At the July 17th WUSD School Board Meeting, two important decisions were made. First, we will start school on Monday August 31st. Secondly, the WUSD schools will begin the year in a remote (distance) learning environment. It is the goal of the staff to provide a much improved educational experience for students. In grades TK-2 we will focus on packets for students that go with our curriculum and will allow parents to follow the process. In grades 3-5 we will be using workbooks and technology provided by WUSD to enhance the work. Baechtel Grove Middle School will be using a schedule that provides four periods of core instruction, one of PE and an elective period. They will have live online instruction every single day from the district adopted curriculum. We are also providing parent support for technological and other questions and concerns, as well as informational training. You will be able to call the school directly and get a response from designated staff. We all believe that you need to be adequate and meaningful partners in this work. At the High School students will have a three period schedule where the courses last six weeks. Each school will be providing parents and students with many details and procedures in late August before we start. We will transition to on site classroom instruction as soon as the health guidelines allow us to do so. If we want our children back at school, as a community we need to continue to follow health guidelines, to not get on the county watch list with the state. The district is working with other local governmental agencies to provide more free internet access, as well as exploring opening up our school libraries to download assignments. The CIF (California Interscholastic Federation) Sports have been shifted to two seasons with one beginning in mid December and the second season starting in mid March. The majority of sports will be offered, just compacted into two seasons. Their online instruction will look very different this year, as teachers increase their knowledge of virtual instruction. We will be in communication with families as the situation changes. Please stay patient as we transition to this changing environment.

The WUSD School Board is meeting tomorrow night to do some needed business and discuss the reopening options for the fall. There will not be a decision made, it is to soon to know what it will look like on Aug. 31st. When we do consider opening in the fall it will be in a more Covid prepared schedule or remotely. Our goal is to allow parents choice of doing independent study or back in classroom instruction if the conditions allows it. I use the restaurant mentality, if we can’t be in the inside of the restaurant, we can’t be in the classrooms. If the rules are some percentage capacity in the restaurant with masks we will try and provide that option in classrooms. In mid-August our goal will be to call each family and ask parents to choose an option of in class or independent study and we will make the staffing adjustments needed. Beyond staffing we will need to make building specific plans for situations that may occur. Our goal is to provide the safest environment we can and give parents options. If we had to start tomorrow our data is trending the wrong way and the guidelines are locking down more not less, so we would be on home instruction. If you would like to give the board information please use my email address to do so. ( markwesterburg@willitsunified.com ) If you would like to participate in the zoom board meeting this is the address https://us04web.zoom.us/j/9782489039?pwd=V0U2cUtHZUMzQk5xR3d5Vy9wT1JkZz09 There is also a chat box to ask questions or use your time during the public comments section. The WUSD staff is working hard this summer to get ready for this new situation that provides the safest and best academic environment we can financially afford to do.

Awesome graduation last night at Sherwood. Although we don’t have a lot of eighth graders they have huge hearts and talent.

2020 NorCal Cyber Virtual Summer Camp The Northern California Information Communication Technologies (ICT) Hub at the Sacramento County Office of Education, in partnership with California Community Colleges, is supporting FREE, week-long Virtual Summer Introductory and Advanced Cyber Camps for Middle School and High school (7th-12 trade) students! This opportunity to learn about cybersecurity at no-cost is made possible through generous donations and contributions of NorCal Cyber partners and sponsors. Please provide registration to your school office so you can keep your Chromebook over the summer! Go here to register =>https://www.norcalcyber.org/

Due to Coronavirus (COVID-19), children who are eligible for free or reduced-price meals at school will get extra food benefits. These food benefits are called Pandemic EBT or P-EBT benefits. P-EBT benefits help families in California buy food when schools are closed because of the coronavirus emergency. Families will get up to $365 per eligible child on their P-EBT card to use on food and groceries. Families with children who get CalFresh, Medi-Cal or Foster Care benefits do not need to apply. Most will get their P-EBT card in the mail during the month of May. P-EBT cards will begin arriving around May 12, 2020.

New Shelter in Place Guidelines for Stage 2, now in place.

