Community Relations
- Tempe Union High School District
- COVID-19
TUHSD Health & Safety During COVID-19
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Updated: February 25, 2021, at 1:34 PM
In early February, TUHSD announced that planning was underway to reopen schools to in-person learning on Monday, March 15, 2021. On February 22, parents were sent additional information on the learning choice options, as well as a follow-up survey to formally choose an option for their student(s). We ask that parents complete this survey by Monday, March 1, 2021, so that sites have up-to-date information in order to plan.
Key information that is guiding our decisions on school operations are as follows:- TUHSD’s Health Mitigation Plan is available here - DOCX
- Health Metrics by County, District - PDF
- Arizona Department of Health Services - Visual Dashboard for K-12 - PDF
- Parent Survey Results - PDF English
- Parent Survey Results - PDF Spanish
For an informative summary of COVID-19 cases by the school, please see our COVID-19 Dashboard webpage. We will continue to keep our community informed and update this page.
As a reminder, on-site services will continue to be offered during this time. Additional information on on-site services, including the categories of students who will receive priority, can be found here.
Safety, Transportation, Extracurricular, Food Services & Other FAQ
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Will masks/face coverings be provided for students?
In conjunction with Maricopa County and Cities, TUHSD will adhere to the use of masks/face coverings. We understand face coverings may be challenging for employees/students to wear in all-day settings such as school but this requirement is most essential in times when physical distancing is difficult. Individuals should be frequently reminded not to touch the face covering and to wash their hands frequently. Further information will be provided to staff/students on proper use, removal, and washing of cloth face coverings. If staff and students cannot provide their own, one will be available at the point of entry.
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Can a face shield be used instead of a mask/face coverings?
A face shield can be worn, but only in conjunction with a mask/face covering.
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What is the protocol for a positive COVID case at a school site?
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Any areas used by a sick person will be closed off until it can be safely disinfected.
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School staff will wait at least 24 hours before cleaning and disinfecting the area(s).
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School staff will ensure the safe and correct use and storage of cleaning and disinfectant products, including storing products securely away from students.
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In accordance with state and local laws and regulations, school administrators will notify local health officials, staff, and families immediately of any case of COVID-19 while also maintaining confidentiality in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
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Contact tracing will be performed, in order to identify anyone who came into contact with the sick person.
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Anyone who has been exposed to a sick person will be informed and asked to stay home, self-monitor for symptoms, and follow CDC guidance if symptoms develop.
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What safety precautions will be in place to protect students and staff?
- Students and staff are required to wear face coverings (masks) to comply with current City and County regulations
- Reduced in-person class sizes and minimizing large groups, when feasible
- Revamped classroom layouts to allow as much physical distancing as possible
- Classroom touchpoint areas will be disinfected daily
- Bathroom touchpoint areas will be disinfected twice daily
- Signs will be posted in highly visible locations, reminding students and staff of everyday protective measures
- Floor signage will remind students and staff of the importance of physical distancing and directional routes
- Regular announcements will be made over the intercom on ways to reduce the spread of COVID-19
- Communications will be sent to families and posted online with information about ways to reduce the spread of COVID-19
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What are the specific physical distancing plans for the schools, including classrooms, bathrooms, hallways, and lunches?
Physical distancing means keeping a safe space between yourself and other people who are not from your household. To practice physical distancing, TUHSD will require employees to maintain a distance of at least 6 feet between individuals at all times, unless this is not physically possible in both indoor and outdoor spaces.
Classrooms will be designed with the greatest space possible between desks. Physical distancing in the bathroom will consist of the use of every other toilet and sink, with a maximum of 3-4 students. Hallways will require one-way routes marked with physically distancing markers and arrows. Indoor and outdoor areas for lunch will be designated and marked for physical distancing at each lunch area.
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What are the specific cleaning/sanitization plans for the school day, including on buses? Will cleaning supplies/PPE be supplied to classrooms?
- Frequently touched surfaces (e.g. equipment, door handles, sink handles, drinking fountains) will be cleaned and sanitized daily
- Use of shared objects (e.g., gym or physical education equipment, art supplies, laptops, goggles) should be limited when possible or cleaned between uses
- Staff and students will be expected to clean and disinfect workspaces when they arrive and leave
- The District will provide supplies, including soap, hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol (for staff and students who can safely use hand sanitizer), paper towels, tissues, disinfectant wipes, cloth face coverings, and trash cans
- Increased routine cleaning and disinfection throughout the day and after school
- Schedules will be assigned to janitorial staff for increased cleaning of surfaces and bathrooms throughout the day
- TUHSD will ensure the safe and correct use and storage of cleaning and disinfection products, including storing products securely. All products used to meet EPA disinfection criteria.
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How will Tempe Union decide if there is going to be a school closure?
Decisions on partial or full closure of school sites will be made in consultation with the Arizona Department of Health Services, Arizona Department of Education, Maricopa County Department of Public Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the TUHSD Emergency Management Team and Executive Team. Communication will be a priority at all times so that families will be prepared and informed. Given the constraints of this pandemic, our models were created to ensure students can engage with teachers in a safe environment, keep students on track for graduation, and protect all courses selected for the 2020 – 2021 school year. This provides needed flexibility to gradually or completely open high schools or allows us to retract in-person instruction should conditions worsen.
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When will schools return to "normal"?
The desire of the district is to have students be able to return to a regular, five-days-per-week school day environment. Until then, partial or full closure of school decisions will be made in consultation with the Arizona Department of Health Services, Arizona Department of Education, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, TUHSD Emergency Management Team, and the Executive Team. Communication will be a priority at all times so that families are prepared and informed.
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How will school meals be offered for breakfast and lunch?
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Will transportation be provided for students?
Scheduled transportation routes for each TUHSD campus will be provided to and from school. Please review the route schedules located here on the TUHSD website. Special Education transportation will be provided in accordance with student IEPs. Transportation will contact all special education student families to confirm pick-up and drop-off times.
