2020-21 School Year Updates
Updates from the 2020-21 school year are shared here for historical purposes.
- May 5, 2021
- April 29, 2021
- April 28, 2021
- April 14, 2021
- April 9, 2021
- April 7, 2021 - Meal Service
- April 7, 2021 - COVID-19 Schools Self Screening Tool
- April 5, 2021
- March 30, 2021
- March 26, 2021
- March 24, 2021
- March 19, 2021
- March 16, 2021
- March 12, 2021
- March 10, 2021
- March 5, 2021
- January 15, 2021
- December 17, 2020
- November 24, 2020
- November 16, 2020
- November 12, 2020
- November 9, 2020
- October 22, 2020
- October 21, 2020
- October 16, 2020
- October 14, 2020
- September 29, 2020
- September 25, 2020
- September 21, 2020
- September 18, 2020
- September 16, 2020
- September 4, 2020
- August 30, 2020
- August 7, 2020
- August 4, 2020
- July 24, 2020
- July 23, 2020
- July 21, 2020
- July 16, 2020
- July 15, 2020
- July 13, 2020
May 5, 2021
Lodi USD:
The last few weeks of in-person instruction has brought us much joy! We are happy to see our students back on campus again.
I want to clarify that our current Distance Learning option will end this school year. We have been grateful to our staff who have worked to provide this essential service to our students during the health pandemic situation.
Next school year, we will offer the following remote options to our families: the Lodi Unified Digital Academy, Independent Study, and Valley Robotics Academy (VRA also provides in-person instruction).
All of our other students will be in-person on regular school schedules.
If you need more information regarding any of these remote options, please visit our website or email distancelearning@lodiusd.net.
Thank you for your continued support and patience.
Cathy Nichols-Washer, Ed.D.
Superintendent
April 29, 2021
Parents/Guardians of Children in Grades 3-12:
We thank you and your family for being our valued partners as we work together to educate the children in our district. As you may already be aware, building our social-emotional learning skills is an important goal for our schools this year. Over the next several weeks, students will participate in several exercises to better understand these concepts and to reflect on how they perceive these skills in themselves.
We will be asking for your child to reflect on their own mindsets and approaches to learning via an online survey they will be completing at school for in-person instruction students and at home for distance learning students. The survey shouldn’t take more than 15-20 minutes to complete.
The survey content will ask students to self-reflect on Self-Efficacy, Social Awareness, Emotional Regulation, Sense of Belonging, Positive Feelings, and Challenging Feelings.
We are asking that all of our 3-12 grade students participate in the surveys, as their responses will provide invaluable insights into their experiences and how we can improve our programs to better support your child. If a student doesn’t feel like they have enough information to answer a question, they will be able to skip the item altogether. The responses to these surveys will be confidential. We are partnering with a third-party vendor to support us in administering these surveys.
If you have any questions about the SEL survey, please don’t hesitate to contact me at (209) 331-7976 or abrice@lodiusd.net.
If you wish to have your child opt-out of the survey, please contact your child’s administrator.
Sincerely,
Aisha Brice, School Climate and Compliance Coordinator
April 28, 2021
Lodi USD Parents and Guardians of Children in Grades 3-8 and 11:
During April and May 2021 Lodi Unified students will again participate in the statewide administration of the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP). These online Summative Assessments measure your child’s performance against grade-level academic standards. The assessments have been shortened this year requiring approximately one-third less time to complete. They include many different types of questions that allow students to interact with the assessment items. Results help identify gaps in knowledge or skills early on so your child can get the support he or she needs to be successful in school.
This year, your student will participate in the following tests:
- Smarter Balanced Assessments (SBA) for Grades 3-8, 11: These include tests in English language arts/literacy and mathematics.
- California Alternate Assessments (CAA) for Grades 3-8, 11: For students who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) which indicates Alternate Assessment, these tests include English language arts/literacy and mathematics.
- California Science Test (CAST) or California Alternate Assessment for Science (CAA for Science): These science tests are administered to students in Grades 5, 8, and once in High School (usually Grade 11) and incorporate California’s Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).
For the 2021 administration of the CAASPP for SBA English language arts/literacy (ELA), SBA mathematics, and CAST science, students on distance learning may be tested remotely from home. The CAA for ELA, CAA for mathematics, and CAA for Science may only be administered in person, on campus.
For students on distance learning we will provide guidance for remote assessments prior to the start of testing.
If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to your child’s school for more information.
Exemption:
Please note that a parent or guardian may annually submit to the school a written request to excuse his or her child from any or all parts of any test provided for the school year, pursuant to Education Code section 60640.
In addition, English Learner students who first enrolled in a US school after April 15, 2020, will be exempt from the ELA portion of the SBA or CAA for the spring 2021 administration.
Thank you for making sure your child is ready to test. With your help, we can ensure that your child, as well as all students in California, are provided with the best opportunity to succeed and show what they know.
If you have any questions regarding your child’s participation, please contact your school. Thank you
FOR DISTANCE LEARNING FAMILIES ONLY:
Lodi USD Parents and Guardians:
During April and May 2021 Lodi Unified students will again participate in the statewide administration of the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP).
