Knightly Update December 15, 2020
Edition Vol 9 - Special Edition
Good morning. As you are aware, final exams begin tomorrow. I know our students have been preparing for their final exams and will do their best on each assessment. The purpose of this special edition of our Knightly Update is to share some information with each family and alleviate concern that some students might have.
As a site, we are cognizant of the challenges and stresses faced by our students, families, teachers, and staff this year. In turn, our teachers will take into account the obstacles that our students dealt with in evaluating final exams and semester grades. We realize that many students have been quarantined and the impact quarantine has on their learning. We also realize that many other factors have impacted learning this semester. It is our intent to work with our students and show compassion and awareness, while at the same time measuring achievement appropriately, honestly and with fidelity. Rest assured, we want to do what is best for each child and will put forth the appropriate actions to do so. If you have any questions, please contact me.
Included below is some important information that families should be aware of regarding virtual instruction January 5th-15th. In addition, the link to complete the instructional intent form is shared within this newsletter. If you have called the office to inform us of your intent, I ask that you still complete this survey as it helps us to plan and prepare appropriately. Please complete the survey at your earliest convenience, but no later than January 4th. Only one member of each household should complete the survey, but a survey must be completed for each child residing in the household. Thank you.
Thanks again for choosing to be a part of our school community. I look forward to seeing how our students do this semester and I am excited to see what they accomplish in 2021. As always, if you have any questions, please contact me. Enjoy your day and have a fantastic break. Happy holidays!
Rob Bickes
Principal
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Important COVID-19 Reminders over break
We encourage families to notify us of any active COVID-19 cases that develop over the winter break. For any student's positive diagnosis that occurs between December 18, 2020 and January 4, 2021, please send an email with the students name and ID number to health@cusd80.com. Please attach documentation of the test result.
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Virtual Instruction - January 5th-15th - Information & Details
Providing quality instruction for students in-person will continue to be the primary focus for classroom teachers. Students choosing to attend class in virtual modality are expected to commit for the two-week period, log-in on a daily basis, and meet assignment due dates. In order to help us plan and prepare for the start of the second semester, please click on the button to submit your instructional intent for the weeks of January 4th and January 11th. Please remember that you commit to the instructional modality selected for the duration of the two-week period. If you choose to change your intent after submitting the survey, please complete the survey again. We will base your intent on the most recent date and time stamp listed on the form.
Athletics & Spiritline/Cheer
If students select to be virtual from January 5th-15th, they will not be allowed to participate in athletic locker classes or attend zero hour Spiritline during the school day, but can attend practice before/after school (as assigned by the coach). Practice time will not be conducted during the school day and will occur before or after school.
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Updated Face Mask Guidelines
The Arizona Department of Health Services Emergency Measure 2020-04 (Slowing the Spread of COVID-19 in Schools) “mandates that masks are worn on school campus, on school buses, during school-associated activities, and while participating in or observing any school-associated athletic activities, by all students, faculty, staff, contractors and visitors.” This Emergency Measure cites Center for Disease Control research that supports community masking to reduce the spread of COVID-19. In compliance with this emergency measure, face masks are required on all CUSD campuses for all students, staff, and visitors ages 2 and older. Furthermore, the Emergency Measure specifies that an acceptable face mask should completely cover your nose and mouth and fit snugly against the sides of your face without gaps.
As a result, beginning January 5, 2021 face shields will no longer be an acceptable face covering for students unless a medical exemption is provided by a licensed healthcare provider and is on file with the school site. Staff will ONLY be allowed to utilize a face shield when necessary for specific classroom instruction and where they are able to socially distance from students and staff.
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When are final exams being administered?
Students will take their final exams on Wednesday, December 16th and Thursday, December 17th. Final exams for periods 1st, 3rd and 5th will be given on Wednesday and 2nd, 4th, and 6th period exams will be administered on Thursday. Zero hour exams will be administered on the day(s) assigned (Wednesday and/or Thursday) by the instructor. Students will be dismissed at 12:25 PM on both Wednesday & Thursday. There is no school on Friday, December 18th.
How long will class period be on final exam days?
Class sessions are 90 minutes long. Students will have a five minute passing period between classes. Please feel free to send snacks with your child for them to eat during passing periods. Food is not permitted in the classroom. In addition, no lunch will be served on final exam days.
What if my child doesn't complete their final exam in the allotted time?
Students need to be prepared to complete their exam in the time allotted. Many college admission exams as well as upcoming AP exams are timed and students are required to complete the exam within the provided timeline. ACP's final exams are structured in the same manner. Students will not be given additional time to complete an exam once the period has concluded. If your child has any concerns, please have them speak with their instructor prior to the exam date.
What if my child is absent on the day of finals?
No early examinations will be allowed. In the event your child is absent or out-of-town, they will need to make up their final exam within the first two weeks of our return from winter break. Your child's final exam score will be a zero until they make-up the exam. Once the exam has been taken, their final exam grade will be entered and their semester grade changed appropriately. This change will be reflected via Infinite Campus.
What if my child is forced to be quarantined on the day of finals?
Students who are forced to be quarantined will take their exams online, if an online option is available. If an online option is not available, students will need to make up their final exam within the first two weeks of our return from winter break. The final exam score will be a zero until they make-up the exam. Once the exam has been taken, their final exam grade will be entered and their semester grade changed appropriately. This change will be reflected via Infinite Campus.
How should my child prepare for their finals?
Teachers have prepared study guides that review the material being tested. Students will have study guides for all of their classes next month. Students should use the study guide provided to prepare and review for their final exam. If your child doesn't understand the material or concepts on the study guide, please encourage them to speak to their teacher. Prior to receiving their study guide, students should begin to review notes and organize information necessary to review for finals. Research recommends students study in chunks of 45 minutes followed by 15 minute breaks.
Final Exam Tip of the Week
Reward Yourself. Good study habits are hard work! Treat yourself to breaks and little rewards to keep you going. Healthy snacks, nice walks outside, or even an episode of your favorite TV show are good ways to keep you motivated.
Knowing your own effective study strategies is key to success in your high school career, and will help with projects and presentations after graduation, too. Finding the study tips that work best for you will save you time and energy and earn you the best results.
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You got this!!!
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Contact Information
School Day Begins: 7:40 (gates close at 7:45)
School Day Ends: 2:35
Office Hours: 7:15-3:30
School Address:
1150 W. Erie St. Chandler, AZ 85224
Phone Numbers:
Administration: 480-424-8000
Attendance: 480-424-8003
Fax: 480-224-9268
Find us on the web: www.cusd80.com/acperie