Whittier Union High School District has launched a Social/Emotional Collaborative to develop class lessons, tools and videos to support students, staff and parents who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, helping to ease their transition to the 2020-21 school year. The Collaborative – consisting of Student Well-Being liaisons, District counselors, school psychologists and licensed clinical social workers – has developed resources to address a plethora of issues confronting students and families: the effects of trauma on student learning, time management strategies, practicing mindfulness, the benefits of taking breaks from social media, coping strategies, and the benefits of gratitude. Student Well-Being liaisons hosted a virtual parent presentation, “Helping Your Teen Thrive During the Pandemic,” in English and in Spanish Sept. 10 via Zoom.
Pioneer High School has welcomed a new bronze icon on campus – Titania – whose uplifting presence completes a spirited triumvirate on the school’s center quad that includes the Titan Torch and Titan sculpture. Both iconic bronze sculptures – which serve as a source of pride and inspiration to students and staff –were designed and created by Pioneer resource teacher John O’Brien.
Whittier Union launched the 2020-21 school year on Aug. 12, welcoming 10,500 new and returning scholars virtually and providing support to students and families as they transition to the remote learning instructional model – which has seen nearly 100% of students actively participating. District leaders have spent the last several months developing an extensive four-phase strategic learning plan to educate students in a virtual learning environment, providing teachers, staff, parents and students with the trainings, tools and resources to ensure a successful start to the school year.
Río Hondo College leaders on Aug. 14 emphasized the need to show care and compassion to students struggling with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic while delivering online instruction in fall 2020-21. The message was the core focus of FLEX Day, an annual training program held the day before classes began for fall semester. Faculty and staff leaders praised College employees for their swift and effective shift to distance instruction in spring 2020 but said the new year will require a redoubled focus on the needs of students.
Whittier Union to Begin 2020-21 with 100% Distance Learning
Whittier Union High School District will begin the 2020-21 school year with a 100% distance learning schedule, converting the fall semester into a quarter system in which students will take three online classes in each of two nine-week periods starting Wednesday, Aug. 12. The Board of Trustees unanimously approved the 3x9 instructional model and launching the school year in Stage 1 of the District’s four-stage reopening plan during a July 28 virtual board meeting.
Whitter Union Wellness Collaborative Supports Students, Families, Staff
Whittier Union High School District has created a Social/Emotional Collaborative team to develop class lessons, tools and videos to support students, staff and parents who have experienced stress, difficulties and trauma due to the COVID-19 pandemic and help ease their transition to the 2020-21 school year. The social/emotional supports address a plethora of issues confronting students and families, including the effects of trauma on student learning, time management strategies, practicing mindfulness, the benefits of taking breaks from social media, coping strategies and the benefits of optimism, gratitude and resilience.
Whittier Union rolled out the red carpet and gave over 2,700 members of the Class of 2020 the star treatment during one-of-a-kind drive-up graduations that saw students walk across grand stages on their campuses and collect diplomas as families, sounding air horns and holding custom big-head cutouts, cheered from decorated vehicles, limousines and party buses. Every day during the week of July 20, each Whittier Union campus hosted socially distanced graduation ceremonies that provided students and families safe venues in which to celebrate after traditional ceremonies were canceled due to public health restrictions.
Whittier Union High School District will begin the 2020-21 school year with a 100% distance learning schedule, converting the fall semester into a quarter system in which students will take three online classes in each of two nine-week periods starting Wednesday, Aug. 12. The Board of Trustees unanimously approved the 3x9 instructional model and launching the school year in Stage 1 of the District’s four-stage reopening plan during a July 28 virtual board meeting.
Whittier Union Develops Flexible Learning Plan for Fall 2020
Whittier Union High School District is exploring adopting a quarter system for the fall semester of the 2020-21 school year, which begins Aug. 12. The instructional model is part of a four-stage teaching and learning plan that is adaptable to the continuously changing environment caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Board of Trustees is expected to vote on the recommended instructional model and one of the four stages in which schools will reopen, which range from 100% online to 100% in-person, during a special meeting Tuesday, July 28, when health conditions will be clearer.
Before spending the next four years studying biomedical engineering at Harvard University, Whittier High School graduate Julia Casas is dedicating her summer to working with PIH Health Whittier Hospital to develop a volunteer social network and raise awareness of COVID-19 and the available health services in the community. Casas, who is one of Whittier High’s seven valedictorians for the Class of 2020, is working with PIH Health volunteer services and health marketing administrators to compile a large volunteer database; create a volunteer website, social media accounts and weekly newsletter; coordinate donations of personal protective equipment; and organize online fundraisers.
