COVID-19:  A Message from 2021 OVSD Clerk Clayton-Tarvin 

NOTE: OVSD schools are in Distance Learning (Virtual Academy remains the same). Hybrid in-person school resumes on January 29, 2021.

Students have been attending school on campus with our Hybrid Learning Model. The Board of Trustees has held several meetings to review the Hybrid Model/Schedule and to consider possible modifications. Overall, things are going well but we are always looking for ways to improve. Teachers are increasing their expertise in delivering instruction each week. Small student cohorts have limited co-mingling of students and staff, which has reduced the possibility of exposure to COVID-19 on school campuses. We are happy to report that our safety protocols are working. We have had over 5,500 students and staff at our school sites for the past 4.5 months and we have lower than average positive COVID-19 cases with no known spread on campus. However, COVID-19 rates are significantly increasing in our community, state, and nation. Recently, the United States broke its record for the highest number of new coronavirus infections in a single day. In addition, the daily case rate and test positivity rate increased drastically in both California and Orange County this week. ICU Capacity is now 0% in SoCal Region. Therefore, it is prudent for OVSD to act cautiously at this time. Adding more students to our classrooms would prohibit OVSD from adhering to the California Department of Public Health’s guidelines for social distancing with small cohorts, which could lead to increased exposure to COVID-19 for students and staff. The Board of Trustees determined that OVSD will maintain Distance Learning through the end of January However, the Board directed staff to look at future plans to develop options to increase the number of hours of direct instruction time between teachers and students, and more hours on campus in a modified schedule for the split week hybrid. This will require negotiations with teachers and classified staff. Transitioning to any new schedule will take time to adequately prepare facilities and staff, and communicate with families. A Special Board Meeting occurred on December 3, and the superintendent provided an update on progress made regarding a modified and enhanced Hybrid schedule. Special board meetings also occurred  12/29 and 1/13.  We determined that we stay in Distance Learning until 1/29. Safeguarding the health of students and staff, while endeavoring to provide the best education possible, is a delicate balancing act. We will continue to strive to keep students and staff safe, while addressing our students’ academic, social, and emotional needs.