It certainly appears that we will not be returning to normal classroom settings for the remainder of this school year. All school sites have made plans to continue with modified school instruction through the end of May. The first week of June will be used for students to turn in all assignments and for teachers to assign grades. All students will be moved to the next grade unless discussions about retention have already taken place. Although very unlikely- if it is possible before this school year ends to bring back a limited number of students, the District would consider the following: Brookside grade 2 only, Blosser Lane grade 5 only, BGMS grade 8 only and all seniors at WHS. In regards to graduation our preference is to wait it out, meet as a group and make it happen. As I have stated before, we can do it in August if necessary. I prefer this idea over a virtual ceremony. Middle school and high school campuses are planning to hold a summer school session from July 27th through August 14th. WUSD is willing to provide support to all other summer session programs which use our facilities so they may become operational. In regards to the governor's comments about starting school July 1st. There are more problems with that Idea than good. A major issue for a third of our students is transportation, can they get on the bus, with such a confined space we would have to limit buses to 12 students and this is a problem. Another large issue is the heat in July, only about 40% of our facilities have air conditioning and classrooms would be very warm. Along with this are summer jobs, summer school, cleaning facilities, adding 20+ days to teachers' work year, new teachers who won't be here yet, plus all the added cost for operations for a month and half. Although we are anxious to all be together again an early start is not the best plan. When all the students come back in August we will all work aggressively to get back on track. I commend all of our parents and staff for working through this situation, hang in there. My biggest concern in coming back together is the health of our adult staff, the impact from the virus can be harsh and we have a small number of substitutes available. The need to social distance even with a small group is very tough with young kids. If we do have to create A and B days for students to limit the exposure we will do so. Bus routes, siblings, teachers, children and creating off day work for students will be a challenge but we will do it if necessary. In conclusion, we are waiting it out and hopeful that summer will get us a little closer too normal. Our goals for Willits Unified are to finish the year in distance mode, have a graduation ceremony, provide whatever educational services we can in the summer and get ready for next school year. Mark Westerburg

Congratulations Students you have hit the 7 digit level on IXL.

I have attached a link to the CENSUS 2020. It is very important for school funding to have an accurate census for the district. Federal funding inTitle Programs, food service and grant opportunities come from census data. It is very quick and easy to do. https://my2020census.gov/

WUSD April 15, 2020 School Board Meeting Video https://youtu.be/dOmTXIUzBlU

Arts integration this week at Sherwood MS. This is terra-cotta soldiers, EB has some serious art skills

Willits Unified Schools has extended the Modified School period through Friday May 1st. All the Mendocino County Schools will be under this extension. We will be monitoring the situation. I look forward to returning to school as soon as it is safe for staff and students to be together.

Even in the midst of trying times like this, good things can still happen. Today we received the fourth new bus from grant funds. This is a huge savings to the district and has significantly upgraded our transportation department. Can’t wait for us to get back on the road.

This is a column that I posted in the Willits Weekly and Willits News.

We have been using this program at grades 3-5 for the past two years. Based on the situation we are in, I have expanded the use of it and added Language Arts, Science and Social Studies. If you have a student in grades 3-5 they know all about it.  IXL has grade Level Math, Language Arts, Science and Social Studies. (Science and Social Studies start at 2nd grade). The program is linked to California State Standards for all areas and is set to work in conjunction with the Math book series we use in grades K-5. This is new to the K-2 teachers, they will be able to see your child's progress and what the struggle with. The 3-5 Grade teachers already know who to use it and will now be able to use it for Language Arts as well. If you go to the district website and click on the Modified School Information Button you will see a video named IXL to watch. DOWNLOAD the App for tablets, Ipads, Iphone and smartphones  https://www.ixl.com/apps   Login Websitie  https://www.ixl.com/signin/willits   Username  Firstname lastname @Willits   (Example:  johnsmith@willitsPassword   abcd1234     ( you can change it if you wish once your are up and running. ) Thank you for all your efforts at home.

Remember that we have breakfast and lunch pick up at WHS from 8-10 AM and 11-1 for lunch. If you can't make arrangements to get in please call 707-459-5314 and leave a message.