This letter provides information about how Distance Learning students will participate. We ask that you please remember these guidelines to ensure an accurate and successful testing experience for your Distance Learning student:
- You may assist your child with setting up the technology used to enter the test session.
- We ask that you not talk about the questions on the test or any materials for the test with anyone before, during, or after the test.
- Please do not record the test or use a camera or another device to take pictures of the test questions or of your child taking the test. This helps to keep the questions confidential.
- We need to know that the test is being completed by your child without any help. A web camera and microphone will be used to observe your child while taking the test. The camera will be on for the entire testing session and is only used to observe your child and the surroundings. The testing session WILL NOT be recorded.
- Please follow all instructions given by your student’s teacher to place the camera where your child and his/her immediate surroundings can be observed.
- If your child cannot use the computer’s camera, microphone, and speaker or headphone during remote testing, please contact your child’s school for another way to administer the test to your child. It may be possible for your child to participate in-person, at the school site.
If you have questions or concerns, please contact your child's school for more information.
April 14, 2021
Lodi USD:
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized the emergency use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine in individuals 16 years of age and older.
SJCOE is a state-authorized vaccination site that recently completed a series of vaccine clinics for school employees where more than 25,800 doses of the Pfizer vaccine were administered.
In partnership with San Joaquin County Public Health Services, SJCOE has been offered the opportunity to vaccinate students (ages 16 to 18) throughout San Joaquin County.
The purpose of the following survey is to determine if there is parental interest in SJCOE providing this service to students.
This is an interest survey only. Should responses indicate there is significant interest for the SJCOE to proceed with a student vaccination clinic for 16- to 18-year-olds, you will be contacted with a registration link, consent form, and description of the online registration process.
Here is the link to the survey.
April 9, 2021
Lodi USD Parents and Guardians:
SJCOE has completed their testing on the COVID-19 Schools Self Screening tool and it will go live on Monday morning. Each morning, the screener will be sent to families and students (except Distance Learning families and students) between the hours of 5AM and 7AM. It is requested that one form is filled out and submitted for each student before they attend in-person instruction.
We will continue to review and address issues related to the screening tool. If you are still experiencing issues with the tool, please use this Google form to submit the issue so we can address.
If you have any questions, please email communications@lodiusd.net. We will continue to update our FAQ document with answers.
Thank you.
April 7, 2021 - Meal Service
Lodi USD:
All students attending class on campus will receive free meals on campus.
All Distance Learning students, and community children 18 years and under, will still have access to a five-day free meal bundle every Monday at either Delta Sierra Middle or Lodi Middle from 2:30 to 3:30PM.
We ask that you please pre-order to pick up these meals. Please place an order at bit.ly/lusdpickup no later than Friday by noon, for pick up the following Monday.
Heating instructions and a flyer regarding meals can be found on our website.
April 7, 2021 - COVID-19 Schools Self Screening Tool
Lodi USD Parents and Guardians:
The San Joaquin County Office of Education (SJCOE) is still sending out test emails for our new COVID-19 Schools Self Screening tool. They will continue to send test emails through the end of the week.
Starting on Monday, it is requested that families complete the form each morning before school. The form will be emailed each day in the morning to the emails on file for parents/guardians and students' lodiusd.org emails. Distance Learning families will no longer receive the screening tool after this week.
If you do not receive the form on Monday or have any issues related to the form, please submit errors to us via this Google form.
The instructions for the screening tool can be found on our website under Screener Forms > COVID-19 Schools Self Screening Instructions. We have also linked the information below.
- COVID-19 Schools Self Screening Instructions - English
- COVID-19 Schools Self Screening Instructions - Spanish
We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work on finalizing this screening tool. We will continue to provide you with updates.
If you have questions, please email us at communications@lodiusd.net. We are continuing to address questions in our FAQ document.
Thank you,
Cathy Nichols-Washer, Ed.D.
Superintendent
April 5, 2021
Lodi USD Parents/Guardians:
This morning, a test email went out to all parents/guardians and students for our new COVID-19 Schools Self Screening tool. This tool was created by the San Joaquin County Office of Education/ CodeStack to alert and help track potential COVID-19 exposure at schools. This information is vital to maintaining a safe learning environment. Lodi USD employees use a very similar screening tool each day as well.
The Schools Self Screening tool will be emailed to ALL families (including families with children in Distance Learning) every school day to the main contact emails listed in Aeries. It will also be sent to all students’ lodiusd.org emails. Families may submit the screening form from their email or their child’s email. The emails will be sent from “NoReply@selfscreening.org.”
All families (including secondary families and families with children in Distance Learning) will receive the official screening tool via email on Wednesday, April 7, 2021. Students will also receive a copy. One more test email will be sent tomorrow morning.
If you are concerned that your email may be outdated, please contact your child’s school to update it.
Detailed instructions for the screening form can be found on our website under Return to In-Person Instruction > Screener Forms > COVID-19 Schools Self Screening Instructions. We have linked them here as well:
- COVID-19 Schools Self Screening Instructions - English
- COVID-19 Schools Self Screening Instructions - Spanish
We greatly appreciate your assistance in completing this screening form each school day. This will help us keep all students and staff safe and our schools open for in-person instruction.
