August 2020
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Welcome to the McKinna community for the 2020–2021 school year which officially begins on Wednesday, August 19. We have moved in to our new school site at 1600 South N. Street and are settling in to the beautiful new facility. There is much to be excited about as we work with you throughout the school year to ensure that your children get the best possible educational experience. Our school’s priority is to provide a safe learning environment where students are supported academically, emotionally and socially to develop to their fullest potential. We consider families to be our most essential partners in achieving this vision!
In order to ensure safety during the COVID Pandemic, OSD will begin the school year for all students through full time Distance Learning. School offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 4:00pm and teachers and staff are working hard to prepare to support your child’s education. SCHOOL SCHEDULES for distance learning have been finalized in collaboration with the Oxnard Educators Association teacher bargaining unit. Teachers and administrators are using these schedules to be intentional in their instructional planning. One important feature of these schedules is that all schools will have the same schedule. They vary slightly by grade level and instructional minutes. You may find these schedules posted on the District website at www.oxnardsd.org or pick up a copy at the McKinna office.
An important component of Distance Learning to look forward to this year is the Synchronous learning which is face to face daily instruction around content standards through Zoom, Google meets and phone connection. In addition, instruction will include Asynchronous learning, where students work independently with support from teachers on social science and science projects to develop reading, writing, thinking and math skills. All TK/K-8 grade students have been issued IPADS and will have access to learning applications like Lexia, MyOn, and ST Math. Families who do not have access to internet are encouraged to complete an APPLICATION for Wi-Fi hot spots which are available on the District webpage or at the school sites. In the event the district receives more applications than available Wi-Fi hot spots, the devices will be allocated based on Socio-Economic need, Foster Youth or Special Program enrollment.
During Distance learning, McKinna will continue to offer important programs like the Dual Language Immersion program for students in grades K-2. The Distance Learning DLI schedules demonstrate daily instruction in English and Spanish and also show OSDs commitment to biliteracy district wide. In addition, special education services will be provided for students with IEPs, and designated and integrated ELD instruction will continue for English Learners. Throughout Distance Learning, just as during the traditional school setting, daily attendance will be tracked for student participation, progress will be monitored through assessments, and student efforts will be graded and documented with feedback available on assignments and on report cards.
Family engagement and communication is more important now than ever before. It is essential to stay connected with your child’s teacher and the school. Weekly updates will be sent out through Blackboard Connect phone and text messages, so please make certain to notify the McKinna office staff with changes of address and phone numbers. Return completed forms like the emergency cards, income verification form and signed parent contact outside the office area in the drop box. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact the McKinna office. You are and always will be an essential part of your child’s education. Thank-you for your support as we work together to provide a strong educational experience for the children!
Sincerely,
Wendy Garner, McKinna Principal
