- Los Angeles Unified School District
- Back to School 2020-2021
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Frequently Asked Questions
Los Angeles Unified is beginning the 2020-21 school year with online instruction to help decrease the spread of the coronavirus and reduce the risk for the school community. The situation remains fluid, and we will continue to keep you informed. The latest information will be posted on our website and this FAQ.
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LEARNING AND TECHNOLOGY
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When does the 2020-21 school year begin?
The first day of school begins on August 18, 2020. The first few days of school will be spent training teachers, giving them time to plan together and introducing principals and teachers to their students. Instruction begins at 9 a.m. August 20, 2020.
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Will classes be held in school or online?
To help decrease the spread of the coronavirus and reduce the risk for the school community, Los Angeles Unified will begin the 2020-21 school year with online instruction, also known as a Distance Learning Model. The goal is to have as much teacher-led interaction with students as possible. Students and teachers will return to the classroom as soon as health experts deem it safe to do so.
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What do I do if my child lacks a computer device or internet access?
Los Angeles Unified is committed to ensuring all students have a device and internet connection so they attend school virtually and complete their assignments. Schools have scheduled days to distribute devices, and information will be posted on websites, social media platforms, and/or mailed to the home. If your home lacks internet access, you can request a WiFi “hotspot” at your child’s school.
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How will instruction take place?
Online instruction in the new school year will have more structure and standards and increased interaction between teachers and students. Teachers and students will use Schoology, which is a “one-stop shop” to access Zoom and other digital learning tools. Students will follow a regular schedule and attendance will be taken daily. Instruction will include standards-based lessons, daily live interaction, small-group breakouts and assessments of student progress. There also will be a daily “wellness check-in” to provide emotional support to students while they are learning at home.
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How does my child access Schoology?
To log in to Schoology, your child will need their Los Angeles Unified email address (@mymail.lausd.net) and a password they created. Go to lms.lausd.net, and click on the Student link. Enter your child’s email address and password. After your child has logged in, click on “Courses” at the top of the page to see their courses for the academic year.
Elementary school students can use a QR code to sign in. Click on “Student QR Code” and hold the code up to the device camera and your child will see their courses.
A video to help your child activate the Schoology account is here:
English:
https://youtu.be/ABmqcW7_kMkSpanish:
https://youtu.be/Lf5tvp5F31wA video to help your child log into Schoology is here:
English:
https://youtu.be/aEa3jMBrGosSpanish:
https://youtu.be/Lf5tvp5F31w -
What should my child do on the first day of school?
Access the Schoology website at lms.lausd.net. Your child should use their QR code (for elementary school students) or email/password (for secondary students) to log in. After logging in, click on “Courses” at the top of the page to access your child’s schedule.
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How do I get a QR code for my child?
Many elementary schools have developed a system to send the QR codes home via mail or email. Please reach out to your local school to get more information about their process of distributing your child’s QR code.
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How do I get an email/password for my child?
All students receive an email when they enroll in Los Angele Unified. Contact your child’s school for information about how to obtain your child’s email address.
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Who do I contact if my childās device or hotspot breaks or malfunctions?
Contact your school for assistance with technology issues.
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How do I stay connected to my childās school?
Parents and guardians should create a Parent Portal account in order to stay connected to student academic progress and attendance. To register for an account, contact your child’s school to receive a unique 4-digit PIN and the child’s district-issued ID number. Visit the Parent Portal Resources website for more information.
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Can I get help with questions about technology and supporting my child?
Information about technology support will be available on our website, and training videos can be found on the website and on the district’s YouTube channel. Families can also call the hotline at ā(213) 443-1300⬠to ask questions.
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How can I support my child during times of Distance Learning?
Find an area in your home where your child can sit comfortably and focus. Ideally, set up away from from a TV screen or other distractions. Have enough room for the device, school supplies and space to take notes. Encourage your child to stick to a schedule, and to ask for help when things get too difficult. Utilize the Parent Portal to monitor your child’s progress.
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What learning supports will be provided to elementary school students?
