A Message from Monrovia Unified Regarding Extension of Dismissal Period

This decision aligns with a recommendation from Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools Debra Duardo that schools remain physically closed for the remainder of the academic year. 
 
We understand that this decision will pose hardships for our students, families, and our District team. It is not an ideal situation, nor is it one we would have wanted for our students who, we believe, are best served in the classroom. But we also believe it is the best option for slowing the spread of COVID-19, as public health workers scramble to provide medical care for the mounting number of patients.
 
Although our students will not be returning to school campuses, rigorous instruction will continue.
 
During this time, we will put all efforts into strengthening our delivery of instruction through distance learning and ensuring continuity through remote tools, including online learning programs and printed materials. Our dedicated teachers and educational leaders are hard at work revising lesson plans for remote instruction and innovating ways to deliver those lessons to support student achievement. The California Department of Education, the Los Angeles County Office of Education, and our leadership teams work each day to identify solutions to support this new learning environment. 
 
I would like to take a moment to acknowledge our teachers, staff, and students who are demonstrating amazing creativity and out-of-the box thinking to strengthen remote learning. Equally important to this new learning paradigm are the parents and caregivers who are supporting (and often leading) the learning at home. None of us signed up for this new normal, and each of us are doing what it takes.
 
During these unsettling times, in addition to the teaching of curriculum and standards, we are teaching the children of Monrovia something far more important: the power of community in a crisis. This community has coalesced into a tangible force upon which they can depend. This is the message that will continue to be reinforced in the weeks to come, as we act together to provide support, nourishment, and encouragement. This is the message that will shape their character as they mature into adulthood.
 
Finally, we are committed to celebrating the achievements of our Class of 2020 and are doing everything in our power to ensure they get the recognition they deserve as their high school journey comes to a close. The Class of 2020 will have a graduation. It may not be on the day we had originally scheduled or the manner in which we had originally envisioned it, but it will happen and it will be memorable.
 
Our Board of Education also will continue to meet using remote tools.
 
As a reminder, our website will have all the latest information. Pre-recorded messages are regularly updated at (626) 471-2084.
 
I want to thank you for your patience and support as we navigate this fluid situation and learn to adapt to a distance learning instructional model. We will not only get through this together, we will be the better for it.
 
Sincerely,
Dr. Katherine Thorossian
Superintendent