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COVID-19 Safety and School Opening Updates
Romoland School District COVID-19 Safety and Opening Plan for 2020-21
Please visit our RSD COVID-19 Safety and School Opening webpage to view our COVID-19 Safety and School Opening Plan for 2020-21 here: romoland.net
RSD Community Updates
April 23, 2021: In-Person Learning Update for Students In Traditional Program
Dear Romoland School District Families,
Thank you for your continued support and commitment to safety and student learning as we approach the final weeks of the 2020-2021 school year. Last month, we were thrilled to welcome our students in the Traditional and Hybrid models back to on-campus, in-person learning.
As planned with our multiple instructional models, our goal is for students who selected and enrolled in the Traditional Instructional Model to have increased time in on-campus, in-person learning for the remainder of the 2020-2021 school year. Based on recent trends in COVID-19 case rates in Riverside County, as well as updated physical distancing guidance that allows us to accommodate more students in the classroom, we are moving to the next step in the gradual repopulation of our schools.
Please see how this transition will impact your student(s) based on their selected instructional model below:
Traditional Model
Students and families that selected and enrolled in the Traditional Instructional Model will increase their in-person, on-campus instructional time to 4 days a week (M, T, Th, F) starting on Monday, May 3, 2021. All students will remain in the virtual learning environment on Wednesdays.
School day times will remain as they have been:
- Elementary Traditional Model Schedule
- 8:00AM-12:15PM. (Drop-off time: 7:30-7:55AM / Pick-up time: 12:15-12:25PM)
- Middle School Traditional Model Schedule
- 7:30 AM-11:36 AM. (Drop-off time: 7:00 - 7:30 AM / Pick-up time: 11:36-11:46AM)
Hybrid Model
Students and families that selected and enrolled in the Hybrid Instructional Model will not see a change and will continue to attend on-campus, in-person classes two days a week as indicated when the instructional models were selected.
Virtual Model
Students and families that selected and enrolled in the Virtual Instructional Model will remain in the virtual learning environment for the remainder of the school year.
Please contact your school site directly if you have any questions about this transition. As indicated when the instructional models were selected, changes to your student’s instructional model will be based on space availability and will likely require a teacher change for the remainder of the school year.
This transition is the final planned schedule adjustment for the 2020-2021 school year. Please note that instructional models, health protocols, and timelines are subject to change based on updated state and county mandates and/or local public health conditions.
March 26, 2021: Return to In-Person Learning Reminder
We have had a wonderful last two weeks as elementary school students returned to campus for in-person instruction and are excited to welcome our Ethan A. Chase Middle School students back to campus next week!
This is a friendly reminder that middle school students in grades 6-8 who are registered in the Traditional and Hybrid models will return to campus for in-person learning starting on Monday, March 29, 2021.
We encourage families to visit the Ethan A. Chase Middle School website to review school-specific information for students returning to in-person learning including a school map, the symptom check form for students, and a video explaining what the hybrid school day will look like for students and families.
Please review our Family COVID-19 Safety video linked here: romoland.net
The on-campus hybrid session schedule times for grades 6-8 are noted below and session assignment information is available in the Aeries Parent Portal. Please note that all students will participate in virtual instruction on Wednesdays.
- Session 5: Middle School Traditional Model hybrid schedule is Monday/Thursday 7:30 AM - 11:36 AM. (Drop-off time: 7:00 - 7:30 AM / Pick-up time: 11:36 - 11:46 AM)
- Session 6: Middle School Traditional Model hybrid schedule is Tuesday/Friday 7:30 AM - 11:36 AM. (Drop-off time: 7:00 - 7:30 AM / Pick-up time: 11:36 - 11:46 AM)
- Session 7: Middle School Hybrid Model hybrid schedule is Monday/Thursday 8:00 AM - 12:06 PM. (Drop-off time: 7:30 - 8:00 AM / Pick-up time: 12:06 - 12:16 PM)
- Session 8: Middle School Hybrid Model hybrid schedule is Tuesday/Friday 8:00 AM - 12:06 PM. (Drop-off time: 7:30 - 8:00 AM / Pick-up time: 12:06 - 12:16 PM)
We look forward to seeing our middle school students on campus next week!
March 22, 2021: Student COVID-19 Testing Update
Dear Romoland School District Families,
With the passage of California Assembly Bill 86 and Riverside County moving into the red tier of the state’s reopening framework, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has determined that schools are no longer required to provide ongoing asymptomatic testing for students and staff. As a result of this updated guidance, Romoland School District has stopped offering drive-thru asymptomatic testing at our elementary schools. All schools will continue to provide symptomatic/response testing for students and staff who are attending on-campus, in-person instruction.
There will be a one-time drive-thru testing opportunity for 6th-8th students at Ethan A. Chase Middle School (EACMS) on Wednesday, March 24, 2021, just as testing was offered for TK-5th students in the weeks before they returned to campus for in-person instruction in a hybrid format. Families can view more information and register their student(s) for testing on the EACMS website.
March 19, 2021: Return to In-Person Learning Reminder
This was a positive week with the return of our TK-2 students to our schools, and we are excited to welcome back even more students to school next week!
This is a friendly reminder that elementary school students in grades 3-5 and preschool students who are registered in the Traditional and Hybrid models will return to campus for in-person learning starting on Monday, March 22, 2021.
Please review our Family COVID-19 Safety video linked here: romoland.net
The on-campus hybrid session schedule times for grades 3-5 are noted below and session assignment information is available in the Aeries Parent Portal. Please note that all students will participate in virtual instruction on Wednesdays.
- Session 1: Elementary Traditional Model hybrid schedule is Monday/Thursday 8:00 AM-12:15 PM. (Drop-off time: 7:30-7:55AM / Pick-up time: 12:15-12:25PM)
- Session 2: Elementary Traditional Model hybrid schedule is Tuesday/Friday 8:00 AM-12:15 PM. (Drop-off time: 7:30-7:55AM / Pick-up time: 12:15-12:25PM)
- Session 3: Elementary Hybrid Model hybrid schedule is Monday/Thursday 8:30 AM-12:45 PM. (Drop-off time: 8:00-8:25AM / Pick-up time: 12:45-12:55PM)
- Session 4: Elementary Hybrid Model hybrid schedule is Tuesday/Friday 8:30 AM-12:45 PM. (Drop-off time: 8:00-8:25AM / Pick-up time: 12:45-12:55PM)
We look forward to seeing more of our students on elementary school campuses next week!
March 18, 2021: Middle School Hybrid Schedule Start Date
As of Tuesday, March 16, 2021, Riverside County moved into the red tier of the state’s reopening framework, allowing us to move forward with our plans for Ethan A. Chase Middle School to return to on-campus, in-person learning.
We are ready to welcome back our middle school students (grades 6-8) to campus for in-person learning in a hybrid format on Monday, March 29, 2021.
To adhere to the current California Department of Public Health (CDPH) guidance, we will be welcoming students in the Traditional Model and Hybrid Model back to campus in staggered, hybrid session schedules.
The on-campus hybrid session schedule times are noted below. Please note that all students will participate in virtual instruction on Wednesdays.
- Session 5: Middle School Traditional Model hybrid schedule is Monday/Thursday 7:30 AM - 11:36 AM
- (Drop-off time: 7:00 - 7:30 AM / Pick-up time: 11:36 - 11:46 AM)
- Session 6: Middle School Traditional Model hybrid schedule is Tuesday/Friday 7:30 AM - 11:36 AM
- (Drop-off time: 7:00 - 7:30 AM / Pick-up time: 11:36 - 11:46 AM)
- Session 7: Middle School Hybrid Model hybrid schedule is Monday/Thursday 8:00 AM - 12:06 PM
- (Drop-off time: 7:30 - 8:00 AM / Pick-up time: 12:06 - 12:16 PM)
- Session 8: Middle School Hybrid Model hybrid schedule is Tuesday/Friday 8:00 AM - 12:06 PM
- (Drop-off time: 7:30 - 8:00 AM / Pick-up time: 12:06 - 12:16 PM)
Important Information for Students Returning to In-Person Learning:
Please read the following information carefully and contact your school site if you have any questions. Please also watch our Family COVID Safety video linked here: romoland.net
- It is important for families to screen their students at home before school for any COVID-19 symptoms.
- Do not send your student to school if they are experiencing any symptoms.
- Students should bring their face covering with them to school every day as they will be required to wear a face-covering on campus at all times. Face coverings will be available at the school if needed.
- Students may bring sanitizing wipes or hand sanitizer for their own use. These items will also be available at the school if needed.
- Students are encouraged to bring a water bottle to drink during their time on campus.
- Students need to bring their Chromebooks to school fully charged.
- Public Health guidance for school opening indicates we must schedule students in stable groups (classes) that are not to mix with other stable groups (classes). Thus, we are unable to offer before and after-school programs at this time.
Thank you, and we are excited to see our middle school students on campus soon!
March 15, 2021: Middle School Hybrid Schedule Information
As we shared on Friday, we are planning for middle school students (6-8) to return to on-campus, in-person learning in a hybrid format. The targeted opening date for students attending Ethan A. Chase Middle School is Monday, March 29, 2021. This date is set as our goal and may be adjusted if needed.
To adhere to the current California Department of Public Health (CDPH) guidance, we will be welcoming students in the Traditional Model and Hybrid Model back to campus in staggered, hybrid session schedules. On-campus session schedules are organized by the instructional model families selected at the beginning of the school year, Traditional Model or Hybrid Model. Families with more than one student enrolled in Romoland School District will be placed in the same session. Families that selected the Virtual Model for the 2020-21 school year will remain in the virtual learning environment for the remainder of the school year. The on-campus hybrid session schedule times are noted below. Please note that all students will participate in virtual instruction on Wednesdays.
- Session 5: Middle School Traditional Model hybrid schedule is Monday/Thursday 7:30 AM - 11:36 AM
- (Drop-off time: 7:00 - 7:30 AM / Pick-up time: 11:36 - 11:46 AM)
- Session 6: Middle School Traditional Model hybrid schedule is Tuesday/Friday 7:30 AM - 11:36 AM
- (Drop-off time: 7:00 - 7:30 AM / Pick-up time: 11:36 - 11:46 AM)
- Session 7: Middle School Hybrid Model hybrid schedule is Monday/Thursday 8:00 AM - 12:06 PM
- (Drop-off time: 7:30 - 8:00 AM / Pick-up time: 12:06 - 12:16 PM)
- Session 8: Middle School Hybrid Model hybrid schedule is Tuesday/Friday 8:00 AM - 12:06 PM
- (Drop-off time: 7:30 - 8:00 AM / Pick-up time: 12:06 - 12:16 PM)
Students’ session schedules are available now in the Aeries Portal. Please follow the steps below to view your student’s assigned session schedule of on-campus days and start/end times. These steps can only be completed in the Aeries Portal in a web browser on a computer or mobile device web browser. The mobile app version of the portal will not display session schedule information.
