Dr. Thorossian's March Superintendent Update

The success of our students remains our priority, which is why our educators have been hard at work innovating and reinventing their lessons to better suit the online environment.

In March, in addition to a variety of videos our teachers have created, printed instructional packets were distributed for remote learning and online platforms were created to guide our families through the distance learning process.

Through our Distance Learning Platform, students and parents receive access to resources such as a sample daily schedule to stay on task, tips on how to create a productive learning space, and guides to using programs for online learning.

Monrovia Unified is made up of dedicated and passionate individuals who care about our students, families, and community, and even during these challenging times, continue to ensure they receive the tools they need to succeed.

Our Food Services Department has been busy since we announced the March 16 dismissal, preparing and distributing meals to the children of our community. Monrovia Unified has served more than 26,000 meals to students thanks to the dedication of our heroic staff.

Lastly, I want to celebrate our scholars. They have all experienced a drastic change in their routine and are isolated from their peers and school community. However, I continue to hear about their continued success even while participating in at-home learning.

Please continue practicing social distancing, stay at home as much as possible, and keep up with healthy habits. We are all in this together and it takes all of us to ensure we stay healthy.

We will continue providing updated information on our website and social media platforms. Pre-recorded informational messages are regularly updated at (626) 471-2084. Additionally, KGEM-TV is hosting a series, “Conversations with Ralph Walker,” joined by Board President Rob Hammond and Mayor Tom Adams, who share the most up-to-date information regarding our District and City.

Sincerely,

Dr. Katherine Thorossian
Superintendent

Monrovia Unified Announces Extended Dismissal for 2019-20 School Year

The health and safety of our community is our priority. State health officials have made it clear that the safest place to be is home during the COVID-19 pandemic. With that in mind, the Board of Education, during an emergency meeting on Wednesday, April 1, extended our student dismissal until the end of the school year. This decision aligns with a recommendation from Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools Debra Duardo that schools remain physically closed for the remainder of the academic year.

Monrovia Unified Receives Masks, Hand Sanitizer from Local Humanitarian Group

_{Monrovia Unified Board of Education President Rob Hammond practices social distancing alongside Mayor Tom Adams and Monrovia City first responders following a donation of masks and hand sanitizer from local humanitarian organization Tzu Chi.}

Tzu Chi, a local humanitarian organization and private school, donated 2,000 surgical masks and 1,000 portable hand sanitizers to the City of Monrovia on March 31, with a portion of the donation going to Monrovia Unified School District to ensure the continued safety of staff, students, and families.

In addition to the masks and sanitizer, Tzu Chi also donated gloves and bottles of surface disinfectant.

#HeroesWearAprons

_{Monrovia Unified Food Services Department continues to work through extended dismissal providing students with free grab-and-go meals.}

Amid the concerns regarding COVID-19 and extended student dismissal, Monrovia Unified School District is ensuring students receive daily nutrition through a Grab-and-Go meal distribution program, which provides free breakfast and lunch for children ages 18 and under. Meal distribution began on March 16 and is prepared by the District’s Food Services Department staff. The curbside meals can be picked up at the school nearest students’ residences. To date, Monrovia Unified has served more than 26,000 meals. The District plans to continue with the Grab-and-Go meal program until the end of the extended dismissal period.

Monrovia Unified Board of Educations Celebrates Food Services Department

The MUSD Board of Education, grateful for the commitment of the Food Services Department team, expressed its appreciation with District food service staff, #heroeswearaprons. On April 3, the Board celebrated the team by driving around schools with thank you posters on their cars.

Update on Annual Testing
and College Admissions Exams

Our students usually engage in state standardized testing and take Advanced Placement exams and college admissions tests in spring, but many tests have been canceled or postponed due to the current health crisis.

Because of this, the state has suspended standardized testing for the year.

In addition, testing dates have been canceled for the SAT/ACT until June and Advanced Placement exams have been switched to 45-minute, online, open-book exams.

In addition, the University of California and California State University systems are eliminating letter grades for 15 required courses in winter, spring for summer 2020. UC is also suspending the SAT/ACT requirement for freshman applicants for fall 2021.

Neither system will rescind 2020 admission offers that result from students or schools missing official final transcript deadlines.

In terms of Advanced Placement testing, both UC and Cal State will accept the results.

Monrovia Unified Offers Mental Health Resources for Students Coping with Extended Dismissal

Our commitment to you remains strong in ensuring all of our students have the tools and resources they need to continue their learning while at home. This is a time filled with uncertainty for us all. Taking care of mental health needs is extremely important. Monrovia Unified counselors are available to help students and can be reached by email, phone, or google meeting during office hours from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. We know there are many unanswered questions right now, especially for our high school scholars, which is why our counselors continue to assist them, in particular with the college application process.