Please click below for our current thinking on learning options for opening school in August. Plans may change as local and state guidelines change and with input from our staff, parents, and stakeholders. More information will be coming in mid July.

Greetings Fullerton Parents, Staff and Community,

We come to the close of another school year however, this year has been like no other that I remember. Our community is hurting and there is real pain from the lasting effects of COVID-19. People have lost their jobs and businesses. Parents fear that they won’t be able to provide for their families. Parents are worried about the safety and health of their children during this time.  In addition to the pandemic and its crippling impact, we are again reminded of the devastating effects of racism with national news showing the death of George Floyd and others. 

While we have had to face fear, uncertainty, and endure the pain of loss, our Fullerton story through this crisis has been one of hope and strength. I have been inspired by you, our Fullerton Community.  Staff and parent committees, you worked hard and long to create plans in order to open up schools safely in August. The number of the ‘what if’ scenarios for which you had to plan was vast, but you showed your diligence and commitment to our children. Egleth Nuncci, you inspired me with your tireless advocacy and volunteer work in our community to ensure the needs of food and housing were met. Pastor Caleb, your work to lead a coalition of churches and people to provide supplies, books, and food to Fullerton School District families created unity. Teachers like Mark Sonny, who volunteered his voice to our new FSDTV cable channel and gave voice to other teachers to teach our children in new ways.  Martha Pandel, and the rest of the staff and Food Service professionals; you served 475,000 meals in these last 12 weeks. You showed courage during the pandemic for the love of our kids. To a second grade teacher at Sunset Lane, your courage in writing me a letter sharing truth about the devastating effects of racism on our community inspired me. You shared truth of how the silence of good people about the acts of racism perpetuates discrimination. I am committed to our black community, our employees, families, and all children of color. We won’t tolerate racism or discrimination, and ultimately we will ensure the dignity of all our families, staff, and students. While our silence perpetuates racism, our words are not enough; our actions are also needed.

While I wanted to share a few of the people who have inspired me, I can’t even begin to tell you about all the numerous others who have inspired me as well. We have a strong community and one who gives generously to each other. I feel blessed to be able to serve our Fullerton Community and look forward to working with you all again next school year. We are opening school on August 11th and will be able to provide your family choices to have your students learn at home through distance learning, or if your family prefers, your child can learn at school 5 days a week with the same start and end times that we’ve done in the past.  We will be sharing more on this, in greater depth, in the next couple of weeks in pamphlets, videos, web pages, and webinars, so that you can truly choose the educational program that you feel is right for your child in the safest way possible.

As we continue to plan for next year, you have all reminded me that the Fullerton story is one of hope. It is filled with a community of strong, generous, and loving people. 

Thank you to all of you. I am grateful to all of you.

Thank you,

Dr. Bob Pletka

Superintendent

Board Presentation 060220

Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) - Food benefit for children

Greetings Fullerton School District Parents, Community and Staff,

I want to start with a big shout out to all of our parents, working with their kids on distance learning. I also want to take a moment to acknowledge our teachers and all of the work that they are doing to meet the needs of our kids. 

I am proud to say that we have kicked off Fullerton School District EP Extended Play Program to further support our students. Our parents sometimes ask me, “What  did my child miss through the school closure? What were the skills, the State standards that kids need to know that may not have been covered?” So what we’ve done is put in one place, by grade level, those skills and standards. Additionally, we have the lessons and assessments to help our kids learn those valuable skills.

As a part of our Distance Learning plan, the Fullerton School District continually looks to provide our students with a variety of opportunities for learning.  We are excited to launch our new extended learning program. In addition to the daily or weekly learning plans provided by their teacher, FSD Extended Play is designed to support students in grades 4-8, who would like the option to extend their learning.  FSD Extended Play is a collection of interactive ELA and Math standards-based lessons that are typically addressed in the second half of the school year.  As students click through a lesson, they will go through various instructional activities addressing elements of learning. The learning activities include opportunities for students to Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate. Some of our 8th grade parents were concerned about high school readiness for math. FSD Extended Play has incorporated critical math standards that focus specifically on content to prepare our 8th grade students for high school. To start extending your child’s learning opportunities, please go to the FSD 360 Distance Learning website and click on the Student Resources page.

Together we can do this, I look forward to the time very soon, when we can all meet together face to face. We miss you all, and we look forward to seeing you soon. 

Sincerely,

Dr. Bob Pletka

Superintendent

A big thank you to the community for stepping forward during this crisis and helping others that are in need.