- Use the Change Student menu to select a student.
- Select the Student Info menu, then Demographics.
- When the Demographics screen displays, click on User Codes in the top-right corner.
- Hybrid Schedule will display the days that your student will attend school in-person, as well as the drop-off and pickup times.
If you need assistance with your student’s session schedule, please contact the school administration.
Ethan A. Chase Middle School will be sending more detailed information to families over the next two weeks. Thank you for your continued patience and partnership as we anticipate having our middle school students return to campus for in-person learning soon.
March 12, 2021: Middle School Opening Information
Dear Romoland School District Families,
The purpose of this communication is to provide an update regarding our middle school opening process. Based on current COVID-19 adjusted case rate projections, we anticipate that Riverside County will move into the Red Tier within 1-2 weeks, which is the required threshold for secondary schools to be eligible to open for on-campus, in-person instruction in a hybrid format.
The targeted opening date for students attending Ethan A. Chase Middle School is Monday, March 29, 2021. This date is set as our goal and may be adjusted if needed.
To meet the RUHS-PH and CDPH requirements to open, middle school students (6-8) assigned to the Traditional Model and Hybrid Model for 2020-21 will be returning to school on a hybrid schedule that will operate at 50% capacity.
- Students are assigned to either a Monday/Thursday or Tuesday/Friday on-campus group.
- Students participate in virtual asynchronous learning during their off-campus school days and have daily virtual access to their teacher at designated times.
- Students will take their district-provided Chromebooks back and forth to school daily.
- The school day is a modified day schedule, and students will not eat lunch on campus; all students will receive a to-go lunch at the end of their on-campus day.
Student group assignment information, as well as school day start and end times, will be shared with families on Monday, March 15. Students enrolled in the Virtual Model will continue in the virtual learning environment for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year.
What safety measures will be in place on campus? To meet the RUHS-PH and CDPH requirements to open safely, the following guidelines will be followed:
- Staff and students will wear face coverings while on campus.
- Staff and students will maintain physical distance. Classrooms are arranged to accommodate physical distancing.
- There are plastic safety shields on all student desks.
- There can be no volunteers or parents/guardians in classrooms.
- Students will remain in their classroom stable groups and not mix with other groups while on campus.
- Please watch our Family COVID-19 Safety video on our website here: romoland.net
How should we prepare? We encourage families to start making plans for student transportation to and from school as well as any additional childcare needs as we prepare to return in a hybrid schedule. Please note that due to RUHS-PH and CDPHS guidelines for stable groups, we will not be offering our regular before- and after-school programs at this time.
Middle school families will receive more detailed information over the next two weeks. Please reach out to your school administrators if you have any questions regarding the return to school. To learn more about hybrid school opening, please review our updated School Opening and Safety Plan as well as our COVID-19 School Guidance Checklist for Middle School (6-8) on our website here: romoland.net.
March 10, 2021: Hybrid Schedule Start Dates
We are ready to welcome elementary students who are registered in the Traditional and Hybrid models back to school sites for in-person learning in a hybrid format. Please view the opening dates for students in grades TK-5 below.
- Grades TK-2 start date: March 15, 2021
- Grade 3-5 start date: March 22, 2021
To adhere to the current California Department of Public Health (CDPH) guidance, we will be welcoming students in the Traditional Model and Hybrid Model back to campus in staggered, hybrid session schedules.
The on-campus hybrid session schedule times are noted below. Please note that all students will participate in virtual instruction on Wednesdays.
- Session 1: Elementary Traditional Model hybrid schedule is Monday/Thursday 8:00 AM-12:15 PM. (Drop-off time: 7:30-7:55AM / Pick-up time: 12:15-12:25PM)
- Session 2: Elementary Traditional Model hybrid schedule is Tuesday/Friday 8:00 AM-12:15 PM. (Drop-off time: 7:30-7:55AM / Pick-up time: 12:15-12:25PM)
- Session 3: Elementary Hybrid Model hybrid schedule is Monday/Thursday 8:30 AM-12:45 PM. (Drop-off time: 8:00-8:25AM / Pick-up time: 12:45-12:55PM)
- Session 4: Elementary Hybrid Model hybrid schedule is Tuesday/Friday 8:30 AM-12:45 PM. (Drop-off time: 8:00-8:25AM / Pick-up time: 12:45-12:55PM)
Students’ session schedules are available in the Aeries Portal. Please contact your school site if you have any questions regarding your student’s session schedule.
Important Information for Students Returning to In-Person Learning
Please read the following information carefully and contact your school site if you have any questions. Please also watch our Family COVID Safety video linked here: romoland.net
- It is important for families to screen their students at home before school for any COVID-19 symptoms.
- Do not send your student to school if they are experiencing any symptoms.
- Students should bring their face covering with them to school every day as they will be required to wear a face-covering on campus at all times. Face coverings will be available at the school if needed.
- Students may bring sanitizing wipes or hand sanitizer for their own use. These items will also be available at the school if needed.
- Students are encouraged to bring a reusable water bottle to drink and refill during their time on campus.
- Students may bring a snack for their break time.
- Students need to bring their Chromebooks to school fully charged.
- Public Health guidance for school opening indicates we must schedule students in stable groups (classes) that are not to mix with other stable groups (classes). Thus, we are unable to offer before and after-school programs at this time.
While we have not yet met the COVID case rate criteria for middle school students to return to on-campus, in-person learning, we are optimistic Riverside County may meet the criteria soon. We will continue to keep you updated about middle school opening information.
Thank you, and we are excited to see our elementary students on campus soon!
March 9, 2021: Free COVID-19 Testing for Students
Dear Romoland School District Families,
This is a friendly reminder that free COVID-19 testing for students starts tomorrow, Wednesday, March 10, 2021, for students in grades TK-2, Headstart, and State Preschool attending Romoland schools on-campus, in-person instruction.
No appointment is necessary, but a parent/guardian must register student(s) on the testing portal prior to arriving at the school for testing. The registration only needs to be done once per student and will not be required for additional testing visits at the school. Register your student for testing on your school’s website.
- Families with students attending Boulder Ridge Elementary and Mesa View Elementary should select “Education” as the answer to the prescreening question “Are you employed in one of the following categories?” during the registration process.
Drive-thru testing is offered on Wednesdays from 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM at your student’s school site on the dates listed below. Test days are restricted to certain grade levels as shown to limit overcrowding; however, older siblings may accompany younger students on the TK-2 testing days as a convenience for families.
Please note: Student testing may include an oral swab test. Students should not eat, drink, or chew gum 20 minutes prior to their COVID-19 test.
COVID-19 Student Testing Dates Grades TK-2, Headstart, State Preschool: March 10, March 24, April 14, April 28, May 12, May 26 Grades 3-5: March 17, March 31, April 21, May 5, May 19, June 2 |
March 1, 2021: Hybrid Schedule Information
As shared in previous communications, we are planning for elementary students (TK-5) to return to on-campus, in-person learning in a hybrid format. Below are the targeted opening dates for students in grades TK-5. These dates are set as our goal and may be adjusted if needed.
- Grades TK-2 start date: March 15, 2021
- Grade 3-5 start date: March 22, 2021
To adhere to the current California Department of Public Health (CDPH) guidance, we will be welcoming students in the Traditional Model and Hybrid Model back to campus in staggered, hybrid session schedules. On-campus session schedules are organized by the instructional model families selected at the beginning of the school year, Traditional Model or Hybrid Model. Families with more than one student in TK-5 will be placed in the same session. Families that selected the Virtual Model for the 2020-21 school year will remain in the virtual learning environment for the remainder of the school year. The on-campus hybrid session schedule times are noted below. Please note that all students will participate in virtual instruction on Wednesdays.
- Session 1: Elementary Traditional Model hybrid schedule is Monday/Thursday 8:00AM-12:15PM.
- Session 2: Elementary Traditional Model hybrid schedule is Tuesday/Friday 8:00AM-12:15PM.
- Session 3: Elementary Hybrid Model hybrid schedule is Monday/Thursday 8:30AM-12:45PM.
- Session 4: Elementary Hybrid Model hybrid schedule is Tuesday/Friday 8:30AM-12:45PM.
Students’ session schedules are available now in the Aeries Portal. Please follow the steps below to view your student’s assigned session schedule of on-campus days and start/end times. These steps can only be completed in the Aeries Portal in a web browser on a computer or mobile device web browser. The mobile app version of the portal will not display session schedule information.
- Use the Change Student menu to select a student.
- Select the Student Info menu, then Demographics.
- When the Demographics screen displays, click on User Codes in the top-right corner.
- Hybrid Schedule will display the days that your student will attend school in-person, as well as the drop-off and pickup times.
While we have not yet met the criteria for middle school students to return to on-campus, in-person learning, we are optimistic we may meet the criteria soon.
We look forward to this next step of returning to our campuses. School sites will be sending more detailed information to families over the next two weeks. Thank you, and we are excited to see our elementary students on campus soon.
February 24, 2021: School Opening Update
Dear Romoland School District Families,
Thank you for your continued patience and support as we navigate the dynamic restrictions and mandates tied to returning students to campus. The purpose of this communication is to provide an update regarding our elementary school opening process.
As of Tuesday, February 23, 2021, COVID-19 case rates in Riverside County have reached the 25 and below case rate threshold for elementary schools to be eligible to open.
When will elementary schools open? Our COVID-19 Safety Plan (CSP) is submitted to Riverside University Health Systems-Public Health (RUHS-PH). Once approval of the CSP by RUHS-PH and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is received, families will be notified of opening dates.
When will middle school open? Riverside County has not yet reached the COVID-19 case rate threshold for middle schools to open. The case rate threshold for middle schools to open is 7; additionally, the County test positivity rate must be 8% or lower. We will continue to keep families informed regarding the potential opening of middle school.
What will school opening look like? To meet the RUHS-PH and CDPH requirements to open, elementary students (TK-5) assigned to the Traditional Model and Hybrid Model for 2020-21 will be returning to school on a hybrid schedule that will operate at 50% capacity.
- Students are assigned to either a Monday/Thursday or Tuesday/Friday on-campus group.
- Students participate in virtual asynchronous learning during their off-campus school days and have daily virtual access to their teacher at designated times.
- Students will take their district-provided Chromebooks back and forth to school daily.
- The school day is a modified day schedule, and students will not eat lunch on campus; all students will receive a to-go lunch at the end of their on-campus day.
Student group assignment information, as well as school day start and end times, will be shared with families soon.
What safety measures will be in place on campus? To meet the RUHS-PH and CDPH requirements to open safely, the following guidelines will be followed:
- Staff and students will wear face coverings while on campus.
