Three Different Forms of In-Person Learning at Fortuna Union High School District’s Three Campuses Begin August 10, Says Superintendent

Fortuna High School at night. [Photo by Sandi Petersen]

Dear Fortuna Union High School District Community,

These have been some of the most challenging times in our memories, if not ever. The uncertainty of it all is so difficult to handle and understand. We sympathize with you and are trying to do the best for our students, staff, parents and community. We have been working diligently on the action plan for the fall semester.

The Board of Trustees has had multiple meetings regarding the reopening of school sites. The District staff and board convened a Reopening Work Group comprise of teachers, support staff, administration, parents and board members. The group has met several times discussing safety protocols and facilitate safe re-opening. In addition, a survey was developed to gather parent/community input.

At the July 28, 2020, board meeting, the FUHSD Board of Trustees voted to open on August 10, 2020, with in-person instruction utilizing multiple safety protocols. Academy of the Redwoods will be a hybrid approach with and A/B/C grouping in-person on separate days. East High School has small class sizes and can facilitate social distancing protocols; therefore, will be re-opening as normal with the shortened day schedule. Fortuna High School has developed a six-week, two-period block schedule with every student coming to only two classes each day. This will reduce the number of contacts per day and help us to facilitate smaller class sizes.

Students will be required to wear a face-covering while at school (unless exempted). A distance learning option will be offered to all students. Communications will be going out soon to allow parents/guardians to choose a distance learning option, if they wish. The distance learning option will be with an online curriculum. Bussing will be available with temperature taking, mandatory masks, sanitizer, etc. Please contact your site to find out more specifics.

The safety and well-being of our students and staff are a priority. The Board’s decision to start school in-person is attributed to the fact in-person learning is the best. Precautions are in place to reduce the risk of infection and spreading using the guidelines from CDPH, CDC, Humboldt County Health, CDE, and HCOE. These plans and precautions are not perfect or without risk.

We appreciate the participation in our processes and your trust in us to deliver outstanding educational opportunities for your students. We do not take this trust and responsibility lightly.

The Fortuna Union High School District’s regularly scheduled board meetings are on the second Wednesday of each month. The public meetings are held in the Fortuna High School Library, if allowed, at 6:00 PM and located at 379 12^th Street in Fortuna or via Zoom. The current board members are President Charles Ellebrecht, Vice President Seth McGrath, Clerk Carla Diaz, Anita Gage and Jeana McClendon.

The Fortuna Union High School District is proud to serve the greater Fortuna area with outstanding programs at all of our sites, including Fortuna High, Academy of the Redwoods and East High. If you have any questions or concerns, please let us know. We can be reached by phone at 707-725-4462 or by email at [email protected].

Glen Senestraro, Superintendent