Ethnic Studies Instructional Materials Committee - ...

Dear OPUSD Families, In October 2021, the California Legislature passed  Assembly Bill (AB) 101 , which mandates that high school students complete an ethnic studies course as a graduation requirement beginning in the 2029-30 school year. High schools must begin offering a pilot course by the 2025-26 school year. Students can fulfill this requirement through a variety of course types, including: A course based on the state’s model curriculum, An existing ethnic studies course, An ethnic studies course integrated into an approved A–G course for the University of California and California State University or A locally developed ethnic studies course approved by the school district's governing board . Our discussions around how to implement this new requirement in Oak Park Unified began in earnest during the 2022-23 school year in the OPUSD Curriculum Council. Information was shared at school sites and presented at the January 24, 2023, Board meeting. In 2023-24, an Ethnic Studies Committee was formed to focus on how best to incorporate ethnic studies into the OPUSD high school graduation requirements. The committee, composed of staff, parents, and students, explored various models. These discussions included a one-semester stand-alone course, integrating ethnic studies into either an English or History course, and researching how other districts were approaching the requirement. The committee created a comprehensive document detailing the pros, cons, and considerations for each model, and recommended moving forward with a  “ locally developed ethnic studies course ”  which was shared with all members and  presented  at the April 16, 2024 Board of Education meeting.  The committee’s recommendations align with the four traditional pillars of ethnic studies — African American, Latino/Chicano, Native American, and Asian American/Pacific Islander studies — as emphasized by the California Department of Education (CDE). These pillars allow students to learn about the histories, cultures, struggles, and contributions of these historically marginalized groups to American society. The CDE has built flexibility into the model curriculum, allowing local educational agencies, like ours, to adapt the curriculum to reflect the diversity of our own communities and classroom demographics. The curriculum, instruction, and instructional materials for ethnic studies must: Be appropriate for use with students of all races, religions, nationalities, genders, sexual orientations, diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, students with disabilities, and English learners. Not reflect or promote, directly or indirectly, bias, bigotry, or discrimination against any person or group of persons on the basis of any protected category. Not teach or promote religious doctrine. If OPUSD adopts a locally developed course, we are required to bring the proposed course to the Board of Education twice to allow for public comment and ensure full consideration. After in-depth deliberations, the committee recommended the following: Oak Park High School:  Integration of ethnic studies into 12th-grade English courses. Oak Park Independent School:  A one-semester standalone ethnic studies course. Oak View High School:  Both the integration of ethnic studies into 12th-grade English and the option for a one-semester standalone course. This school year, the Ethnic Studies Instructional Materials Committee (ESIMC) was formed to curate and review potential ethnic studies instructional materials for next year’s pilot courses. The Ethnic Studies Instructional Materials Committee held its first meeting on September 17, 2024, at Oak Park High School. The committee is composed of a diverse group of OPUSD staff, parents, and students. We will be sending regular updates throughout the curriculum review process to keep you informed.  This is our first update, and we will continue to provide timely information as we move forward. You can view the  agenda  and  meeting minutes  from our September meeting. This update is also posted on our district website under  Department > Curriculum and Instruction.  Our next committee meeting is October 22, 2024.  Sincerely, Ellen Chevalier Director of Curriculum and Instruction  

Wednesday, Oct 09 2024

Subject: Update on Agoura High School Lockdown and S...

Dear OPUSD Community, I want to share an important update about an incident at Agoura High School earlier today. At approximately 8:10 a.m., we were informed of a lockdown at the school. In line with our safety protocols, Brad Benioff, our Director of Student Support and School Safety, immediately contacted the Lost Hills Sheriff’s Department, who were the primary responders. Additionally, our Safety Consultant, Retired Commander Randy Pentis, contacted the Ventura County Sheriff’s office to gather more details. The school was temporarily secured as a precautionary measure, and law enforcement responded promptly to thoroughly assess the campus. They confirmed there was no risk to the safety of students or staff. It was quickly determined that the threat was unfounded. Sadly, false threats targeting schools have become more frequent across the country. The lockdown has since been lifted.  I know that situations like this can be unsettling, but please rest assured that the safety of our students, staff, and schools is always our highest priority. While no schools in our district received any threats, we have requested an increased law enforcement presence as a precaution. Clear and transparent communication is key during such times, and we will keep you informed of any updates. Sincerely, Anais Wenn

Monday, Oct 07 2024

Important Reminder: Navigate Your Child's Math Journ...