If you have any questions regarding this new process, please email communications@lodiusd.net.
Thank you.
Cathy Nichols-Washer, Ed.D.
Superintendent
March 30, 2021
Lodi USD:
We cannot be more excited to share that tonight the Board of Education gave direction to staff to bring all students back to school for full in-person instruction. All students in grades K-12 (including preschool and TK) will resume in-person instruction on a regular school schedule starting on Monday, April 12, 2021. Middle College High students will follow San Joaquin Delta College procedures and schedule.
This means that all students will be on campus five days a week with a regular schedule. A Distance Learning option will remain available through the school year. Health and safety modifications will remain in place during in-person instruction.
We are grateful to our Board of Education for their commitment to our students and community. We know that our students will greatly benefit from full time in-person instruction.
We know there will be many questions but we wanted to share this happy news with you as soon as possible. We will send additional details to you soon.
Cathy Nichols-Washer, Ed.D.
Superintendent
March 26, 2021
Parents/Guardians of K-6 and High Priority Group Students:
Our transportation team is gearing up to provide home-to-school transportation during the hybrid instruction phase starting on Monday for K-6 and high priority students.
The District will attempt to load one (1) student per seat on school buses, however, we will not leave students at any hub stop alone. This may result in larger capacities per bus than one (1) student per seat. If you have concerns about this, please plan to transport your child to/from school.
If you have questions, please email communications@lodiusd.net.
Thank you.
March 24, 2021
Lodi USD:
At last night's Special Board Meeting, the Board confirmed the District’s direction to start offering in-person instruction to elementary grade students and target group populations on the hybrid model on Monday, March 29, 2021.
The Board also approved moving forward with the necessary steps to start in-person instruction for grades 7-12 as soon as possible, as permitted by public health and/or legal decisions. The Board is very interested in moving to full in-person instruction for all students as soon as possible.
Recent developments that may help districts move forward include a decision about the San Diego case against state restrictions on in-person instruction and updated school guidance from the California Public Health Department (CDPH).
A judge found several elements of the CDPH school guidance to be unconstitutional including the distinction between elementary and secondary schools, the disparity between schools deemed to be open and those that are not, and spacing requirements. A Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) was issued, which will be the subject of a hearing on April 1. If the decision holds, some of the restrictions from CDPH will no longer apply.
On Saturday, March 20, 2021, CDPH released revised state guidance for schools, which included the following major changes:
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Distancing between students in class changed from four (4) feet to three (3) feet
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Districts can offer in-person instruction to any grade level in any tier if the county adjusted case rate is less than 25 per 100,000 population per day and if the district follows the guidance. As of March 23, 2021, our adjusted case rate is 11.7
We are thrilled to welcome K-6 grade students and high priority students back for in-person instruction on Monday, March 29, 2021.
We look forward to welcoming our secondary students back to school soon. Our schools will continue to communicate with our families over the coming days.
Thank you, and please enjoy the rest of your spring break.
Cathy Nichols-Washer, Ed.D.
Superintendent
March 19, 2021
Lodi USD:
As you may already be aware, a San Diego Superior Court Judge issued a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) in a lawsuit brought by several students against six school districts in San Diego County, Governor Newsom, and key members of the Governor's COVID-19 response team. The lawsuit challenged the reopening framework and guidance issued by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) on January 14. The judge determined that some of the restrictions in the state framework are unconstitutional.
- The definition of an open school
- The distinction between elementary and secondary students in terms of returning to school
- The four feet distancing requirement between students in class
- The recommendation of stable student groups
This decision has statewide implications and we are closely following developments. At this time, the parties are scheduled to return to court on April 1, 2021, to argue whether the TRO should be lifted or whether a preliminary injunction should be issued.
We will continue to provide you with updates.
Thank you,
Cathy Nichols-Washer, Ed.D.
Superintendent
March 16, 2021
Lodi USD:
Unfortunately, as of today, March 16, 2021, our county remains assigned to the purple tier. This means that only students in grades K-6 (including preschool and TK) and priority group students will return for in-person instruction on Monday, March 29, 2021.
We know this is upsetting for our secondary families and students. We were very much looking forward to welcoming all students back to our schools for in-person instruction.
At this time, please plan for your secondary student to remain on all distance learning upon return from spring break on March 29. When our county is approaching the red tier, we will send a communication to our families.
Again, we know this is disappointing and we hope to soon usher our secondary students back for in-person instruction.
Thank you,
Cathy Nichols-Washer, Ed.D.
Superintendent
March 12, 2021
March 10, 2021
Lodi USD:
We have confirmation from San Joaquin County Public Health Services (PHS) officials that our county has earned one week credit for the Red Tier.
Our county adjusted case rate remains in the Purple Tier. However, our testing positivity rate and health equity rate are in the Orange Tier numbers. This has allowed our county to earn one week credit for the Red Tier. Our county must maintain or improve in the identified criteria for one more week for our county to officially move to the Red Tier. To review the updated Blueprint for a Safer Economy, please visit the California Department of Public Health website.
There is also a new element that can impact Tier Status: the statewide vaccine equity metric. If the state vaccination rate for the most disadvantaged areas reaches 2 million, the goals for the adjusted case rate will be relaxed so that the criteria of 7 or below changes to 10 or below to be in the Red Tier. To learn more about the vaccine equity metric, please visit the CDPH website.
If you have questions, please email us.
Thank you,
Cathy Nichols-Washer, Ed.D.
Superintendent
March 5, 2021
Lodi USD:
We are thrilled to share an update regarding in-person instruction.
Lodi USD informed all employees that we will start implementing in-person instruction on Monday, March 29, 2021. All students will be on minimum days on March 9, 10, 11, and 12 to allow time for teachers to plan for in-person instruction.
We look forward to welcoming our students back to campus as we know this is the best learning environment.
How In-Person Instruction Will Begin
- If our county is in the Red Tier, the hybrid model will begin for all grade levels on March 29, 2021.
- If our county is in the Purple Tier, the hybrid model will begin for only grades K-6 and priority group students on March 29, 2021.
- The priority group students will be identified and communicated to you prior to in-person instruction.
- Communication will be sent regarding in-person instruction for grades 7-12.
- Students who are signed up to continue with all Distance Learning for the 2020-21 school year will remain on all Distance Learning.
Hybrid Model
- A hybrid model allows for fewer students in a class at the same time, which is necessary to meet distancing guidelines. The hybrid model, as identified in the MOU with Lodi Education Association, will be followed.
- Students will be on campus two (2) days a week on a modified schedule (not a regular school day).
- Students will be in either group A or B.
- Students assigned to Group A are on campus on Mondays and Thursdays.
- Students assigned to Group B are on campus on Tuesdays and Fridays.
- Every effort was made to assign siblings to the same group.
- Wednesdays are All Distance Learning days for all students.
- Students in Special Day Classes (Special Education) will be notified of their in-person schedule as that may differ from the general education schedule.
- Students receive Distance Learning from their assigned teacher(s) on the days when they are not receiving in-person instruction.
- You will receive information from your school site about your child’s assigned group and school site schedules.
- Information regarding transportation will be available soon.
Health and Safety Measures
- The District has both an operational document during the COVID-19 pandemic and a pandemic safety plan that will be followed during in-person instruction. These documents can be found on our website under “Return to In-Person Instruction.”
- In addition, all schools have COVID-19 safety plans that address student/staff movement on campus, such as passing periods, recess, and lunch operations. All school COVID-19 safety plans are enclosed in the operational document on Page 21. These documents can also be found on our website under “Return to In-Person Instruction.”
- Schools are holding virtual informational parent meetings to discuss their specific COVID-19 safety plans.
- Please be sure to review the health/safety requirements outlined in our operational document so that you and your child know what to expect when returning to school campus.
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All Lodi USD employees were given the opportunity to receive the COVID-19 vaccine offered by SJCOE.
The District and our schools will communicate additional information over the coming weeks.
We have appreciated your patience and support during this Distance Learning time.
We cannot wait to see our students in person!
Thank you,
Cathy Nichols-Washer, Ed.D.
Superintendent
January 15, 2021
Lodi USD:
We have two quick updates regarding the COVID-19 health pandemic.
Exposure Notifications: We want to inform you that the District is following the requirements set forth in Assembly Bill (AB) 685, which requires us to notify all employees at a work site of potential exposures, COVID-19-related benefits and protections, and disinfection and safety measures that will be taken at the work site in response to a confirmed case. Whenever there is confirmation of a positive COVID-19 case, our Maintenance and Operations Director, Brian Holloway, will send a message District-wide to our employees to inform them of this positive case. The information will read as follows:
The District has been notified that an individual infected with COVID-19 was present at _______ (site or department). If you were present at the site on ___________ (date subject person last on campus/department) or fourteen (14) calendar days prior, you may have been exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19.
You may be entitled to one or more of the following COVID-19 benefits under applicable federal, state, and/or local laws, including, but not limited to, COVID-19 related leave, company sick leave, state-mandated leave, supplemental sick leave, negotiated leave provisions, and workers compensation: Families First Coronavirus Response Act Leave, Family Medical Leave Act/California Family Rights Act Leave, Local Government Ordinance or Collective Bargaining Agreement Sick Leave, and Workers' Compensation Benefits. Please contact Personnel regarding leave benefits available to you.
This information is publicly available on our COVID-19 website along with a table that illustrates confirmed COVID-19 cases in our District.
Clarification Regarding Vaccine Eligibility: The Department of Developmental Services released a letter clarifying the eligibility of certain family members for the COVID-19 vaccination per Phase 1A of the state’s plan.
Thank you,
Cathy Nichols-Washer, Ed.D.
Superintendent
December 17, 2020
Lodi USD:
As we prepare to head off to winter break, I want to wish you and your family a very happy holiday. I know this continues to be a difficult time for our Lodi USD community and we hope you have time to relax and focus on your health and well-being. If you need support during the break, please continue to utilize the resources we have available on our website.
