The Waldron Weekly ‘20-‘21
volume 19
From the Desk of Ms. Waldron
As we approach the second semester, Scottsdale Unified School District has invited students and families who chose Scottsdale Online (SOL) or Enhanced Distance Learning (EDL) the option to return to Anasazi in person beginning in January. We are excited to accept many back into our learning community. With more students coming back in person, the need for more in person teacher staffing was presented in a couple of grades. As a result, additional teachers will be facilitating instruction in person in these areas/grades. In order to optimize student and staff safety, changes will be made to create smaller classroom sizes in these cases. Details will be shared early this week to those whom are impacted by a homeroom teacher change. We appreciate your flexibility and understanding during this time. Please know we are working our best to provide the least disruption at a site level.
For those continuing with SOL or EDL, you will no longer be receiving direct communication from Anasazi or me. Please continue to look for The Waldron Weekly on our school website and check social media regularly. We know that the decision to stay online or return in person is such a difficult one. We look forward to the time that we can welcome you back in person when the time is right for you and your family.
As we move into our last week of school before our holiday break, I can't thank you all enough for the outpouring of support. The Anasazi community has really come together more than ever and I, along with the staff, know how special Anasazi is for all. As a community, we are stronger together. Your children, are such an important part of the equation and I am grateful for them everyday.
Serving your children,
Ms. Waldron
COVID Update from Dr. Menzel
The COVID-19 data for this week, available for review at www.susd.org/Metrics, shows that SUSD is now red in both cases/100,000, as well as positivity rate (which is at 11.43% as the weighted average). This is the first week the percent positivity is in red in the aggregate. The COVID-like illness benchmark has risen to 9.10% and may also move into the red category with the next data update on December 17. With respect to active, positive COVID cases in our schools, the total this week is at 43 (down from 79 last week). So what does this all mean? Given the current metrics and my conversations with Dr. Sunenshine, we should be able to finish the semester next week without requiring additional buildings to return to online learning.
However, the data trends are likely to impact the start of the second semester.
When all three benchmark metrics are red, ADHS and Maricopa County Department of Public Health recommend schools return to virtual learning with on-site supports for students who need it. While we are not at that point today, it increasingly seems likely that we will reach that threshold next week. Our staff and families want and need to know what to expect when we break for two weeks on December 18. As a district, we've committed to following the data and recommendations from the public health department.
I will be discussing next steps at the Governing Board meeting on Tuesday evening and following the updated data on December 17, we will provide notice of what to expect when the second semester begins on January 4. As soon as we are able to provide definitive information, we will do so.
Spring Learning Model Overview
Please use this correct link for the second semester Learning Model Transfer Form referred to in the weekly SUSD parent briefing.
- Requesting a Change of Learning Models - During the commitment process for Spring Learning Models, families were asked to select a model for their student for the spring semester. Staffing and scheduling were based on these selections. In order to request a model change, beginning Monday, December 14, families will need to fill out this form and return it to their school registrar. Model changes will be based on space availability. Requesting a Model Change, Spanish Model Change Form
This Week
It is a regular week for elementary schools with NO EARLY RELEASE DAYS.
Monday, 12/14
- PTO Meeting - 1pm https://us04web.zoom.us/j/79271206862?pwd=SFFwcS9OaUtRN1F0OWFVNC9nY3FjQT09 Meeting ID: 792 7120 6862 Passcode: AnasaziPTO
- EDL FAMILIES - Monday is our Semester 2 EDL at Echo Canyon material drop off and pick up from 3:30- 4pm. If you will be continuing EDL at Echo Canyon in January - please bring back your materials (CKLA Readers, Anasazi library books, anything with a barcode, etc.) to Anasazi. We will be distributing curriculum that will be checked out to your student for Semester 2. You will not need to return any consumable items such as paper workbooks which students write directly in. Please reach out to Mrs. Martin with questions.
Thursday, 12/17/20
- Hee-Haw Holiday Giddy-up and dust off those boots! Time to break out that Western Wear for a Hee-Haw holiday for all Anasazi Scorpions.