- Staff and students will maintain physical distance. Classrooms are arranged to accommodate physical distancing.
- There are plastic safety shields on all student desks.
- There can be no volunteers or parents/guardians in classrooms.
- Students will remain in their classroom stable groups and not mix with other groups while on campus.
How should we prepare? We encourage families to start making plans for student transportation to and from school as well as any additional childcare needs as we prepare to return in a hybrid schedule. Please note that due to RUHS-PH and CDPHS guidelines for stable groups, we will not be offering our regular before- and after-school programs at this time.
For further information or questions regarding the return to school, please reach out to your school administrators. To learn more about hybrid school opening, please review our updated School Opening and Safety Plan on our website here: romoland.net.
February 22, 2021: School Opening Update 2/22/21
Dear Romoland School District Families,
As we continue to prepare for a return to on-campus learning, we want to keep our community informed about our progress.
As stated in previous communications, school opening is dependent on local COVID-19 data trending in a positive direction. Based on current adjusted case rate projections, elementary schools (TK-5) in Riverside County may be eligible to open for in-person learning in the coming weeks.
In addition to the county COVID-19 data being below 25 cases per 100,000 residents to open elementary schools, we must also receive approval of our District’s COVID-19 Safety Plan (CSP) by both the county and state health departments. Our plan has been submitted to Riverside University Health System–Public Health and is currently under review. Please note that middle schools are not yet eligible to return to in-person instruction.
As we receive updated information, we will continue to provide families and staff with clear and timely direction so they may plan accordingly. Once we receive the necessary approvals to resume on-campus, in-person instruction, families will be notified of potential dates for the opening of schools.
Thank you for your continued support and for continuing to follow health and safety best practices that contribute to the trending decline in case rates.
February 1, 2021: Updated COVID-19 Safety Plan
Dear Romoland School District Families,
Our Romoland School District COVID-19 Safety Plan has been updated to reflect current California Department of Public Health (CDPH) guidance.
Please view the updated Romoland School District COVID-19 Safety Plan for 2020-21 on our website here: romoland.net
January 29, 2021: CDPH Updated Guidance
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) recently updated their guidance on the school opening process for in-person instruction. This updated guidance makes a distinction between when elementary schools would be eligible to open for in-person instruction and when middle/high schools would be eligible to open for in-person instruction.
Under the updated guidance, elementary schools (TK-5) in the Romoland School District and Riverside County would be eligible to open for in-person instruction when the adjusted case rates for COVID-19 are less than 25 cases per 100,000 residents in Riverside County. Middle schools (6-8) would be eligible to open for in-person instruction when the adjusted case rates for COVID-19 are at or below 7 cases per 100,000 residents for Riverside County and the county has a positivity rate of no greater than 8%.
As of Tuesday, January 26, 2021, Riverside County has an adjusted case rate of 77.6 per 100,000 residents and a positivity rate of 20%. Based on current data, Riverside County does not meet the criteria set forth by the California Department of Public Health to open schools for in-person instruction. The timeframe of when we may meet the criteria is unpredictable, but we will continue to monitor the weekly updates provided via the Blueprint for a Safer Economy website.
We caution that circumstances remain very fluid and that decisions regarding future instructional models may be subject to unexpected change.
Once we meet the criteria to return to in-person learning, it is likely that we will need to return in a hybrid format to accommodate all of the safety protocols outlined in the updated CDPH guidelines. As we receive updated information, we will provide families and staff with clear and timely direction so that they may plan accordingly.
While we will continue the 2020-21 school year in the virtual learning environment at this time, please know that our district is continuing to seek solutions to bring students back to school for in-person learning safely while abiding by all county and state public health directives.
We encourage you to continue following the recommendations of health experts and help slow the spread of coronavirus in Riverside County by wearing face coverings or masks in public, physical distancing, avoiding large gatherings, and washing your hands frequently. By working together, we can slow and stop the spread of COVID-19 in our community. For more public health information, please visit rivcoph.org
Thank you for your continued support. We have amazing people making up our school district community, and we are grateful for everyone’s efforts to navigate this year and its many challenges while providing students with the best programs possible.
December 4, 2020: Updated School Opening Plan, 12.4.20
Dear Romoland School District Families,
Our Romoland School District School Opening Plan has been updated to reflect current state and county health and safety guidelines per the updated Riverside University Health System - Public Health (RUHS-PH) COVID-19 Guidance for Schools.
Please view the updated Romoland School District School Opening Plan for 2020-21 on our website here: romoland.net
October 23, 2020: Romoland Schools Update
Dear Romoland School District Families,
As we’ve shared in previous communications, our school opening process is dependent on local COVID-19 data trending in a positive direction. Due to Riverside County’s return to the purple widespread tier of the state’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy, the Romoland School District Board of Trustees voted last night to keep all schools in the virtual learning environment through Winter Break. As we enter the holiday season, there will be several scheduled breaks for students and staff throughout November and December. With these upcoming breaks in mind, the Board of Trustees will revisit the school reopening process on January 12, 2021.
Although we will continue the 2020-21 school year in the virtual learning environment at this time, please know that we are committed to returning to on-campus, in-person learning and are continuing preparations to welcome our students back to school. Our goal is to transition students and staff back to campuses safely, in a way that is smooth and successful. The health and safety of our school community remains our highest priority.
We will continue to provide updated communications on the status of returning students to in-person learning when they can be most definitive for families rather than cause more uncertainty.
We all want students to return to school, while also ensuring the safety of our students, staff, and community. Please continue to follow the recommendations of health experts and wear a mask in public, keep physical distancing, and wash your hands frequently. Together, we can make a difference and get our students back to school safely.
We appreciate your continued support.
October 16, 2020: Updated School Opening Plan
Our School Opening Plan has been updated to reflect current state and county health and safety guidelines.
Please view the updated Romoland School District School Opening Plan for 2020-21 on our website here: romoland.net
October 14, 2020: School Opening Update
On Tuesday, October 13, 2020, the state released its weekly update of COVID-19 statistics for Riverside County. Unfortunately, the metrics used by the state are not trending in a positive direction for our county. Riverside County has experienced increases in the adjusted case rate metric, which has gone from 6.7 to 9.2 over the last two weeks. Under the state guidelines, these increases qualify the county to move back into the most restrictive purple tier (widespread) within the California Blueprint for a Safer Economy. Additionally, the positivity rate in our county has increased from 4.8% to 5.9% over that same time period. Riverside County Public Health has asked for and received permission from the state to delay moving back into the widespread purple tier for one week in an effort to improve the metrics mentioned above.
As stated in our September 24, 2020 communication, our tentative timeline to open schools for on-campus, in-person instruction is dependent on local COVID-19 data trending in a positive direction. As Riverside County is not experiencing a positive trend at this time, we cannot provide a specific timeline for the opening of schools.
Due to the two-week escalation in COVID-19 data for Riverside County, Romoland School District will be waiting for next week’s data release by the state to determine the next steps in our school opening plans. While we carefully monitor local COVID-19 trends, we are continuing our large-scale preparations to ensure our schools are ready to welcome students and staff back for in-person instruction. It is our plan to provide updated information to our school community on Friday, October 23, 2020.
We all want students to return to school, while also ensuring the safety of our students, staff, and community. Please continue to follow the recommendations of health experts and wear a mask, keep physical distancing, avoid large gatherings, and wash your hands frequently. Together, we can make a difference and get our kids back to school.
Thank you for your continued support as we continue to navigate this school year with the health and safety of our students and staff at the forefront of our efforts.
September 25, 2020: Updated School Opening Plan
Yesterday, we sent families an update regarding the phased opening of Romoland School District schools. As we transition into the phased opening of schools in this COVID-19 environment, we encourage families to review our District’s most current, updated information about health and safety protocols in the Romoland School District School Opening Plan for 2020-21.
Our District’s opening plan aims to define clear guidance for the opening of schools that align with the regulations developed in collaboration with our state and local health officials. This plan has been updated to reflect the most recent guidance from the California Department of Health. Please be advised that this document is fluid and is subject to change based on updated state and county mandates and/or local public health conditions.
Please view the updated school opening plan on our website here: romoland.net
September 24, 2020: Phased Opening
On August 28, Governor Newsom launched a new four-tiered system to track COVID-19 progress by county known as the California Blueprint for a Safer Economy. This week, Riverside County transitioned from the purple “widespread” tier to the red “substantial” tier. If Riverside County continues to stay within the red tier then schools in the county may be eligible to open as early as October 6, 2020. This is an update of Romoland School District’s progress on the gradual repopulation of our schools through multiple phases which was reviewed by the Board of Trustees at this week’s Board meeting.
In addition to the new four-tiered system, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) recently provided guidance for small group, in-person, cohort instruction while schools remain closed. In-person 1:1 assessment services for students began September 14, 2020 for the purpose of determining eligibility for special education and/or related services. The Early Childhood Education program also began conducting 1:1 in-person assessments. The District’s School Opening and Instructional Planning Committee is establishing additional criteria to gradually add on-campus, in-person services for small groups of students with acute learning needs throughout October.
If Riverside County COVID-19 data continues to trend in a positive direction over the next month, then the gradual repopulation of schools will continue to increase. In early November we are tentatively scheduled to begin the process of opening our campuses in the hybrid model to students enrolled in both the hybrid and traditional instructional model. Students and families that selected either of these models would return in a hybrid format that may be phased in throughout the month of November and is anticipated to last until at least Winter Break. The last phase would be adding the full-time, in-person return for students enrolled in the traditional instructional model. Our District School Opening and Instructional Planning Committee will continue to evaluate potential dates and schedules to gradually repopulate our schools in accordance with local and state health guidelines and COVID-19 trends.
Since the onset of this pandemic, we have been operating in an ever-changing landscape in which guidelines and timelines evolve. The tentative timeline described above has been informed by both Riverside County COVID-19 data and the California Blueprint for a Safer Economy. Our District will continue to work with the guidance of the California Department of Public Health, Riverside County Public Health, and Riverside County Office of Education toward a smooth transition to in-person instruction. Please be advised that potential changes in case data may lead to a slowdown in the reopening timeline in order to protect the health and safety of our students and staff.
Thank you for your patience and flexibility as we continue to navigate this school year with the health and safety of our students and staff at the forefront of our efforts.
July 30, 2020: Aeries Student Information System Update
Romoland School District has switched to a new student information system. The new parent/guardian portal, Aeries, will be available to families starting tomorrow, Friday, July 31. This new portal replaces the Illuminate Home Connection Parent Portal.
On Friday, emails will be sent to parents/guardians who have an email address on file with the school. This email notification will provide directions for logging into the new portal on a computer or mobile device. The Aeries portal is a secure web-based application that provides parents and guardians with access to student information, including schedules, attendance, and grades. It is also a place to complete the annual information update and to provide contact information changes during the school year.
