STEM Marin Fall 2020 Re-Entry FAQs
We understand you have many questions and concerns regarding what school will look like in the fall and as a result, we are compiling a list of frequently asked questions to help provide additional information including the option in choosing remote or in-person learning.
UPDATE: Due to the latest and continual changes to re-entry and the 2020-2021 school year, we are updating and removing some of our questions to ensure that proper information is available. Please understand that information changes constantly and we will do our best to ensure that the most accurate information is on this page.
If my student commits to Virtual Learning Academy only for the 2020-2021 school year, can they come back to the STEM Marin program for the 2021-2022 school year?
Yes, we would eagerly await the students return for the following year.
What will my student’s class schedule look like if they choose in-person learning?
We anticipate each student will have 4 classes per semester. All courses are year-long and are compressed to be completed in one semester. Each class is tentatively scheduled for 90 minutes. Students follow an A/B schedule for each week and that schedule alternates for the following week. At this time, a Tutorial is built in at the end of the day.
8/19 UPDATE: We noted in previous emails that STEM Marin classes would be unblocked to ensure that students are getting a full year of STEM Marin classes. Due to the immense scheduling challenges of the 4×4 block schedule, with the hope of potentially coming back in person at some point, and to allow students to get all of the other classes that they want/need throughout the year, we have them in both configurations, meaning that some students will have them in different semesters and some will have them the same semester.
8/24 UPDATE: A copy of the current remote bell schedule can be found here.
If the district decides that all students will need to switch to remote learning due to a shutdown, will my student still be in the STEM Marin program?
If the district is part of a shutdown due to COVID-19, the in person instruction will switch to remote learning. This type of remote learning is ZOOM/Google Meet based and still STEM Marin teacher led. If a student selects remote learning for the entire year, that student will be assigned classes via NUSD Virtual Learning Academy to complete work. Any teacher check in will be done by a NUSD instructor. The Virtual Learning Academy work will not be reflective of the STEM Marin curriculum.
Will in-person instruction be conducted in the new STEM Marin building?
Yes, science classes will be in the new building. Students are expected to maintain required Social Distancing protocols while in the building.
What measures will be taken to ensure minimal risk of virus transmission in lab classes?
Lab kits including all supplies necessary for each lab will be provided for each lab group or individual. Students will sanitize any shared equipment with disinfecting wipes between uses. Maximum efforts will be made on the part of the instructors to minimize unnecessary movement in the lab during class and ensure 6 feet of distance between individuals.
What happens in the event a student or teacher tests positive for COVID-19?
In the event a student or teacher tests positive for COVID-19, STEM Marin will follow all safety protocols as outlined by MCOE and Marin Health and Human Services.
Where can I find out more information about the two options NUSD is proposing for re-entry?
On July 15, NUSD conducted a virtual town hall explaining the two options for re-entry this fall. A recording of the town hall can be found by clicking here.
Who can I contact for additional questions?
For additional questions, you can contact our STEM Marin Coordinator, Jaime Lutz at [email protected] or our Program Administrator, Kathy Warren at [email protected]. Please note that due to the summer break, response times may be delayed.