Effective 04/06/2020
Hello OMI Families,
This week both Governor Gavin Newsom and State Superintendent Tony Thurmond recommended that schools plan for campus closures for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year to protect the health and safety of our community.
It is important to note that while our campus is closed to students, school is still open and educational programs will continue through distance learning for the rest of the school year.
The Oakland Military Institute staff in at every grade level has presented learning opportunities to support are students through May 30th.
Oakland Military Institute will observe the scheduled Spring Break starting April 13th and finishing April 17th. During Spring Break students will be assigned minimum work as teachers and staff will take this time to rest and prepare for the remainder of the school year.
Transition to Distance Learning
Oakland Military Institute will continue to provide a quality education through an engaging Distance Learning program. Teachers will continue to post standards-aligned academic material while also hosting virtual discussions and collaborations. During this time period, we encourage students to read books independently, get lots of physical activity at home, and keep themselves healthy.
Our goal is to keep the learning moving forward regardless of whether it is occurring at school or home. Student participation in distance learning is expected and our distance learning format is designed to keep students connected, engaged, and current with their academic skills. If students fully participate in distance learning they will be able to stay on track academically and be ready for next school year.
Technology Access
Thank you to all of the families who let us know they needed a device for student learning. This past week we have provided over 100 Chromebooks to families and will continue to host pick up times this coming Monday through Wednesday. Our IT team is also helping families strategize technology and internet access options.
Special Education Support
Although the campus is closed to students, our special education support staff is working hard to support all students. As OMI transitions to distance learning, we would like to reassure you we are committed to ensuring equal access to educational opportunities for all students, including the provision of Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), to the greatest extent practicable under the circumstances.
Student Services
Academic, social/emotional guidance and counseling will continue during distance learning. Dr. Smith will be posting guidance on how to stay mentally fit and engage during this stressful time.
Meals
For the duration of the school year, including our Spring Break, meals will continue to be available on campuses across Oakland.
End of Year Celebrations
A number of you have asked about end-of-year events, such as graduation and promotion. We are still figuring out these details and they are completely dependent on when shelter-in-place orders are lifted. We are exploring many different options including virtual and parade-like events and will be reaching out to student and parent groups after Spring Break. Our hope is to honor the hard work of our students in new and creative ways.
If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact me or your academy coordinator.
Stanley Echols
Superintendent
Effective 03/21/2020
Greetings Oakland Military Institute staff, teachers, parents and students,
During this uncertain time, caused by COVID-19 (Coronavirus), I want to assure you the Oakland Military Institute (OMI) Leadership Team is doing everything possible to keep students and staff safe, while we work through the issues of providing the best quality education possible. The Oakland Military Institute’s goals at this time are as follows:
1. To ensure the safety of students, staff and teachers by following all guidelines put forth by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Alameda County Office of Public Health (ACPHD), California Department of Education (CDE), Alameda County Office of Education (ACOE), Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) and the Oakland Military Institute Board of Directors.
2. To continue educating students through various domains to include distance learning, Google Classroom, Zoom, and other virtual methods to meet our student needs.
3. To keep everyone informed through a constant interchange of information and services through the OMI website, school loop and when appropriate, other means of communication.
4. To ensure all employees are compensated according to the guidelines provided by the Governor of California and the California Department of Education, to include continued payment to contracted employees and hourly employees.
Oakland Military Institute Website
The Oakland Military Website will be the primary source of communication and updates during the school closure. The leadership team will be providing daily updates through the website and school loop. It is imperative if you are not getting messages, to please contact the school by clicking on the COVID-19 School Closure Updates, scroll down and click the contact tab to send us a message.
The website will have a question and answer section that is monitored to answer questions related to school closure and the resumption of normal activities.
Providing a Safe Environment
Oakland Military Institute has started the process of deep cleaning the facility to keep students and staff safe. This process includes washing down all surfaces in common areas and classrooms, wearing the proper safety gear and maintaining the appropriate social distancing while continuing to provide the very limited and essential services of the school.
Breakfast and Lunch Program
Oakland Military Institute will resume its breakfast and lunch program starting March 17th from 9:00am to 1:00pm.
School Closure
As of today March 21, 2020 Oakland Military Institute will remain closed until April 6th with school resuming April 7th and Spring Break starting April 10th. These dates are the best case scenario, but everyone should be prepared for a longer closure, to include remaining closed for the remainder of the school year. The Governor has issued a Shelter in Place order which has been strongly emphasized, with an increased police presence to remind individuals to stay indoors. I anticipate another level to this order, which will keep all nonessential personnel off the streets until further notice.
Google Classroom/Google Hangout
All teachers at OMI are required to provide instruction via Google Classroom. We are providing guidance on what a typical day at home should look like for our students and how much work they should be completing daily. Please see the COVID-19 Student Classwork/Homework and Wellness Office Updates link on the OMI website for additional information.
Chromebooks and Wi-Fi/Internet Access
Oakland Military Institute will provide, with parent consent, a ChromeBook for students to access Google Classroom and complete assignments. Please see COVID-19 Internet options for families who need Internet services.
Grading and Senior Activities
The Leadership team is evaluating how grading will be conducted for the 2nd semester of the school year. All senior activities are currently postponed, with the intent of rescheduling at a later date as more information affecting school closure becomes available.
Contact LTC Stanley Echols sechols@omiacademy.org