Please note that student schedules will not be visible in the portal until they are posted by the schools early next week.
July 29, 2020: Parent/Guardian Tips for Virtual Learning Environments
Yesterday, we shared information regarding virtual learning standards for the 2020-21 school year. As we prepare to start school in the virtual instructional model, students, teachers, and families are adapting to remote learning environments.
Supporting learning and keeping a sense of normalcy and routine is important for students as they begin instruction in the virtual classroom. Virtual learning, just like classroom learning, is goal-oriented.
To help all of us make the best of the new virtual learning environment, we have developed a list of Parent/Guardian Tips for the Virtual Learning Environment to prepare for some of the more practical aspects of learning from home.
View these tips in English and Spanish on our website here: romoland.net
July 28, 2020: Virtual Learning Standards
School starts next week on Thursday, August 6th in a virtual instructional model for all students. Virtual instruction for students this fall will look significantly different from the remote learning options that were offered last spring during emergency school closures.
California Senate Bill 98 outlines the requirements for remote instruction for the 2020-21 school year. This new legislation allows districts to participate in virtual learning with additional levels of accountability that ensure students receive a rigorous virtual education experience. We expect students to enjoy the same high quality of education in the virtual classroom that they would receive in the traditional in-person learning environment.
View the Virtual Learning Standards on our website here: romoland.net
July 24, 2020: Student Technology Update for 2020-21 School Year
Take-home student devices will be issued to all RSD students for the 2020-21 school year to support students as they begin instruction in the virtual learning environment.
Device checkouts will be held at each school site Monday, August 3rd through Wednesday, August 5th. During this time, schools will also be providing additional instructional materials such as workbooks and textbooks. Detailed distribution schedules will be shared with families by their school site next week.
We encourage all students to use the district provided technology devices in order to minimize technical issues that may occur during the school year.
Returning elementary students and incoming 6th grade students with devices currently checked out are urged to return them to their school as soon as possible so that they may be prepared for the upcoming school year. Elementary students will be receiving a device assigned to their grade level, and 6th graders will be issued a new Chromebook which they will keep throughout their three years at Ethan A. Chase Middle School.
July 23, 2020: Nutrition Services Update for the 2020-21 School Year
The Romoland School District Nutrition Services team is committed to providing nourishing school meals and snacks to our students in order to support student academic success and promote healthful eating habits.
In support of all students beginning the academic year in the Virtual Instructional Model, our meal service plan will consist of four school sites serving as meal distribution locations for families. Families will receive meals via curbside pickup in order to minimize contact. It is preferred that students collect meals from their assigned school to expedite the serving process, however families can pick up meals from any of our service locations.
Currently our schools sites are able to serve all four daily meals together and parents/guardians are permitted to pick up their students’ meals for them.
To assist families we have created a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding meal services below:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Which school sites will be serving meals?
- Romoland Elementary, Harvest Valley Elementary, Mesa View Elementary and Boulder Ridge Elementary.
- Middle school students can pick up meals at any of the four elementary sites.
- How will families receive their meals?
- Families will receive meals via curbside pick up at any of our four (4) meal distribution sites.
- Student ID or pin is needed. If families don’t have their student’s information available, our Nutrition Services staff can look it up.
- How do I figure out my student’s PIN/ID?
- Nutrition Services staff will provide cards with student ID/PIN information to families during the first few days of meal service.
- Elementary students will need to retrieve cards from their assigned school site. Middle school students are able to retrieve their cards from any elementary school site.
- Information may also be provided during the enrollment process.
- How many meals will be offered each day?
- Four (4) meals will be available for students each day including: Breakfast, Lunch, Snack, and Supper.
- When will meals be offered?
- Meals will be offered to all students Monday through Friday, from 12pm to 2pm.
- Hours are subject to change based on instructional needs/schedule.
- Do students need to be present for meal pick up?
- Students do not need to be present for families to receive meals.
- Parents/guardians can pick up meals for their students using their student ID or pin.
- How will RSD parents/guardians be informed about meal service updates and information?
- Families will be notified of meal service information via the following communication channels:
- Peachjar Flyers
- School and District websites
- Social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)
- Emails, Phone Calls, and Text messages
- Why are we serving at only four sites?
- Serving at only four (4) school sites helps to minimize physical interaction between the staff and public.
- Strategic use of sites creates a more streamlined production and services approach, as well as maximizes services efforts for our district families.
- Will staff have personal protective equipment (PPE)?
- Yes, staff will take the following health and safety precautions while serving meals:
- Mask and gloves will be worn
- Cleaning protocols are in place and will be followed
- Physical distancing will be enforced
- Markers will be in place for students and parents/guardians to limit physical contact with staff.
- Do families still need to submit free and reduced-price meal applications?
- Yes, it is imperative families prioritize completing their free and reduced price meal applications to ensure that all eligible families receive these benefits.
- Applications must be submitted annually.
- Identifying eligible students with these applications allows us to continue to offer programs to all students through the support of state funds.
- With recent events, many of our families may qualify for free or reduced meals; the application helps them qualify for meals as well as other programs that may be available such as Pandemic-EBT (PEBT).
- What will the cost of meals be for families?
- Breakfast, snack, and supper meals are provided free of charge to all students.
- Lunch is provided free of charge to students who are eligible for the free or reduced-price meal program.
- Students who do not qualify for free meals will only need to pay for lunch meals. Lunch meals will cost $2.75 per student.
July 20, 2020: School Opening Update
We are currently in the process of switching to the Aeries student information system along with several other school districts in Riverside County. This transition began last summer as a result of our previous system getting discontinued. During this time, access to the Illuminate Home Connection Parent Portal will not be available. Families registering brand new students may do so using the instructions on our website, however currently enrolled students will have to wait a bit longer before information updates can be completed. We will be sending information to families on how to access the new student portal in the coming days.
Our school offices are now open for inquiries and to assist families with returning student devices. We strongly encourage families to call their school site for information before visiting the school site in person in order to limit physical contact.
All students will start school on Thursday, August 6, 2020 in a virtual instructional model.
Take-home student devices will be issued to all students for the 2020-21 school year. Families can expect to receive information regarding device distribution schedules closer to the first day of school. If your elementary student currently has a device checked out we urge you to return it to the school as soon as possible so that we can prep it for next year. Elementary students will not receive the same device for the upcoming school year.
Meal services will be available for all RSD students beginning August 6th. Four (4) meals will be provided for students each day during the virtual start to the school year including: breakfast, lunch, snack, and dinner. Meal service schedules and location information will be made available to families soon.
We will be communicating more information and details with families via email and our district website as plans are finalized.
July 17, 2020: Important School Opening Update
On July 17, 2020, Governor Newsom announced that all public and private schools may not provide in-person instruction if they are located in a county that is on the state’s monitoring list. Riverside County is currently on the California Department of Public Health’s monitoring list for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) following a surge in new cases and hospitalizations related to the disease.
Although we have been preparing for three instructional models, the health and safety of our school community is not something we can compromise. In accordance with the state’s updated criteria, Romoland School District will be starting the 2020-21 school year with all students receiving virtual instruction.
As a result, families who have selected the traditional or hybrid instructional models will begin the school year in a virtual instructional model. In the virtual instructional model, students will participate in a rigorous instructional program that will include daily interaction with their teachers and peers. It is our goal to honor families’ instructional model preferences to the extent possible, and we intend to have students return to an in-person learning environment as soon as public health conditions allow.
We understand many of our families may have questions in light of this update. Additional information will be shared with families in the coming days. Please be assured that we are working diligently to balance the learning needs of students, the impact the virus is having on families, and the health and safety of all in our school community. We remain committed to providing the high quality of education our students deserve.
We will continue to provide updates to our community as we receive new information from our state and local health partners.
Thank you for your continued patience, support, and understanding as we move forward with the 2020-21 school year.
Trevor Painton, Superintendent
July 6, 2020: Instructional Model 2020-21 Selection Form
Last week we sent you information about Romoland School District’s three (3) instructional models for the upcoming 2020-2021 school year. The models offered are: traditional, hybrid, and virtual. Staffing and master schedules are driven by student enrollment, therefore, we need parents/guardians to select the preferred instructional model for your student. Please take a moment to review the instructional model descriptions provided below.
To assist you in making an instructional model selection, we have multiple resources available:
- A video with information about our school opening plan and the instructional models.
- Instructional model descriptions along with the most current, updated information about health and safety protocols available on our webpage.
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the reopening schools in this COVID-19 environment.
Please note that the instructional models, health protocols, and timelines are subject to change based on updated state and county mandates and/or local public health conditions.
The form to select the preferred model for your student is available in the Illuminate Home Connection Parent Portal July 1 - 15, 2020. If you do not select a preferred model for your student then the student will be scheduled by default in the traditional full-time, on-campus model. Below is a tentative timeline:
July 1-15, 2020 |
Instructional Model selection form available in the Illuminate Parent Portal |
July 20, 2020 |
School offices open |
July 24, 2020 |
Parents/Guardians receive confirmation of selected Instructional Model |
August 3, 2020 |
Student class/teacher schedules posted in Parent Portal |
August 6, 2020 |
First Day of School |
Please note that the instructional models, health protocols, and timelines are subject to change based on updated state and county mandates and/or local public health conditions.
Please carefully review the model descriptions below before making your selection in the Illuminate Parent Portal. After initial model selection, requests for changes to the instructional model will be based on space availability.
You will need to complete one form per student.
- Traditional Model: A traditional model will consist of in-person, on-campus instruction five (5) days a week on a full day schedule (modified schedule on Wednesdays). The traditional model for 2020-2021 will look different from past school years due to health and safety protocols, with modifications to campus access, lunch, recess, and other campus activities. There will be a regular class size with classrooms set up for physical distancing with desks spaced out to the maximum extent possible and arranged in a way that minimizes face-to-face contact. Attendance will be taken each day. Assessments and grading will be part of this instructional model. Student technology devices will be available. On-campus meal service will be available.
- Hybrid Model: A hybrid model will combine on-campus instruction and personalized virtual learning at home. In the hybrid model, students will attend in-person, on-campus instruction two (2) days a week on a modified day schedule. The modified day for hybrid will include an on-campus schedule with a different start and end time than the traditional schedule; this will provide schoolwide staggered start and release times. Class sizes will be smaller for the on-campus days, because half of the class will attend each day with classrooms set up for physical distancing with desks spaced out to the maximum extent possible and arranged in a way that minimizes face-to-face contact. There will be virtual (online) learning three (3) days a week. Attendance will be taken each day, and there will be daily access to the teacher, on-campus or virtual. Assessments and grading will be part of this instructional model. Student technology devices will be available for use at school and home. On-campus meal service will be available for on-campus days, and drive-through meal service will be available for virtual days.