FSD Staff Makes the Difference

We would like to thank all of our Fullerton School District employees who during this time of need have stepped up and helped our students by serving lunches, calling families, distributing learning materials, and providing high quality distance learning instruction.  In this time of change and uncertainty, our FSD employees have shown that they have commitment, grit, and determination to meet the needs of our students and community. Over the past month our dedicated FSD employees have embodied the words of Helen Keller who said, “The world is moved along not only by the mighty shoves of its heroes, but also by the aggregate of tiny pushes of each honest worker.”  Thank you all for your “tiny pushes” and don’t forget to show your thanks on #FSDgratitude.

Grading Statement and Art Showcase

The Fullerton School District is committed to providing quality distance learning instruction, district resources, and social emotional support to students and families during school closures due to COVID-19. Based on state and local guidelines from the California Department of Education and Orange County Department of Education, we strongly believe in developing grading practices that ensure “no harm” to students as we transition to Distance Learning. At this time, the Fullerton School District will establish a “pass” grading system. A pass grading system means that all students TK-8th grade will receive a “pass” on their third trimester/fourth quarter grades. Through the lens of equity, teachers will continue to provide positive feedback to students on work performance, hold high expectations for student engagement, and follow up with families to provide support. School sites will continue to reach out to students and families through various communication methods such as phone calls, emails, apps, and learning management systems. The grading policy for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year was created by teachers, principals, district administration, and support staff. We continue to work together to provide students with care and compassion, especially during these uncertain times.

We are so happy to announce that we have an Art and Photography Showcase coming up. The theme is Happiness Comes From.. the showcase is open to all FSD students. All submissions are to be sent digitally. Submissions will be featured on FSD TV, Social Media and website. This is our first art showcase of many more in the weeks to follow. Flyers can be found on Peachjar and on the FSD 360 Distant Learning website, Parents, Students and Teacher tabs on the VAPA link. A big thank you to our All the Arts Artists for spreading YOUR happiness to our students!

Internet Access and FSD TV

Please remember that we have a company called Human I-T who you can call or text for help with getting free or low cost internet. Their number to text is (562) 372-6925 and texting is the fastest way to get help. You can also call them instead at (888) 391-7249. If your family is in a situation where you cannot get home internet for your students in 4th to 8th grade to do distance learning, please reach out to your principal or office manager for assistance as the district has some other resources. We also want to let you know about our continuing FSD TV on Spectrum Channel 3. The shows we create can also be viewed on Youtube, Facebook, and on a new link that the city has set up for us that is linked on our distance learning page. We are constantly introducing new activities like the family challenges and a new FSD Secret Missions program that your students will want to play along with!

Special Funding for COVID-19 Response

This week, Fullerton School District received $219,996 in SB 117 funding which amounts to a little over $17 per student.  The purpose of these funds is to assist school districts with costs associated with COVID-19 such as providing meals to students, personal protective equipment and cleaning products, and materials necessary to provide distance learning to students.  

FSD has spent all of these welcomed funds to purchase masks, gloves, and goggles; equipment and supplies to provide multiple locations for meal distributions; additional cleaning products to disinfect district facilities currently in use; and “hot-spots” to provide internet access to our students and families who currently don’t have internet access.  

Thank you to our State Representatives who made these funds quickly available.

Sincerely, 

Dr. Bob Pletka

Superintendent

Parent Notification regarding Zoom accounts and District Technology Support

Parent Help with Internet Access at Home

Parent Notification Regarding the Use of Video Conferencing

 We are in unprecedented times with one of the largest crises of over a decade. We are not only facing the impact of the Coronavirus itself, but also the social impact of the virus on families such as the loss of jobs, school closures and social isolation. While this adversity is large, so are the hearts and courage of our Fullerton Community. Together the Fullerton community has stepped up and faced challenges like fire, earthquakes, and recession in the past. Together, we have overcome these challenges and like those challenges of the past, together we will overcome this present challenge. The challenge of school closures will likely continue for at least another 6 weeks until May 8th. However, Governor Newsom has repeated that we shouldn’t be surprised if the closure continues until the end of the school year

FSD 360° Distance Learning Plan

While schools have closed, student learning must continue. We have a plan that we are calling FSD 360° - ‘A Circle of Support’. Our plan is based on support and resources from school, district, and community. Together we can take actions to make learning continue. We have a plan to provide support for social emotional, art, STEM, and core academic needs. We will be able to meet these needs through a robust distance learning plan, printed materials, art kits, and teleconferencing. We are working to meet all the equity needs of our families. Together, our schools, district and community can provide our students a ‘Circle of Support.’