The best way to contact staff is through email. All district emails are first and last name @willitsunified.com. For example markwesterburg@willitsunified.com Important information for WUSD is located on the district website under the Modified School Information link. https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/19avYBzh8L5XfvixXwXPz6-Yg23G08uyF

Mendocino County will be going into a shelter in place at 10 PM tonight. Based on that all buildings will be closed on Thursday until further notice. The phones will be monitored and checked remotely. Student food pick up at WHS will continue as scheduled.

I have put together a folder of information to share with parents and students during this non-classroom instruction time. It is my intent to continue to add to this as we go through the weeks. https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/19avYBzh8L5XfvixXwXPz6-Yg23G08uyF?usp=sharing

Let me tell you what I saw today on the first day on non-traditional school for WUSD. https://drive.google.com/file/d/179V-ymN3MUqEwGKiAo7HeEmePOVhLJZN/view?usp=sharing

All school sites will be open on Monday for students to get any materials they need, but normal in-class instruction will be suspended until April 13. Students will be expected to begin their packets or online instruction. Please say turned into information because this is a changing situation. It will be our hope to have our libraries open for students who need access. Breakfast and lunch will be provided through the high school in a pick up and go fashion.

I am meeting with the county health department, doctors and the other superintendents from the county today at 12:00. We will be determining when and for how long schools will need to be closed. This is a unique situation and it is important to get the best information available. Please look for a posting at 2 pm for an update. I am fully aware of the reasons to close and stay open.

Possible School Closure Information. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1X2u4VIP0WIb3GZNR1xeqlw15ud0ehOYu/view?usp=sharing

Board President Alex Bowlds presented Darrell McIvor of Microphor an award for their company's generous donations to WUSD. Microphor relocated operations to North Carolina but decided to donate at no cost thousands of dollars in parts, equipment and supplies to WUSD.

K-8 Parent Survey on Minimum Days. I have had trouble with Google forms getting this out. Please use the link if you did not get the chance to respond. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfCFU7HeuT4SOkmS1b2sd3ef-65ulnyAKoxgk_dy6L7kmhmmA/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1

Here is the most current county information on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) https://www.mendocinocounty.org/community/novel-coronavirus

It’s Election Day, please remember to vote.

WUSD will be putting a plan together this week for a home study program for students if the health conditions require it. All buildings were disinfected this weekend. Please watch this video. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-facts-about-coronavirus-what-you-need-to-know/

Sherwood students at Odyssey of the Mind having a great time and doing a great job.

Another awesome Science Fair down at the Community Center. Stop down and see the great work by the students and staff. Thank you to Erin Vaccaro for her efforts to put it all together with her volunteers.

Measure G Information Nights- Open Community Forum Please join School Board President, Alex Bowlds and WUSD Superintendent, Mark Westerburg to discuss and ask questions about Measure G; the school bond initiative for Willits Unified School District coming up on the March 3, 2020 election. There will be two meetings held at Willits High School, Media Center, 299 N. Main Street. For more information please contact the District Office 459-5314 ext. 1101 February 4, 2020, 6:30 p.m. February 10, 2020, 6:30 p.m.

Measure G Information Nights- Open Community Forum Please join School Board President, Alex Bowlds and WUSD Superintendent, Mark Westerburg to discuss and ask questions about Measure G; the school bond initiative for Willits Unified School District coming up on the March 3, 2020 election. There will be two meetings held at Willits High School, Media Center, 299 N. Main Street. For more information please contact the District Office 459-5314 ext. 1101 February 4, 2020, 6:30 p.m. February 10, 2020, 6:30 p.m.

3rd new bus for WUSD. This special needs bus was provided at no cost to the district. Thank you to Mendocino County Air Quality committee. A 4th big bus is scheduled for May.

First Annual Bob Colvig Youth Wrestling Tournament going on today at the high school. Tons of people and lots of fun. Thank you to the local sponsors who helped put this on. It’s a great event.

Due to snow and weather conditions Willits unified school district will be closed today at all sites.

WUSD Volunteer of the Year. Jennifer Drew has given countless hours and effort helping kids at WUSD. WEF, FFA, Summer Gala, Ag. Farm, Tri Tip Dinners and more. Thank you for all you do for us.