Los Angeles Unified has made a commitment to a Primary Promise -- ensuring that students in Grades K-2 are given a foundation in literacy, math and critical-thinking skills. This includes reading assistance for high-needs students, and additional instruction in math and English Language Arts.
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What learning supports will be provided to English-language learners?
English Learners have a special curriculum, including Rosetta Stone, to help develop their academic language skills. Elementary students will have designated English Language Development for 30-45 minutes a day, and special courses will be provided to students in secondary school. After-school tutoring and Saturday classes will be offered for English Learners who need additional support.
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What learning supports will be available for students struggling with their courses?
One-on-one tutoring, online or in a classroom, will be available by appointment, and Saturday classes will be held for intervention and enrichment. Instruction will also be available during Winter Break for students who need additional help.
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How do I sign up my child for tutoring and/or Saturday classes?
Information will be shared though your school once school starts. Tutoring and Saturday classes will not start until sometime in September.
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How will instruction be provided for students with disabilities or learning differences?
Los Angeles Unified is providing online instruction for students with disabilities to address their Individualized Education Program (IEP), including the provision of related services. However, there is an additional challenge for many students who rely on in-person related services such as speech, occupational, physical or behavioral therapy, as well as instructional aides to access education in regular classrooms. Due to health and safety guidelines, services may not be delivered as they typically would in a school building as IEP teams planned for and provided for students prior to the COVID-19 pandemic with traditional programming. For questions about special-education services, call 213-241-6701.
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What learning supports will be provided to students in gifted programs and Schools for Advanced Studies?
Identified gifted/talented/SAS students will continue to receive differentiated instruction during distance learning. Multiple pathways for students to access knowledge will be provided, and individual learning styles and social-emotional needs will be addressed. To support families, several parent workshops are currently available on the Gifted/Talented Programs website. Additional parent training opportunities, including a virtual GATE/SAS Parent Conference, will be announced soon.
This website also provides helpful documents to support educators and parents with distance learning and social-emotional well-being for gifted/talented learners, including the GATE Resources List and Supporting Your Gifted Child During COVID-19. If you have questions or need support, please contact the GATE coordinator at your child’s school, the Gifted/Talented Programs, Advanced Learning Options, administrator at point for your local district, or email gate@lausd.net.
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Will magnet schools and centers provide themed instruction?
Yes, students enrolled in magnet programs will receive themed instruction in an online-only format.
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Will athletics take place in 2020-21?
No in-person contact, training or meetings are allowed at this time. There currently are two seasons planned:
Season A: Football, competitive cheer, cross country, volleyball and water polo begin Dec. 14.
Season B: Tennis, Feb. 8; soccer, Feb. 15; wrestling, Feb. 22; basketball and lacrosse, March 1; and baseball, softball, swimming and diving and track and field on March 8. -
Will before- and after-school enrichment programs be held?
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Will Early Childhood Education Centers be open and providing instruction?
Early Education Centers will enroll qualifying students for distance learning options. The centers will reopen when it is deemed safe to do so.
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Will the Division of Adult and Career Education offer classes in 2020-21?
All Adult Education programs (i.e., English as a second language, high-school equivalency and career-technical education courses) will be offered online. Enrollment is now open, and classes are tuition-free. For information, visit wearedace.org.
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Will my child receive textbooks for class?
Schools that opt to use physical textbooks will designate a location at an external point on campus where books can be picked up in accordance with social-distancing protocols. Schools may also opt to use digital textbooks for courses. Check with your child’s principal for information.
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Will my child get an instrument for music class?
Principals will set up a schedule for distribution of instruments, which are owned by the Arts Education Branch and will be disinfected prior to distribution. It is highly recommended that students do not share instruments or other instructional materials.
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Will my child obtain materials for a visual arts class?
Principals will work with their visual arts teacher to create a list of supplies and materials needed for instruction and for distribution to students. It is highly recommended that supplies not be shared.
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Who can I talk to if I have a question or concern?
Calling your child’s school is a great place to start. However, parents can always call the Los Angeles Unified Family Hotline at (213) 443-1300. For support with emotional issues related to the pandemic, call the Mental Health Hotline at 213-241-3840.
