Burbank Schools Will Be In 'A State Of Limbo' As They Continue To Make Plans For School Reopening

As a parent, there’s nothing I’d love more than to see a Burbank school reopening. My kids are, shall I say, not loving this model of school. Of course, we don’t have much choice at the moment, and we’re insanely grateful to all the administration and teachers making distance learning what it is. But I’m sure I speak for all of us when I say, we’re really over this. Can we all just do our part to help, you know by now…wear a mask, wash your hands, social distance.

This week, the Burbank USD held a webinar to answer questions about the potential of an upcoming school opening, starting January 2021. Here’s my two cents; I don’t see it happening. Period. If these decisions are based on numbers and the tiers we’re in, there’s just not a option for returning to physical school, in my own personal opinion.

I’m a pretty positive and hopeful individual, but taking into consideration all that will have to go into creating a hybrid model (there will be no option for full time on campus learning), and withe everything so uncertain, I’m not sure how anyone at this time can make any announcement.

And they can’t.

“We’re going to be in a state of limbo for a while” says Matt Hill, and that’s no joke. There is literally nothing to create definite answers with right now. So, they’ll prepare, just like they did last year, when we all hoped and wished…

Here are my takeaways from this week’s information webinar on The Burbank School Reopening:

For the current semester, there will be no changes. The model we’re in will be here through the end of the year. Earliest time for change would be January, but they’re not saying anything will be changing as of now.

BUSD has 15,000 students, teachers and staff they need to consider the safety of.

According to Matt Hill, “We must follow LA County guidelines” so whatever LA County (And probably LAUSD) will do, we will do. Those are my words, not his.
BUSD is making a plan on multiple scenarios
There will be a commitment form coming Friday, via email, for us to select our preference if we changed models. The choices will be a hybrid or distance learning model. This form will help determine decision making for Jan 2021. Again, it will all depends on health conditions ad the given information, parents select.
For the 100% distance learning option, elementary students may be assigned to a new teacher based on numbers. “Students will be assigned and every effort made to keep kids with teachers at their schools.”
Secondary distance learning is ILA for grades 7-12. This is Not recommended for Student Athletes as these courses are NOT NCAA approved. APEX learning is the curriculum and a semester commitment is required. There is no live instruction. Students on their own. One course at a time. This one sucks, in my opinion.
ILA not for students below grade 7
HYBRID LEARNING will have an am/pm version, just as it was planned in the spring. Half of the students will attend in the morning and half in the afternoon with break to clean. Students may be assigned to new teachers and Fridays will still be at home online. Elementary students will only have a ‘movement break’ which means no playground equipment, but possible teacher guided walks.