COVID-19 District Updates and Information
October 15, 2020
The Sacaton Elementary School District (SESD) opened online on August 10 for the 2020-2021 school year, following the closure of all Arizona schools in response to the COVID-19 global pandemic. The number of infections, cases, and hospitalization cases that are considered when opening school facilities ensures the safety of staff, students, and families. Continued collaboration and problem solving among the caring and committed SESD team is critical as this situation remains fluid throughout the 2020-2021 school year. Decisions are made in partnership with the Governing Board and coordination with the Arizona Department of Health Services, Pinal County Health, Gila River Tribal Health Department, Medical Advisory board, and Executive Orders. The metrics from Pinal County and GRIC are reviewed and considered. Additionally, feedback from staff, parents, students, and community members was obtained by survey, and to the extent possible, continued input from all stakeholders will guide SESD decisions.
Prioritizing safety and quality instruction, SESD's Return to School Plan adheres to the CDC guidelines, ADE recommendations, and Executive Orders, aligned with our Strategic Plan. Students returned to school on August 10, using an online format. Input gathered from stakeholders contributed to the planning document. This plan is flexible in responding to changing health conditions. This is a living document that will continue to be updated based on current information (Health and Safety). Ongoing flexibility and collaboration with all stakeholders will be critical as we engage in creative problem solving to ensure quality implementation and success. A diversity of ideas, skills, experiences, and opinions will result in a better plan for students.
Students returned to learning on August 10. In-Person learning will not occur before October 19. When In-Person learning is permissible SESD will offer two instructional models for the entire school year that prioritizes quality learning experiences for all students: Online Learning and In-Person Learning (outlined in the Teaching and Learning Framework). Technology devices are available to all SESD registered students. We have encouraged students to hold on to technology devices during summer and intersessions (holidays) to continue the learning. To schedule an appointment to check out an iPad/tablet (Pre-K) or Chromebook (1-8), please contact your child's school at 520-562-8600.
Families need to provide updated registration information to SESD. This information is used to determine the necessary staffing, class placement and aligns our resources to meet the needs of students. This Return to School Plan provides an overview. The Elementary and Middle School have plans with specific information pertinent to the instructional learning and daily schedules for both teacher and student. Thank you for your patience while we navigate through executive orders, statutory requirements, and the realities of COVID-19. Sacaton Elementary School District will use a survey format to gather updated information from stakeholders regarding students physically returning to the school beginning on January 4, 2021.
Sincerely,
Dr. Cherryl Paul
Superintendent