Jennifer Ketring

Outdoor Learning Protocols

Outdoor learning and field studies have always been an integral component of our programs. In the current climate of distance learning and COVID-19, outdoor classes are being promoted as a safe way for offering in-person instruction. We received a waiver from the State to initially offer outdoor learning days with our K-5 classes. We are continuing our K-5 outdoor classes in the 2nd semester with additional days and expanding to include middle school students beginning March 23. In-person Spring Fridays for high school students will begin after Spring Break. Our Outdoor Learning Protocols offer details for participating families.

Read our Outdoor Learning Protocols

Jennifer Ketring

Learning Continuity & Attendance Plan

PCCS developed a Learning Continuity and Attendance Plan for the 2020/21 School Year in accordance with guidance from the California Department of Education. The Learning Continuity Plan was adopted by the PCCS Governance Council on September 23, 2020 after receiving and incorporating feedback from our stakeholders.

The Learning Continuity Plan is intended to balance the needs of all stakeholders, including educators, parents, students and community members, while both streamlining engagement and condensing several preexisting plans. In particular, it was important to combine (1) the intent behind Executive Order N-56-20, published in April 2020,which envisioned an off cycle Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) due December 15th, and (2) the ongoing need for LEAs to formally plan to return to school in the midst of the uncertainty and of COVID-19, without requiring two plans. The Learning Continuity Plan replaces the LCAP for the 2020–21 school year.

The Learning Continuity Plan template memorializes the planning process for the 2020–21 school year and includes descriptions of the following: addressing gaps in learning; conducting meaningful stakeholder engagement; maintaining transparency; addressing the needs of unduplicated pupils, students with unique needs, and students experiencing homelessness; providing access to necessary devices and connectivity for distance learning; providing resources and supports to address student and staff mental health and social emotional well-being; and continuing to provide school meals for students.

Jennifer Ketring

Reopening Plan: 2020-21 School Year

PCCS has developed this reopening plan in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It will inform in-class learning scenarios at the K-8 and High School sites and outlines instructional options that include distance learning, hybrid instruction and outdoor learning. Any reopening will follow current local and state guidelines, and be adapted and/or implemented to be in compliance according to that guidance.

PCCS will follow the guidelines and protocols described in this plan while continuing to offer engaging K-8 and High School programs that align with the school’s mission. Where possible programs will encourage “social connectedness with physical distancing.” 

The PCCS Governance Council approved and adopted this Reopening Plan on August 5, 2020.

Download a copy of our Reopening Plan for the 2020-21 School Year.

Jennifer Ketring

A Note on Reopening from our Management Team Chair

July 20, 2020

Over the past 13 years the Pacific School has played a central role for our family with my oldest son, Logan, graduating high school this year. Our family has chosen to be a part of this school community because of its empathetic spirit, project-based learning, collaborative classrooms, field studies, and family participation.
 
After all these years at the Pacific School, I didn’t anticipate that I would be stepping from the role of parent to Management Team Chair in the midst of a global pandemic. In this new role I’ve worked closely with Todd Orenick as K-8 Director and Michele Taylor-Jones as our new High School Director to develop a plan for reopening our school that keeps our community safe. Together we are participating in meetings with the County Health Officer, County Superintendent and California Department of Education as well as following local and state guidance.
 
We are working diligently to consider the needs of students, families, and staff to create a program that not only addresses the challenges presented by COVID-19, but that also aligns with our school values. I also recognize that every model of schooling that we’ve considered has advantages and disadvantages and may not be the preferred choice for every family.
Here is what we currently anticipate for the beginning of the school year:

  • Distance learning will play a vital role.
  • Outdoor place-based programs may offer an opportunity for in-person learning across the grades but are contingent on local health guidelines.
  • Students will need laptops for distance learning, and we are seeking funds to purchase more devices.
  • Our teachers need professional development and improved technology to develop and deliver engaging online lessons.

I encourage you to complete our family survey as a way to provide input to the school reopening plan. We will discuss our Reopening Plan and Learning Continuity and Attendance Plan at the August 5th Governance Council meeting—all are welcome to attend this GC meeting (contact me to receive the Zoom meeting link). We will hold a K-12 Family Forum on Wednesday, August 12 at 5:30 via Zoom.
 
Despite these challenging times, I am determined and inspired to offer a dynamic education to our students that also keeps our community safe. Please feel free to reach out to me directly via email or phone with questions or concerns.
 
I look forward to the time when we can all gather together again in-person. In the meantime stay healthy, stay safe and enjoy the rest of summer break.

-Jennifer Ketring
Management Team Chair
jketring@pacificcharterschool.org
707-353-0143

Jennifer Ketring

COVID-19 Planning

In response to the continued impacts of COVID-19 we are carefully considering how to move forward with the 20-21 School Year. Our first priority is the safety of our students and staff and we are working diligently on our 2020-2021 Reopening Plan. In collaboration with Mendocino County Office of Education and County Health Officer, we are working on these 2 scenarios:

  1. Full-time distance learning: The student and teacher will engage online every school day. This engagement can be synchronous, classes occur on set schedules and time frames via live instruction through Zoom or Google, or asynchronous, through assignments completed on the student’s own schedule and supported with videos, online instruction or other materials. Families and students will be expected to fully participate and attendance will be tracked. This option may be available to families on an individual basis regardless of other options being implemented in the fall.
  2. Hybrid model: Students would attend school on specified days and complete distance learning assignments on days they are not on-site at the school. Building community, fostering social connections and experiential learning will be prioritized during on-site instruction days. Distance learning assignments will support in-person lessons and activities.

What we know is that school will reopen according to one of these scenarios in August and that Distance Learning will be a component to ensure a safe learning environment.
Therefore, we are focusing on Professional Development for teachers, students and families while exploring how to deliver engaging quality content and enrichment virtually as well as reinforce our strengths as a school. Our school-wide Reopening Plan addresses the specifics of our hygiene protocols, instructional scenarios and more. We will share the Reopening Plan and Learning Continuity & Attendance Plan draft at our next Governance Council Meeting on August 5th. Contact Jennifer Ketring, Management Team Chair, if you have questions or would like to receive more information about the August 5th meeting.

Resources for reopening plans: