FONTANA, CA – Fontana Unified School District announced their plans for the 2020-21 academic year, providing families with two learning options, understanding that the situation with COVID-19 requires options that are flexible and allow for instructional model adaptation as the situation evolves. These two options include a “Flexible Learning Program” and a “Virtual Learning Program.”

Both learning programs start off with online learning. The flexible learning program has four stages, beginning with distance learning, as mandated July 17 by Governor Gavin Newsom in recognition of the state’s rise in COVID-19 cases. According to the new state guidelines, only schools in counties that have been off the state’s County Monitoring List for 14 days and follow strict health and safety guidelines may reopen for in-person instruction. The flexible learning program will allow the District to seamlessly phase-in on-campus learning as the community health dynamic improves.

“The District believes that having students return to in-person instruction is most beneficial to student academics; however, we know that this does not align with the precautions currently needed to ensure the health and safety of our students and employees,” Fontana Unified Superintendent Randal S. Bassett said. “Through our flexible learning program, we are prepared to transition from 100% distance learning to a hybrid model that will include in-person instruction once it is safe to do so.”

Distance learning under the flexible learning model will feature high levels of accountability for students and staff. Students are required to turn in assignments on time, which will be graded, and teachers are expected to connect with their students daily.

If families wish to keep their students learning from home, they can place their children in the District’s virtual learning program, which provides 100% online instruction throughout the school year regardless of changes in COVID-19 cases. Students enrolled in the virtual program will learn in an asynchronous learning environment, aided by teacher and parent support.

Students would have the opportunity to complete grade-level courses at their own pace, as well as credit recovery and accelerated courses. These students also would be able to participate in elective classes, such as band or sports, once those activities resume.

When schools physically reopen, Fontana Unified will follow thorough health and safety protocols, such as practicing social distancing, wearing face masks, washing hands, sanitizing frequently touched surfaces regularly and conducting temperature and wellness checks.

The District’s learning programs were developed based on input provided by parent surveys, teachers and staff workgroups, as well as requirements from federal and state laws, guidelines from the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health, CDC, and the California Department of Education.

More information about the District’s learning plans can be found on the Fontana Unified website: www.fusd.net/reopen. Families will be notified soon about the opportunity to select their child’s preferred learning plan.