March 24, 2020
Dear South Pasadena Unified Families,
Thank you for your patience and support during this time. As protocols and guidance change daily, we are continuing to prepare for a successful Independent Study Distance Learning Program (ISDLP) launch on April 6, 2020.
As a reminder, the week of March 30-April 3 is Spring Break per the negotiated and Board approved school calendar. We recognize that you may have wanted the ISDLP to launch earlier, but like many other public school districts in Los Angeles County, we have had to contend with issues of equity and access, and we need to be responsible, thoughtful, and purposeful in our approach to meet the needs of ALL students.
These last seven days have given us the opportunity to complete the following activities in order to provide students with an equitable ISDLP on April 6:
Since most homes are equipped with devices and internet access, these homes are capable of accessing the ISDLP that South Pasadena Unified will be offering. In other words, all of the devices that you currently own and use to access the internet will work with the ISDLP.
To reiterate, if you have a device at home, we recommend that you use that device to access the SPUSD Independent Study Distance Learning Program (ISDLP).
You do not need to pick up an SPUSD device to access the ISDLP. Please read the following information carefully so that you understand the SPUSD device and distribution support system for students in need.
Chromebook Borrowing and Loan Agreement
If your child does not have access to a device, SPUSD will temporarily loan your child a Chromebook to use for the ISDLP.
The SPUSD Technology Department will be dismantling Classroom Chromebook Carts that have been used for the last several years to ensure everyone has the ability to participate equitably in the ISDLP.
Pursuant to board policy, when any equipment is taken off-site, the borrower is responsible for its safe return and shall be fully liable for any loss or damage. The borrower and borrower’s parent/guardian acknowledge and agree to terms of use as specified in this Computer Loan Agreement Notice and District Laptop Use Policy Summary when borrowing the Chromebook.
Chromebook Checkout Guidelines, Dates, and Times
All Chromebook pick-ups will occur outside the South Pasadena High School Library at 1401 Fremont Avenue in South Pasadena. We strive to offer you the safest environment possible, so please abide by the recommended six feet of physical distancing at all times during the checkout process. By picking up Chromebooks during the spaced time slots below, you will be helping us create a safe environment for everyone; however, if you are unable to attend at the designated time for your child, please select a different day and time from the time slots listed below. If you have more than one child, please select one grade level and plan a pick-up for that time. Parents and Guardians (or older non-elementary aged siblings) must be present to pick up devices for students in grades Preschool to 5.
If you are unable to pick up at one of these scheduled times, please contact us at [email protected]. To the extent possible, arrangements will be made to coordinate an alternate check out time through the District Office. For the health and safety of everyone involved, please try to adhere to the scheduled pick-up times.
Personal Devices and Purchases
We recognize that families may prefer to purchase their own devices for home use. Currently, SPUSD standardizes Dell Chromebooks as our preferred choice, but any Chrome OS device will work well with the learning management systems our teachers have selected. Some recommended vendors are Amazon, Best Buy, CDW, and Dell.com.
Dell Chromebook 3100 Celeron 4100 4GB 16GB - Amazon
Home Internet Access Options
Several internet home providers have recently started offering promotions to help deal with the challenge of distance learning. South Pasadena is predominantly covered by Charter/Spectrum Communications, and they are currently offering 60 days of free internet for new subscribers with children in grades K-12, or in higher education. We encourage setting up these services as soon as possible since it will take time to receive the needed internet access equipment. Here are some links we hope you find helpful.
Charter/Spectrum 60-Day New Subscriber Promotion
Other CDE Recommended Covid-19 Internet Promotions
Again, please contact these service providers as quickly as possible if you need home internet access. Internet access is needed to participate in the ISDLP.
Technical Support Resources
The SPUSD Technology Department will be working closely with teachers and parents to support students during the implementation of ISDLP. Beginning April 6, a live technology hotline will be available during working hours (8:00am-3:30pm, Mon-Fri). Email support and Google Hangout support is also available at [email protected]. You will receive more detailed information concerning these resources in the weeks to come.
Parents and students will receive more details soon about our Independent Study Distance Learning Program (ISDLP). Thank you, again, for your support as we work through the challenge of creating and supporting distance learning for all of our students.
Regards,
Dave Lubs
Assistant Superintendent of Business Services