WORKING TOGETHER TO PREPARE FUTURE LEADERS FOR A GLOBAL SOCIETY
17160 KRYSTAL DRIVE, HESPERIA, CA 92345 (760) 948-3611 Fax: (760) 948-3822 KRYSTALSCHOOL.ORG
Mrs. Garibay, Principal Mrs. Primrose, Assistant Principal
Hello Krystal Families,
Once again, I would like to thank you for your patience and support as we are now entering our third week of distance learning. We know that many families are working through some challenges with this new type of schooling format, but we are doing all we can to ensure a successful academic experience! This letter will provide you with some important information and clarity as we continue our distance learning journey together.
As I mentioned in the phone call home, teachers are using Google Classroom as their primary platform for distance learning. Our goal is to use one similar platform that families can become very familiar with navigating. As we dig deeper into learning, teachers may use Google Classroom to push out other internet resources, videos, and information that is relevant to grade-level content. Therefore, the importance of having access to a working Chromebook and internet is paramount to the success of distance learning. If your child’s Chromebook is not working for any reason, please reach out to the teacher so we can resolve the issue quickly. You can also find some helpful technology information and “how to” videos on our Website, HUSD’s Website, and Facebook.
Distance learning will be carried out with two main forms of instruction. Synchronous instruction (also known as live instruction) is just one part of remote learning. Teachers will check-in with students, encourage peer interaction, and work with small groups using this live method of instruction. In addition to live instruction, you will notice that grade-level teams are working together to create video lessons through asynchronous instruction. Asynchronous instruction is most commonly applied to various forms of digital and online learning in which students learn from instruction, such as prerecorded video lessons or game-based learning tasks that students complete on their own—that is not being delivered in person or in real time. Asynchronous is the recommended format for new concepts since videos can be watched multiple times, paused when needed, and also viewed at a time that is convenient for the student and family. Similar to actually being in a classroom, instructional strategies will be provided through various means: whole group instruction, small group instruction, independent work, through use of digital resources, project based learning, etc. In addition, social emotional learning and PE minutes will also be incorporated into the daily schedule. As a district we promote the 4Cs (creativity, critical thinking, collaboration and communication) and at Krystal, we will continue to implement the 4Cs with remote learning.
We also want to reassure families that we understand that we are working with students with a variety of home situations. Some parents have expressed the challenge of trying to maintain the balance of working a full time job along with the expectation of ensuring that their children are keeping up with academics. Personally, I am one of those parents with that concern and I’m trying to keep my own three kiddos on track at home. This is a valid consideration that our teachers are aware of and they relate to as well. Distance learning is designed with the “busy home life” schedule in mind, and we are working with students to help them complete assignments independently and/or with staff support. In addition, we also understand that there are times when students are not able to login to live/synchronous instruction for various reasons; including internet issues. If your student can’t login to their Zoom or Google Meet from time-to-time, please email your child’s teacher so they know the situation. We want to do the best we can to support and accommodate. With this being said, it’s also important that we maintain consistent expectations so we send the message that students need to come to school and education is valued!
Lastly, please check out our website krystalschool.org and follow us on social media. We have a distance learning hub that we will keep current with information that is relevant specifically to distance learning. The most recent updates can also be found under the Live Feed or News section on our website. Our teachers also have their websites linked to the Krystal website. Ideally, we would love to have our students back on campus so we can teach them in person, and we are encouraged knowing that this situation is temporary. Meanwhile, we will do the absolute best that we can to create a positive learning experience. At the end of this letter, I’ve also attached some common questions and answers that will hopefully be helpful. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if there’s anything we can do to help support during this time.
Sincerely,
Shannon Garibay
Principal of Krystal School of Science, Math, and Technology
Commonly Asked Questions
I need a Chromebook or mine is broken. What do I do?
Please email your teacher so we can address the concern quickly. Teachers will help troubleshoot or they will contact our IT department.
What about the big “Welcome Back” packet?
This year’s emergency cards, photo releases, etc. were done digitally through Infinite Campus. If you have not yet updated Infinite Campus through the parent portal, please do as soon as possible. You may call the front office if you have questions about this process. Our student handbook can also be found on our website.
What if I am absent?
Email or call the teacher to excuse absences.
You may also call (760) 948-3611 or email Alicia.Gutierrez@hesperiausd.org
When can we go back to school?
Once we can operate safely within the state and local return to school guidelines.
Will we have more material pick-up days?
If you were not able to pick-up materials, we are holding them in the front office. You can come to pick-up materials M-F 8:30-3:00PM. Our office is open during these hours. Depending on how long we continue distance learning, teachers may schedule more dates to pick-up items. We will keep you posted through our text messaging system.
Do we have to Zoom everyday with our classes?
The law requires us to offer live interaction. We encourage our teachers to use Zoom or Google Meet to fulfill this requirement. If you cannot login to live sessions for any reason, please let the teacher know.
We are struggling at this time for non-academic reasons too, can you help?
We have access to a variety of resources based on student needs. If you are having difficulty in any area, please call the school and reach out. We have a parent liaison on campus that can point you in the right direction.
Will students get grades?
As opposed to crisis learning (in the Spring), distance learning requires accountability. Therefore, students will be expected to attend and teachers will be giving grades.
Will we have after-school activities?
We will be offering “after-school” clubs and activities in a virtual format. We are currently working with staff to get our committees and clubs established.
What about PTC, SSC and ELAC?
We will still be meeting with these committees. Our parent stakeholders are important! More information to be posted soon.
What is distance learning anyway?
To address this question, we created a one page visual. More information about distance learning can be found on the HUSD resource page. You may also view our distance learning hub to watch back to school night videos that will explain distance learning for each grade level.
Krystal Distance Learning Infographic
Krystal's Distance Learning Hub