Friday, 12/18/20
- Wacky Winter Wear -Don your best or worst winter apparel. For all Anasazi Scorpions.
- End of Quarter 2
Dec 21-Jan 1 – District Recess
Thank You PTO
Starting in January there will be Early Release Wednesdays every week - Survey coming this week.
What is a tax credit?
A tax credit is NOT a donation! It IS a dollar-for-dollar reduction in the state income tax you pay. If your tax credit contribution is more than the amount of state tax you owe, the credit can be carried forward up to five years. Receiving this tax credit will allow you to reduce the amount you owe the state or increase your refund. When filing your income tax return for the State of Arizona, the amount you designate to your school will be the amount you may claim as a state tax credit. This payment is eligible for Arizona state income tax credit as allowed by A.R.S. §43-1089.01. Tax credit contributions are non-refundable.
Designate your Tax Dollars to help Students of Scottsdale Unified School District #48
It’s a win-win situation for you and the school! Contributions can be claimed on your Arizona State tax return for either 2020 or 2021.
Complete the form below. Thank you in advance for supporting Anasazi and our students.
Nutrition Services Update
All children under the age of 18 are eligible to receive FREE meals from SUSD Nutrition Services through the entire 2020-2021 school year, thanks to a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) program. This means that all children in the community can receive free meals and no qualification is necessary. There are two ways to receive free meals: SUSD students on campus can receive their free breakfast and lunch in their school's café on school days and any family in the community, including EDL and SOL families, can come through our weekly curbside meal distribution drive-thru. Just drive up and pick up a week's meal bundle per student. The children do not need to be in the vehicle to receive the free meal bundles.
Our FREE meals curbside takes place Wednesdays from 7 - 9:30 a.m. at SUSD's Oak Campus, 7501. E. Oak St., Scottsdale. The service offers "7-Day Meal Bundles," including 7 days' worth of breakfasts, lunches, snacks and dinners. NOTE: To avoid entering the COVID-19 testing line, also currently located at the Oak campus, please enter the meal pick-up line entrance located on at the front of the campus on Oak Street, just west of Miller Road.
Due to Winter Break, that there will be no curbside service Dec. 23 and Dec. 30, but we will back to serve you with a smile on Wednesday, January 6!
Front Office Snow Globes - Ms. Elise, Ms. Diane and Nurse Renee
IB Corner
IB in Action from Home
“We approach uncertainty with forethought and determination; we work independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas and innovative strategies. We are resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges and change."
Below are some activities that will help build positive risk-taking skills.
Discuss with your child the difference between being a PYP risk-taker and engaging in dangerous activities.
Try something new as a family - for 30 days or less…Watch this TED talk for inspiration https://www.ted.com/talks/matt_cutts_try_something_new_for_30_days?language=en#t-183042
Help your child to step out of his or her ‘comfort zone’...article below https://redtri.com/13-ways-to-get-your-kids-out-of-their-comfort-zone/
Coming to Us from an IB School?
SUSD School Year Calendar Update
Stakeholders have been collaborating to develop school calendar options for the next four school years (2021-22, 2022-23, 2023-24 and 2024-25), in order to bring recommendations to the SUSD Governing Board. We are seeking input on what priorities are most important to our community to assist with this process. Please utilize Thoughtexchange to share your response to this question: "Taking into consideration historically observed breaks (Fall, Spring, Winter and observed holidays), as well as traditional first and last days of school, what is the most important consideration when developing a school calendar?" Participate in the Thoughtexchange.
Want to get involved at Anasazi?
TREASURER: The Treasurer is a member of the Board and shall keep and maintain recorded bookkeeping of all PTO bank transactions. This includes, but is not limited to, receiving and paying of approved charges, coordinating with at least one member to sit in during fund raising money counts and sign receipts verifying all fund raising monies have been accounted. The Treasurer will be responsible for receipts of deposits, balance of bank statements, compiling a monthly treasurer’s report for the PTO general meeting, balancing the accounting monthly books (Quickbooks), work to track online orders on Membership Toolkit and compiling information for the PTO tax return following the annual financial review of the books by an appointed Review Committee at the end of the fiscal year (fiscal year July 1st-June30th). THIS IS A PTO BOARD POSITION
ONLINE AUCTION COMPUTER ENTRY: PTO holds an online auction each year. We collect items such as gift cards for local businesses and online retailers. You would be responsible for inputting all the items and descriptions into the online platform that we use. We already have 1 volunteer and we are looking for 1 additional volunteer.