- Virtual Model: A virtual model will provide instruction, personalized learning assignments, and support in an online format five (5) days a week on a full day schedule (modified schedule on Wednesdays). Teachers will provide live virtual instruction in whole group and small group formats. They will also provide virtual office hours. Attendance will be taken each day, and there will be daily virtual access to the teacher. Assessments and grading will be part of this instructional model. Student technology devices will be available for use at home. Drive-through meal service will be available.
July 2, 2020: Instructional Model 2020-21 Selection Form
Yesterday you received information about selecting one of Romoland School District’s three (3) instructional models for the upcoming 2020-2021 school year. The models offered are: traditional, hybrid, and virtual.
The form to select the preferred model for your student is available in the Illuminate Home Connection Parent Portal July 1 - 15, 2020. If you do not select a preferred model for your student then the student will be scheduled by default in the traditional full-time, on-campus model. After initial model selection, requests for changes to the instructional model will be based on space availability.
To assist you in making an instructional model selection, we have multiple resources available:
- A NEW video with information about our school opening plan and the instructional models.
- Instructional model descriptions along with the most current, updated information about health and safety protocols available on our webpage.
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the reopening schools in this COVID-19 environment.
Please note that the instructional models, health protocols, and timelines are subject to change based on updated state and county mandates and/or local public health conditions.
The Romoland School District office is closed on Friday, July 3rd in observance of Independence Day. Our office will reopen on Monday, July 6th. We wish you a happy 4th of July weekend!
July 1, 2020: Instructional Model 2020-21 Selection Form
Over the past week we have sent you information about Romoland School District’s three (3) instructional models for the upcoming 2020-2021 school year. The models offered are: traditional, hybrid, and virtual. Staffing and master schedules are driven by student enrollment, therefore, we need parents/guardians to select the preferred instructional model for your student. Please take a moment to review the instructional model descriptions provided below along with the most current, updated information about health and safety protocols available on our webpage www.romoland.net
Please also review our collection of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the reopening schools in this COVID-19 environment here: romoland.net
Please be advised that information is constantly changing as our local, state, and federal agencies develop policies and regulations regarding reopening. We will update the FAQs on our website as the situation evolves.
The form to select the preferred model for your student is available in the Illuminate Home Connection Parent Portal July 1 - 15, 2020. If you do not select a preferred model for your student then the student will be scheduled by default in the traditional full-time, on-campus model. Below is a tentative timeline:
July 1-15, 2020 |
Instructional Model selection form available in the Illuminate Parent Portal |
July 20, 2020 |
School offices open |
July 24, 2020 |
Parents/Guardians receive confirmation of selected Instructional Model |
August 3, 2020 |
Student class/teacher schedules posted in Parent Portal |
August 6, 2020 |
First Day of School |
Please note that the instructional models, health protocols, and timelines are subject to change based on updated state and county mandates and/or local public health conditions.
Please carefully review the model descriptions below before making your selection in the Illuminate Parent Portal. After initial model selection, requests for changes to the instructional model will be based on space availability.
You will need to complete one form per student.
- Traditional Model: A traditional model will consist of in-person, on-campus instruction five (5) days a week on a full day schedule (modified schedule on Wednesdays). The traditional model for 2020-2021 will look different from past school years due to health and safety protocols, with modifications to campus access, lunch, recess, and other campus activities. There will be a regular class size with classrooms set up for physical distancing with desks spaced out to the maximum extent possible and arranged in a way that minimizes face-to-face contact. Attendance will be taken each day. Assessments and grading will be part of this instructional model. Student technology devices will be available. On-campus meal service will be available.
- Hybrid Model: A hybrid model will combine on-campus instruction and personalized virtual learning at home. In the hybrid model, students will attend in-person, on-campus instruction two (2) days a week on a modified day schedule. The modified day for hybrid will include an on-campus schedule with a different start and end time than the traditional schedule; this will provide schoolwide staggered start and release times. Class sizes will be smaller for the on-campus days, because half of the class will attend each day with classrooms set up for physical distancing with desks spaced out to the maximum extent possible and arranged in a way that minimizes face-to-face contact. There will be virtual (online) learning three (3) days a week. Attendance will be taken each day, and there will be daily access to the teacher, on-campus or virtual. Assessments and grading will be part of this instructional model. Student technology devices will be available for use at school and home. On-campus meal service will be available for on-campus days, and drive-through meal service will be available for virtual days.
- Virtual Model: A virtual model will provide instruction, personalized learning assignments, and support in an online format five (5) days a week on a full day schedule (modified schedule on Wednesdays). Teachers will provide live virtual instruction in whole group and small group formats. They will also provide virtual office hours. Attendance will be taken each day, and there will be daily virtual access to the teacher. Assessments and grading will be part of this instructional model. Student technology devices will be available for use at home. Drive-through meal service will be available.
June 24, 2020: Instructional Model Options for 2020-21
Last month, we issued surveys for parents/guardians to provide feedback on your preferred instructional model for the 2020-21 school year. Over 1,300 responses were received. The surveys told us the majority of families want a return to a traditional on-campus instructional model of five days per week. However, there was also great interest in both hybrid and virtual instructional models.
We do not yet have definitive answers to what conditions the 2020-21 school year will bring as it relates to ever-changing mandates, requirements, and public health orders. Guidance documents have emerged from various organizations, and multiple district committees have made plans for the reopening of the 2020-21 school year. What we are certain of is that planning for public education amid a pandemic must be flexible and must maximize parental/guardian choice to the greatest extent possible.
We plan to begin the 2020-21 school year on August 6, 2020. We understand that many parents/guardians are rightfully concerned about health considerations for their children and family. Therefore, to meet the needs of all stakeholders, we feel it is important to be prepared to provide three instructional models:
- Traditional: 5 days a week in-person, on campus instruction
- Hybrid: 2 days a week in-person, on campus instruction and 3 days a week virtual instruction and personalized assignments at home
- Virtual: 5 days a week virtual instruction and personalized assignments at home
Meeting our students’ needs and providing families a choice of learning options is only possible because of the professionalism, flexibility, and dedication of Romoland School District staff who have repeatedly shown their commitment to student learning. We know that no matter what model a family chooses, staff will continue to provide a high quality education for each and every student.
On July 1, 2020 you will receive access to a form to select one of the models for your student(s) for the 2020-21 school year. The window for parents/guardians to complete the form will be July 1-15, 2020.
Attached are descriptions of the three instructional models, as well as health and safety information for the reopening of schools for the 2020-21 school year. For more detailed information please visit the District website: romoland.net
Please note: Pending student enrollments must be completed by Friday, June 26, 2020 in order to choose your preferred instructional model for the upcoming 2020-21 school year. We strongly encourage families to complete your student’s new student registration and/or returning student annual verification in the Illuminate Home Connect Portal.
June 22, 2020: Important Student Registration Update
Dear Romoland School District Families,
The Romoland School District Office is now open Monday through Friday from 7AM to 4PM in order to best serve our community as we prepare for the upcoming school year. Our district office is located at 25900 Leon Road, Homeland, CA 92548.
We are currently solidifying our school reopening plans, and you can expect information soon regarding the instructional model options for the reopening of the 2020-21 school year. It will be important for families to have completed their student’s registration process, including pending registrations and attachment of required documents, in order to select an instructional model option.
We strongly encourage families to complete your student’s new student registration and/or returning student annual verification in the Illuminate Home Connect Portal by this Friday, June 26, 2020. For more information, please visit our Registration webpage here: romoland.net
For questions and assistance with your registration and transfer needs, please contact our Pupil Services Secretary, Irena Barrera (951) 926-9244, extension 1253 or email at ibarrera@romoland.net
June 11, 2020: School Reopening Update #1
We thank you for your patience and understanding during these unprecedented times. We have finished the 2019-20 school year and are actively engaged in planning for the 2020-21 school year. Our path to reopening schools in Romoland School District is driven by our mission to serve, challenge, and inspire all students to achieve academic excellence, build character, and pursue lifelong learning. This is balanced with our focus on the community’s health and safety, as well as guidance from state and local agencies.
Over the past few weeks, surveys were sent to parents/guardians and staff to guide us in developing learning model plans for the 2020-21 school year with consideration of the following models:
- Traditional model: full-time in school learning
- Hybrid model: part-time in school learning and part-time distance learning
- Distance Learning model: full-time distance learning
Thank you to all who completed our surveys and provided feedback. The results show that a majority of parents/guardians and staff prefer a return to a traditional model with full-time in school learning. Additionally, a portion of families want the option of hybrid or full-time distance learning for 2020-21.
We will be solidifying our school reopening plan this month, and we will provide detailed information about the plan and learning model options on July 1, 2020. At this time, please know that our plan for school reopening will include the choice of a full-time distance learning option for families who want that model for their student(s). The remaining two model options will be clarified in our July 1, 2020 update.
Health and safety guidelines continue to evolve, and Romoland School District will continue to monitor guidelines, adjust, and communicate updates throughout the summer. Please be assured, we are steadfast in our commitment to student learning and our partnership with you.
June 4, 2020: End of the Year Update
Today, June 4, 2020, marks the official end of the 2019-2020 school year! As we close out the school year and head into the summer, we’d like to thank all of our students, families, and staff for everything they have done during this uncertain and challenging time. We had a lot to learn as we transitioned to remote learning and finding new ways to serve our students while schools were closed. We appreciate the continued understanding, cooperation, and flexibility our community has shown.
Please continue to stay connected with us to receive updates throughout the summer as we receive more guidance from our state and local public health officials. We are committed to providing our families, staff, and community members with updates and information for the 2020-21 school year as more details become available. As plans and decisions are being made, we will adhere to the best health and safety practices for our school district community.
Families that have signed up their students for the Summer Learning Program will receive program information via the email address they provided on the online registration form. Information will be emailed early next week and the program will begin on June 15th.
Our annual Summer Meals program will begin on June 8th. Free breakfast and lunch meals for ALL children 18 years and younger will be served Monday through Friday, from 10:30AM to 12:30PM, at Romoland Elementary School and Ethan A. Chase Middle School.
While this summer may look different than previous years, we hope our community will be able to take some moments to rest, enjoy some time with loved ones, and explore hobbies and interests. Thank you to everyone for your support and perseverance over the last few months of this school year. We look forward to seeing you again soon!
May 29, 2020: End of School Year Update
As the 2019-2020 school year comes to a close, we have a few important updates to share with you.
Thursday, June 4th, 2020 marks the official end of the current school year. Families can expect students' report cards to arrive in the mail over the next two weeks. Families that have signed up their students for the Summer Learning Program will receive program information soon via the email address you provided on the online registration form.