Fullerton School District schools are developing site instructional plans to ensure that high quality education continues during these uncertain times. During the week of March 30th, Fullerton School District teachers will contact their students and parents with an instruction plan that includes information on instruction, activites, and modes of communication. In person, parents can pick up an instructional packet at every school site from 11:00am-1:00pm. We will have more information on books, instructional games, and art projects that will be distributed to families at selected sites. Parents of all FSD students are welcome to pick up the resources and activities. 

Please visit our website often. Go to www.fullertonsd.org and click on Distance Learning. We have resources there for parents and students. We will be updating this information as we develop or find new resources that we think are important for our families. Your site and your child’s teacher will provide the learning plan for your students, but the district is providing additional resources for every grade level.

Social Emotional Support

We recognize that this is a very unsettling and challenging time for students, families, and our community. The Fullerton School District believes in educating the whole child and that means providing for education, social, emotional, and physical growth and enrichment. In difficult times like these, students and families may find themselves in need of some social-emotional assistance and support.  If you or your child is in need of some social-emotional resources and support, please visit our website and link to our “Social-Emotional Learning Resources” under our “COVID-19 Information and Guidelines” button.

Meal Distribution and Donations

During this time of temporary school closure, Fullerton School District will continue to distribute two free meals Monday through Friday from 11am to 1pm at all of our 15 elementary schools as well as Beechwood and Fisler.  Students from Ladera Vista, Nicolas, and Parks Junior High Schools may pick up their meals at any of the 17 distribution sites. We will also be providing non-perishable food items as they are received as donations from community families and businesses.  If you want to make donations, you may do so Monday through Friday between 10 AM and 1 PM at either the District Office located at 1401 W. Valencia Dr., Fullerton, CA 92833 or Pacific Drive Elementary School located at 1501 W. Valencia Dr. Fullerton, CA 92833.

Communication 

The Fullerton School District is committed to providing frequent and detailed communication to our students, families, and community.  You will continue to receive messages from us through phone calls, text messages, and emails. We would also encourage all families to download the free FSD mobile app through the Apple App Store or Google Play Store in order to have 24 hour access to all of the District's latest communications. In addition, the Fullerton School District website, www.fullertonsd.org, is a great information and learning resource for students and their families.

While these are difficult times, together we will overcome this adversity by working together. You are very important to us, and we will continue to update you as we get new information.

Sincerely, 

Dr. Bob Pletka

Superintendent

 The safety and well-being of our students, staff, and families will always remain our top priority.   As of today, there are no confirmed cases of individuals diagnosed with the Novel Coronavirus in our District.

Out of an abundance caution, in an effort to limit the spread of the Novel Coronavirus, and with guidance from local, state, and federal public health experts, it is anticipated that the Fullerton School District Board of Trustees will take action tonight and temporarily close all schools beginning Monday, March 16, 2020, returning to school as usual on Monday, March 30, 2020 (note: this time includes our regularly scheduled week off for Spring Break). 

In order to continue providing educational opportunities for our students, today each student has been provided with a five-day at home learning plan for the next week.

At this time it is our plan that our student meal program will continue from March 16th through March 20th.  We will provide details by 8 p.m. on Sunday evening on how students will access our student meal program. 

Facts and circumstances regarding the Novel Coronavirus are changing quickly.  We will continue to monitor the situation and update our community.

Thank you to our students, staff, and families for their patience and trust as we all work through this public health crisis.  Please visit www.fullertonsd.org for updates and links to additional resources.

Thank you.

Good Afternoon,

In an abundance of caution, and in accordance with the California Department of Public Health, effective immediately Fullerton School District is cancelling “non-essential” gatherings with an expected attendance of 250 people or more.  This cancellation includes all future Open House nights at our schools, Robot Nation, Writers Guild Celebrations, field trips, and the Speech and Debate District Tournament scheduled for March 14, 2020. 

The California Department of Public Health has very specific guidelines related to school closures and has stated that, “This guidance does not apply to activities such as attendance at regular school classes, work, or essential services.”  Any decision to close schools will be done at the direction of the California Department of Public Health, and Fullerton School District has ongoing and frequent communication with the California Department of Public Health, Orange County Office of Education, and Orange County Health Care Agency.