Sherwood students rock the school with a talent show today.

Sherwood students bringing Christmas cheer to Northbrook Healthcare Center today.

3-5 graders at Sherwood getting a presentation from the Red Cross. Their pillow project for Emergency safety.

Mark your calendars for Hot Winter's Night 2019.

Air Quality grant provided WUSD with another new bus. Great addition to the fleet.

The Varsity Football Team continues on it's playoff run Saturday Nov. 23rd at 1 PM in Ferndale. Go Wolverines !

It is the end of the first trimester for this school year. Minimum days have been adjusted to allow for final exams and teacher grade reporting time. All schools will have minimum days on Thursday and Friday this week. Only WHS/SHS will release on Friday at 11:15 a.m.

The Varsity Football Team has qualified for the playoff and will be hosting a home game Friday night at 7 PM vs El Molino. CIF rules require us to charge admission (11 for adults, 6 for Students, Seniors, Children). Come support the team in our first home playoff in a while.

Ziggurat Marble Run contest at Sherwood Middle School. Preparing for Odyssey of the Mind Competitions.

Willits Unified Schools will not be in session tomorrow October 30. The school has planned in-services days for Thursday and Friday. So there will be no school for students on Thursday or Friday as well. The football game scheduled for Friday night will be played at its regular time if we have power, if not it will be played at 1 o’clock and 3:30 on Friday afternoon.

Due to power outages Willits unified school district will be closed on Tuesday the 29th. There is a pending Wind advisory for Tuesday night that may prolong the power shut down. I will keep you posted on our status as soon as I know definite information. Stay safe and alert to changing conditions.

Due to power outages there will be no school for Willits Unified on Monday the 28th. I will post again Monday afternoon to let everybody know our status for Tuesday.

This is a reminder for Monday morning. If you do not have power at home you can assume that the school does not have power either and we will be closed. I will keep you posted on the power situation at our school as time goes on.

Sherwood Fall Festival was fantastic. Great food, friends and songs were shared by a full crowd of parents and friends.

An additional student van added to the fleet. Thanks to a USDA Grant for 55% of the cost.

All of the Willits schools have power and will be open today.

Good Evening. Please be advised that there is a chance of a power outage in the Willits area scheduled for tomorrow October 9th. If you have power at your residence tomorrow morning, assume that school will be in session during regular scheduled hours. If you do not have power at your residence tomorrow morning, assume school will be canceled. In the event of a power outage during the day, school will continue to be operational until the end of the school day. We will continue to update you as we receive further information. Mr. Westerburg

Sherwood Students and SF Opera Members rock the house at the WHS Auditorium today with a stellar performance.

I am pleased to let everyone know that our bus drivers came into today and fixed the training issue. WUSD will be busing all our students on Friday.

I am pleased to let everyone know that our bus drivers came into today and fixed the training issue. WUSD will be busing all our students on Friday.

Sherwood students doing a bake sale fund raiser at Back to School Night.

If you are going to volunteer with WUSD this year you need to have your fingerprints done. The company Print Your Mitts, will be at Brookside Elementary Open House on Thursday at 6 PM until 8. WUSD has a form that the DOJ charges us $32 for us to have processed and Mitt Your Mitts will charge you $30 for their service. If your interested please have 2 checks available to use. We greatly appreciate our volunteers. We don't have any choice on the rules or cost. I would get there early, last year there was a line.

Thank you to the Willits Education Foundation for an awesome Summer Gala.

Classroom bonding at Sherwood Middle School.

Reminder: All WUSD schools are on regular schedule today. Our first minimum day of the school year will be next Tuesday, August 27th.

Hello Sherwood Families, It's time to come meet new friends and reconnect with old ones at our annual work party. Please come up to Sherwood on Saturday, August 10th from 9am-1pm to help beautify and get the school ready to welcome our students for the new year! Bring your favorite dish for a potluck following the work party. Can't wait to see you all there.

Go to the Apple Store or Google Play to get the Willits USD mobile app for your phone.

2019-2020 Willits Unified School District Calendar