Grade level student work packets from weeks 4 through 9 are still available for families that would like student learning materials for summer. Though the school year is coming to an end, the packets could help students to practice and maintain their academic skills throughout summer time. The packets will be available this Monday, June 1, from 8AM–4PM at the district office located at 25900 Leon Road in Homeland. This will be the last Monday of packet distribution. All learning enrichment opportunities will remain on our website here: romoland.net
Our annual Summer Meals program will begin on June 8th. Free breakfast and lunch meals for ALL children 18 years and younger will be served Monday through Friday, from 10:30AM to 12:30PM, at Romoland Elementary School and Ethan A. Chase Middle School.
The California Department of Social Services is supporting Parents Anonymous in the launch of the new California Parent and Youth Helpline. The California Parent and Youth Helpline provides support and resource referrals to parent/guardians and youth during the current COVID-19 pandemic, 7-days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Call or text 1-855-4APARENT (855-427-2736) for services in English, Spanish and other languages. For more information, please visit: https://caparentyouthhelpline.org/
Additional community-based resources can be found on our Community Resources webpage here: romoland.net
Lastly, if you have not yet participated in the Romoland School District School Options for 2020-21 Survey, please click here to take the survey. The response window closes on the evening of Sunday, May 31.
We are so proud of our students, families and staff for how we have not only persevered but excelled throughout the unexpected school closure. We appreciate your continued support and understanding as we develop plans for the upcoming 2020-21 school year.
May 22, 2020: 2020-21 School Year, Parent/Guardian Survey
During his daily updates, Governor Newsom has made a practice of talking to the public about concepts and ideas for reopening schools. As you know this is a fluid situation statewide, and news and guidance may change from one day to the next. Decisions to change school formats and schedules are not made in haste. These decisions are made with many local considerations such as teacher and parent/guardian input, student health and safety, staffing requirements, budget considerations, and state educational mandates.
Health officials have reiterated that COVID-19 is not going away anytime soon, and we are developing several models of learning that are adaptable and adhere to best health and safety practices. The different models include traditional full-time in-school instruction, hybrid instruction that includes a combination of in-school instruction and distance learning, and full-time distance learning from home. As more guidance is provided to districts across California, we are committed to providing specific information on what the reopening of schools will look like in August.
We know how important your student’s education is to you. We are also aware of the impact their academic schedules may have on your family. Therefore, we are requesting your participation in a survey regarding your interest in the possible models of learning described above. This survey will provide our district with information to help us plan for the upcoming 2020-21 school year.
Please complete the survey by clicking this link. Please be assured, we are steadfast in our commitment to student learning and our partnership with you, our parents/guardians. We would appreciate your feedback by Sunday, May 31, 2020.
May 18, 2020: Summer Learning Program
Romoland School District offers a summer learning program annually. Our summer learning program is an opportunity for students to continue their learning beyond the school year. This year due to current school closure orders because of COVID-19, summer learning will be offered as a distance learning online program only. There will be NO on-campus check-in days. Enrollment is optional and is open to students in all current grades (2019-20 school year), TK through 7. The RISE program extended school year is available for all students currently in our RISE program per their IEP services.
The summer learning program dates will be June 15-July 10, 2020 (19 days total, no school on July 3). The student work day will be approximately 1-2 hours of daily flexible time to complete online assignments. There will be an expectation for the student to do an online check-in with the teacher a minimum of twice per week during teacher office hours offered daily via Google Meet. There will be a focus on reading literacy tasks that are fun and engaging. Students in the RISE program extended school year (ESY) will focus on IEP goal engagement. Teachers will use District instructional technology tools and curriculum, such as: Google Classroom, Google Meet, iReady, NewsELA, BrainPop, Wonders/StudySync, and Unique (RISE).
If you are interested in registering your student in this optional summer learning program, please complete the online registration form linked here. You can also access this form link on our district and school websites. Complete one form per student. Please know that space is limited and spaces may fill up quickly, so please complete the online registration right away if you are interested in this opportunity for your student. The online registration form closes on Friday, May 29, 2020.
May 8, 2020:
We first want to say that we miss our RSD families and hope you are all doing well!
Thank you so much for your patience and understanding as we have been adjusting, like you, to the drastic changes in life during the last few weeks. The purpose of this message is to share the plan to close out the current school year.
Each school has developed plans for the collection of student chromebooks, textbooks, library books, and instruments to begin at the end of May. At that time, students will be able to pick up their belongings that were left in classrooms and lockers. More details will be provided by your child’s school in the coming weeks.
With the end of the school year approaching, we will stop checking out Chromebooks to students after Monday, May 11 (all appointments made through May 8 will be honored). Families with a district-provided Chromebook can still obtain technical assistance by calling (951) 926-2891, Monday–Friday, between the hours of 8:00AM – 4:00PM. District support staff will work with families to resolve technology problems over the phone and make arrangements for repair if needed.
Yearbook distribution is also planned for the end of May. However, yearbooks may be delayed until summer, because yearbook companies have had their business operations put on hold due to COVID-19. Thus, yearbooks may possibly not arrive at school sites before the end of the school year. Your child’s school will keep you updated about yearbook distribution.
Lastly, to honor our 5th and 8th grade students who will be promoting to new schools, we will be giving “Congratulations Class of 2020” yard signs to each 5th and 8th grade student. The signs will be ready for distribution mid-May, and information about sign distribution will be provided by schools to 5th and 8th grade families next week. Additionally, Ethan A. Chase Middle School will be providing information about a virtual promotion ceremony in honor of 8th grade students.
We remain extremely appreciative of our community for your positivity, flexibility, and resilience during these challenging times. We continue to strive to keep the lines of communication open with you as this school year comes to a close and we prepare for the 2020-21 school year.
May 3, 2020:
Dear RSD Families,
You may have heard in Governor Newsom's press conference earlier this week that he wanted to explore the possibility of schools opening up in late July. As you know, California is a large state with regional differences related to the impact of COVID-19. At this point, any decision on the opening of schools beyond this academic year is a local decision.
That being said, schools across the state and country are coming to the realization that there may be a new normal for how schools operate when we do resume. We do not have a lot of information on what the fall of 2020-21 may look like at this point due to the difficulty of projecting COVID-19's impact that far in advance in Riverside County.
While we understand the desire for answers to some of the questions we all have, it is difficult to provide definitive answers in such a fluid situation. We appreciate everyone's patience as we work over the next several weeks to develop a "flexible" approach that can be adjusted should we receive updated guidance/orders that would necessitate a change. You can expect to receive information in the following prioritized order over the next several weeks:
- Bringing the 2019-20 school year to a successful close
- Potential summer learning options
- Beginning of 2020-21 school year under the following potential scenarios
* School closure orders are still in place
* School opening with certain restrictions
* School opening with no restrictions and we resume normal operations
Thank you for your patience as we continue to navigate this unprecedented situation.
We hope you are all doing well and taking care of yourselves and family members.
April 29, 2020:
This unprecedented time of COVID-19 has presented challenges for all of us, and we recognize that supporting your children in their continued learning in the midst of this crisis has been no small feat. We are amazed by the resilience and resolve that all of you—the families of our 4,000+ students—have shown as we transitioned to distance learning. We are grateful for all that you are doing to support the success of your children as we finish the 2019-2020 school year.
We are currently in week 6 of school closures, and we understand the difficulties many members of our community are facing during this uncertain time. We invite you to visit a directory of resources available in Riverside County on our District website here: romoland.net/CommunityResources. The Community Resources webpage includes information about: food access, mental health, child care, and more.
Resources on this webpage are updated regularly with information, including a Riverside County food access map, in which you can type in your address to find locations near you providing food and meals during this time of COVID-19.
For people who are experiencing high stress due to emotional challenges presented by the virus, Riverside County residents (age 16 and older) have free access to live support via text chat from peer support specialists and counselors through a new computer and smartphone app called TakeMyHand.co. The app uses a chat format to connect individuals with specialists who are trained to interact with people expressing concerns about difficult feelings and behaviors. A comprehensive list of Riverside County wellness and recovery resources is also available on the site, which is confidential and does not require a login, username, or password.
Childcare resources have also been added to the Community Resources webpage. There is information about childcare for essential workers. Also, Riverside County Office of Education has an online referral system for childcare.
Our Community Resources webpage also includes information and services that can be found with 2-1-1 Community Connect. Community Connect can assist families through the vast array of services available throughout Riverside County. Call 2-1-1 to be connected with a call specialist, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week that can help you obtain resources including housing assistance, utility assistance, transportation, veteran services, community service, professional development, and more.
We hope this information proves useful to you and your family. We miss our RSD families and hope you are all staying healthy and safe.
For more public health information, please visit www.rivcoph.org/coronavirus.
April 20, 2020:
As we enter week 5 of school closures, we’d like to thank you for your support throughout this ongoing health crisis. We hope you are all staying healthy and safe.
The window for new student online registration and returning student annual verification for the 2020-21 school year is now open! All new and returning students must utilize the Home Connect Portal to register and/or update existing student information. Please make sure to upload supporting documents, including address verification, into the Portal. The Student Registration web page can be located via the Parents tab on your school website or linked here: romoland.net
The Romoland Early Childhood Education Program is also currently enrolling for the 2020-2021 school year. Learn more about available ECE programs and view online applications on our website here: romoland.net
Grade level student work packets for weeks 3-6 are available on our website here: romoland.net. Printed packets are available for pick up at the District Office on Mondays from 8:00AM – 4:00PM. All distance learning enrichment activities completed during school closures from now through the end of the school year will increase a student’s grade and will not reduce it. All students have the opportunity to raise their grades through receiving credit for work completed; there will be no evaluative grading of student work. Additional learning enrichment resources, including Special Education resources, are available on our website here: romoland.net.
Families with a district-provided Chromebook can obtain technical assistance by calling (951) 926-2891, Monday–Friday, between the hours of 8:00AM – 4:00PM. District support staff will work with families to resolve technology problems over the phone and make arrangements for repair if needed.
Our district is committed to supporting our students and families during school closures. Please visit our Community Resources webpage (linked here) to view a directory of local services in Riverside County that are available to all of our families. It includes Mental Health resources available for students and families.
We will continue to provide updates to our community as information becomes available. We appreciate your continued support and understanding during this unprecedented time. Please continue to follow the guidance from RUHS-Public Health, “Stay in Place, Maintain Your Space, and Cover Your Face.” For more public health information, visit www.rivcoph.org/coronavirus.
April 10, 2020: Student Grades During School Closures
Romoland School District is providing distance learning through flexible, learning enrichment options in support of the varying needs of students and families. This has multiple, flexible formats: online learning, offline learning, or a combination of both. All of our schools have taken steps to support student learning at home through the use of web-based educational tools and programs. In addition, the District has weekly grade level packets available online (printed packets are available for pick up at the District Office on Mondays).
Teachers have been asked to provide students with support and feedback throughout this time of school closure. Teachers may support student learning with the use of digital tools we currently have in our schools, such as Google Classroom or Class Dojo. Additionally, teachers have been asked to be responsive to email and inquiries from students and parents/guardians intermittently throughout the time of a regular school day.
