Greetings Cypress Community,

We have received clear guidance from Governor Newsom that the California counties on the watchlist are required to start the year with distance learning.  Counties are removed from the watchlist after two consecutive weeks of a reduction of COVID cases.  We will continue to prepare our campus, train our staff, modify and implement our health and safety procedures and adapt our instructional practices for the eventual return to in-person instruction once that is an option.  Currently, remote instruction is where our energies and resources will be primarily focused as this is our only means of providing instruction until community transmission of the virus is under control. 

Distance learning really requires a partnership between schools and families to make it work.  We have new guidance on what qualifies as distance learning that may continue to evolve.  There is an emphasis on live, synchronous instruction so that students can interact with instructors and peers daily in real time.  We also recognize that this format does not work for every student and family, and have put additional effort into teaching this new skill, as well as offering other ways for students to receive instruction, through recorded content, online and hands-on materials and resources, and parent consultation.  We are developing a menu so that families have options to meet the educational needs of their children in a way that can be accessed.

We are discouraged by this news, but appreciate that decisions are being made based on the data and that health and safety remain the top priority.  This means that the health and safety risks of in-person instruction are avoided for now, but the risks that exist as a result of remaining sheltered in place will continue.  We will continue to offer remote support to meet those challenges, through behavioral consultation, as well as parent education opportunities.  Next Monday July 27, at 2:30 p.m., we will begin a series of behavior trainings for parents to offer strategies in support of creating a more harmonious home environment and promoting independence.  Stay tuned for details.  Please join us for a Parent Meeting this Monday July 20, at 2:30 here for our weekly check in.

Sincerely,

Nate Yates

Director of Educational and Behavioral Services