Santa Maria-Bonita School District

Dear Parents, Guardians and Family Members, As the public health situation continues to improve in the state and locally, the prospects for a 2021-2022 school year that is similar to our normal, traditional school experience appears more likely. The recently approved state budget and corresponding TK-12 education trailer bill (SB130) calls for a return to Monday through Friday in-person instruction for students in the next school year. Consequently, SMBSD is planning for full in-person learning in all our schools beginning on the first day of school on August 12. On July 12, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) released its guidance for the 2021-2022 school year.  Notably, all K-12 students are required to wear masks indoors, as are all adults. While minimum physical distancing requirements (previously 6 feet) are no longer included in the guidelines, requirements for handwashing, ventilation and cleaning of sites are included in the CDPH school guidance. We are in the process of updating the SMBSD COVID-19 Safety Plan to ensure adherence to the guidelines at all school sites in the new school year. In addition to the call for a return to in-person instruction, SB130 allows for participation in independent study if a student’s health would be put at risk by a return to in-person instruction, as determined by the parent. This independent study requirement is in place for the 2021-2022 school year only, and must be initiated by a student/parent/educator conference prior to enrollment. This week, through Parent Square, families were sent a link to a survey. The survey asks families if they intend to have their children attend full time, in-person instruction for the coming school year or if they intend to have their children participate in at-home independent study due to health concerns. If you are the parent or a guardian of SMBSD students, please make sure you take the survey that was texted to you or that can be found on your Parent Square portal.

SMBSD is partnering with the Santa Barbara County Food Bank to provide 11 community feeding sites across Santa Maria during the summer for children age 0 to 18.  These sites are in addition to any active summer school session at SMBSD schools where students attending will be provided meals at no cost during the school day.   BREAKFAST & LUNCH (COMBINED) AT THESE SCHOOL LOCATIONS.   Bill Libbon Elementary (Distribution on Shepard Drive behind Honda dealer) 750 Meehan St.   June 9 - August 6 11 a. m. - 12 p. m.   Alvin Elementary 301 E. Alvin Ave. June 14 - July 2 11:30 a. m. - 12:30 p. m. El Camino Junior High 219 W. El Camino St. June 14 - August 6 11:30 a. m. - 12:30 p. m. Fairlawn Elementary 120 Mary Dr.   June 14 - August 6 12 p. m. – 1 p. m. Sanchez Elementary 804 Liberty St. June 14 - August 6 12 p. m. – 1 p. m. Rice Elementary 700 Vickie Ave. June 14 - August 6 12 p. m. - 1 p. m. Meals will not be provided on the July 5 school holiday. Picnic in the Park (SB Food Bank) - lunch only at these locations: Minami Park 600 W. Enos Dr. June 14 - August 6 11 a. m. – 12 p. m. Arellanes Elem/JH 1890 Sandalwood Dr.  June 14 - August 6 11 a. m. - 12:30 p. m. Santa Maria Boys & Girls Club June 14 - August 6 901 N. Railroad Ave. 11:30 a. m. - 12:30 p. m. Tunnell Park 1100 N. Palisade Dr. June 14 - August 6 12 p. m. - 1 p. m. Grogan Park 1155 W. Rancho Verde June 14 - August 6 12:15 p. m. - 1:15 p. m.

Congratulations to all the 8th grade students who will start high school next school year. We are so proud of you and believe that you will do amazing things!

A prekindergarten teacher has created some great videos to help parents understand the upcoming registration process for children who will be in PreK next school year. ENGLISH VIDEO   https://drive. google. com/file/d/1YXmGrqQix1zvdy9YJF4cM-kq8mgG8GJl/view  Video en español   https://drive. google. com/file/d/1oJe36F_T2N_gON8ZvzfWcuXGTNfI3o8x/view  Video en mixtec     https://drive. google. com/file/d/1Mp8rpyULBVjP4Gxh162120CYFRgjSIzV/view?usp=sharing

A prekindergarten teacher has created some great videos to help parents understand the upcoming registration process for children who will be in PreK next school year. ENGLISH VIDEO   https://drive. google. com/file/d/1YXmGrqQix1zvdy9YJF4cM-kq8mgG8GJl/view  Video en español   https://drive. google. com/file/d/1oJe36F_T2N_gON8ZvzfWcuXGTNfI3o8x/view  Video en mixtec     https://drive. google. com/file/d/1Mp8rpyULBVjP4Gxh162120CYFRgjSIzV/view?usp=sharing  

The first day of the next school year for students is Thursday, August 12, 2021. Put it on your calendar. Please pay attention to any phone calls, texts, emails or Parent Square messages from the schools and the district over the summer. That's how we will share important information with you before school starts again.