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Is my student safe while riding the bus?
For the safety of students and staff, face masks/coverings will be required in order to board the school bus. Temperature checks will be initiated prior to students boarding the school bus. Students who present symptoms will be required to have a family member pick them up at the stop. Buses will run at a 50% capacity, or no more than one student per seat.
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How often will buses be cleaned?
Daily sanitization of school buses will be performed. In addition, in between runs, high-touch surfaces will be disinfected.
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What will sports and performing arts look like during the spring of 2021?
Athletics and Activities will be conducted in accordance with guidelines published by the Federal Government and CDC - website available here. Athletic modifications for spring sports have been mandated by the AIA and are available here on their website.
Currently, we are in Phase 3 of AIA’s guidelines (4 being no restrictions and back to “normal”):Phase 3
- Prior to each training session, all students and staff will have a temperature screening completed and complete an online attestation (questionnaire) of symptoms. Students and staff with elevated temperatures or symptoms of possible Covid-19 like illness will be sent home and required to sit out 14 days.
- Coaches/sponsors must wear masks at all times.
- Students must wear masks during indoor activities, transitioning between facilities, and while entering/leaving campus.
- Contact kept to a minimum although 1 on 1, 5 on 5, and 7 on 7 allowed.
- Game simulation activities allowed (scrimmages/practice games).
- Maximum 50 students per field Teams need to be cohorted (Frosh, JV, Var)
- Groups will remain the same for attendance purposes and, if needed, contact tracing (No cross-contamination).
- No travel to events that would require overnight stay
- No water will be provided. Students should bring enough water for a full training session (recommended 2 gallons).
- Practice times should be coordinated with the site Assistant Principal of Athletics and Activities and coaches/sponsors to maximize social distancing capability.
- Students will be required to have a signed waiver by their parents to participate.
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Is summer conditioning for fall sports/activities currently scheduled to take place?
Yes. All programs at this time will be allowed to plan for summer conditioning. Further guidance will follow.
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What will happen with fine and performing arts programs?
Fine and Performing Arts programs will continue during the 4th quarter. Teachers have been developing events and activities to engage their students. Modifications have been created that are tailored for that specific group event. See the appropriate coach/teacher/club sponsor at your student’s school site for more information.
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I have questions about my child’s activities that aren’t listed here. Who do I contact?
Please contact the appropriate coach/teacher/club sponsor at your student’s school site. Contact information is available on each school’s website. If you have additional questions, please email parentinfo@tempeunion.org.
Important Announcements - COVID-19
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At Tempe Union High School District, the health and safety of our visitors and employees is our top priority as we reopen to assist you with your needs. With this in mind, we want to take the time to update you on the precautions and requirements that we are taking to ensure our community is safe. For everyone’s safety, you are required to schedule an appointment in order to enter the building. If you do not have an appointment, you will not be allowed to enter the building.
Please see this document - PDF on further instructions and the steps we are taking to ensure safety.
On March 30, 2020 (weblink), Tempe Union High School District's schools were closed for the remainder of the 2019 – 2020 school year. Our initial reopening plan for the 2020–2021 school year was shared with the public on June 17. This plan will continue to be refined as we receive stakeholder feedback and guidance from public health agencies on the current status of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Social & Emotional Resources for parents & teens
During this unprecedented time, it is totally normal and understandable for us all to be feeling more unsettled and stressed than usual. Please reference any of our COVID-19 Social & Emotional resources on our website. You can also contact one of our Care 7 Youth Specialists located at each school for additional questions or community resources and services.
Parent Letters - COVID-19
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Parent Letter 2.22.21 - Spring Learning Choice Survey
Dear TUHSD Parent:
As previously announced, we will offer the option to return to in-person instruction on Monday, March 15.
There are two options for you and your student(s) to choose from at this time:- Remain in virtual learning through the rest of the school year; or
- Return to campus four days a week for in-person instruction. At this time, Wednesdays are asynchronous.
- If your student intends to return to campus in March, you will be asked to fill out a COVID-19 Parental Acknowledgement and Disclosure Form. A link to this form can be found here. Completed forms should be returned to your school site.
Please click on the link below by Monday, March 1 to fill out the TUHSD Spring Learning Choice survey and share your plans with us.
Please use one of the following links to access the Learning Choice survey.Spring Learning Choice Survey - English
Spring Learning Choice Survey - Spanish
The survey will ask you to verify your student’s name, DOB, and ID number.
A few key things to remember:- You must fill out the Learning Choice survey by Monday, 3/1 at 5 PM.
- Your Learning Choice survey information will assist site leadership with their continued planning for a return to in-person learning.
- If you have more than one student enrolled in Tempe Union High School District, you will receive separate emails for each child and need to complete a survey for each one.
- If survey responses are not received, your student will be placed in the in-person learning model.
- There will be a grace period to revise your learning choice selection, if necessary, during the week of March 15.
- Additional information and safety procedures will be circulated directly by your school site.
Thank you,
Tempe Union Parent Communications
parentinfo@tempeunion.orgESPAÑOL
Como se anunció anteriormente, ofreceremos la opción de regresar a la instrucción en persona el lunes 15 de marzo.Hay dos opciones para que usted y sus estudiantes elijan en este momento:
- Permanecer en el aprendizaje virtual durante el resto del año escolar; o
- Regrese al campus cuatro días a la semana para recibir instrucción en persona. En este momento, los miércoles son asincrónicos.
Si su estudiante tiene la intención de regresar al campus en marzo, se le pedirá que complete un formulario de reconocimiento y divulgación de los padres COVID-19. Puede encontrar un enlace a este formulario aquí. Los formularios completos deben devolverse a la escuela.
Haga clic en el enlace a continuación antes del lunes 1 de marzo para completar la encuesta de TUHSD Spring Learning Choice y compartir sus planes con nosotros.Utilice uno de los siguientes enlaces para acceder a la encuesta Learning Choice.
