The Waldron Weekly ‘20-‘21
volume 25
SUSD Family Communication 2/5/2021
Scottsdale Unified Families,
It's Phoenix Open week here in the Valley, not to mention Super Bowl Sunday in two days' time. However you choose to observe these annual events this weekend, we encourage you to incorporate the standard public health mitigation efforts of wearing a mask; avoiding crowds, if possible; maintaining a safe social distance of at least six feet when you can't; and washing your hands often.
Another annual event took place this week in SUSD: the District's annual Spelling Bee! The pandemic forced our 19 school Bee winners to compete virtually this year. They each spelled the same 24 words, with Cocopah Middle School 8th grader Sruthi Vellanki taking top honors. She will be joined next week at the virtual Region 2 Bee by finalists Ekaterina Anferov, 5th grade, Sequoya Elementary School; Finley Arvizu, 7th grade, Mohave Middle School; Sama Kafa, 4th grade, Desert Canyon Elementary School; and last year's SUSD Bee winner, Emma McGreevy, 8th grade, Copper Ridge School. Congratulations, all, and good luck next week at Region!
Last month, the Governing Board approved the issuance and sale of the final $74 million worth of school improvement bonds approved by voters in 2016 to rebuild several aging elementary schools, replace high school football fields and tracks, improve school campus security and purchase buses. Current construction projects include Hohokam Elementary, which should be move-in ready in time for next school year, and Cherokee Elementary, which students and teachers are already enjoying and is nearing completion. Catch up on the Chargers' new 56th Street home here.
Weekly COVID-19 Update from Supt. Menzel
The trends in our 15 zip codes, as well as those across the county and state, continue to decline while remaining in the substantial community spread category. This chart for Maricopa County illustrates the two periods of time where we saw significant spikes in COVID data and also shows the downward trajectory we've been on since 2 weeks after the holiday break. While this is encouraging news, with community spread remaining substantial we must continue to be diligent in following the recommended mitigation strategies.
Confirmed active COVID cases in our schools continue to be relatively low overall, with fewer cases this week than last week.
We convened Virtual Evaluation Teams (VET) for several buildings this week, including three high schools (Arcadia, Saguaro and Desert Mountain) as a result of positive cases on athletic teams; two middle schools (Cocopah and Mountainside) as a result of active cases reaching the established threshold for convening the team, but not reaching a level that would require an automatic return to virtual learning for 10 days; and one K-8 building (Tonalea). The teams discussed the specifics of each school, considered whether there was evidence of spread on the campus, and, ultimately, made the recommendation to continue providing in-person instruction. As a reminder, the district continues to consult with Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) officials in order to ensure we are taking appropriate measures to mitigate the risk of COVID spread on our campuses.
Experts are expressing some concern regarding the potential for a spike in cases connected with Super Bowl parties that will be held this weekend. While we recognize the yearning for a return to a sense of normalcy, we also encourage our staff and families to take precautionary measures, given the level of community spread of COVID remains high. Maintaining the downward trajectory in the number of cases and positivity rate are critical as we plan for a return to full days of instruction for all of our students, likely at the beginning of the 4th quarter.
Mountainside Middle School Pilot Project
Beginning on February 22, Mountainside Middle School students and staff will resume a full-day of instruction. As you know, part of the reason we decided to continue with the 2/3rds day schedule at the beginning of the second semester was to address concerns regarding additional risk of COVID spread during lunch and the increased number of passing periods of a full school day. In discussing this with officials at MCDPH, two important factors were identified:
1) The first factor is having our staff vaccinated. Given the Pfizer vaccine is effective seven days following the second dose, we have been able to address this priority through our partnership with HonorHealth.
2) The second factor is the ability to plan for 6 feet of separation during lunch. The Mountainside pilot proposal reflects strategies to address lunchtime physical distancing concerns by taking advantage of some excellent opportunities to use the school's outdoor space, in addition to modifications to the lunch schedule. By implementing this pilot project before Spring Break, we can identify what works and what changes are recommended before having all of our secondary schools resume a full-day schedule, as is our goal, on March 15.
Vaccinations
Most of our staff will receive their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine next weekend, Feb. 12-14. HonorHealth has opened up an opportunity this weekend for those SUSD staff who missed the first round of vaccinations two weeks ago so they can get their first dose. I cannot say enough about our health partners at HonorHealth.
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Two items in closing: First, it is National School Counselors Week, and we know you will want to join us in acknowledging the work of our middle and high school counselors. As an integral part of the American education system, school counselors help students identify and explore their interests, abilities, strengths and talents. They focus parents on ways to further the educational, personal and social growth of their children, and they help guide our students along their paths to higher education and careers. Never has that support been as important as it has been over the past year, as students have worried about the impact of the pandemic on their families, their academics and their futures. Please join us in thanking SUSD's tremendous, dedicated team of guidance counselors for their great care of our students.
Lastly, we would also like to note that this month is Black History Month, during which our students and staff will experience extra opportunities to learn about and reflect on the significant contributions of people of color to our nation's history. It is also an opportunity for us, as a district, to take another step toward achieving our core purpose of ensuring every student reaches their full potential. SUSD has a diverse student population, and creating learning environments where students feel a sense of belonging and inclusion, where they are valued for who they are and are supported in their learning are essential parts of Scottsdale Unified's continuous journey to become the very best district it can be.