At this time, the tier assignment for San Joaquin County remains purple and our numbers continue to increase. We want to welcome our students back to campus for in-person instruction but cannot do so until the county is in the red tier.
Until then, we will remain on all Distance Learning. Students are not to report to school campus on January 4, 2021. If there is a change in our tier status, we will communicate this to our staff and families as quickly as possible.
Please take care of yourselves. We hope to see you in person in the near future.
Cathy Nichols-Washer, Ed.D.
Superintendent
November 24, 2020
Lodi USD:
As of today’s tier assignments, our county remains in the purple tier (most restrictive tier), according to the criteria outlined in the state’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy.
Unfortunately this means that we will need to delay our November 30 in-person instruction date for elementary and K-8 schools. Students are not to return to school on November 30.
We know this is frustrating and we are saddened that we will not welcome our students back to campus at this time. We will continue to monitor state and local health guidelines and we will communicate with our staff and families when our county returns to the red tier.
Our Lodi USD Operations during the COVID-19 Pandemic document is now available. This document outlines how in-person instruction will take place when students return to their school campuses, provides information on District protocols, and includes each individual school’s protocols for health and safety. This document will continue to be updated.
We will also continue to update our FAQ document on our website. Please send questions to communications@lodiusd.net and we will update our FAQ document accordingly.
Thank you, and have a safe Thanksgiving.
Cathy Nichols-Washer, Ed.D.
Superintendent
November 16, 2020
Lodi USD:
Today Governor Newsom announced that our county is back in the purple tier (most restrictive tier), per the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy criteria. He also announced that based on concerning data, the state is tightening restrictions:
- Counties will move back after one (1) week, not two (2) weeks
- Counties that move back must make industry changes urgently, instead of 3 days, with phased in enforcement
San Joaquin County’s adjusted case rate is now 16.4 cases per day per 100,000 people, which is well above the requirements to remain in the red tier, and our positivity rate is 6.5 percent. Please see the attached press release from the San Joaquin County Public Health Services for more information and how this impacts county operations.
Unfortunately, this means that in-person instruction for Special Day Class students (SDC) will not begin on Thursday, November 19. Students are not to report to the school site on Thursday. Distance Learning will continue. According to the agreement between the District and the Lodi Education Association (LEA), in-person instruction is implemented in the Red, Orange, and Yellow tiers.
We are very disappointed that we cannot welcome our SDC students back this week and hope that the health pandemic situation in our county will improve soon. We will continue to update you as we get closer to the additional dates identified in the agreement (November 30 and January 4, respectively).
Thank you,
Cathy Nichols-Washer, Ed.D.
Superintendent
November 12, 2020
Lodi USD:
We are aware that our county may revert back to the purple tier next week, based on the criteria outlined in the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy.
According to the tentative agreement between Lodi USD and the Lodi Education Association (LEA), students will be on all Distance Learning if the county is in the purple tier.
We will communicate with our community next Tuesday regarding tier status.
Thank you.
Cathy Nichols-Washer, Ed.D.
Superintendent
November 9, 2020
Lodi Unified is pleased to announce that the District and the Lodi Education Association (LEA), the union that represents teachers, have reached a tentative agreement on a Memorandum of Understanding regarding the start of in-person instruction, which is based on a phase in model and modified schedules. LEA is in the process of voting. The District appreciates LEA’s collaboration with the District and problem-solving approach to very complex issues.
Specific school schedules will be shared soon. Phase in model:
November 19
- All Special Day Class Students in Special Education
Students on campus four days a week (M T Th F).
November 30
- All Elementary Schools
- Henderson
- Elkhorn
- Houston
- Lockeford
- Serna
- Independence
Students on campus two days a week in a hybrid model.
January 4
- All middle schools except as noted above
- All high schools
- Valley Robotics Academy
- Lincoln Technical Academy
Students on campus two days a week in a hybrid model.
Middle College High School will remain on all Distance Learning per the San Joaquin Delta College schedule.
Also included is language regarding in-person instruction and all Distance Learning depending on the County’s tier assignment. The document can be found on the District website.
The District will continue to provide information as we get closer to the phase in dates.
Cathy Nichols-Washer, Ed.D.
Superintendent
October 22, 2020
October 21, 2020
Lodi USD:
At last night’s Board Meeting, the Board continued their discussion on issues related to the health pandemic. Board Members shared information, ideas, and concerns during the meeting. The Board also emphasized the need to be in alignment with guidelines from state and county health officials. The full report, including the draft plan for in-person instruction under health orders and status of District PPE, can be found on our website. The Board greatly appreciates the comments they have received from the community.
Board direction from the October 13 Special Board Meeting has not changed. The goal is for all students to receive full in-person instruction and staff will continue to move forward in this direction with a phased in approach.
We understand that establishing dates for students to return to campus is a critical step in this process and we are committed to doing this as soon as possible. We know that parents and employees need to make plans and that the current uncertainty is very frustrating. The District looks forward to working with our employees through this process in order to provide definitive information to our community.
