For more information and applications visit www.antiochschools.net/Page/130

By Allen Payton

Yesterday, Thursday, May 7, 2020 Deer Valley High School celebrated the Class of 2020 as they picked up their caps and gowns with a special surprise for each senior. That surprise was the gift of a yard sign with the words “Congratulations Class of 2020 Wolverine Strong” emblazoned across it, with the school’s DV logo in the center.

Seniors were greeted with balloons, as they drove through bubble blowers illuminated with the school colors, and music filled the air to celebrate the students. Even Antioch Police Chief Tammany Brooks attended and congratulated the soon to be graduates.

The event was held from 1:00-3:00 p.m. in the school’s parking lot. See more in the KTVU Fox 2 news report, here.

On Friday, May 1st, Antioch Unified School District Superintendent Stephanie Anello announced the in-person graduation schedule for seniors in Antioch high schools. However, seniors are picking up their caps and gowns, this month. Deer Valley High seniors picked up theirs, today, Thursday, May 7. Antioch High Seniors will be picking up their caps and gowns next Tuesday, May 12th. 

INFORMATION FOR GRADUATING SENIORS
Good evening Seniors and families,
We are so sad that your important day has been impacted by the current COVID-19 pandemic! To honor you and your achievements, each high school will hold a virtual ceremony on the originally scheduled date and time of each school’s graduation. We also have two alternative dates set for each school to hold in-person graduations if permitted. If it is not permitted by the first date, we will attempt to hold it on the second date. If it is still not permitted, we will try to come up with alternative plans in hopes of recognizing this important milestone in your education and life. Please hold the following dates and times should we be able to have an in-person ceremony:
Early August
Monday, August 3, 6:00 PM – Bidwell High/Prospects High/Live Oak High Schools
Thursday, August 6, 6:00 PM – Dozier Libbey Medical High School
Friday, August 7, 5:00 PM – Deer Valley High School
Friday, August 7, 8:00 PM – Antioch High School
Late August
Monday, August 24, 6:00 PM – Bidwell High/Prospects High/Live Oak High School
Thursday, August 27, 6:00 PM – Dozier Libbey Medical High School
Friday, August 28, 5:00 PM – Deer Valley High School
Friday, August 28, 8:00 PM – Antioch High School
Please note that middle schools are also planning virtual promotion ceremonies. These dates and times will be shared directly by each school site.
We are AUSD,
Stephanie Anello, Superintendent
#WeAreProud #WeAreAUSD

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

By Antioch Unified School District

We have good news to share!!

Any AUSD student who signed up for an Advanced Placement (AP) exam this school year will have their exam costs paid in full by Antioch USD. This decision was the result of our awareness that due to COVID-19 many students may have stressors – including, but not limited to, not having the same level of access or support for exam preparation due to the virus and school closures. We want our students to take the exams as we feel the experience of the exam itself is a college-readiness activity.

However, we understand that many may be hesitant to move forward with their exams and seek refunds due to feeling they may not be prepared. By picking up all costs, students can now confidently take the exams, knowing that if they do not achieve their desired scores, their families have not come out of pocket for their efforts, thus eliminating unnecessary pressure or worries.

Please note that the refund process for families who have already paid is under way. We ask for your patience as it may take a bit longer than usual to process the anticipated $50,000 in refunds due to the current closure and limited staffing. However, please know that your refund is on the way and we wish you the very best on your exam.

We are rooting for you and you’ve got this!! #WeAreAUSD

By Timothy Leong, Public Information Officer, CCCCD

The Contra Costa Community College District (District) has extended the remote delivery of instruction and student services at its colleges – Contra Costa College, Diablo Valley College-Pleasant Hill and San Ramon Campus, Los Medanos College and Brentwood Center – for the remainder of the spring 2020 semester.

On March 31, 2020, Contra Costa Public Health (CCPH) updated its shelter-in-place order through at least May 3, 2020. The District’s decision to continue remote operations through the end of the spring semester is necessary to be in alignment with the shelter-in-place extension, and provides greater clarity in meeting the higher education goals of its students.

