COVID-19 Updates

Please continue to monitor the CDC for updates and frequently asked questions.

Distance Learning

Thank you for your support and understanding as the COVID-19 pandemic unfolds. For now, please be reminded that:

The San Diego County Health Department and the Governor's office have ordered that all schools will remain closed for on-campus instruction until further notice.

The Winston School is providing equitable access, critical programming and related services appropriately tailored to all our students to the best of our abilities to ensure continuity utilizing distance-learning technologies which were shared with the San Diego County Office of Education, Special Education Local Plan Area regions (SELPAs), California Special Education and Services (CAPSES), as well our nonpublic schools throughout the county.

We are providing instruction through the distance-learning model, which includes meaningful, curriculum-based and enrichment activities centered around WASC-approved course content, California Department of Education Distance Learning Resources and state A-G curriculum, which began on March 16, 2020.

At this time, The Winston School is providing support and services to our students including, access to digital platforms, implementing virtual office hours, virtual class sessions, small group instruction through Zoom, individualized check-ins and personalized schedules, counseling, and Assistive Technology support. Our COVID-19 task force meets daily to monitor all federal, state, and local advisements and executive orders as they are issued, and we are constantly updating our social outlets and our public site.

The Winston School is prepared to comply with the directives given by regulatory bodies, such as the U.S. Department of Education, the California Department of Education, San Diego County Office of Education and placing districts to determine what flexibilities should be implemented to adhere to IDEA requirements, students’ individual needs, and federally-mandated timelines.

We are observing significant participation by all students; parents are exhibiting tremendous flexibility and are appreciative of our efforts with regard to distance-learning initiatives as we move through this unprecedented time.

As a reminder, Spring Break will take place from Monday, March 30, to Friday, April 3, during which time the school will be closed for staff and students.

Students:

Each school district has arranged for food distribution for families who are food insecure. There are local sites where families can go to pick-up meals and food. No ID’s are required. Please go to your school district’s main website if you need more information on this program.

We understand that this is a time of uncertainty and concern. We are committed to working together, with support from public health officials, to keep students, families, and staff safe. We encourage the community to stay informed of the situation by regularly checking updates from the San Diego County Public Health Services and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The Winston School will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.

Lastly, for those of you who are feeling anxious or overwhelmed in this unprecedented situation, please click here for some important information and coping strategies.

Technology Requirements for Distance Learning

A device that connects to high-speed internet (smartphone, laptop, or iPad will be sufficient)
It has the capability of video and audio (camera and microphone)
It can connect to PowerSchool Unified Classroom
It meets the requirements to use Google Hangout and Microsoft teams
If you don’t have these devices, please email office@thewinstonschool.org.

School Communications

Communications: Rachel Deitch, rachel.deitch@thewinstonschool.org

Front office: office@thewinstonschool.org

Coronavirus COVID-19 Task Force

Purpose of the Task Force

Meet daily as needed
Plan, keep track of plan progress, track completion, adapt new plans as needed
Identify ownership of responsibilities
Policy guidance and review
Decision-making with the Leadership team

The Winston School Coronavirus Task Force Members

Assistant Head of School, Mary Sterling-Torretti, marys@thewinstonschool.org

Director of Business and Operations, Kim Kanetis, kimk@thewinstonschool.org

Special Education Director, Dr. Holly Reed, holly.reed@thewinstonschool.org

Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Kelsey Garrison, kelsey.garrison@thewinstonschool.org

Student Success Coordinator, Riley Alvord, riley.alvord@thewinstonschool.org

Executive Assistant to the Head of School and Board of Directors, Maureen Kendrick, maureen.kendrick@thewinstonschool.org

Office Manager, Osiris Romero, osiris.romero@thewinstonschool.org

Administrative Assistant, Lizette Cardenas, lizette.cardenas@thewinstonschool.org

For the Latest Health Information

Preventing Illness

To help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including the coronavirus and flu, follow these important tips:

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Individuals with chronic health issues and/or individuals experiencing severe symptoms should be evaluated by a medical professional.
Get vaccinated every year.