AFUHSD Pandemic Upate #2
A Note from Superintendent Dr. Runyan
AFUHSD Families,
A lot has transpired since the last June newsletter. This week, Governor Ducey announced a delay to ‘in-person’ instruction until August 17.
The reopening task force presented their recommendations to the governing board, which was approved. The recommendations allow our district schools to begin remote learning instruction on August 3, 2020. This plan allows instruction to begin as scheduled and supports both staff and student safety. Enclosed in this newsletter is a more detailed look at this plan and our opportunities together. Please remember this work continues to be fluid and requires additional collection of state level and legal requirements.
We know incoming freshmen are going to be a bit a bit excited (and anxious) during this transition to high school. While we manage through these pandemic related issues this is going to feel even more perplexing for our newest class of ninth graders. Please be assured your schools are working on helpful transition activities to help you manage this successfully.
Dennis Runyan
Agua Fria Union High School District #216
Superintendent
WHAT IS THE REOPENING PLAN FOR SCHOOLS IN THE AFUSHD?
Phase 1: Remote Learning - Due to the current high number of COVID-19 cases in Maricopa County, the school year will begin in a remote learning environment August 3rd. Due to the remote learning environment plan, we are not required to wait until the August 17 delayed start.
Phase 2: Hybrid Learning - Once COVID-19 data reflects a downward trend in the number of cases, or the state moves to Phase 2 of reopening, students will transition to in-person learning two days a week and continue remote learning two days a week. Wednesday will be used for deep cleaning of the campus, interventions(tutoring), and teacher professional development.
Online Option: For students and families that do not want to return to in person learning even if it is deemed safe to open our campuses, a full online option will be available.
Continuous Monitoring of Gating Criteria
We are eager to have our students back to our campuses and we know this is best for learning. We will monitor COVID-19 data on a daily bases and refer to CDC/gating criteria to make an informed decision to move to Phase 2 safely. Once deemed safe, we will move to the hybrid learning environment.
What is the day going to look like?
- Students will be required to engage each day.
- The day will be structured. Students will follow their schedule throughout the day.
- The class schedule will be condensed with fewer classes each day.
How does this plan affect ESS/ELL and students on a 504 plan?
If you are a parent/guardian of an ESS/Special Education student, please fill out the survey below to help support future planning.
HOW DOES THIS SCHEDULE AFFECT ATHLETICS/EVENTS?
Due to increasing numbers of COVID-19, summer workouts/practices have been suspended until further notice. We will continue monitoring data and resume when deemed safe.
Any planning for events will be based on the type of the event and if CDC guidelines support hosting such events.
If athletics/events take place in the fall expect some of the following guidelines to be implemented:
- Limited seating
- Required Masks
- Social Distancing Requirements
- Cashless Payment System
Current Student Registration Process Update
We know that families may still need to drop off documents. Appointments can be made for families with this need. More detailed instructions will come from each of your schools.
Look for Additional Communication and Updates from Schools
Begin to expect school specific updates from your child's school in the near future. Examples of items that will be communicated may include:
- Freshmen Activities to Support their Transition to High School
- Chromebook pick-up for 9th grade and new students to the district
- Registration Procedures
- Procedures regarding health screenings and amended policies to support student safety
- Student Schedules and Daily Expectations