Good morning,
Over the past 48 hours, a significant amount of parents have reached out inquiring what options we have to encourage TUSD to deploy an online-based learning option for those parents who are concerned about coronavirus.
For context, we've had several discussions with Tustin City Council and TUSD on the matter for months. Tustin City Council has been receptive to options while TUSD administrators and the TUSD school board have been slow to respond with a proactive approach.
Local schools, including Heritage, though have taken measures that they can in instilling good personal hygiene, morning announcements, etc. I know personally I've spoken with Mrs. RB and several teachers and I wanted to commend them for what they have done thus far.
Looking forward though what we do know is that while coronavirus at this point doesn't impact children to the same extent as adults and seniors they can be asymptomatic and spread it to TUSD staff, their parents, grandparents, etc. The intent here isn't to stoke fear or panic but to look at proactive measures to mitigate this throughout our community.
As such we've been encouraging TUSD to offer an online-based option for those parents that have the option to do so. By reducing the number of students at schools we can hopefully increase social distancing between children and hopefully mitigate the spread throughout the community.
We'd like to encourage parents to call the district at 714-730-7301 or to email the school superintendent Dr. Franklin at gfranklin@tustin.k12.ca.us. Let them know that you want to see an online-based option for students.
Sincerely,
Jeff Lawrence