Mailbag: I can see the difference in my kindergartners since Mariners Elementary reopened

OCT. 6, 2020

3:22 PM

As the debate continues on whether in-person learning during COVID-19 is safe, one thing is certain: I will never forget the look of joy on my children’s faces when they took their very first steps on a Newport-Mesa campus and walked off with their teacher. After a month of distance learning, transitional kindergarten through sixth-grade students began the process of resuming on campus education last week.

During these challenging times, parents seem to be at the mercy of the school board, district and their teachers.

With Newport-Mesa Unified School District trustees voting 7-0 on Sept. 10, the district began the process of instituting a hybrid model for in-person learning. However, in recent weeks, petitions, rallies, letters and social media drives have shown that some teachers, mostly at the high school level, are not comfortable returning to the classroom.

Fortunately, at Mariners Elementary (where my twins attend kindergarten), that sentiment didn’t seem to carry over. Parents and students arrived last Tuesday to balloons, banners and excitement from their teachers.

Through their masks, you could see the pure love these teachers showed during drop-off and pick-up. They shared pictures with parents and did everything possible to provide a great experience, even under tough circumstances.

I am so proud of our elementary school teachers for their hard work these past few months. And while students are only receiving two-and-a-half hours of in-person instruction, I have already seen a difference in my children’s interest in education.

During distance learning, my children woke up every morning asking to watch TV. Now every morning they wake up asking to write letters or count numbers. I am grateful to the teachers who are working so hard for their students.

As the days draw nearer for secondary schools to resume, it is important for our school district to work with teachers to ensure their safety and comfort. The teachers need proper communication from the district to not only meet expectations but to recognize the district has their support and backing.

One suggestion I might provide is to resume trustee board meetings in-person. The meetings can still be live-streamed. We are asking teachers to be in the classroom; it is only fair that board members follow suit.

I am running for school board to help bring a healthy discussion to the table. We need fresh leadership and a strong communicator.

Someone who can work to bring trust and compromise between our teachers’ union and the district. We face many challenges, but we can deliver results that will strengthen relationships throughout our school community and put the education and well-being of our students at the forefront.

Last week was a special day for me. I am sure this occasion will be etched in my memory for the rest of my life. It is my hope everyone will get to experience this feeling soon.

Krista Weigand

Newport Beach

The writer is a candidate for school board.

Standing up for in-person instruction

During these unprecedented times, parents, teachers and school board members throughout the state continue to struggle with tough decisions related to COVID-19’s closure of our classrooms.

Parents are growing extremely anxious, as distance learning continues to be less than ideal for many.

The debate of whether in-person or distance learning is appropriate weighs on the minds of countless families. Luckily, the law permits every school to apply for a waiver which allows kindergarten through sixth grade the opportunity to safely return to the classroom.

Newport-Mesa Unified School District has a golden opportunity to fulfill the wishes of parents who want to send their children back to in-person instruction.

Initially, NMUSD chose not to apply for this waiver due to the almost certain guarantee that Orange County would fall off the original watch list which kept schools closed. Regrettably, Gov. Newsom switched course midstream and adopted a new metric system that complicated matters.

A waiver would protect the district from the ever-changing guidance from the state. It would also prevent schools from yo-yo-ing between distance and in-person learning should the county move back to the purple tier — or whatever new doctrine comes from Sacramento.

NMUSD must break free from the state’s firm grip so we can chart our own path.

For those parents concerned with COVID-19, NMUSD created a 100% virtual Cloud Campus. This learning platform allows for a safe, risk-free environment to learn with some of our finest teachers. We should be thankful that the board put in the hard work to adopt this infrastructure. Parents have a right to decide which type of learning is right for their family.

A lot of moving parts are needed to create a waiver, including effective communication and negotiation between the board and unions. Before decisions are made and negotiations are final, let’s survey the teachers to see exactly how they feel about returning safely to the classroom.

While I am only a candidate for this position and cannot vote on this matter, I implore our current board of trustees to stand up for in-person instruction and apply for the waiver.

Krista Weigand
Newport Beach
Note: Weigand is a candidate for NMUSD, Trustee Area #6.

During these unprecedented times, parents, teachers and school board members throughout the state continue to struggle with tough decisions related to COVID-19’s closure of our classrooms. 

Parents are growing extremely anxious, as distance learning continues to be less than ideal for many. 

The debate of whether in-person or distance learning is appropriate weighs on the minds of countless families. Luckily, the law permits every school to apply for a waiver which allows kindergarten through sixth grade the opportunity to safely return to the classroom. 

