On Monday, November 16, the parents of students in 6th-8th grade at PVSD are required to make a binding decision through the end of the school year for their students, selecting on campus learning or a virtual academy. District leadership outlined the two programs this week, and revealed that the school district plans to outsource virtual middle school Math and 7th/8th English instruction to Edgenuity, an online platform with alarming reviews. 

Whether our family chooses for our children to attend school in person or to attend the Portola Valley Virtual Academy, we do not find Edgenuity to be an acceptable or equitable source of instruction for two of the most critical subjects for our middle school children. 

We ask the Administrators and School Board to reevaluate the virtual program available to the middle school community. Please:

1. Provide more time for middle school families to evaluate our options
2. Create a shorter period for the binding commitment, allowing a March pivot point for students to return to campus or switch to virtual
3. Provide a more open process to discuss the pros and cons of Edgenuity and alternatives, (e.g. live streaming, hiring more teachers, configuring schedules differently across on campus and PVVA to allow these subjects in both programs, etc).

Thank you for considering our request. We’ve found our Teachers, Principals, Administrators and Board to be honorable, hard working and passionate individuals, who put the needs of our children first. We look forward to working with you to find a more equitable solution for our children and our community.