Returning to Distance Learning
Starting on November 9th.
Important Message from Superintendent Gunning
November 6, 2020
Dear Litchfield Elementary School District Families,
Litchfield Elementary School District’s benchmark data from the Maricopa County Department of Public Health has worsened since last week. Our percent positivity is now above 7% and our cases per 100k people have spiked within the “substantial risk” (red) range to an alarming 156.79.
We’ve consulted with public health authorities, Litchfield Elementary School District’s four cities (Avondale, Buckeye, Goodyear, and Litchfield Park), and our dedicated Governing Board members. We’ve spoken with a variety of stakeholders, including families, teachers, school nurses, and leaders from other school districts. Indeed, much thought, expertise, and care goes into every decision we make about this complex situation.
In light of the upward trajectory and recent spike in local health metrics, all of our schools will revert to Distance Learning on November 9. We recognize the substantial impact that this decision has on our families and believe that this is the best decision for the health and safety of our students and staff.
● We will remain in the Distance Learning format until further notice.
● We will continue to monitor the situation and I will send you an update after Thanksgiving. ● Your child’s teacher will contact you about your child’s schedule.
● Free meals for children age 18 and under will be available daily. Times and locations will be posted to our website this weekend.
Free on-site learning opportunities and support services will be available for students who need a place to go during the school day.
● Please be advised that free on-site learning opportunities and support services are not teacher-led classroom instruction. Free on-site learning opportunities and support services will include in-person support services such as student supervision and strategic support for students in need during standard school hours, and may include paraprofessional support for students engaging in Distance Learning instruction.
● Litchfield Elementary School District will offer free on-site learning opportunities and support services during a Distance Learning format for students who are enrolled in the Free or Reduced Lunch program, have a disability, are English Language Learners (ELL), in the care of the Arizona Department of Child Safety, in foster care, a part of the McKinney Vento program, or whose parent is a First Responder or Healthcare Professional.
● Click here to register your child for free on-site learning opportunities and support services.
The information contained in this letter may change as the situation changes, and in accordance with any applicable law, regulation, executive order, or Governing Board policy. Please continue to regularly review the COVID section of our website for important updates.
The decision to resume In-Person Learning (5 days per week in classrooms) will be made based on health metrics, guidance from public health authorities, and in conjunction with our partner cities, Governing Board members, and various stakeholders.
We implore you to follow public health recommendations. You can help students return to school sooner by avoiding large and small gatherings, wearing face coverings, physical distancing with people outside of your household, washing hands frequently, and staying home when you do not feel well.
In these most challenging times, I thank you for your grace and flexibility.
Your partner in education,
Jodi Gunning, M.Ed.
Superintendent