Fullerton School District will continue to monitor the situation and will keep you informed of any changes.

Thank you.

March 6, 2020

Good Evening Fullerton Families and Community,

The health and wellness of our students, staff, and community is always our top priority. 

As you are aware, the Orange County Health Care Agency (OCHCA) has formally acknowledged that the spread of the CoronaVirus will continue to increase – but the current risk to the general public continues to be low. 

While the risk of contracting the Coronavirus is deemed low, we still want to provide regular updates to you on what the Fullerton School District is doing to maintain a healthy learning environment for your student. As per our communications from earlier this week:   

1. We will continue to work directly with the Orange County Health Care Agency to receive the latest information. We will be monitoring information from the Center of Disease Control (CDC) and adjust our plans and procedures as necessary. 
2. We are meeting with staff regularly keeping them up to date on information and recommendations made by the healthcare agencies.
3. We are providing guidance to staff on how to ensure our students and staff are taking the necessary precautions to prevent transmission, such as proper hand washing methods.
4. We have increased cleaning efforts on frequently touched surfaces such as door handles, handrails, desks, counters, and electronics throughout FSD schools.
5. We are posting prevention reminders in common work areas and classrooms.  We are also providing lessons to students on effective handwashing.
6. We have added hand sanitizing stations, tissues, and cleaning supplies to all the schools according to the Healthy School Act.

We appreciate your continued support and partnership – and we will continue to keep you informed.  If you need additional information, please review updates at our website fullertonsd.org.

Thank you and have a great weekend

March 1, 2020

Dear Fullerton School District Parents and Community Members,

The health and wellness of our students, staff, and community is a top priority.  As you are aware, the coronavirus is a newly discovered respiratory virus that has been diagnosed in the United States and other countries around the world.  

While the Orange County Healthcare Agency (OCHA) acknowledges the “situation is rapidly evolving,” they also acknowledge that the current risk to the general public is low.  Only one person in Orange County has been identified with the virus and has recovered. While the risk of contracting coronavirus is deemed low at this time by OCHA, we do want to take the necessary steps to keep our students and families safe.

With a goal of slowing the entry of the virus into the United States, on February 2nd, the federal government implemented a series of travel restrictions and warnings on travel to and from China, South Korea, Iran, Japan, and Italy.  Per the Orange County Healthcare Agency, if you or a family member has visited any of these countries you should avoid contact with others and follow the voluntary self-quarantine recommendations for at least 14 days. More information is available on the OCHA website.  If students are absent due to self-quarantine, the District will work to establish an independent study contract so that the student may continue their schooling during the 14-day period.

Tips to protect yourself and others:

• Wash hands with liquid soap and water, rubbing for at least 20 seconds and use alcohol based hand sanitizer when soap is not available.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing and throw the tissue in the trash.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth and avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• If you or your child has flu-like symptoms, including a fever, stay home until you or your child are fever-free without medication for at least 24 hours
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

For more information in multiple languages, visit the OCHA’s website at:

www.ochealthinfo.com/phs/about/epidasmt/epi/dip/prevention/novel_coronavirus

Fullerton School District (FSD) will be dedicated to disinfecting frequently touched surfaces such as door handles/knobs, desks, school supplies, lunch tables, deep cleaning bathrooms, and more.  Additionally, hand sanitizer will be provided in all common areas (lunch and snack areas) and to the playground supervisors. 

The District’s Student Support Department works closely with the OCHA and the Orange County Department of Education (OCDE)  in order to maintain a healthy school environment for students, staff, and community. FSD adheres to all health policies and guidelines as set forth by both agencies.

Please know that the safety and wellness of students, staff, and community is our number one priority in FSD.  If we all continue to adhere to the daily precautions as mentioned above, we can help ensure our students and community remain healthy.  Please share this information with your family and caregivers. FSD will continue to provide additional updates as needed.

If you have any questions regarding school attendance, an independent study contract, or District procedures, please contact the Fullerton School District at (714) 447-7400.

In the meantime, we are providing you with links to the following information and resources for more information. 

Center for Disease Control Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)​: Center for Disease Control 

Centers for Disease Control Information.

Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) Newsroom

https://newsroom.ocde.us/coronavirus-update

Orange County Healthcare Agency

http://www.ochealthinfo.com/phs/about/epidasmt/epi/dip/prevention/novel_coronavirus

Coronavirus Disease 2019 Information for Travelers

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html 

Sincerely,

Robert Pletka, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Fullerton School District