Dear OPUSD Families of MCMS and OPHS Students, At OPUSD, our focus is on providing an optimal educational experience, and we recognize that appropriate math placement is a critical part of this equation. Our approach is rooted in academic readiness and aligns with the requirements of the Math Placement Act and OPUSD Board policies. We strive for transparency in our math placement protocols and equitable placement in courses that will challenge and engage your child. Our ultimate goal is a math program that prepares students for high school, college, and career success while fostering a genuine enjoyment of math. To help you and your child navigate the math pathways at OPUSD, we invite you to our upcoming Math Information Webinar to learn about OPUSD's math pathways, placement policies, and criteria for grades 6 through 12. This is a valuable opportunity to hear directly from OPUSD educational leaders and to get your questions answered. Webinar Details 🗓 Date: Tuesday, October 1, 2024 ⏰ Time: 6:00 PM 📍 Location: Virtual via Zoom 🔗 Webinar Link:  www.opusd.org/MathInformationWebinar  or  https://zoom.us/j/94871584403 Agenda 6th-12th Grade Math Scope and Sequence:  Understand the math courses available at each grade level. Rigor in Math and Academic Readiness:  Explore the balance between challenging coursework and student readiness. Math's Connection to Placement in Other Subjects:  Discover how math placement impacts other academic areas and future opportunities. Math Placement Protocols and Appeals Process:  Learn about the criteria and procedures for math placement. Q & A:  A chance to engage with our educational leaders and receive answers to your questions. Why You Should Attend Informed Decisions:  Gain insights into the math pathways and how they align with your child's academic and career goals. Clear Protocols:  Understand the process for math placement and how you can support your child's math journey. Expert Guidance:  Hear from OPUSD educational leaders. Interactive Q&A:  Get your questions answered in real-time. Meet the Panelists Brian Winsick, Math Department Co-Chair, MCMS Teacher Robin Midiri, Math Department Chair, OPHS Teacher Samantha Gottlieb, Assistant Principal, MCMS Natalie Smith, Assistant Principal, OPHS Gia Jantz, Principal, MCMS Ellen Chevalier, Director of Curriculum and Instruction (Moderator) We look forward to your participation in this important discussion about your child's math education at OPUSD. Sincerely, Ellen Chevalier, Director of Curriculum and Instruction

Tuesday, Sep 24 2024

Earthquake Update – All Clear at Our Schools

Dear Oak Park Families, At approximately 7:28 a.m. this morning, a 4.6-magnitude earthquake occurred about 4 miles north of Malibu. While the tremors were felt across Southern California, I assure you that all Oak Park Unified schools have been thoroughly inspected for any damages, including gas and water lines. At the time, students were on campus for zero periods at Medea Creek Middle School, Oak Park High School, and the Club Oak Park Extended Care Program. As a precaution, students and staff were evacuated while safety checks were performed. After confirming that all campuses were safe, students and staff returned to their classrooms and offices. I want to commend our staff for their quick and diligent response to safety protocols and thank you for your trust in ensuring the safety and well-being of our students. Sincerely, Anais Wenn Superintendent

Thursday, Sep 12 2024

High Heat Protocols at OPUSD Schools

Dear OPUSD Families, With today's temperatures reaching between 102 and 107 degrees and tomorrow expected to be even hotter (105 to 110 degrees), we want to update you on how we've managed the heat this week and the steps we'll continue to take tomorrow to ensure the safety and comfort of all students and staff. What We've Been Doing We've been closely monitoring the  National Weather Service's HeatRisk forecast , which helps us evaluate how extreme the heat is for our area and how long it will last. This information and guidance from the  California Department of Public Health (CDPH)  ensure we take appropriate actions to protect our students and staff.  Here are the key protocols we've put in place and will continue to follow: Students have stayed inside during lunch and recess, using designated indoor spaces at each school. Physical education classes have been moved indoors to reduce exposure to the heat. We've encouraged students to stay hydrated throughout the day. Our Extended Care Program (Club Oak Park) has arranged indoor spaces to keep students comfortable during extended care after school. Our staff is extra vigilant in ensuring students are hydrated and monitoring for any signs of heat-related illness. We closely monitor our air conditioning systems to ensure they operate efficiently during this high heat. Athletics and CIF Guidelines The athletic department will make decisions closer to game time, as outlined in the  CIF Extreme Heat and Air Quality Policy , which includes.  Heat Monitoring with the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) to measure heat stress. If the WBGT reading exceeds 86.2, athletic events will be postponed until it's safe. Practices may be rescheduled or modified to ensure students' safety. Frequent water breaks and rest will be provided to prevent heat-related illnesses like heat stroke or exhaustion. Please remind your children to drink plenty of water, wear light clothing, and inform a staff member if they feel unwell. We will continue to monitor the situation and adjust as needed to keep everyone safe during this extreme weather.  Brad Benioff  Director of Student Support and School Safety 

Friday, Sep 06 2024