Dear American Union Elementary Families,

Welcome to the 2020-2021 school year!  As you may already be aware, California’s State Superintendent of Public Instruction and the Governor have both announced that the reopening of our schools is not an option at this time as the nation continues to battle the spread of the COVID-19 virus. It is with a heavy heart that at this time, American Union Elementary School campus will remain closed until it is deemed safe for all students to return and we will begin the school year with a 100% Distance Learning format. This is a difficult and disappointing decision, and we realize this is not how we envisioned starting the 2020-2021 school year; but it’s the best and most prudent decision for the safety and well-being of our children, staff, and community. 

Distance Learning Orientation Week: August 17-21, 2020

Parent/Teacher Conferences: August 17-21, 2020.  You will receive information regarding conferences from your child’s teacher(s).  These conferences may be held in person, virtually, or by phone.  If the decision is made to meet in person, you will be required to complete a WUSD COVID-19 survey before arriving on campus. The survey is located on the WUSD web-site.   

Chromebook Distribution:  August 17-21 for grades 5-8 in the AU cafeteria from 9:00am-3:00pm.  Please contact the office if you are unable to pick up a chromebook during these times/dates to make other arrangements.  Note: Grades TK-4 will receive their devices at a later time and will be announced accordingly. 

Distance Learning Expectations:  Every child will be provided with grade-level appropriate activities so that they can continue to learn important academic skills while schools are in distance learning format.  Instruction will be delivered through Seesaw for grades TK-2, google classroom for grades 3-8 and google meet grades TK-8. In the event that you don’t have access to the internet, curriculum will be provided in the form of packets.  Dates and times of distribution and collection of packets will be announced at a later time.  You can also access the content from the WUSD and AU websites.  It is a WUSD/AU expectation to have your child submit their work through google classroom and/or on designated packet collection dates as all assignments will be graded.  Daily attendance will be required.  Your child’s teacher(s) will be sending additional information in the coming weeks.   We value your input.  If you have any questions or comments about the school’s distance learning plan, please call AU at (559) 495-5651.    

 Community Resources for Families: If you or someone you know is in need of community resources such as food, housing, or a list of mental health care providers, please visit the Community Resource link on our website at http://www.washingtonunified.org/community-resources/

 Meal Distribution:  All children 18 and younger will be eligible to pick up free meals at the following locations Monday through Friday:

• Washington Union High School from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.  
• West Fresno Elementary School from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
• American Union Elementary School from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Principal, American Union Elementary School