Dear IUSD Community,
As expected, earlier this week, the California Department of Public Health announced that Orange County has successfully moved from the “purple tier” to the less restrictive “red tier” of the state’s color-coded system for tracking COVID-19 progress by county. Assuming the county’s data continues trending in a positive direction for 14 consecutive days, IUSD schools will reopen for in-person instruction, for those who selected an in-person academic model, September 24-25.
In-Person Instruction Begins September 24-25
Students enrolled in the academic models listed below will begin in-person learning, at their neighborhood or assigned schools, between September 24-25. Each academic model and cohorts within the models have varying schedules. As a result, students will start on one of these dates. Your school will contact families directly with more information and your student’s return date.
- Elementary Kinder, Hybrid and Traditional Models (Grades TK-6 – includes ECLC)
- Middle School Hybrid (Grades 6-8 at K-8 schools and 7-8)
- High School Hybrid and Blended Learning Models (Grades 9-12)
- Special Education (Grades TK-12 – Includes ECLC and IATP) – Special Education students will transition to in-person instruction at their neighborhood/assigned school per the selected academic model. Special Education students enrolled in IVA, will remain in IVA. However, they may access some services at their assigned school. Contact your assigned case manager for additional questions.
As a reminder, IVA students will remain in the 100% online academic model.
September 21 and 22 are Districtwide Non-Student Days
In addition to planning throughout the summer, IUSD administrators, principals, teachers and staff continue to diligently work around the clock to implement IUSD opening and safety plans and to prepare for the transition to in-person instruction. To support these efforts, the District has moved two staff development days from October 12 and February 12 to take place on September 21 and 22, which will now be non-student days for all IUSD students.
The transition schedule for back to school in-person instruction will be as follows:
- Monday, September 21: Staff Development Day/Non-Student Day
- Tuesday, September 22: Staff Development Day/Non-Student Day
- Wednesday, September 23: Distance Learning Day
- Thursday, September 24: First day of in-person instruction per regular schedule
- Friday, September 25: Second day of in-person instruction per regular schedule
Please note that October 12 and February 12 will be restored as instructional days. IUSD calendars online will be updated to reflect these changes.
IUSD would like to extend a special thank you to the Irvine Teachers Association, the California School Employee Association, and our dedicated teachers, staff and leadership team for pivoting quickly to make this adjustment. Their ongoing planning and efforts will make a positive difference for our students as they transition back to campus.
School Site Preparations and Communications
As schools continue to prepare their campuses and classrooms to welcome students back, principals will provide details of their planning so families are aware of their school’s safety procedures and protocols and know what to expect upon their return. In the meantime, please take a moment to view the District’s Opening and Safety Planning page, the COVID-19 resource webpage and our FAQ, as they contain rich and relevant information regarding our District’s plans and the reopening of schools.
In addition to the resources above, if you have questions related to your school or your student’s academic model, please contact your school directly.
Elementary Waiver Update (K-6 Schools Only)
The District is exploring the state’s waiver process, which allows for elementary students to return to in-person instruction independent of the state’s color-coded reopening system, and as allowed by the California Department of Public Health’s guidelines. This process is under discussion in many south county school districts. IUSD will provide an update to elementary families, as more information is available. Please note that this waiver update does not change the information above and is only applicable to elementary schools.
Language Support Services