Encuesta Spring Learning Choice - Inglés
Encuesta de Spring Learning Choice - EspañolLa encuesta le pedirá que verifique el nombre, fecha de nacimiento y número de identificación de su estudiante.
Algunas cosas clave para recordar:
- Debe completar la encuesta Learning Choice antes del lunes, 1 de marzo a las 5 p.m.
- La información de su encuesta Learning Choice ayudará a los líderes del sitio con su planificación continua para regresar al aprendizaje en persona.
- Si tiene más de un estudiante inscrito en el Distrito de escuelas secundarias de Tempe Union, recibirá correos electrónicos separados para cada niño y deberá completar una encuesta para cada uno.
- Si no se reciben las respuestas de la encuesta, su estudiante será colocado en el modelo de aprendizaje en persona.
- Habrá un período de gracia para revisar su selección de opciones de aprendizaje, si es necesario, durante la semana del 15 de marzo.
- Su escuela distribuirá directamente información adicional y procedimientos de seguridad.Gracias,
Comunicaciones con los padres de Tempe Union
parentinfo@tempeunion.org -
Parent Letter 2.22.21 - Spring Learning Choice Options
Dear TUHSD Parents & Families,
It has been nearly one year since the global pandemic fundamentally changed our lives and we recognize how important education is to our students and our families. Not only does school provide an education for our students, but it also provides community, nutrition, counseling, creativity, enrichment, and resources. Our teachers, administrators, and support staff continue to work tirelessly to provide needed support for the students we serve.
As previously shared, we are preparing to welcome students back to campus for in-person learning starting Monday, March 15. We are hopeful that our metrics will continue to improve for a safe return.
From February 22 - March 1, families will select their desired learning model for Quarter 4. This information will help our sites prepare appropriately. If for some reason a family needs to change their learning model, they will be able to do so the week of March 15. After this week, no changes to the learning environment can be made.
Descriptions of each learning model are provided below to help families make a selection by March 1. You will receive a separate email with the survey link shortly.
In-Person Learning Model
Students who select In-Person Learning will attend classes in-person 4 days a week starting March 15, 2021. Other important information regarding this model:- Classroom environments will be designed to maximize physical distancing and all health mitigation strategies will be implemented.
- In-person instruction will vary based on the lesson each day, and will utilize safe collaboration and varied student engagement strategies to make learning interactive and connections meaningful.
- All students who have a district-issued laptop should bring them to school each day.
- Teachers will take daily attendance based on who is sitting in the classroom.
- Parents must complete the TUHSD COVID-19 Parent Acknowledgement Form for the in-person model. This is the same form used for hybrid learning in Quarter 2. If your child has not participated in in-person instruction this academic year, please sign and initial this form and return it to your campus.
Virtual Learning Model
Students who select Virtual Learning will attend classes virtually 4 days a week starting March 15, 2021. Other important information regarding this model:- Students will log in to their classroom link and have the opportunity to join the live classes virtually with their cameras on.
- Students will be able to listen to the student/teacher discussion that occurs in the classroom. Teacher expectations for engagement will vary by teacher, thus students must attend class and communicate with their teachers to understand and meet the course expectations daily.
- All coursework will be available in Schoology for students to complete with teacher support as in previous quarters.
- Students can access teachers for support before and after school, during Academic Lab, and on asynchronous Wednesdays.
- Teachers will take daily attendance based on who is attending (cameras on) in Google Meet/Zoom. The attendance form will be used on Wednesdays, but if you are experiencing internet issues, contact the school.
For all students the district will continue Asynchronous Wednesdays at this time. See below for a description.
- Asynchronous instruction and supplemental support provided by teachers will follow the posted schedule of the school.
- Afternoons are designated as early release for the content planning time for teachers.
- Students will complete a Google attendance form along with any assignments on these days. Students will have access to teacher instruction and support in the morning, following the posted bell schedule of the school.
Timeline for Quarter 3 and Quarter 4
February 22-March 1: Families select learning model for Quarter 4 by completing the survey. Those who have not completed the survey will have until March 19th to make or revise their selection.
February 28: Staff survey results shared
March 1: Teachers return to sites to work on campus to teach and prepare for student return
March 1-5: Principals meet with staff at sites to review health mitigation plan
March 5: End of Quarter 3
March 8-12: Spring Break
March 15: Quarter 4 begins for in-person and virtual models
March 15-19: Families may change their learning model during this window only. No changes will be made after this time.
March 23: AzSci (juniors)
April 2: No School
April 5: AzM2 writing (sophomores)
April 6: ACT State Testing (juniors)
April 8: AzM2 reading (sophomores)
April 13: AzM2 math (sophomores)
May 17-19: Final exams
May 19: Last day of school
May 20: Graduation
May 21: Last Day for Teachers
Kevin J. Mendivil
Superintendent
ESPAÑOL
Estimada comunidad de Tempe Union,
Ha pasado casi un año desde que la pandemia global cambió fundamentalmente nuestras vidas y sabemos lo importante que es la educación para nuestros estudiantes y nuestras familias. La escuela no solo brinda educación a nuestros estudiantes, sino que también brinda comunidad, nutrición, asesoramiento, creatividad, enriquecimiento y recursos. Nuestros maestros, administradores y personal de apoyo continúan trabajando incansablemente para brindar el apoyo necesario a los estudiantes a quienes servimos.
Como se compartió previamente, nos estamos preparando para dar la bienvenida a los estudiantes al campus para el aprendizaje en persona a partir del lunes 15 de marzo. Tenemos la esperanza de que nuestras métricas continúen mejorando para un regreso seguro.
