We May Look Closed......But We Are Still Awesome!
- Leigh Choate
- Jul 26, 2020
- 2 min read

We may look closed and our classrooms empty, but even though our physical doors are closed to our students and families on the first day of school, we are going to strive to still be AWESOME.
While things are definitely going to look different as we enter into the 2020-2021 school year, we are determined to make this year as seamless as possible under the unfortunate conditions of starting the year in full distance learning. While we know that this is not an ideal way to start the school year, and we are all super bummed that we do not get to have kids at school on the first day, we are ready and waiting with our professional team of teachers and support staff to help all of our kids be successful, supported, and welcomed during these uncertain times.
"DJUSD RECOMMENDATION TO OPEN 100% DISTANCE LEARNING, WITH STUDENTS ASSIGNED TO VIRTUAL CLASSROOMS AT THE SCHOOL THEY REGULARLY ATTENDED" djusd.net
During distance learning, there will be a highlighted focus on the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) and well-being for our entire school community. We hope to all work together on mindfulness, equanimity, balance, kindness.

Mindfulness is being aware or conscious of our emotions and experiences in the moment and choosing how we want to react to them. It can be a state, trait or a practice. When we practice mindfulness, we are training the mind to be kind.
Equanimity is the mental calmness, composure, and awareness of temper, especially in difficult situations. This is of utmost importance when we find ourselves in situations that we do not choose or that are unfortunate.
Balance in our daily lives that help us to move forward during stressful moments and making sure to take time for ourselves and our families away from the screen. Remembering that we cannot be of service to others if we pour from an empty cup.
Kindness is important when we are frustrated, and especially when we are feeling less than nice. Stress and anxiety surrounding the unknown can spill over into our interactions with others which is a side effect of feeling like we have no control and sometimes makes us not so kind to others or ourselves. Remember that smiles are contagious, so let's work together to keep em' coming.

Feeling Lost?
While there will be tons more information coming your way in the near future, please know that if you are feeling overwhelmed or lost that we are here to support you. We understand that it causes frustration,concern and anxiety when all the information is not out there yet and we are all wondering what the heck is going on? Don't worry! We ALL feel the same way. Here is where equanimity comes in to play.
The Details
There will be detailed information coming soon that will give all the deets on Canvas, our new district wide Learning Management System (LMS), the secondary and elementary specific daily and by period schedules, and overall logistics on distance learning requirements that are much different than last year during the emergency learning situation.
If you are having questions or are looking for a resource regarding school in the fall, check out the DJUSD distance learning website here https://www.djusd.net/covid-19/restart_djusd
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