Thank you,
Scottsdale Unified School District Cabinet and Leadership Team
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Community COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Information
· Arizona Department of Health Services -
o Vaccinations, including a limited number of local Safeway, Albertsons and Fry's pharmacies
o Testing
· Maricopa County Department of Health Services -
o Testing
· City of Phoenix Mobile Testing Sites
· CVS Pharmacy Testing Sites
· Embry Women's Health Testing Sites
· Walgreens Pharmacy
Urgent Reminder
Please keep your child home with any of the COVID-like symptoms, even if your child only has one and you attribute it to a minor cold or allergies.
Plan to discuss with Nurse Renee prior to sending your child to school with any of the symptoms below:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
This Week
Monday, 2/8/21
Valentines due to classroom teachers.
Due to COVID restrictions, please adhere to the following guidelines:
*Please have your child bring Friendship Cards to school no later than Monday, February 8th. Please do not bring your child’s cards to the office. They must come to school with the students. Teachers will store the cards until the day of the party.
*Parents will not be able to come into the school or classrooms for parties.
*Please label each card with the following: To: My Friend From: (Student’s name). Teachers will not be providing class lists.
*Due to COVID-19 concerns, envelopes should not be sealed.
Wednesday, 2/10 - Regular EARLY RELEASE - 1:15pm
New, Safe Place Early Release
- All students dismiss at 1:15pm
- Kids Club through Community Education begins at 1:15pm
*If you need Kids Club, a licensed before-and-after school paid program, please visit: https://www.susd.org/site/Default.aspx?PageID=479
Click on PDF below to see how students can log in at home to access SUSD planned activities for this Early Release.
Anasazi virtual tours for incoming families held weekly at 9am. Spread the word and call Anasazi for link.
Friday, 2/12 - Friendship Day
Anasazi classrooms will have their Friendship Celebrations on Friday, February 12, 2021.
Due to COVID restrictions, please adhere to the following guidelines:
*Please have your child bring Friendship Cards to school no later than Monday, February 8th. Please do not bring your child’s cards to the office. They must come to school with the students. Teachers will store the cards until the day of the party.
*Parents will not be able to come into the school or classrooms for parties.
*Please label each card with the following: To: My Friend From: (Student’s name). Teachers will not be providing class lists.
*Due to COVID-19 concerns, envelopes should not be sealed.
*We understand many of the cards come with sweets/candy attached. Candy will not be eaten in the class but instead will be sent home with your child. Also, please do not send your child to school with baked goods such as cupcakes, cookies, etc. They will not be passed out.
*The handing out of cards will be done with safety measures in place to ensure a fun and safe celebration for all students.
Anasazi Spirit Wear Fridays
Hooded sweatshirts, t-shirts, bags and more for adults and kids are available.
Front Office Additions
Chick-fil-A Night
5th Grade Rocket Project
We need your 2020/2021 EDL pics for the yearbook. Please submit them ASAP. - Thank you.
Upcoming Events
Feb 15 – District Recess
Feb 16 – All Yearbook pics must be submitted to link: https://commpe.pictavo.com
Feb 16 - PTO Meeting 10:30am
Feb 18 – Papa John’s Fundraiser
Feb 24 – Site Council Meeting 3:30pm
Mar 1 - Step-it up fundraiser week. *Details coming soon.
Mar 3 – Kinder and PreK Virtual Open House 9am
Mar 5 – End of 3rd Quarter
Mar 8-12 -Spring Break
Anasazi Masks for Sale
PTO will be doing another order in the future for the youth size masks. The deadline for the masks order is 2/16.
The masks are machine washable and you have the option of personalizing the masks with your child's name! Each mask is $12.
You can still purchase these masks through the PTO Membership Tool Kit page. This link can be found under the "Fundraising" Tab under Spirit Wear.
Anasazi Elementary PTO - Custom Masks (membershiptoolkit.com)
- Go to https://smile.amazon.com
- Login to your amazon account..
- Go to your account settings
- Then closer to the bottom go to charity and find Anasazi PTO
IB Corner
IB in Action from Home
This month's IB Learner Profile is REFLECTIVE.
“We thoughtfully consider the world and our own ideas and experience. We work to understand our strengths and weaknesses in order to support our learning and personal development."
Read The Bad Seed by Jory John https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu772gNfA68
How was the main character reflective?
Did he change his behavior? Was he perfect?
What behaviors could you improve?
Another way to become more reflective and aware of one’s feelings is through mindfulness. Research has shown that mindfulness benefits people of all ages.
“11 Ways to Teach Mindfulness to Kids” https://www.verywellfamily.com/ways-to-teach-mindfulness-to-kids-4134344
“Mindfulness for Kids” https://www.mindful.org/mindfulness-for-kids/
Coming to Us from an IB School?
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.
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).
Download SUSD's UPDATED (1/28/21) Covid Response Plan Below:
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/