Del 22 de febrero al 1 de marzo, las familias seleccionarán su modelo de aprendizaje deseado para el cuarto trimestre. Esta información ayudará a nuestros sitios a prepararse adecuadamente. Si por alguna razón una familia necesita cambiar su modelo de aprendizaje, podrá hacerlo la semana del 15 de marzo. Después de esta semana, no se podrán realizar cambios en el entorno de aprendizaje. Las descripciones de cada modelo de aprendizaje se proporcionan a continuación para ayudar a las familias a hacer una selección durante la semana del 22 de febrero. Recibirá un correo electrónico por separado con el enlace de la encuesta en breve.
Modelo de aprendizaje en persona
Los estudiantes que seleccionen el aprendizaje en persona asistirán a clases en persona 4 días a la semana a partir del 15 de marzo de 2021. Otra información importante sobre este modelo:- Los ambientes de las aulas se diseñarán para maximizar el distanciamiento físico y se implementarán todas las estrategias de mitigación de la salud.
- La instrucción en persona variará según la lección de cada día y utilizará una colaboración segura y diversas estrategias de participación de los estudiantes para que el aprendizaje sea interactivo y las conexiones sean significativas.
- Todos los estudiantes que tengan una computadora portátil proporcionada por el distrito deben traerla a la escuela todos los días.
- Los maestros tomarán la asistencia diaria según quién esté sentado en el aula.
- Los padres deben completar el formulario de reconocimiento de padres de TUHSD COVID-19 para el modelo en persona. Este es el mismo formulario que se usó para el aprendizaje híbrido en el segundo trimestre. Si su hijo no ha participado en la instrucción en persona este año académico, firme y ponga sus iniciales en este formulario y devuélvalo a su campus.
Modelo de aprendizaje virtual
Los estudiantes que seleccionen el aprendizaje virtual asistirán a clases virtualmente 4 días a la semana a partir del 15 de marzo de 2021. Otra información importante con respecto a este modelo:- Los estudiantes iniciarán sesión en el enlace de su salón de clases y tendrán la oportunidad de unirse a las clases en vivo virtualmente con sus cámaras encendidas.
- Los estudiantes podrán escuchar la discusión estudiante / maestro que ocurre en el salón de clases. Las expectativas de participación de los maestros variarán según el maestro, por lo que los estudiantes deben asistir a clase y comunicarse con sus maestros para comprender y cumplir con las expectativas del curso a diario.
- Todo el trabajo del curso estará disponible en Schoology para que los estudiantes lo completen con el apoyo del maestro como en trimestres anteriores.
- Los estudiantes pueden acceder a los maestros para recibir apoyo antes y después de la escuela, durante el laboratorio académico y los miércoles asincrónicos.
- Los maestros tomarán la asistencia diaria según quién asista (cámaras encendidas) en Google Meet / Zoom. El formulario de asistencia se utilizará los miércoles, pero si tiene problemas con el Internet, comuníquese con la escuela.
Para todos los estudiantes, el distrito continuará los miércoles asincrónicos en este momento. Consulte a continuación para obtener una descripción.
- La instrucción asincrónica y el apoyo suplementario proporcionado por los maestros seguirán el horario publicado de la escuela.
- Las tardes se designan como salida temprana para el tiempo de planificación de contenido para los maestros.
- Los estudiantes completarán un formulario de asistencia de Google junto con cualquier tarea en estos días. Los estudiantes tendrán acceso a la instrucción y el apoyo de los maestros por la mañana, siguiendo el horario de timbre publicado en la escuela.
Cronograma para el trimestre 3 y el trimestre 4
22 de febrero al 1 de marzo: las familias seleccionan el modelo de aprendizaje para el cuarto trimestre completando la encuesta. Aquellos que no hayan completado la encuesta tendrán hasta el 19 de marzo para hacer o revisar su selección.28 de febrero: se comparten los resultados de la encuesta al personal
1 de marzo: los maestros regresan a los sitios para trabajar en el campus para enseñar y prepararse para el regreso de los estudiantes
1-5 de marzo: los directores se reúnen con el personal en los sitios para revisar el plan de mitigación de la salud
5 de marzo: final del tercer trimestre
8-12 de marzo: vacaciones de primavera
15 de marzo: comienza el cuarto trimestre para modelos virtuales y en persona
15-19 de marzo: las familias pueden cambiar su modelo de aprendizaje solo durante este período. No se realizarán cambios después de este tiempo.
23 de marzo: AzSci (juniors)
2 de abril: No hay clases
5 de abril: escritura AzM2 (estudiantes de segundo año)
6 de abril: Examen estatal ACT (juniors)
8 de abril: lectura AzM2 (estudiantes de segundo año)
13 de abril: matemáticas AzM2 (estudiantes de segundo año)
17-19 de mayo: Exámenes finales
19 de mayo: último día de clases
20 de mayo: Graduación
21 de mayo: Último día para los profesores
Kevin J. Mendivil
Superintendent -
Parent Letter 2.12.21 - Survey Links
Dear TUHSD Parents & Families,
As previously shared, TUHSD invites you to participate in a brief survey and give your feedback on returning to in-person learning.
The survey is available in both English and Spanish; please click on a link below to take the survey. Please note that if you have more than one child enrolled in TUHSD, we ask that you fill out the survey for each student in your household.
TUHSD Parent Survey | ENGLISH
TUHSD Parent Survey | SPANISH
The survey is optional, but very important to our planning efforts. The survey links will be open until February 19, and all responses are anonymous.
Thank you for participating.
Tempe Union High School District
Department of Assessment, Accountability & Research
ESPAÑOL
Estimados padres y familias de TUHSD:Como se compartió anteriormente, TUHSD lo invita a participar en una breve encuesta y dar su opinión sobre cómo regresar al aprendizaje en persona.
La encuesta está disponible en inglés y español; haga clic en un enlace a continuación para realizar la encuesta. Tenga en cuenta que si tiene más de un niño inscrito en TUHSD, le pedimos que complete la encuesta para cada estudiante en su hogar.