We will communicate with staff and parents when a timeline has been established.
Thank you,
Cathy Nichols-Washer, Ed.D.
Superintendent
October 16, 2020
Lodi USD:
As a reminder, staff will present a draft in-person instruction under health orders document during Tuesday night’s Board Meeting at 7PM on GoToWebinar. The agenda, including the report and supplemental information, can be found on our website.
We know that there are still questions from last Tuesday’s Board Meeting. While direction was given to staff to plan for a return to full in-person instruction (a Distance Learning option will still be available), a timeline or a start date for in-person instruction has not been identified. We look forward to working with our employee groups to start in-person instruction.
We want to assure you that we have been planning for our students to return to in-person since our schools were closed and we are ready to welcome our students back to campus.
PPE and Cleaning Supplies:
The District is well stocked with PPE and cleaning supplies. The District proactively ordered millions of dollars' worth of PPE. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Clorox 360
- Wipes and Towels
- Face Masks
- Face Shields
- Gloves
- No-Touch Thermometers
- Hand Washing Stations
- Hand Sanitizer
- Desk Shields
- Air Filters for Classrooms
A comprehensive list of District PPE and cleaning supplies is publicly available on our website and a current list of supplies will be presented during Tuesday’s Board Meeting.
Health and Safety Protocols:
- All of our schools have put together site specific safety plans in preparation for the different operational levels our District may face during this pandemic.
- The District also has exposure protocols, social distancing protocols, thermometer protocols, common disinfecting protocols.
- Staff are to self-screen for symptoms before going to work.
- Parents are to screen their children for symptoms before sending them to school when in-person instruction resumes.
- The District coordinates with county public health and follows all reporting requirements regarding suspected and confirmed COVID-19 cases.
- As outlined in the pandemic safety plan and the exposure protocols, there are processes in place for exposures and confirmed COVID-19 cases.
In-Person Instruction:
- A draft in-person instruction under health orders document will be presented to the Board during the October 20 Board Meeting. It will address processes and protocols for in-person instruction, such as distancing practices, health screenings, and exposure/positive case protocols. The document can be found on our website.
The safety of our students and staff is at the very core of all of the plans we have implemented during this pandemic.
We want to thank you for your continued support and feedback. This is a collaborative process and we know we must continue to work together as a community to plan for our students' return to campus.
We look forward to resuming in-person instruction and are committed to doing so safely.
Thank you.
Cathy Nichols-Washer, Ed.D.
Superintendent
October 14, 2020
October 14, 2020
Lodi USD:
At last night’s Special Board of Education Meeting, the Board gave direction on the following regarding instruction:
- The next change for the District will be implementation of a full in-person instructional model (a hybrid model will not be implemented).
- The District will utilize a phase-in approach, which has yet to be finalized.
In addition, the Board acknowledged the process of negotiating any impacts and effects of this direction with appropriate employee groups. The Board reaffirmed its commitment to providing an all Distance Learning option.
Updated information was provided to the Board regarding health/safety supplies and equipment. The District is well stocked with PPE. This information can be found on our website.
The full report from last night can be found on our website.
No dates for implementation of the full in-person instruction have been determined. Lodi USD will remain on all Distance Learning until further notice and will communicate with staff and families well in advance of any changes.
Additional information on District procedures for in-person instruction during this health pandemic will be shared and discussed at the next Regular Board of Education Meeting on October 20, 2020 at 7PM on GoToWebinar. There will be time for public comment.
We look forward to this new effort and hope to welcome students to our school sites in the near future.
Cathy Nichols-Washer, Ed.D.
Superintendent
September 29, 2020
Lodi USD:
Today, San Joaquin County was approved by the State of California to move into the Red Tier based on the Governor’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy. Attached is the press release issued by the County that outlines the modified business operations.
Once our County remains in the Red Tier for two consecutive weeks, school districts will be able to consider options for in-person instruction for all students. Districts must follow the State guidelines for schools and school-based programs.
We are pleased to see that our numbers are moving in the right direction and we hope that they will continue to improve.
We know this brings about many questions. Our previous communication remains in effect: We will continue with all Distance Learning upon return from fall break. We have been working on plans for different scenarios depending on the status of the health pandemic in alignment with health orders, including the small cohorts in-person instruction.
We look forward to welcoming students to school sites in the near future and we will communicate with our community once details are available. Today’s news is very encouraging.
Thank you,
Cathy Nichols-Washer, Superintendent
September 25, 2020
Free COVID-19 Testing Events:
- Saturday, September 26, 2020 from 10 AM - 2 PM at Hamilton Elementary School (2245 E. 11th Street, Stockton, CA)
- Saturday, September 26, 2020 from 12 PM - 6PM at 555 Industrial Park Drive, Manteca, CA
- Sunday, September 27, 2020 from 12 PM - 6PM at Lathrop Community Center (15557 Fifth Street, Lathrop, CA)
- Monday, September 28, 2020 from 12 PM - 6PM at Franklin High School (4600 E. Fremont Avenue, Stockton, CA)
Free COVID-19 testing every Monday from 8 AM - 12 PM at Eastland Plaza (678 N. Wilson Way, Stockton, CA).
