Last week, BUSD notified Burbank parents that, in the highly-unlikely event that Burbank schools will re-open in January, parents will have two learning models to chose from. A Hybrid Model where students would return to school for half of the day in AM and PM shifts, or a Distance Learning Model using the APEX curriculum. Those who chose the Distance Learning model will also NOT be able to retain the teachers their students currently have or be able to remain in the GATE program while learning under the APEX curriculum.

We believe that there should be a third option, that of retaining the Distance Learning model we have at present, as is, for the duration of the 2020-2021 school year.

With many students and teachers just now getting up to speed on the “new normal” of the virtual classroom, we believe that maintaining consistency for our students (and teachers!) right now is key. During these uncertain and turbulent times the stability of a dependable academic routine is paramount to educational success, mental wellness and general health. Uprooting students from the online classrooms and teachers they have spent the past few months bonding with and learning from is both ill-advised and potentially devastating to morale across the board. 

We understand that there are no perfect answers here and that this year has been trying for us all, but the system we have at present is working well for many parents and students and we would like the opportunity to continue with that – or at least the option to select our current Distance Learning model as one of our choices on the Reopening Commitment Survey – for next year.

Thank you for your time.

Burbank Parents