate support for individual
students. Guidance from the California Department of Education includes, “the
understanding that grading assignments should not be punitive to students during this
time.” As such, we have asked for teachers to be flexible in providing opportunities for
students to ensure learning is happening equitably.
Will grab-and-go meals still continue and what is the schedule?
Grab-and-go meal services will continue to occur from 11:30am-12:30pm at: Lincoln
Elementary, Rocky Hill Elementary, and Tooleville. Schedule for meal pick up is: Week
of April 14, meals can be picked up on Tuesday and Thursday. Beginning on April 20
and beyond, meals will be available for pick up on Mondays and Wednesdays.
How will students of grades 8-11 register for high school next year?
Over the next few weeks, high school counselors will continue to reach out through
telephone calls to our current eighth grade students to register them for high school and
ensure the appropriate classes are entered for next school year. Counselors will also
work to ensure that seniors have the credits necessary for graduation, that 9-11 graders
are on track for graduation, and that all students are registered in the required courses
for the 20-21 school year.
Will the high school graduation ceremony still occur?
We understand that this a difficult time, especially for our high school seniors. We are
looking at options for graduation ceremony and other end-of-year activities. If we
remain under the directive for social distancing, it is likely that the ceremony will not
happen in the traditional format
How will Special Education Services be provided during the school closure?
Student who receive special education services will continue to receive services and
support. Annual Individual Education Plan meetings will be held virtually or via
conference calls. Teachers will collaborate with education specialists and other
Designated Instructional Service Providers to provide needed accommodations to
lessons. Some services may be provided telephonically, online through office hours, or
through appropriate at-home activities that can be supported by consultation with
parents or guardians.Our Support Services Department will continue to deliver additional services (Speech,
Social Emotional, etc.…) with families through telephone, email, Google Classroom or
online.
How will you support English Learners?
Teachers will modify instruction for English Learners and provide additional resources
and support through telephone, email, or online office hours. Additionally, we are
exploring additional options to assist in English Language acquisition.
Will summer school still occur?
We have a team of educational experts looking into our options for summer school. We
will have offerings for credit recovery at the high school level only, but the format may
be different than our traditional summer school experience.