Additional testing sites can be found on the PHS website.
Flu and Immunization Clinics (sponsored by Lodi USD):
- Tdap Clinic: Tuesday, September 29, 2020 from 7:30 AM - 9 AM at Lodi Middle School (945 S. Ham Lane, Lodi, CA)
- Flu Clinics:
- Wednesday, September 30, 2020 from 3 PM - 5PM at Tokay High School (1111 Century Boulevard, Lodi, CA)
- Thursday, October 1, 2020 from 3 PM - 5PM at Bear Creek High School (10555 Thornton Road, Stockton, CA 95209)
September 21, 2020
Lodi USD:
On behalf of the Board of Education, I want to thank you for your cooperation during this first quarter. Our teachers and support staff have been diligent in their efforts to serve and our parents have been incredible partners in the educational process.
Due to the health order requirements from the state and county in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, Lodi Unified School District will remain on all Distance Learning after the fall break until further notice. The District is working on procedures for small cohorts for high needs student groups as permitted by the state. A start date has not yet been determined. We are hopeful that the conditions in San Joaquin County will improve in the near future to allow for a safe return to in-person instruction for all students. We look forward to the time when state and county health officials make this determination.
We understand that ambiguity in a timeline can make planning difficult, however, as you know this situation has fluctuated from the beginning and it is difficult to predict what may happen even in the near future.
Please know that your school staff will continue to do all they can to provide support to your children. We know this is difficult for many and are hopeful that the situation created by the health pandemic will improve soon.
Thank you,
Cathy Nichols-Washer, Superintendent
September 18, 2020
September 16, 2020
Lodi USD,
At last night’s Board of Education Meeting, the Board gave staff direction to move forward with small cohort in-person instruction. We are starting the process to organize cohorts based on the guidance given to school districts by the California Department of Public Health (August 25, 2020, revised September 4, 2020):
- Providing Guidance for Small Cohorts/Groups of Children and Youth
- Providing Targeted, Specialized Support and Services at Schools FAQs
The intent of the guidance for cohorts is to establish parameters for providing specialized services, targeted service, and support for students during this time when schools are closed to in-person instruction in a manner that adheres to health and safety guidelines.
A cohort is a stable group of no more than 16 individuals (students and adults combined) in a supervised environment who do not interact with other cohorts. The number of students on a campus at the same time should not exceed 25% of the school’s enrollment size or building capacity.
School districts may provide small cohort in-person instruction for students based on need, which can include students with disabilities, English learners, students at higher risk of further learning loss, students at risk of abuse or neglect, foster youth, and students experiencing homelessness.
Board Members expressed the view that cohorts for Special Education students is a priority but did not limit the cohort planning to that group. Lodi Unified will carefully review all guidelines for this opportunity, adhere to appropriate procedures, and will communicate with our staff and parents when details are established.
We look forward to serving our community in this manner and hope that this is a positive step towards welcoming all students back to our campuses.
Thank you,
Cathy Nichols-Washer, Superintendent
September 4, 2020
August 30, 2020
Lodi USD:
We want to make you aware of recent incidents of unauthorized access to our Zoom classes. This is commonly referred to as “Zoom bombing.” We believe that students may have shared meeting URLs on social media platforms, which has led to these Zoom bombings.
We know this is concerning and we want to reaffirm our commitment to the safety and security of our students and staff.
Zoom and Clever just released additional security features to prevent unauthorized guests from joining meetings. Our Technology Department has implemented these features. This will prevent anyone WITHOUT a lodiusd.org account from joining a District Zoom meeting. Students logging into Clever should not experience any change. Please see this video (English, Spanish) for more information.
We also want to remind our students to NOT share Zoom meeting URLs with anyone. Our staff will continue to admit students one at a time and ensure each participant’s name matches a student’s name on the class roster. If the name and student do not match, teachers will immediately remove the person from the meeting.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact your child’s school. Thank you.
Cathy Nichols-Washer, Superintendent
August 7, 2020
Lodi USD:
Starting on Monday at 7:30 A.M., live technical assistance will be available to our families. The technical support will be available through the first quarter of the school year. You can use this brand new support number as the first point of contact for technical support needs that arise during Distance Learning.
Again, this service will be available starting on Monday at 7:30 A.M. Please see the attachment for the details.
Thank you.
August 4, 2020
Lodi USD:
We have published a Distance Learning for All Guide for Parents/Guardians in English and Spanish.
We are also updating our FAQ document with this information.
If you have any questions, please email distancelearning@lodiusd.net.
Thank you,
Cathy Nichols-Washer, Superintendent
July 24, 2020
July 23, 2020
Lodi USD:
During last night's Board of Education Special Meeting, the Board approved a revised student instructional calendar for the 2020-21 school year.
- August 10, 2020, is the new start date for the 2020-21 school year.
- School will start on August 10, 2020, but students do not report to their school site.
- A week has been added to the end of the school year.
- June 10, 2021 is the new end date for the school year.