At this time for all students in grade levels TK-8 current grades will be based on all school work completed through Trimester 2 and the first seven days of Trimester 3 through March 13, 2020. (School closures began on March 16, 2020.) All distance learning enrichment activities completed during school closures from now through the end of the school year will increase a student’s grade and will not reduce it. All students have the opportunity to raise their grades through receiving credit for work completed; there will be no evaluative grading of student work.
Guidance from the State Superintendent includes holding students harmless, meaning that a student’s final grade cannot be less than it was when school closed even if the student does not participate in the education program offered during the closure. In the event a student was not passing a class as of March 13, 2020, every opportunity to earn a passing grade will be provided. Some students may have family/child care or other responsibilities given the hardship caused by this pandemic and may be unable to participate in the education program. If a student does participate in the education program a student can improve their grade.
Progress reports will be sent to parents/guardians via mail or Illuminate Parent Portal in late April and report cards in mid-June.
For answers to commonly asked questions about distance learning enrichment opportunities and grading, please visit our website here: romoland.net
April 2, 2020: Message from the Superintendent
Romoland School District Community,
On the evening of April 1, 2020 Riverside County Public Health Officer, Dr. Kaiser, extended the school closure order to June 19, 2020 for all Riverside County schools. This news saddens me for our students, families, staff...our community. Yet, as we know, the health of our community is the priority at this time.
I have no doubt we are prepared to “meet the moment” and will persevere until this health crisis subsides. While we always knew we had great people serving in our district and residing in our school community, the last few weeks have highlighted that the strength of the Romoland School District community is its people. We have been working hard to support each other, our students, and families during the school closures and will continue to do so.
Households should have received updated information on our grab and go meals. Our outstanding Nutrition Services staff will be offering our free grab and go meals over spring break, which begins on Monday, April 6, 2020. This effort ensures that every child 18 years old or younger in our community will not go hungry over the previously scheduled break. In addition, we have altered our times so that we can now serve both breakfast and lunch at the same time from 10:30AM-12:30PM, which minimizes the trips necessary to receive both meals.
Our district and site staff will continue our commitment to provide meaningful, learning enrichment opportunities through the end of our regularly scheduled school year, which is June 4, 2020. We have provided grade level work packets, checked out Chromebooks, and provided internet hotspots to those in need. All of this was accomplished within the first three days of school closures thanks to the exceptional efforts of our Educational Services and Instructional Technology Departments. Our school site educators will continue to do an outstanding job of offering online learning opportunities and support for students as we navigate these unprecedented challenges. Please continue to check our website as the educational, social emotional, and community resources are plentiful and will continue to expand over the next several weeks.
Now that we know students will not return before the last official day of school on June 4, 2020, we will be working in the coming weeks to communicate details related to finishing out the 2019-20 school year and preparing for the start up of the 2020-21 school year. In the meantime, we encourage you to take care of your families, stay engaged in the learning opportunities provided, and follow all guidance related to public health measures that are in place.
Sincerely,
Trevor J. Painton, Superintendent
Romoland School District
April 1, 2020:
Riverside County Public Health Officer, Dr. Kaiser, has amended his original school closure order so that all Riverside County schools remain closed through June 19, 2020 in order to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
Please check our website, romoland.net, regularly for updates on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) as it relates to our schools.
If you have specific questions regarding novel coronavirus (COVID-19), please visit www.rivcoph.org/coronavirus or call 2-1-1. You can also call the CDC hotline at 1-800-CDC-INFO.
April 1, 2020:
In an effort to limit contact between members of our school community, beginning Monday, April 6, 2020 Romoland School District Nutrition Services will be changing the times of grab and go meal service. Free breakfast and lunch meals will now be served together between the hours of 10:30AM and 12:30PM at Romoland Elementary School and Ethan A. Chase Middle School.
While our schools are closed, we will continue to provide learning enrichment opportunities that meet the needs of our students and staff. Please view all available learning materials on our website here: romoland.net. We have added resources specific to grade spans: TK-2, 3-5, 6-8. Also, PBS and KVCR have partnered to provide televised lessons available online here: empirenetwork.org/education/.
Work packets will continue to be available for students in all grades, TK-8. The work packets are linked on our website here: romoland.net. We have distributed printed packets for Weeks 1-3 and will continue to have Weeks 1-3 available next Monday during our previously scheduled Spring Break. Week 4 printed packets will not be available until after Spring Break on Monday, April 13, 8:00AM-4:00PM. Per the recommendation of Riverside County Public Health, we ask that you please have face covering when coming to pick up packets, as well as practice social distancing.
For additional community resources available in Riverside County, please visit our Community Resources webpage here: romoland.net
We are so thankful to our community for your continued patience and support during this uncertain time. We care about all of our students, staff, and families very much and hope you are all safe.
March 31, 2020:
We have received notification regarding the possible extension of school closures beyond April 30th from the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Thurmond.
The notification states that “Due to the current safety concerns and needs for ongoing social distancing it currently appears that our students will not be able to return to school campuses before the end of the school year. This is in no way to suggest that school is over for the year, but rather we should put all efforts into strengthening our delivery of education through distance learning.”
We have not yet received an official order from our County Health Partners to extend our school closure date, but will update our community as soon as we receive updated communication.
During this time, Romoland School District remains committed to doing our part to help flatten the curve and maintain the safety of our students, staff, and families. We will continue to provide learning enrichment opportunities that meet the needs of our students and staff throughout the possible extended school closure.
As we work to flatten the curve, we would like to update our community that our Riverside County Public Health officials have issued new public health guidance recommending residents to cover their nose and mouth when leaving home for essential services, including doctor appointments, grocery shopping, or pharmacy visits. The recommendation specifies that face coverings do not have to be hospital grade, but do need to cover the nose and mouth. For example, bandanas, fabric masks and neck gaiters are acceptable. Fabric covers and bandanas can be washed and used again.
Please remember to continue following best public health practices to prevent the spread of COVID-19 including social distancing, frequent handwashing, and staying home. If you have specific questions regarding novel coronavirus (COVID-19), please visit www.rivcoph.org/coronavirus or call 2-1-1. You can also call the CDC hotline at 1-800-CDC-INFO.
We appreciate our community’s continued patience and support during this uncertain time.
March 27, 2020:
As we complete our second week of school closures, we hope you are all well and adjusting to new ways of teaching and learning. We’ve been so impressed with what we’ve seen and heard from students, teachers, and families this past week, and we thank you for your continued patience and understanding as we navigate this ever-changing public health crisis.
Our district is committed to supporting our students and families during school closures. Please visit our updated Community Resources webpage (linked here) to view a directory of local services in Riverside County that are available to all of our families. It includes resources for both crisis and non-crisis situations.
Week 3 student work packets for all grade levels will be available on our website beginning Monday, March 30, 2020. If you are unable to print a packet, you can pick up a printed work packet from the Romoland School District office located at 25900 Leon Road, Homeland, on Mondays from 8:00AM–4:00PM.
These optional Learning Enrichment packets are a curated selection of standards-based resources aligned to our instructional program. Your child's teacher may supplement these materials with additional resources based on your child's needs.
In addition to weekly work packets and teacher provided support, new resources will be added to our Learning Enrichment Opportunities webpage this week. Resources will include online and offline options for students and families. There will be resources for core content areas, social-emotional learning, virtual field trips, and more.
We encourage everybody to continue practicing social distancing and stay close to home. If we all work together, we can keep our community healthy and safe.
Please visit our website romoland.net, regularly for updates on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) as it relates to our schools.
If you have specific questions regarding novel coronavirus (COVID-19), please visit www.rivcoph.org/coronavirus or call 2-1-1. You can also call the CDC hotline at 1-800-CDC-INFO.
March 22, 2020:
As of right now our schools remain closed until April 30, 2020 per the orders of our Riverside County Public Health Officials.
We received clarification that district “essential functions” are exempt from Governor Newsom’s stay at home order. Essential District functions will remain in place so we can continue to support our community appropriately. The District Office will have reduced staffing and modified hours, but will remain responsive to phone calls and emails, Monday through Friday. The district office will be open for essential needs on Mondays, 7:00AM-4:00PM.
In an effort to support our students and community, we will EXTEND our free “grab & go” meal service throughout the previously scheduled Spring Break and the duration of this unprecedented situation. Nutrition Services will continue to offer FREE grab & go breakfast and lunch meals at Romoland Elementary School and Ethan A. Chase Middle School, Monday through Friday until April 30, 2020. Meals are for any child 18 years or younger (child must be present to receive meal).
Beginning Monday, March 23, 2020, families with a district-provided Chromebook can obtain technical assistance by calling (951) 926-2891, Monday-Friday, between the hours of 8:00AM-4:00PM. District support staff will work with you to resolve technology problems over the phone and make arrangements for repair if needed.
Throughout the extended school closure, we will continue to offer resources for students to remain engaged in their learning. Your child can receive learning enrichment opportunities through regular communication with your child’s teacher(s), and you can view weekly grade level work packets on our website here: romoland.net. If you are unable to print at home, you can pick up grade level work packets from our District Office on Mondays only from 8:00AM-4:00PM.
At this time, both the state and the federal government have suspended state testing requirements for the 2019-20 school year.
We are grateful to our community for your patience and understanding as we work together to maintain the health and safety of our students, staff, and families. We will continue to make decisions based on the best health practices determined by our state and county health partners. Please visit our website romoland.net, regularly for updates on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) as it relates to our schools.
If you have specific questions regarding novel coronavirus (COVID-19), please visit www.rivcoph.org/coronavirus or call 2-1-1. You can also call the CDC hotline at 1-800-CDC-INFO.
March 19, 2020:
We would like to reassure our community that we will continue to provide FREE breakfast and lunch meals to ALL students 18-years-old and younger for the remainder of the school closure. The statewide order allows essential services like food distribution centers to remain open.
Following the guidance of our state and county health partners, our District Office and all school site offices will be closed until April 30, 2020. Romoland Elementary School and Ethan A. Chase Middle School will ONLY be open for grab & go meal service.
We appreciate your patience and understanding during this uncertain time.
Facts and information are changing daily, if not hourly so we encourage you to check our website romoland.net regularly, and our social media pages to stay up to date with current information regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) as it relates to our schools.
March 17, 2020: Extended School Closure
Following guidance from our Riverside County Health Partners, all Romoland School District Schools will remain closed until April 30, 2020. This includes all preschool and afterschool programs.
This decision was made by our Riverside County Health Officer to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
Our free community meals program will remain intact throughout the extended school closure. Romoland Elementary School and Ethan A. Chase Middle School will continue to offer free grab & go breakfast and lunch meals to ALL students 18-years-old and younger until April 30th.