Encuesta para padres de TUHSD | INGLÉS
Encuesta para padres de TUHSD | ESPAÑOL
La encuesta es opcional, pero muy importante para nuestros esfuerzos de planificación. Los enlaces de la encuesta estarán abiertos hasta el 19 de febrero y todas las respuestas son anónimas.
Gracias por participar.
Distrito de escuelas secundarias de Tempe Union
Departamento de Evaluación, Responsabilidad e Investigación -
Parent Letter 2.12.21 - Planning Timelines + Surveys
Dear TUHSD Families:
The next three to four weeks will be extremely busy, with the 3rd quarter coming to a close, and spring break during the week of March 8.
We are currently in an information gathering phase, and want to update you on our planning for return to in-person instruction, and a timeline of what to expect over the next few weeks.
Friday, February 12- AM: Student surveys released for input. Students will take a brief (5 minute) survey during either a core class or Academic Lab, depending on the school site. The survey is anonymous and we are looking to gather their honest feedback around returning to school, and what is most important to them during this time.
- PM: Family/Parent surveys sent via email. Your feedback is very important as we continue to plan for in-person instruction. Please keep an eye out for the survey and promptly fill it out.
Monday, February 15
- President’s Day Holiday. We hope you enjoy a safe day off with your family.
Week of February 16
- TUHSD employees (teachers, administrators, classified staff) will receive their own survey early in the week, in order to solicit additional input from our employee base.
- A communication will be sent to TUHSD families mid-week, with additional information about the learning model choices for 4th Quarter.
Monday, February 22
- A learning model selection survey will be sent to TUHSD families as a follow up to the prior week’s communication. This is your opportunity to formally identify your learning choice for your child - returning to in-person learning or remaining in a virtual setting.
Additional information will be provided as we move through this time period, from either the District or your school site administration. We appreciate your participation in the family/parent surveys and your input during this important time of planning.
Thank you,
Dr. Kevin J. Mendivil
SuperintendentESPAÑOL
Estimadas familias de TUHSD:
Las próximas tres o cuatro semanas estarán muy ocupadas, con el tercer trimestre llegando a su fin y las vacaciones de primavera durante la semana del 8 de marzo.
Actualmente nos encontramos en una fase de recopilación de información y queremos informarle sobre nuestra planificación para regresar a la instrucción en persona y un cronograma de qué esperar durante las próximas semanas.
Viernes 12 de febrero
AM: Encuestas de estudiantes publicadas para recibir comentarios. Los estudiantes tomarán una breve encuesta (5 minutos) durante una clase básica o laboratorio académico, dependiendo del sitio de la escuela. La encuesta es anónima y buscamos recopilar sus comentarios honestos sobre el regreso a la escuela y lo que es más importante para ellos durante este tiempo.
PM: Encuestas de familia / padres enviadas por correo electrónico. Sus comentarios son muy importantes a medida que continuamos planificando la instrucción en persona. Esté atento a la encuesta y complétela de inmediato.
Lunes 15 de febrero
Feriado del Día del Presidente. Esperamos que disfrute de un día libre seguro con su familia.
Semana del 16 de febrero
Los empleados de TUHSD (maestros, administradores, personal clasificado) recibirán su propia encuesta a principios de la semana, con el fin de solicitar información adicional de nuestra base de empleados.
Se enviará una comunicación a las familias de TUHSD a mediados de semana, con información adicional sobre las opciones del modelo de aprendizaje para el 4º trimestre.
Lunes 22 de febrero
Se enviará una encuesta de selección del modelo de aprendizaje a las familias de TUHSD como seguimiento a la comunicación de la semana anterior. Esta es su oportunidad de identificar formalmente su opción de aprendizaje para su hijo: regresar al aprendizaje en persona o permanecer en un entorno virtual.
Se proporcionará información adicional a medida que avancemos en este período de tiempo, ya sea del Distrito o de la administración de su escuela. Agradecemos su participación en las encuestas para familias y padres y sus aportes durante este importante momento de planificación.
Gracias,
Dr. Kevin J. Mendivil
Superintendente -
Parent Letter 2.4.21: Superintendent February Update - Follow Up
Dear TUHSD Families:
The information that was shared earlier this afternoon was intended to be a follow-up from last night’s Board meeting, and provide you with the overall timeline that was discussed as it pertains to bringing students back to campus in-person.
Please rest assured that we are continuing to look at different options to meet the needs of our TUHSD families. A virtual option will still be available; and more detailed information will be provided at a later date.
Our families are an important part of the stakeholder input process, and a survey will be sent out in the coming days to families to assess your needs at this time. Please be on the lookout for this communication.
Dr. Kevin Mendivil
Superintendent
ESPAÑOL
Estimadas familias de TUHSD:
La información que se compartió a principios de esta tarde tenía la intención de ser un seguimiento de la reunión de la Junta de anoche y brindarle el cronograma general que se discutió en lo que respecta a traer a los estudiantes de regreso al campus en persona.
Tenga la seguridad de que seguimos buscando diferentes opciones para satisfacer las necesidades de nuestras familias de TUHSD. Una opción virtual seguirá estando disponible; y se proporcionará información más detallada en una fecha posterior.
Nuestras familias son una parte importante del proceso de participación de las partes interesadas, y en los próximos días se enviará una encuesta a las familias para evaluar sus necesidades en este momento. Esté atento a esta comunicación.
Dr. Kevin Mendivil
Superintendente
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Parent Letter 2.4.21: Superintendent February Update
Dear TUHSD Families:
At last night’s Governing Board study session (click here for video), Board members discussed the currently available data points and planning efforts for transitioning back to in-person learning. Meeting attendees also heard from medical experts who advise the District.
As of today, we are planning for a return to in-person instruction, four days a week, beginning Monday, March 15.