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SUPPORTS FOR STUDENTS AND FAMILIES
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Will meals be provided for students during this time of Distance Learning?
Los Angeles Unified will continue to provide nutritious meals at its Grab & Go Food Centers until students can return to school. For locations and other information, visit the Grab & Go Food Centers website.
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Will Los Angeles Unified provide childcare for working parents?
At this time, childcare will be provided for school-age children of Los Angeles Unified employees at their school site. We will expand the effort to include all children once guidelines allow for students to be back in schools.
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How do I enroll my child in Los Angeles Unified?
You can complete the pre-enrollment process online by visiting https://enroll.lausd.net for new students entering Transitional Kindergarten/Kindergarten through 12th grade. This website is only for new students and does not include students applying for a permit or other specialized programs (i.e. magnets).
Paper copies of the enrollment packet are available at each school if you want to complete the enrollment process in person. Contact the school directly for registration times and to determine what documents are needed. For additional enrollment support, email enrollduringclosures@lausd.net or call (213) 241-3840 (option 6).
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What immunizations are required for the 2020-21 school year?
Children scheduled to enter Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade must be properly immunized or they will not be allowed to enter school. For more information, visit https://www.shotsforschool.org/laws/.
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Are Los Angeles Unifiedās Wellness Centers open?
District-operated medical and mental health clinics are closed, but facilities operated by community partners are open. Click here for a list of open centers. You can also get information about community resources by calling the Los Angeles Unified Family Hotline at 213-443-1300. The Mental Health Hotline is at 213-241-3840.
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HEALTH AND SAFETY
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What precautions do I need to take if I visit my childās campus?
A protective mask or other face covering must be worn by everyone age 2 and older while on campus. Please stay at least 6 feet from other people and refrain from visiting campus if you have symptoms of COVID-19 (i.e., fever, cough, respiratory distress). Schools will provide a mask for visitors who arrive without one.
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What steps have been taken to increase safety at school facilities?
All schools have been cleaned, top to bottom, and are well-stocked with cleaning supplies. Air filters in the ventilation systems have been replaced with those made of the material used to manufacture N-95 masks, and classroom surfaces are cleaned nightly with electrostatic machines. Signs and markings have been installed at schools to promote social distancing. We will continue to heed the recommendations of health experts on how to reduce health risks at schools.
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What happens if a student or school-site staff member tests positive for COVID-19?
Los Angeles Unified notifies the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health if a student or staff member tests positive for COVID-19. Individuals who begin to experience symptoms of COVID-19 or those who have been in close contact with someone with COVID-19 are advised to self-isolate or self-quarantine for 14 days.
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What happens if a family member tests positive for COVID-19?
If a student reports that a family member in their home or a close contact tested positive for COVID-19, they must quarantine at home for 14 days.
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RETURNING TO SCHOOL
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When will students and teachers be allowed to return to campus?
The state of California recently issued coronavirus guidelines and the overall level of the coronavirus in the community and the capacity of the health system to handle cases. We’ll continue to provide weekly updates on cases and testing rates as those will be the best leading indicators of when we can consider bringing students back to schools.
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How will we be notified when students will return to school?
Superintendent Austin Beutner will provide this information to parents via his weekly updates, which can be viewed at 11 a.m. Mondays at lausd.net or KLCS-TV (check local listings). Up-to-date information is also provided at lausd.net and via phone calls and text messages. Your school principal will also send and post messages with this information as soon as it becomes available.
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How will instruction take place when students return to school?
Los Angeles Unified is considering several possible scenarios that will allow us to follow social-distancing protocols and other health and safety practices. These models reduce the number of students on campus at any one time. That could take the form of half-days, split weeks and other options. Families will be notified well in advance of any shift to move students from Distance Learning to learning at school.
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What types of precautions will be taken when school facilities reopen?
Clear health and safety protocols are being developed. These include symptom checks and screening, modified classroom layouts, staggered start times, physical distancing of at least 6 feet, one-way foot traffic in hallways, face coverings, hygiene, disinfecting classroom furniture and other surfaces and upgrading air-filtration systems.