We are grateful to our community for your patience and understanding as we work together to maintain the health and safety of our students, staff, and families. Facts and information can change quickly, so we encourage you to check our website romoland.net regularly, and our social media pages to stay up to date with current information regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) as it relates to our schools.
If you have specific questions regarding novel coronavirus (COVID-19), please visit www.rivcoph.org/coronavirus or call 2-1-1. You can also call the CDC hotline at 1-800-CDC-INFO.
March 17, 2020: School Closure Update
We are aware of the Press Enterprise article stating that Riverside County schools will be closed until April 30, 2020.
We have not yet received an official order from our County Health Partners to extend our school closure date, but will update our community as soon as we do.
As always, our top priority is the health and safety of our students, staff, and families. We will continue to make decisions following the best health practices determined by our State and County Health Partners. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this unprecedented time.
March 16, 2020: Chromebook Checkout Information
During the school closure, Romoland School District will offer learning enrichment opportunities for your child. Teachers will be providing students with optional online activities using the same web-based programs we use in school, and optional offline packets are available as well.
Romoland School District elementary schools will have student Chromebooks available for checkout on Tuesday, March 17 and Wednesday, March 18 during normal school hours only for those in need. If you already have a computer or device in the home with Internet access we strongly encourage that you use that. Many schools in Southern California have closed as a preventative measure to delay the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19). We encourage you to practice social distancing, which only works if students and the public avoid gathering places like our schools. You should come to the school to borrow a Chromebook only if you have no in-home technology available to support your child's educational needs.
If you are in need of Internet service, Spectrum is offering 60 days of free service to households without a current subscription to support students during school closures. Please visit this website for details and to enroll call (844) 488-8395.
For information about checking out a Chromebook, accessing online educational programs, or offline student packets, please visit your school's website.
March 15, 2020: Learning Enrichment Opportunities
We are providing learning enrichment opportunities for students in an attempt to maintain the skills and standards they have learned throughout this school year.
There are multiple options for students and families:
Grade Level Work Packets
Grade level work packets (linked here) have been prepared and are posted on our district website romoland.net. You can download and print packets of work for your child. We will also have hard copies available for pick up if you cannot print from home. Pick-up will be available this week at the Romoland School District office at 25900 Leon Road, Homeland, 7:00AM-4:00PM beginning Tuesday, March 17.
Online Learning
Online learning opportunities are also an option for students. We will be distributing Chromebooks and hotspots to students who have a need. We will issue those items this coming week and will soon have more information about pick up dates and locations.
Teachers have been asked to be responsive to email and inquiries from students and parents/guardians intermittently throughout the times of a regular school day schedule.
Teachers may support student learning with use of the digital tools (linked here) we currently have in our schools.
Teachers have been asked to provide students with feedback about their learning throughout this time, but there will be no grading practices that penalize students who cannot or do not participate in these optional learning opportunities.
We understand that not all students and families can or will engage in this optional learning support, and there is not an expectation of participation or penalty for non-participation. However, we encourage your child’s participation in these optional learning opportunities.
This plan may evolve as we receive updated guidance from our Riverside County education and health partners.
If you need more information or guidance, please contact your child’s teacher via email.
March 13, 2020: School Closures
The public health crisis created by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is not something any of us could reasonably have expected to happen, and we are navigating uncertain circumstances as we work to prevent the spread of the illness. We have been following the guidance of our state and county health partners on how we can keep our community safe in the midst of this growing health crisis.
After long and careful deliberation, we have decided to close all schools in the Romoland School District beginning Monday, March 16 through the end of the regularly scheduled spring break (which ends Friday, April 10). This includes preschool and afterschool programs. We are taking this step out of an abundance of caution to keep our school community safe.
School site offices will be open during regular school hours on Monday, March 16, 2020, to allow for families to pick up medication and other student belongings as appropriate.
While our school facilities will be closed, plans are in place for students to continue to learn. Support will be provided to assist students as they transition to a different way of learning and teachers to a different way of teaching. We will be sharing more detailed information as soon as possible about how families can support student learning during school closures.
We will also be setting up ways to continue to provide meals for our students who rely on them.
As parents/guardians and caregivers, you are your child’s first and most influential teacher. Ongoing developments regarding COVID-19 may be overwhelming, especially to younger children. Parents/guardians and caregivers can help children understand the situation better by discussing children’s questions and concerns.
We are grateful to our community for your patience and understanding as we work together to maintain the health and safety of our students and staff. Facts and information can change quickly, so we encourage you to check our website romoland.net regularly, and our social media pages to stay up to date with current information regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) as it relates to our schools.
If you have specific questions regarding novel coronavirus (COVID-19), please visit www.rivcoph.org/coronavirus or call 2-1-1. You can also call the CDC hotline at 1-800-CDC-INFO.
March 12, 2020: Preparing for the Possibility of Distance Learning
Romoland School District is preparing for the possibility of offering educational opportunities for students at home in the unlikely event that one or more schools must temporarily close due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Please read the information below and take this short survey. You will need to login with your student’s Romoland Google account to complete the survey.
- In the event of a school closure the best option would be for students to use home computers or devices.
- School devices may be available for students to use at home, if needed.
- School provided internet hotspots may be available for students to use at home, if needed (limited supply).
- Our schools offer many online resources that students can access at home: Google Classroom, BrainPOP, Newsela, i-Ready, and more.
- Grade level specific work packets would be available on our website that parents/guardians can print at home.
- For those who do not have printing availability at home, we would share details for pick-up of printed material.
- We have developed a plan to provide meals for students who receive free or reduced lunch. The details for providing meals would be communicated, per guidance from Riverside County Public Health partners.
Please know that in the event of a school closure, before and after school programs at our schools would also be closed. Thus, we encourage all parents/guardians to consider preparations for daycare in the event of school closure.
March 12, 2020:
Based on new information and guidance from Governor Newsom to avoid large public gatherings, we will be canceling all field trips and staff conferences until further notice. We made this decision out of an abundance of caution for the safety of students and staff. While we value the educational experience that field trips provide, these destinations have the potential for students and staff to come into contact with members of the public with indeterminate health status.
We appreciate your understanding and help to maintain the health and safety of our school community. We are continuing to coordinate with our Riverside County Health Partners to provide you with the most current information regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) as it relates to our schools.
March 11, 2020:
We would like to reassure you Romoland School District is continuing to work with Riverside County Department of Public Health for information and guidance regarding novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
We have been advised by our Riverside County Health partners to follow best health practices to avoid mass gatherings and large scale events in which many members of the public with indeterminate health status are on school campuses and in confined spaces.
At this time, Romoland School District is cancelling all upcoming Open House events and large scale gatherings, including assemblies and family engagement events at all schools in the district. This decision has been made out of an abundance of caution to limit possible community transmission of COVID-19.
Riverside County Health partners have also advised that field trips may remain scheduled as planned, but may be cancelled on a case by case basis. Field trips in areas with identified community spread of COVID-19 will be cancelled. We will be reviewing all field trips as new information becomes available on COVID-19 community spread and/or guidance from our Riverside County Health partners. For the field trips that do occur, hand cleaning protocols will be put in place to ensure best health and safety practices for students and staff. Please remember, as a parent/guardian you have the choice to send or not send your student on a field trip.
We encourage you to prevent the spread of germs by following the health guidelines from the Center for Disease Control (CDC):
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub. Here is a three-minute video from the CDC about proper handwashing: https://youtu.be/eZw4Ga3jg3E
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. If you don’t have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your sleeve or arm.
- Do not send your child to school if they have a temperature of 100°F or higher. Students must be fever-free for 24 hours without having taken fever-reducing medication (i.e. Advil, Tylenol, Motrin, etc.)
Our top priority is the health and safety of our students. We will continue to provide you with new information as it becomes available.
If you have specific questions regarding novel coronavirus, please visit www.rivcoph.org/coronavirus or call 2-1-1. You can also call the CDC hotline at 1-800-CDC-INFO.
March 8, 2020:
As novel coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns continue to increase in California, we want to provide you with new information when appropriate. Emergency plans have been reviewed and strategic actions identified for immediate implementation:
- Custodial staff are deep cleaning and disinfecting each school as a precautionary measure. There is also a plan for maintaining an ongoing schedule of deep cleaning and disinfecting.
- Hand washing signs are posted in all classrooms, bathrooms, and health offices.
- District Nurse is providing guidance to promote healthy habits to prevent the spread of germs.
- Extra stock hand washing supplies (soap and paper towels), as well as tissue, are being provided to sites.
- Hand sanitizer is being provided to sites.
- Increased supply of surface disinfectant is being provided to sites.
- Independent study master copy packets for students are being prepared for grades TK-8 should there be a need for school closure.
Our top priority is the health and safety of our students and staff, and we take this responsibility seriously. As a school community, there are some things we all can do. It is still flu season, and we are following healthy practices in schools. You should also follow best practices at home, such as:
- Frequently washing your hands with soap and water
- Keeping surfaces clean
- Sneezing or coughing into a tissue or your elbow
- Most importantly, keeping your child home when they are sick with flu-like symptoms, including a fever of 100-degrees Fahrenheit or 38-degrees Celsius or higher, shortness of breath, and coughing
- Call your school if your child is staying home sick
If you have specific questions regarding novel coronavirus, please visit www.rivcoph.org/coronavirus or call 2-1-1. You can also call the CDC hotline at 1-800-CDC-INFO.
February 28, 2020:
This week’s national news coverage concerning the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) has sparked conversations and questions regarding the health and safety of our students and staff. Watching the news reports may be unsettling, and we understand your concerns. We would like to reassure you that our district, in partnership with all districts in Riverside County, have been working with Riverside University Health System-Public Health (County). They are our lead agency and are putting information out to the public county-wide. We follow the guidance from local, state, and federal public health agencies.
Currently, the health risk of COVID-19 to the general public in our region remains low. Regardless, we encourage you to prevent the spread of germs by following the health guidelines from the Center for Disease Control (CDC):
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub. Here is a three-minute video from the CDC about proper handwashing: https://youtu.be/eZw4Ga3jg3E
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. If you don’t have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your sleeve or arm.
- Do not send your child to school if they have a temperature of 100°F or higher. Students must be fever-free for 24 hours without having taken fever-reducing medication (i.e. Advil, Tylenol, Motrin, etc.)
For more information, visit the Riverside County University Health System- Public Health’s Coronavirus webpage at https://www.rivcoph.org/coronavirus. You can also visit the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html for up to date information on the coronavirus.
As of today, Romoland School District has not experienced any increases in reported illnesses or student absences.
We plan to keep you updated by posting the latest information on this topic, as it is related to our schools. Thank you for your partnership in helping to ensure that our students remain healthy and continue to learn in a safe and welcoming environment.