School Reopening Update: Secondary Models Approved

Dear Newport-Mesa community, On July 21, 2020 the Newport-Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD) Board of Education approved the 3-Level plan for secondary instructional models for reopening the 2020-2021 school year. This new structure will be implemented for the 2020-2021 school year at all middle schools and high schools (excluding Early College, Back Bay and Monte Vista High Schools). Students will concentrate on 3 to 4 classes at a time to build a deeper connection to their teachers and subject matter which is particularly important during these times of change and uncertainty. This new model also promotes student and staff safety, with social distancing in place during in-person instruction. Listed below are some features of the instructional models that will be used and adaptable based on changing conditions throughout the year. (Excludes Early College, Back Bay and Monte Vista High Schools) The 4 X 4 model structure would be maintained for the entire 2020-2021 school year and will be used for the three levels throughout the school year. 4 X 4 Model: Students complete half of their courses in each semester (fall/spring), instead of all classes throughout the year Students meet everyday instead of every other day Students focus on 3-4 courses each semester instead of 6-8 classes Students complete the same number of credits per year as a traditional structure. Typically, 60 credits for high school and 30-40 credits for middle school (10 credits per course) Teachers focus on 3-4 courses each semester, providing greater individual attention to students and course preparation Level 1 – 100% In-person Used if the State of California, Orange County guidelines or local conditions support instruction without the need for social distancing Level 2 – Modified In-Person Smaller class sizes to accommodate social distancing Students assigned a morning or afternoon cohort, Monday to Friday Half day – receive in-person instruction on campus every day Half day – engage in independent learning connected to coursework Special Education (Special Day Classes) services will be full days, except Wednesday half day Promotes daily connection with teachers and access to support services and meals Level 3 – 100% Distance Learning Used if state guidelines do not allow for in-person instruction, Stay-at-Home order is issued by state, county or local health officials, or as necessitated by local health conditions For more information about the model that was approved please view the presentation from the (presentation starts at 2:11:25) View the for a summary of the model described above. Early College High School Early College High School will not use the 4 X 4 model described above due to their alignment to the community college system. Level 1 – 100% In-person (same as noted above) Level 2 – Modified In-Person Students will be assigned to one of two cohorts: Cohort A (Monday and Tuesday)- full day in-person instruction Cohort B (Wednesday and Thursday)- full day in-person instruction Fridays will include targeted student support and teacher professional development Students may engage in on-campus, independent learning when not in in-person instruction with their teachers Promotes daily connection with the school and access to support services and meals Level 3 – 100% Distance Learning (same as noted above) Back Bay/Monte Vista High Schools Back Bay and Monte Vista will continue with their traditional schedule. Back Bay will continue on a trimester system and Monte Vista will continue on a semester system. Level 1 – 100% In-person (same as noted above) Level 2 – Modified In-Person Students will report to campus each day utilizing their traditional schedule and will not use the 4 X 4 model described above. Social distancing will be accomplished within the classroom and/or available space on campus. Promotes daily connection with the school and access to support services and meals Level 3 – 100% Distance Learning (same as noted above) 100% Virtual Learning Option As an alternate to the 3-level plans, parents have an option to enroll students in the 100% Virtual Learning School. An intent to participate form will be sent to parents next week to indicate their preference to have their student in the 100% Virtual Learning School or the 3-level plans. Resources: – Excludes Early College, Back Bay/Monte Vista High Schools More to follow… Further details of reopening guidelines will be provided throughout the summer and at the August 4, 2020 Board Meeting. For the latest information, please visit the .
Source: CDM High School New