If you have any questions, please call us at 209-331-7010 or email us at distancelearning@lodiusd.net. Additional information can be found on our website and in our FAQ document at www.lodiusd.net/covid19.
Thank you,
Cathy Nichols-Washer, Superintendent
July 21, 2020
Lodi USD:
Tomorrow the Board of Education will hold a Special Meeting at 7PM on GoToWebinar to approve an agreement with the Lodi Education Association (LEA), the union that represents the teachers in our District, regarding All Distance Learning.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) calls for a new start date for students of August 10, 2020, with an additional week added to the end of the 2020-21 school year.
The MOU can be viewed on our Board Agenda here.
We will continue to communicate with our families and staff regarding any official change to the 2020-21 school calendar.
Thank you,
Cathy Nichols-Washer, Superintendent
July 16, 2020
Lodi USD:
Lodi USD will start the 2020-2021 school year with all students on Distance Learning.
- School starts on August 3 but students do not report to the school site.
- All students who are enrolled in a Lodi Unified school are automatically in Distance Learning for the start of school (there is no sign up process).
- School sites will contact parents with class/teacher assignments.
- Students will receive their instruction by their teacher(s) using their school Chromebook (or other device).
- Offices at school sites and district departments are open for business.
This decision was made based on the revised guidance from San Joaquin County Public Health Services (SJCPHS) and San Joaquin County Office of Education (SJCOE), which was issued on July 14, 2020. The revised guidance identifies all Distance Learning as the only recommended model for the start of the school year in response to the status of the health pandemic in our county.
Our Board Members strongly believe that in person instruction provides the best education for students. This direction did not come easy to our Board but they understand that we need to comply with guidance from our county health officials. Currently, the District is planning to have all students on Distance Learning for the first quarter, however it is important to keep in mind that this continues to be a changing situation.
Once we have clearance from SJCPHS, the Board can determine when to move to in person instruction. Whether we move to the hybrid model in which students are at the school site some days a week with Distance Learning the other days, or we move to a full return five days a week, will depend on the public health guidance and Board direction.
Distance Learning instruction will occur within regular school day hours. Students may be engaged in the following: on-line with the class and teacher together, completing independent activities, working on-line with the teacher or other staff member individually or in small groups. Students will be held accountable for daily attendance and completing work. You will receive more details about your child’s schedule and class expectations from your school. Special Education staff will communicate with parents of students in the Special Education program about services, IEP meetings, and assessments. Counselors and other support staff will provide support to students who may need assistance with issues such as anxiety and loneliness during this time at home. Meal service schedules will be available soon.
Since large gatherings are not currently permitted, schools will develop alternative ways to implement orientations, parent meetings, student recognitions, etc. We are awaiting information from CIF and public health officials regarding athletics.
It is very important that parents keep their contact information up to date with their school(s). Please make sure your child’s school has your current phone number, email address, and home address in order to ensure that you receive all updates as soon as possible.
Lodi USD acknowledges that this presents serious challenges for many of our parents and we are hopeful that the situation in our county will improve in the near future in order to bring students back to our campuses.
If you need assistance with technology access/internet, please call 331-7010
Thank you,
Cathy Nichols-Washer, Superintendent
July 15, 2020
Lodi USD:
Last night the Board of Education gave revised direction to staff to move forward with All Distance Learning for all students for the first quarter of the 2020-21 school year.
This means the following:
- School starts on August 3, 2020 but students do not report to the school site.
- ALL students will be in All Distance Learning at the start of the school year through the first quarter (first quarter ends on October 2, 2020).
- School and District offices will remain open to the public.
This decision is based on the revised guidelines from the San Joaquin County Office of Education (SJCOE) and San Joaquin County Public Health Services (PHS) regarding the 2020-21 school year. SJCOE and PHS determined that due to the significant evidence of COVID-19 community spread in San Joaquin County, it is recommended that local schools begin the new school year providing only distance learning instruction to students through at least the end of August 2020.
We understand that this change may cause concerns and raise additional questions. We will provide updates as information becomes available and we will update our FAQ document.
If you have any questions during this time, please email us at distancelearning@lodiusd.net or call 209-331-7010.
Thank you,
Cathy Nichols-Washer, Superintendent
July 13, 2020
Lodi USD:
This evening, the San Joaquin County Office of Education (SJCOE) and San Joaquin County Public Health Services (PHS) announced revised guidelines regarding the 2020-21 school year. Due to the rise in confirmed cases of COVID-19 and increased hospitalizations in San Joaquin County, PHS and SJCOE strongly recommend that schools begin the 2020-21 school year with all students on Distance Learning through at least the end of August, 2020.
Lodi USD Board Members have acknowledged that this health crisis continues to change and that we need to continue to be flexible throughout the school year.
The Board will discuss the revised guidelines tomorrow during their Board Meeting in order to give revised direction regarding the start of the school year. The Board Meeting will be available to the public on GoToWebinar and livestreamed on YouTube. There will be time for public comment.
Thank you,
Cathy Nichols-Washer, Superintendent
Updated 07/09/2021