“We are trying to do our part to minimize the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) by suspending face-to-face interactions with our students,” said interim chancellor Gene Huff. “This has been a challenging time for both our students and staff as we transitioned to remote operations. We want to thank our students for their perseverance and flexibility, and our staff for their tremendous effort to transition to a fully remote operation. We believe this decision balances the need to stay safe and healthy during this time and informs students and staff on what to expect for the rest of this semester.”

The CCPH shelter-in-place extension acknowledges social distancing as the most powerful weapon in slowing the spread of COVID-19. CCPH continues to encourage the following practices to stay safe and healthy during this time:

• Stay home and limit essential activities where possible.
• Wash hands often with soap and water.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Wear face coverings when out in public (not medical-grade masks).
• Adhere closely to social distancing guidelines.
• Contact your doctor or healthcare provider if you experience any symptoms such as fever, cough, or difficulty breathing.

The District will be offering a summer session of instruction and student services remotely, with a plan to offer face-to-face classes should the shelter-in-place order is lifted and deemed safe to do so. Summer course registration will begin on Monday, April 20, 2020. To view what classes may be offered, or to understand operational changes made as a result of COVID-19, visit the college website of your choice or the District website at www.4cd.edu for more information.

Hold first ever online, virtual meeting

By Allen Payton

The Antioch Unified School District Board of Trustees held their first virtual, online meeting on Wednesday, April 8, 2020 due to the coronavirus/COVID-19-related shelter in place. It was a “light agenda” as Board President Diane Gibson-Grey explained, due to the long-distance learning by all the students in the district. (See the complete agenda, here) (Watch the meeting on their YouTube channel)

They approved allowing construction on the final work on Antioch High School from the Measure B bond funds. The board also approved the School Plan for Student Achievement Second Interim Report dealing with the district’s finances.

During discussion of items pulled from the Consent calendar, Trustee Crystal Sawyer-White asked about a contract with Learned and Associates, to complete work (Agenda Item 9.O.) and a possible conflict of interest, since the owner, Chris Learned used to work for the district.

The $50,000 consulting services contract includes:

• Representing the District with the completion of the 400 wing project at Antioch High School,
• Representing the District with remediation work on the Administration/Library Building at Antioch High School,
• Assisting the District with developing, implementing, and providing construction management for the recent $10.7 million bond sale,
• Representing the District on project closeout to assure final DSA approval, and
• Providing the District assistance on the sale of surplus property.

“Our director of facilities recently left the district,” Deputy Superintendent Jessica Romeo said. “There is still some work to be done. Mr. Learned knows our district and does know construction. So, I reached out to him to see if he could help us.”

“I noticed his company is located in Nevada. Is there someone else locally we could hire?” Sawyer-White asked.

“I didn’t go out to bid on this because I know Mr. Learned would be coming down, here to work on this.” Romeo said.

The item passed 4-1 with Sawyer-White voting no.

On agenda item 9.P., an increase in an existing agreement with Marzano Resources for professional development by $1,500, Sawyer-White had some concerns.

“I researched this particular bidder and he’s located out of state,” she stated. “Due to COVID-19 I would think this is on hold.

“This is for next year, actually it’s continued work. We have been working with Marzano this year and last. This is actually for next year. We just needed to bring back an addendum to it,” Romeo responded. “It’s for professional development both for teachers and administrators. It goes through 2021. If there is some reason we can’t do the August 3rd date we won’t be charged for it and it will be held at a later date.”

Trustee Ellie Householder had an issue with the matter, as well.

“I just want to let folks know I’m going to be voting no on this,” she said. “Before the shelter in place…I was in touch with the superintendent for an expenditure report for LCAP funds. It was going to be an item for discussion on the agenda for the meeting that was cancelled. I know it’s not of utmost important, right now. I don’t feel comfortable voting on anything with LCAP funds until I get the expenditure report.”

The item was approved 4-1 with Householder voting no.

Approved School Plan for Student Achievement at Three Schools

Also, on the agenda was a report on the 2019-2020 School Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA) Second Interim Report.

According to the staff report, each district school shall establish a school site council to develop, approve, and annually review and update an SPSA for schools that participate in state and federal categorical programs. The Board shall…review and approve each school’s SPSA.

