By Zoe Hsu & Bernice Loi; Photo by Ashley Cho
A hush fell over classrooms when Assistant Principal Elena Li announced over the intercom that TCUSD schools are closed from March 16 to April 5 due to the threat of COVID-19.
Teachers will discuss online teaching strategies and platforms, such as Google Classroom and Hangouts, during Staff Development Day on March 16 instead of participating in active shooter training. Custodians also will complete a deep cleaning on campus.
TCUSD is considering laptop checkout for students who do not have internet access or a computer at home. Students who qualify for free and reduced lunch should expect certain sites, such as TCHS, to be open.
The district office is open for limited hours and will continue to provide updates through tcusd.net, social media and WeChat for Mandarin speakers.
“There is no reason to panic; we’re in this as a community,” Principal Richard Lohman said. “We’re making sure that we’re checking in with each other, our parents and our family members. When we start isolating ourselves or closing ourselves off from each other, it’s necessary to step back and stay at least six feet apart, but it doesn’t mean we shouldn’t communicate and stay connected to each other.”
“Newsies”
The city of San Gabriel canceled this weekend’s “Newsies” musical on Thursday after the school district canceled the musical matinee for elementary and middle school students on Wednesday. Temple City Photos (templecityphotos.com) uploaded a video of the full performance on Vimeo.
People who planned to attend the musical will receive a notice about refunds for tickets on Monday.
“I was very disappointed, but at the same time it wasn’t unexpected,” senior Jeffrey Van said. “Just being part of the process in putting the musical together is already an honor. I’m glad they made the tough decision for us since it’s better to be on the side of caution and prevent an outbreak before it occurs.”
Testing
CAASPP and CAST testing will continue starting on April 6, but Lohman and Li are looking to postpone them. ELPAC is rescheduled for the week of April 20.
College
The College and Career Center postponed OH! My Essay, a college essay writing workshop for juniors, to April 23, April 30, May 21 and May 22. According to College and Career Center Coordinator Amy Sisson, COVID-19 will not affect college admission decisions as of March 13, and seniors can use virtual tours and look at their Student Aid Reports when making college decisions.
Pasadena City College table set-ups on campus on March 25 and April 15 are postponed, but the PCC Pathways to Transfer event on April 21 will still occur. Sisson is looking to create virtual tutorials for students on Padlet, Naviance and Google Classroom during school closure.
Athletics
All CIF sports games, practices and other athletic activities will not occur until April 19. However, the school board will review the current conditions and policies on March 25 to reconsider cancellations and if practices and games can resume. Once students and faculty return, there is a possibility of a small season, if teams are allowed to play.
Extracurricular Activities & Trips
All extracurricular groups must postpone, cancel or switch to digital platforms. Students who paid for Sadie’s tickets will find out about refunds on Monday.
Administrators and Education First Tours postponed the French trip to the spring of 2021. Current seniors can still join the French class on the trip. Students who cannot attend the trip will receive a travel voucher.
In addition to trips, City of Temple City programs, such as the Sister City student exchange to Australia, will move to the summer of 2021 because the Australian Department of Education will not allow students to travel overseas due to the threat of COVID-19.
“I’m disappointed because everyone who tried out for this program put in a lot of time and effort into this,” sophomore Mio Komatsu said. “Watching this chance disappear is very sad, but I think they made the right choice to postpone it to next year because I know they’re trying their best to protect us from possible harm.”
City
City Hall and the Live Oak Park Community Center will remain open and are being deep cleaned. As of March 13, 2020, City Council declared a local emergency. City Council will provide future actions regarding COVID-19 at their meeting on Tuesday, March 17 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
Rampage will continue to post information through the newsletter, website, Instagram (@tchsrampage) and the Facebook page (TCHS Rampage) despite the school closure.
Updated as of March 13, 2020, 7:58 p.m.