The Waldron Weekly ‘20-‘21
volume 14
SUSD Update
Hello, Scottsdale Unified Families,
COVID Update from Dr. Menzel
Last Friday I provided information regarding three of our SUSD zip codes that had one of the benchmark indicators return to the "red" category. That information created a fair amount of concern from our community since several of the schools in the identified zip codes had zero or very few COVID cases. Parents and some staff couldn't understand why a school would need to close if they had no cases, even if the ADHS benchmark metric was red again. Quietly the ADHS modified its guidance to schools changing their recommendation regarding a return to virtual education from one benchmark indicator being red to all three being red. This was a shock to the education community and has received a lot of attention in the media throughout the week. In my conversations with the Maricopa County Department of Public Health officials, they expressed concern regarding whether or not the third indicator (the COVID-like illness hospitalization metric) would ever turn red. However, notwithstanding the change in the ADHS guidance, the bottom line for SUSD is that we will continue to consult with MCPDH officials using the benchmark data and school-based factors to make a determination if/when a school would need to be closed.
The form for reporting on the 15 SUSD zip codes has been updated and modified in an attempt to make it more understandable. Although the 85253 zip code now reflects the case rate being above 100/100,000 for two consecutive weeks, the MCDPH is still not recommending any school closures based on the fact that we don't have evidence of spread within our schools and the other factors we've discussed previously. In fact, our mitigation strategies appear to be working which is a testament to your efforts. Thank you!
As we continue to navigate the process of notifying families and staff regarding "close contact" and general exposure, we were encountering delays in receiving confirmation from the Health Department before we were given the approval to notify close contacts to quarantine. In some cases this approval came more than a week after the case was reported and resulted in quarantine letters where the majority of the quarantine time had already passed. Earlier this week we were able to review and revise this process with the Health Department. Now, once we have written confirmation of a positive case (antigen or PCR test and not antibody), we can immediately notify close contacts without waiting for county officials to complete their review. While there are still a couple of cases pending from the old process, this new arrangement will allow us to communicate with families and in a timely manner.
COVID-19 Case Counts and Metrics by Zip Code
Our COVID-19-related information is all publicly accessible, online and available for you 24/7. The one official source of the most up-to-date information on the COVID-19 status of the District is found at www.susd.org/COVID19. Here are a few highlights of what is available in that section of our website:
- Briefings: The official copies of the District office weekly briefings to SUSD parents. This page is directly accessible at www.susd.org/Briefings.
- Campus Closures: In the event there is a closure of any SUSD campus, it would be listed on this page immediately. This page is directly accessible at www.susd.org/Closures.
- COVID-19 Case Dashboard: A detailed count of current and past, known, lab-confirmed COVID-19 case counts by building. This data is updated weekly, on Fridays. It is directly accessible at www.susd.org/Dashboard.
- COVID-19 Response Plan: A detailed description of how SUSD will respond when a known case of COVID-19 is identified or when contact with a suspected case happens. This page is directly accessible at www.susd.org/COVIDPlan.
- Metrics: Health metrics by zip code, updated each week, on Thursdays. This page is directly accessible at www.susd.org/Metrics.
Have Questions About COVID-19?
If you have questions about COVID-19 and how it relates to your student(s), MCDPH has three options available to assist you and answer your questions:
- Parent/Guardian FAQs: This online resource is the best place to start for information.
- Call 2-1-1: Speak to someone directly using the new MCDPH hotline. Dial 2-1-1, then press option 6 for COVID-19, and then option 3 to connect to a Parent Hotline staff member.
- Email MCDPH: Submit your questions through this email form.
Thank you for your continued support of your student, and for your cooperation with our health and safety guidelines.
Respectfully,
Scottsdale Unified School District Leadership Team
Anasazi Upcoming Events
This Week
Wednesday, 11/4 FULL DAY
- Welcome Wednesdays 9am - Virtual tours and zoom meetings for potential new families. Have someone interested in joining Anasazi? Have them call the office and we will provide the Zoom link and password for a virtual presentation and tour.
- PTO Chipotle Fundraiser 4-8pm
Friday, 11/6
- Join Anasazi every Friday for Spirit Friday. Wear silver and turquoise or a school spirit shirt. Need a shirt? Please reach out to PTO.
Later in November
Wednesday, 11/11 - District Recess
Thursday, 11/12
*Reach out to our front office to RSVP and get link
Wednesday 11/18
Wednesday, 11/25-Friday, 11/27
Getting to Know Anasazi Staff - BEHIND THE MASK
Mrs. Moore - Art
~Pitbulls are my favorite dog; I have 2!
~I love to sew and make jewelry.
~I am originally from Cleveland, Ohio.
Notes from Nurse Renee
Just a reminder: Masks should be washed regularly and worn for just one school day. Our Anasazi students are active and their masks are getting soiled, inside and outside.
- Include your mask with your regular laundry
- Use regular laundry detergent and the warmest appropriate water setting for the cloth used to make the mask
- Use the highest heat setting and leave in the dryer until completely dry
Need an option for free masks:
The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) has partnered with Hanes to provide free face masks to those who need them. Anyone who is a student (or parents on behalf of students) or school staff member, or anyone who may not be able to purchase a mask, can order them at no cost. Each order will provide 5 washable, reusable cloth face masks, one order per household. To order your free masks on the ADHS website, click here Version OptionsK-12 Schools and Childcare Facilities Headline.
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.
Nutritional Services
UPDATES from CAFE
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that ALL children under the age of 18 will be eligible to receive FREE meals from SUSD Nutrition Services through December 31, 2020, or until otherwise determined by the USDA. This means that ALL children, both SUSD students and those not enrolled in SUSD, can participate and receive free meals through the following:
- All in-person learners can choose their meal at all SUSD schools, at both breakfast and lunch daily. Meals will be at no charge and no qualification is necessary. Just show up, go through the line and you get a free meal, no questions asked.
- EDL and SOL students can pick up 7 days’ worth of breakfasts and lunches at our meal distribution sites each Wednesday from 7 - 9:30 a.m. Parents may pick up the meals and students need not be present. Meals will be at no charge and no qualification is necessary. Just drive up and pick up a week’s meal bundle per student.
- Meals will be distributed at no charge and no qualification is necessary. Just drive up and pick up a week’s meal bundle per student.
The new curbside pick up is ONLY at Oak Campus Wednesday 7-9:30am and 4-6:00pm.
- Oak Campus, 7501 E. Oak St., Scottsdale
IB Corner
IB in Action from Home
This month's IB Learner Profile is COMMUNICATORS.
“We understand and express ideas and information confidently and creatively in more than one language and in a variety of modes of communication. We work effectively and willingly in collaboration with others.”
Below are some fun activities that will help build communication skills.
Watch a favorite movie in another language.
Play a game of Would You Rather https://www.familyeducation.com/family-games/the-ultimate-list-of-would-you-rather-questions-for-kids
Here are some fun conversation starters https://www.familyeducation.com/family-life/50-questions-to-ask-your-kids-to-get-them-talking
Listen to music in other languages.
Discuss: “What are the different ways people communicate other than speaking?” “Do your emotions affect how you communicate?”
IT Help Desk
Starting Monday August 24, SUSD Help Desk phone lines will be open to assist parents and students with technology questions and issues Monday - Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. For assistance, call (480) 484-HELP (484-4357). The SUSD help desk is closed on weekends.
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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/