Each of the following schools participate in a federal categorical program(s) and are designated as schoolwide programs (SWP).  SWP schools are not required to identify specific students as eligible to participate in programming, nor are they required to ensure that Title I services are supplementary.  This flexibility allows schools to maximize the impact of federal investment in support of all students that align with school and district goals outlined in the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP).  Staff has reviewed the plans to ensure that funding is used appropriately to support student achievement as required by California Education Code.

Plans for following schools were approved by their elected School Site Councils and are attached for your approval: Marsh Elementary School, Mno Grant Elementary School and Live Oak High School

The SPSAs were originally Board approved in May 2019.  The original plans did not include Title I carryover funds that were released for allocation in November 2019.  These updated plans simply reflect changes to include allocations with carryover funds.

In response to a question by Householder about the impact the shelter in place would have on the district’s finances, Romeo explained, that the state’s “advice, right now is to be as cautious as possible, regarding spending. We expected the COLA (Cost Of Living Adjustment) to go down. With the unemployment rate I expect that COLA to go down further.”

Sawyer-White also asked about the impact.

Romeo mentioned funds from the federal stimulus that will help the district.

“To be prepared for the distance learning, I think we need to consider laptops, Chrome books. Are we going to consider going more 21st Century?” Sawyer-White asked.

“A lot of our textbook publishers we work with are going to be publishing digital books,” said Associate Superintendent Christine Ibanez. “Long term…we will have more capability of digital learning and blended learning model.”

“If we can find some silver lining in all this, this is one of them,” she continued. “This has given us the opportunity to expand and explore those options.”

The motion passed 5-0.

Approved Allowing Construction at Antioch High During Shelter in Place

The only other major agenda item, that required immediate action, was item 13A – Resolution No. 2019-20-38 Designating Certain District Construction Projects as an Essential Governmental Function and Delegating Authority for the Superintendent or her Designee to Make Such Determinations on Such Construction Projects as are Necessary to Comply with State and Local Health & Safety Orders Issued in Response to COVID-19.

Deputy Superintendent Romeo explained, “under the shelter in place in Contra Costa County there is an exception for construction. The project for the 400 Wing was well on its way. I spoke with the general contractor, and they have stringent social distancing practices in place.”

Householder wanted to add a provision that the resolution remain in place until the shelter in place is lifted.

“The resolution would only be until the shelter in place is lifted,” Romeo explained. “That would be fine. It does it anyway. But that would be fine to put it in place.”

Gibson-Gray seconded the motion for discussion.

“Is this the final project for Antioch High School?” asked Sawyer-White. “This has been going on since I was elected.”

“This is the final project…the end of the Measure B money,” Romeo explained.

The motion failed on a 2-3 vote, with Gibson-Gray, and Trustees Mary Rocha and Gary Hack dissenting.

“I would ask the board if there is a motion to approve the resolution,” Romeo stated.

Gibson-Gray then made a new motion without the provision Householder wanted. It passed 5-0.

“Thank you to Trustee Hack for reminding me of my job. Since I was elected it’s been a state of chaos,” Gibson-Gray said.

“If you have items for the agenda, please email those to either me or Superintendent Anello,” Gibson-Gray then said.

But Sawyer-White wanted to propose one related to the COVID-19 situation, during the meeting.

“Some of the parents are asking, they’re online, now,” Sawyer-White said.

“If it’s an essential item, go ahead,” said Gibson-Gray.

“I’m concerned about the safety of staff. There’s a non-profit willing to donate gear,” Sawyer-White said.

“I’m going to step in here,” said Gibson-Gray. “Future agenda items are supposed to be one sentence.”

“Protective gear. I’m concerned,” Sawyer-White responded.

“We can put it as an item for discussion then the board gives direction for staff,” Anello said.

“OK. Thank you,” Sawyer-White said.

“Does the board want to put it on a future agenda?” Gibson-Gray asked.

“Yes,” Sawyer-White responded.

Rocha asked whether it was something staff could handle.

“I just want to caution the board, you can’t discuss whether we want something on the agenda or not,” Anello said.

“We will place it on a future agenda,” Gibson-Gray then said in response.

