Dear WISH Families,

We are excited as we approach of the 21-22 school year. This school year will afford us the opportunity to return to typical hours of operation and programming!

We will continue to implement all safety measures as required by the State of California, local health department, as well as, the LAUSD facilities occupancy requirements:

-Daily entrance screening
-Temperature checks
-Wearing masks
-Weekly COVID testing
-MERV 13 air filters in central HVAC systems
-Regular hand washing and available hand sanitizer for students and staff
-Implementing all recommended cleaning procedures

We do expect the vast majority, if not all, of our students will return to on campus learning (as so many did this spring for our hybrid program and an even greater number for our summer school programs). We know that we will operate a safe and effective educational program and will fulfill the intent of the state legislature to return students to campus for regular school days.

While there has been an increase in case rates recently on the county and statewide level, I am heartened by the fact that nearly all of our staff have received the COVID-19 vaccine at this time and according to the LACDPH community data tracker the vaccination rates in the communities we serve are high; Westchester-85%  (http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/vaccine/vaccine-dashboard.htm).

That said, we know that a small number of families may wish, because of medical concerns, to have their children remain on a school program learning from home. Senate Bill 130, passed just two weeks ago, gives WISH the ability to provide such a program in the coming school year. SB 130 authorizes "independent study for a pupil whose health would be put at risk by in-person instruction, as determined by the parent or guardian."

Some of the programmatic requirements for this provision are similar to our online distance learning program from last year (opportunities for both synchronous and asynchronous instruction, a comprehensive course of study, tracking of engagement in the program by school officials, etc.). We will partner with Edgenuity and other programs to ensure a full spectrum of support for pupils on independent study. Again, we expect that the vast majority of families will return to our on campus program; however, we have put measures in place to offer the online Independent Study program for the small number of families who require it. Parameters and supports for the independent study will depend on the number of pupils that require an at-home program. At this juncture we can guarantee that your child has this option if needed and will be able to return to the classroom within 5 days of declaring their interest in joining the on-campus program. We cannot guarantee that your child will have the full scope of activities, electives, classmates, and teachers that they would otherwise have if they come to school in person. These features may change based on the number of pupils that need independent study.

Please complete this survey by Wednesday, August 4th to declare your intention for your child's program model to begin the school year on August 16th. Parents can expect their child to be transitioned within 5 days after declaring their interest in joining the on campus program. You must complete this survey for EACH child you have enrolled at WISH. PLEASE COMPLETE THIS SURVEY BY Wednesday, 8/4 so that we can plan a more detailed schedule for those families requiring independent study.

Thanks WISH Families. We look forward to seeing you soon!