The planning priorities for a safe re-opening for everyone are as follows:- Continue to follow public health metrics, provided weekly by the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, and the Arizona Department of Health Services
- Continue collaboration with ASU and medical experts on our community health metrics to have the most up-to-date health metrics for focused planning
- Continue to follow our TUHSD Health Mitigation Plan and add the vaccination efforts as an integral part of the plan
- Continue to ensure teachers and staff take advantage of available vaccination
- Continue to gather input from our families, students, teachers, staff, and other stakeholders to include with our planning
We want to acknowledge that COVID-19 is still very much a reality. From the early days of the pandemic, your student’s health and safety has been our top priority. We also know how important it is for students to be learning in the classroom, with their peers, and our goal is to return to a traditional model of instruction as soon as possible. We believe the projected trajectory of our public health metrics will allow us to bring everyone back safely after spring break.
We have a comprehensive set of health mitigation protocols in place that we will ask our families and staff to be mindful of in order to keep our entire community safe so that we remain in-person with no interruptions. For example, there will still be daily health checks, mandatory face masks, and enhanced cleaning procedures. Going back to in-person learning is vital, and it is also a collective effort. We need parents, students, teachers, and staff to continue to be diligent about keeping one another safe.
At this point, we will ask you to plan on a return to in-person instruction on Monday, March 15. For now, our goal is in-person instruction four days a week, with Wednesdays remaining asynchronous. We will be watching very closely and monitoring weekly using all of our planning priority criteria listed above.
As additional information becomes available, it will be disseminated through your school’s administration.
Dr. Kevin Mendivil
SuperintendentEspañol
Estimadas familias de TUHSD:
En la sesión de estudio de la Junta de Gobierno de anoche (haga clic aquí para ver el video), los miembros de la Junta discutieron los puntos de datos actualmente disponibles y los esfuerzos de planificación para la transición de regreso al aprendizaje en persona. Los asistentes a la reunión también escucharon a expertos médicos que asesoran al Distrito.
A partir de hoy, estamos planeando volver a la instrucción en persona, cuatro días a la semana, a partir del lunes 15 de marzo.
Las prioridades de planificación para una reapertura segura para todos son las siguientes:
- Continuar siguiendo las métricas de salud pública, proporcionadas semanalmente por el Departamento de Salud Pública del Condado de Maricopa y el Departamento de Servicios de Salud de Arizona
- Continuar la colaboración con ASU y expertos médicos en nuestras métricas de salud comunitaria para tener las métricas de salud más actualizadas para una planificación enfocada
- Continuar siguiendo nuestro Plan de Mitigación de Salud de TUHSD y agregar los esfuerzos de vacunación como parte integral del plan
- Continuar asegurándose de que los maestros y el personal aprovechen las vacunas disponibles.
- Continuar recabando opiniones de nuestras familias, estudiantes, maestros, personal y otras partes interesadas para incluirlas en nuestra planificación.
Queremos reconocer que COVID-19 todavía es una realidad. Desde los primeros días de la pandemia, la salud y seguridad de su estudiante ha sido nuestra principal prioridad. También sabemos lo importante que es para los estudiantes aprender en el aula, con sus compañeros, y nuestro objetivo es volver a un modelo tradicional de instrucción lo antes posible. Creemos que la trayectoria proyectada de nuestras métricas de salud pública nos permitirá traer a todos de regreso a salvo después de las vacaciones de primavera.
Contamos con un conjunto integral de protocolos de mitigación de la salud que les pediremos a nuestras familias y al personal que tengan en cuenta para mantener a toda nuestra comunidad segura para que permanezcamos en persona sin interrupciones. Por ejemplo, todavía habrá controles de salud diarios, máscaras faciales obligatorias y procedimientos de limpieza mejorados. Volver al aprendizaje en persona es vital y también es un esfuerzo colectivo. Necesitamos que los padres, estudiantes, maestros y personal continúen siendo diligentes para mantenerse seguros unos a otros.
En este punto, le pediremos que planee regresar a la instrucción en persona el lunes 15 de marzo. Por ahora, nuestro objetivo es la instrucción en persona cuatro días a la semana, y los miércoles permanecen asincrónicos. Estaremos observando muy de cerca y monitoreando semanalmente utilizando todos nuestros criterios de prioridad de planificación enumerados anteriormente.
A medida que se disponga de información adicional, se difundirá a través de la administración de su escuela.
Dr. Kevin Mendivil
Superintendente
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Parent Letter 1.15.21 - January Superintendent Update
TUHSD Parents & Families,
I hope that the second semester is off to a smooth start for your students, and that your family is staying healthy and safe. During these first few weeks of January, we have continued to learn more about the vaccine rollout and the logistics involved for our education community. I want to update our families on these details, and provide some reminders on our continued areas of focus.
Our key priorities at this time are listed below. The foundation of all of our decisions rests on bringing students back to campus and resuming a normal routine for all in our community.
Public Health Metrics
We are complying with the recommendations provided through the collaboration of Governor Ducey and the Arizona Department of Health Services, which provide clarification on the recommended learning scenarios based on the overall risk level presented. Additional information on our current metrics, as well as information on how to interpret the weekly reports, is at the end of this message.
As you know, the current metrics, for our District and our wider East Valley community, are alarmingly high. The data currently indicates the need for fully virtual learning. This current spike can be traced back to the week between Christmas and New Year’s; and we anticipate that the metrics will continue to trend upwards for another few weeks. In addition to the metrics, we also look to other state-wide agencies and organizations, such as the Arizona Department of Education and the Arizona School Administrators, for information to help guide our decisions.
Bringing Students Back to Campus
As we monitor the metrics, we are also hopeful. As soon as it is safe to do so - as indicated by the public health metrics outlined above - we will bring our students back to campus for in-person learning. A key addition to our Health Mitigation Plan is to ensure everyone involved with the education of our students is vaccinated as soon as possible. I know we all look forward to the day when we can resume our “normal” schedules and lives. Please rest assured that as soon as it is safe to return, we will do so. This goal is the underpinning of all of our decisions.