The board then adjourned the meeting on a 5-0 vote at 8:00 p.m.

 

By Antioch Unified School District

This weekend, Antioch Unified Staff worked to get more than 2,500 laptops ready for student distribution beginning Monday.

“We are all learning new skills…#ProudToBeAUSD #TogetherWeCan” wrote Superintendent Stephanie Anello in a post on Facebook. Some of the laptops were donated and the rest were from Antioch schools, she shared. Each one is being loaned to a student for their use during the shelter in place due to the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic.

Donations were made by two Antioch businesses, K2GC and Antioch Coin and Jewelry Pawn Showroom, as well as Bay Area Community Resources, Anello added.

For students in need of a technology device while schools are closed, we will be utilizing the following schedule for check-out. We apologize in advance as this may be inconvenient for some families, but if you have children in separate grade spans, we ask you to attend the day your grade is scheduled. Unfortunately, this may mean more than one trip per family.

A parent/guardian must attend to pick up a device. When you come to pick up a device, please bring your child’s student ID number. If you do not know your child’s student ID number, please refer to the letter you may have already received or will be receiving from AUSD regarding online distance learning.

All pick-ups will occur at Antioch Middle School located at 1500 D. Street. The devices will be grab and go style in the pick-up/drop-off loop and parents should not get out of their cars. If you are walking, we ask that you line up in the designated area and are cognizant of social distancing space.

You may come at any time during the pick-up window. However, we anticipate that there will be a shorter wait time if you are able to come later in your scheduled pick-up window.
Please note that students in Special Day Class will be contacted individually next week to pick up a device (if appropriate to their learning needs) or an assistive technology device to meet their individualized needs.

Monday April 6th 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Seniors

Monday April 6th 1:00 – 5:00 pm Juniors

Tuesday April 7th 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Sophomores

Tuesday April 7th 1:00 – 5:00 pm Freshman

Wednesday April 8th 9:00 am – 12:00 pm 8th Grade

Wednesday April 8th 1:00 – 5:00 pm 6th and 7th Grade

Thursday April 9th 9:00 am – 3:00 pm 4th and 5th Grade

Friday April 10th 9:00 am – 3:00 pm TK – 3rd Grade

We hope you are all well and, again, thank you for your continued kindness and support.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

By Allen Payton

Due to the current shelter in place order, the Antioch Unified School District Board of Trustees will hold its regular Board of Education meeting of April 8, 2020, at 7:00 p.m. online via teleconference.

There are no items for information, discussion or action on the agenda. Only essential items will be placed on the agenda until the shelter in place is lifted.

But there is one resolution for immediate action on the agenda. Although the board didn’t have to vote to close the schools, since the superintendent already has that authority form previous board policy, the trustees will discuss and decide how to vote on “Resolution No. 2019-20-38 Designating Certain District Construction Projects as an Essential Governmental Function and Delegating Authority for the Superintendent or her Designee to Make Such Determinations on Such Construction Projects as are Necessary to Comply with State and Local Health & Safety Orders Issued in Response to COVID-19.”

Before the regular board meeting, they will hold a closed session to discuss the discipline, dismissal or release of a public employee. Because it’s a personnel matter details are not available to the public.

The board will also discuss and decide on a variety of Consent calendar items, including:

1. Award of Bid and Contract for Wide Area Network Services
2. Award of Bid and Contract to Company for Wide Area Network Services (Month-to-Month)
3. Award of Bid and Contract for New Wireless Network Controllers
4. Notice of Completion with S+B James Construction Management Company for the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Replacement Project at Mission Elementary School
5. Services Agreement with Learned and Associates
6. Addendum to Services Agreement with Marzano Resources
7. Contra Costa County Office of Education Medi-Cal Administrative Claiming Agreement
8. Master Contract with Cinnamon Hills Youth Crisis Center
9. Services Agreement with California Emerging Technology Fund (CETF)

You may refer to the district’s website  http://www.boarddocs.com/ca/ausd/Board.nsf/Public to view the Board agenda in its entirety. Or view it, here:

This meeting can be viewed on livestream video on the district’s YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/GLTJ1Hx9vHI.