Newport-Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD) has a golden opportunity to fulfill the wishes of parents who want to send their children back to in-person instruction. 

Initially, NMUSD chose not to apply for this waiver due to the almost certain guarantee that OC would fall off the original watch list which kept schools closed. Regrettably, Governor Newsom switched course midstream and adopted a new metric system that complicated matters. 

A waiver would protect the district from the ever-changing guidance from the state. It would also prevent schools from yo-yoing between distance and in-person learning should Orange County move back to the purple tier – or whatever new doctrine comes from Sacramento.   

NMUSD must break free from the state’s firm grip, so we can chart our own path. 

For those parents concerned with COVID-19, NMUSD created a 100 percent virtual Cloud Campus. This learning platform allows for a safe, risk-free environment to learn with some of our finest teachers. We should be thankful that the Board put in the hard work to adopt this infrastructure. Parents have a right to decide which type of learning is right for their family.

A lot of moving parts are needed to create a waiver, including effective communication and negotiation between the Board and Unions. Before decisions are made and negotiations are final, let’s survey the teachers to see exactly how they feel about returning safely to the classroom.     

If the Board and the Federation of Teachers cannot come to an agreement, perhaps another solution could be found. I would suggest offering those who are on the cusp of retirement a package that allows them to step down now with full compensation. Then allow those who are not quite ready to return to the classroom the ability to teach online. Lastly, offer hazard pay to those who want to teach in the classroom. This extra incentive will likely bring some of those who are on the fence back into the classroom. 

While I am only a candidate for this position and cannot vote on this matter, I implore our current Board of Trustees to stand up for in-person instruction and apply for the waiver. 

Krista Weigand is a candidate for Newport-Mesa Unified School District, Trustee Area #6.

Commentary: Who I Am and Why I Am Running

By KRISTA WEIGAND

AUG. 26, 2020

3:13 PM

After the votes of November’s upcoming election have been counted, both Martha Fluor and Dana Black, trustees of the Newport-Mesa Unified School District, will have completed their extensive careers. Elected in 1991 and 1996 respectively, they have a combined 53 years of service, and we thank them for their hard work, countless hours of time and dedication to our community.

To say there is a need for leadership when the dust of this election settles is an understatement.

Let me begin by introducing myself. I am a mother of five 5-year-old twins who are currently enrolled at Mariner’s Elementary. I am a national account manager for Spectrum Brands, a publicly traded company which is routinely featured on Fortune magazine’s top lists. And, when organized sports resume, I am a passionate youth soccer coach.

Many ask me why I have decided to enter the arena and run for such a difficult position. It’s an easy answer — I believe in public education and I want our children to succeed.

As a product of public schools and daughter of a middle school teacher, I have seen with my own eyes the power of our educational system. I am confident that with my background in business, finance and budgets, I can place my managerial experience to good practice at a time when the state of California continues to look locally to fill its ever-growing appetite for resources.

The global pandemic of COVID-19 will not last forever, but the strain it has placed on families, both rich and poor, will stick with us for a very long time. We must prepare for children being behind the curve and do everything in our power to catch up on a lost year of learning.

As distance learning continues to encompass most of the discussion during these times, we must remember that its days are numbered. School must not and cannot continue remotely. While the fear of getting sick is understandable, the district must prepare for a return of in-class instruction sooner rather than later.

A story of the haves and have-nots is playing out districtwide. Children of fortunate families are seeking private institutions with waivers for in-class instruction, while those who don’t have the means are stuck balancing work with their children’s Zoom classes.

An issue that will certainly grow in the aftermath of COVID-19 is mental health. I look to be a stalwart by bringing awareness and helping those who are most vulnerable receive the best possible instruction. We must do a better job at making education equitable for everyone.

My campaign continues to gain momentum. Recently I was honored to be endorsed by Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes. He understands the importance of a uniformed presence at our schools, and working together with both Newport Beach and Costa Mesa police departments will be a priority of mine.

Lastly, a word on transparency. The public demands and respects a certain level of discussion that lets everyone become involved. While I may not agree on everything the Federation of Teachers does, they have a right to be heard. The same goes with the students, community members and parents. NMUSD needs to do a better job at listening. Listening to the parents. Listening to the community. Listening to our teachers, faculty and classified staff. Listening to the students. As I have been out campaigning, I’ve heard a constant reoccurring theme — “nobody seems to listen.” I am ready to listen.

It would be an honor to receive your vote during this very important time for NMUSD, and I look forward to making a difference for our community.

The writer is a candidate for Newport-Mesa Unified School District, Trustee Area 6.