Safety and Health of Employees
A safe and consistent learning experience for your students is guided by our employees, and having our employee base receive the COVID-19 vaccine is a huge step towards reopening our schools. We are working closely with the appropriate state and local agencies, as well as our health insurance provider (Aetna) to offer the vaccine at our school sites to our employees. We are also working to open up our school sites as PODS (Point Of Distribution) so that our wider education community - including our Kyrene and Tempe Elementary counterparts - can receive the vaccine as well.
We have not yet been provided with specific dates and times for vaccination events yet, but I wanted to keep our community informed as planning continues.
As the vaccine rollout continues to unfold, we encourage both our families and our employees to stay mindful of being safe. Our Health Mitigation Plan is a good resource for our community to be reminded of these guidelines. Between the vaccine availability and mitigation behaviors, we are all hopeful that we can return to normal soon.
Dr. Kevin J. Mendivil
Superintendent
ESPAÑOL
Padres y familias de TUHSD,
Espero que el segundo semestre haya tenido un buen comienzo para sus estudiantes y que su familia se mantenga saludable y segura. Durante estas primeras semanas de enero, hemos continuado aprendiendo más sobre el lanzamiento de la vacuna y la logística involucrada para nuestra comunidad educativa. Quiero actualizar a nuestras familias sobre estos detalles y brindarles algunos recordatorios sobre nuestras áreas de enfoque continuas.
Nuestras prioridades clave en este momento son las siguientes. La base de todas nuestras decisiones se basa en traer a los estudiantes de regreso al campus y reanudar una rutina normal para todos en nuestra comunidad.
Métricas de salud pública
Estamos cumpliendo con las recomendaciones provistas a través de la colaboración del Gobernador Ducey y el Departamento de Servicios de Salud de Arizona, que brindan una aclaración sobre los escenarios de aprendizaje recomendados en función del nivel de riesgo general presentado. A continuación, encontrará información adicional sobre nuestras métricas actuales, así como información sobre cómo interpretar los informes semanales.
Como saben, las métricas actuales, para nuestro Distrito y nuestra comunidad más amplia del East Valley, son alarmantemente altas. Actualmente, los datos indican la necesidad de un aprendizaje totalmente virtual. Este pico actual se remonta a la semana entre Navidad y Año Nuevo; y anticipamos que las métricas continuarán con una tendencia ascendente durante algunas semanas más. Además de las métricas, también buscamos en otras agencias y organizaciones estatales, como el Departamento de Educación de Arizona y los Administradores de Escuelas de Arizona, para obtener información que ayude a guiar nuestras decisiones.
Traer a los estudiantes de regreso al campus
A medida que monitoreamos las métricas, también tenemos esperanzas. Tan pronto como sea seguro hacerlo, como lo indican las métricas de salud pública descritas anteriormente, traeremos a nuestros estudiantes de regreso al campus para que aprendan en persona. Una adición clave a nuestro Plan de Mitigación de la Salud es garantizar que todos los involucrados en la educación de nuestros estudiantes estén vacunados lo antes posible. Sé que todos esperamos el día en que podamos reanudar nuestros horarios y vidas "normales". Tenga la seguridad de que tan pronto como sea seguro regresar, lo haremos. Este objetivo es la base de todas nuestras decisiones.
Seguridad y salud de los empleados
Nuestros empleados guían una experiencia de aprendizaje segura y consistente para sus estudiantes, y hacer que nuestra base de empleados reciba la vacuna COVID-19 es un gran paso hacia la reapertura de nuestras escuelas. Estamos trabajando en estrecha colaboración con las agencias estatales y locales apropiadas, así como con nuestro proveedor de seguro médico (Aetna) para ofrecer la vacuna en nuestras escuelas a nuestros empleados. También estamos trabajando para abrir nuestras escuelas como PODS (Punto de distribución) para que nuestra comunidad educativa en general, incluidas nuestras contrapartes de Kyrene y Tempe Elementary, también puedan recibir la vacuna.
Todavía no nos han proporcionado fechas y horas específicas para los eventos de vacunación, pero quería mantener informada a nuestra comunidad a medida que continúa la planificación.
A medida que se desarrolla el lanzamiento de la vacuna, alentamos tanto a nuestras familias como a nuestros empleados a ser conscientes de la seguridad. Nuestro plan de mitigación de la salud es un buen recurso para que nuestra comunidad recuerde estas pautas. Entre la disponibilidad de vacunas y los comportamientos de mitigación, todos tenemos la esperanza de poder volver a la normalidad pronto.
Dr. Kevin J. Mendivil
Superintendente
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Parent Letter 12.17.20 - December Superintendent Update
Dear TUHSD Parents and Families,
As our first semester winds down to a close, my hope is that the holiday season will bring you opportunities for joy. We realize that learning virtually can be a less than ideal experience for everyone. I hope that we can also look to identify the many positives that have emerged. Our teachers developed new methods of delivering instruction to our students, and our students rose to the occasion. From our marching band students, to our dance programs, to our athletes continuing to excel, we are inspired every day by those in our TUHSD community.
We continue to carefully monitor the information provided by both Maricopa County and the Arizona Department of Health Services. We also have a partnership with Arizona State University to receive live data to help guide our decisions. Given the current public health metrics and projections for our district, we will begin the 3rd quarter in a virtual setting on Monday, January 4, 2021. These are difficult decisions to make but we are focused on the safety and well-being of our students, their families, and our teachers and staff.
One trend that public health experts have predicted - and the data in our area continues to tell us - is that there are large spikes in cases and community spread in the weeks following a holiday. Currently, we are experiencing a spike in cases that can be traced back to the Thanksgiving holiday. We have no reason to think that this will not be the same after Christmas, or New Year’s.