COVID-19 Testing and More!
If you are looking for COVID-19 testing, many convenient locations continue to be available.
SUSD has partnered with Embry Women's Health to conduct zero-cost, COVID-19 testing five days a week at our Oak facility at 7501 E. Oak St., Scottsdale. The drive-thru clinic is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. It conducts several different kinds of COVID testing. Results are reported within 36 - 72 hours. Embry also has many other testing locations around the Valley. Find them at https://embrywomenshealth.com/testing-blitz/.
Maricopa County and Banner Health Urgent Care have teamed up to offer COVID-19 testing at no cost to anyone who may have been exposed to someone who is, or suspected to be, COVID-19 positive. Appointments must be made ahead of time online using this link: https://urgentcare.bannerhealth.com/. COVID-19 testing and drive-through flu shots are also being offered at the Arizona State Fairgrounds. Registration is required ahead of time at this link or by calling 844-549-1851. Insurance information will be requested; however, you will not be asked for any out-of-pocket payment or co-pay.
Other community COVID-19 options include:
· City of Phoenix Mobile Testing Sites
· CVS Pharmacy Retail Testing Sites
· Walgreens Pharmacy Drive-Thru Sites
Maricopa County's COVID Parent Hotline
For more questions or concerns about COVID-19, including testing, contact the Maricopa County Department of Health's parent information center at COVIDparenthotlione@maricopa.gov or dial 2-1-1, select option 6 (for COVID-19) and then option 3 (for the COVID Parent Hotline).
SUSD'S Covid-19 Related Information
- Type this phrase into your browser: www.susd.org/COVID19
- Select “COVID-19 Response” from the very top of any SUSD web page in the “Channel Menu”
- Once you get to the section, you will see navigation on the left that guides you through all of the sections.
- There is a handy index of pages including a brief overview of each section at www.susd.org/COVID19. This changes as needed, so please check regularly.
Back to School
Everything you need to know about school starting.
Briefings
An archive of the District Office weekly briefings to stakeholders.
COVID-19 Case Dashboard
Our official COVID-19 case count among employees and students.
COVID-19 Resource Directory
An A to Z listing of helpful resources related to COVID-19.
COVID-19 Response Plan
Our protocol for managing COVID-19 illness.
FAQs
Answers to the most Frequently Asked Questions.
Incident Command Team
The emergency management leadership team structure.
Metrics
The latest SUSD specific metrics to guide reopening.
Mitigation Strategies
Steps we are taking to reduce the risk to students, teachers, staff and families.
Reopening Status
The District’s status as determined by the adopted metrics.
Return to Learn
The District’s plan for reopening schools.
Superintendent Menzel Letters
A collection of letters from Superintendent Dr. Scott A. Menzel.
Support Services Newsletter
A collection of newsletters to share resources and contacts for support.
http://www.susd.org/SENewsletter
Survey Results
A collection of results from recent COVID-related parent and employee surveys.
Older Videos
Front Office Contacts
Dijana Schlegelmilch
Administrative Support Coordinator
Elise Hepner
Administrative Support Assistant/Registration
Renee Tosto
Nurse
Andrea Martin
Assistant Principal
Jennifer Waldron
Principal
BE SURE TO CONNECT WITH US!
About Us
Our Mission - Anasazi is a diverse learning community committed to fostering a rigorous, compassionate, and inquiry-based environment, that empowers students to be globally competitive in a complex and changing world.
Our Vision - Empower and inspire each child to become life-long learners, within a culture of academic excellence, creativity and critical thinking, to take action and serve in our global community.
Email: jwaldron@susd.org
Website: https://www.susd.org/anasazi
Location: 12121 N 124th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85259, USA
Phone: 480-484-7300
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anasazisusd/