Tempe Union High School District as of 12/17/20. Courtesy of Maricopa County Department of Public Health.Our goal is to start the third quarter safely, and bring our students back in-person as soon as the metrics indicate it is safe for our community. We will continue to monitor the metrics and communicate plans for a return to in-person instruction in a timely manner.
Our amazing teachers and staff are focused on new ways to engage students and make this as positive of an experience as possible. As we know, student engagement continues to be a challenge. Teachers have been provided new strategies to enhance student connections in their classrooms when we begin instruction in January. We understand that this is not an ideal situation for our students and teachers. We are closely monitoring students who are struggling to help them to find success. Please reach out to your site administration if you have a student who is struggling - there are support systems in place to help. Additional information on student engagement and intervention efforts was presented at the December 16 Governing Board meeting. The presentation can be found online here.
We understand that this is a difficult time for so many of our families. As a reminder, there are resources online to assist you and your families, including a list of social emotional wellness resources (available here). Please make sure to utilize them, and reach out to the support teams at your school site for additional information and resources that are available in our community.
Thank you for your continued support and wishing you a very safe and happy holiday season.
Dr. Kevin J. Mendivil
SuperintendentESPAÑOL
Estimados padres y familias de TUHSD:
A medida que nuestro primer semestre llega a su fin, espero que la temporada navideña les brinde oportunidades para la alegría. Sabemos que aprender virtualmente puede ser una experiencia menos que ideal para todos. Espero que también podamos identificar los muchos aspectos positivos que han surgido. Nuestros maestros desarrollaron nuevos métodos para impartir instrucción a nuestros estudiantes y nuestros estudiantes estuvieron a la altura de las circunstancias. Desde nuestros estudiantes de la banda de música hasta nuestros programas de baile y nuestros atletas que continúan sobresaliendo, todos los días nos inspiramos en nuestra comunidad de TUHSD.
Continuamos monitoreando cuidadosamente la información proporcionada tanto por el condado de Maricopa como por el Departamento de Servicios de Salud de Arizona. También tenemos una asociación con la Universidad Estatal de Arizona para recibir datos que ayuden a guiar nuestras decisiones. Dadas las métricas y proyecciones de salud pública actuales para nuestro distrito, comenzaremos el tercer trimestre en un entorno virtual el lunes 4 de enero de 2021. Tenga en cuenta que no tomamos esta decisión a la ligera y que continuamos enfocándonos en brindar calidad instrucción en el entorno virtual.
Una tendencia que los expertos en salud pública han predicho, y los datos en nuestra área continúan diciéndonos, es que hay grandes picos en los casos y en la comunidad en las semanas posteriores a las vacaciones. Actualmente, estamos experimentando un aumento en los casos que se remontan a las vacaciones de Acción de Gracias. No tenemos ninguna razón para pensar que esto no será lo mismo después de Navidad o Año Nuevo.Distrito de escuelas secundarias de Tempe Union a partir del 17/12/20. Cortesía del Departamento de Salud Pública del Condado de Maricopa.
Nuestro objetivo es comenzar el tercer trimestre de manera segura y traer a nuestros estudiantes de regreso en persona tan pronto como las métricas indiquen que es seguro para nuestra comunidad. Continuaremos monitoreando las métricas y comunicando planes para regresar a la instrucción en persona de manera oportuna.
Nuestros increíbles maestros y personal están enfocados en nuevas formas de involucrar a los estudiantes y hacer que esta sea una experiencia lo más positiva posible. Como sabemos, la participación de los estudiantes sigue siendo un desafío. A los maestros se les han proporcionado nuevas estrategias para mejorar las conexiones de los estudiantes en sus aulas cuando comenzamos la instrucción en enero. Entendemos que esta no es una situación ideal para nuestros estudiantes y profesores. Estamos monitoreando de cerca a los estudiantes que luchan para ayudarlos a tener éxito. Comuníquese con la administración de su sitio si tiene un estudiante con dificultades; existen sistemas de apoyo para ayudar. En la reunión de la Junta Directiva del 16 de diciembre se presentó información adicional sobre la participación de los estudiantes y los esfuerzos de intervención. La presentación se puede encontrar en línea aquí.
Entendemos que este es un momento difícil para muchas de nuestras familias. Como recordatorio, hay recursos en línea para ayudarlo a usted y a sus familias, incluida una lista de recursos de bienestar socioemocional (disponible aquí). Asegúrese de utilizarlos y comuníquese con los equipos de apoyo en su escuela para obtener información y recursos adicionales que están disponibles en nuestra comunidad.
Gracias por su continuo apoyo y les deseamos unas felices y seguras fiestas navideñas.
Dr. Kevin J. Mendivil
Superintendente
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Parent Letter 11.20.20 - Shift to virtual learning beg. 11/30
Dear TUHSD Parents and Families,
As I previously shared with you, our District has been carefully monitoring the public health metrics made available by both Maricopa County and the Arizona Department of Health Services. These metrics have guided our decision making from the very beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Beginning Monday, November 30, TUHSD will return to virtual learning. We remain mindful of our responsibility to keep our entire community safe - from students to teachers to staff and their respective families. Please know that we do not take this decision lightly and that we are continuing to focus on delivering quality instruction in the virtual environment. Additionally, Tempe Elementary and Kyrene have made decisions to return to virtual instruction as a result of their metrics, which we share. The level of collaboration with our sister districts has always been a priority, especially in situations like this one.
Report courtesy of Maricopa County Department of Public Health. Dashboard available here.
Additional factors we have taken into consideration include:- TUHSD students in quarantine | While our positive case count has remained low, we have seen an increase in reports in the last two weeks and, as of today, approximately 915 students and staff have been isolated or quarantined due to possible exposure on campus.
- Substitute shortage | A growing number of staff are experiencing COVID-like symptoms due to flu, colds or other viruses. Staff are required to remain home with ANY symptoms, and we are having extreme difficulty securing substitute teachers for those classrooms. Soon, we will not have enough personnel to cover classes. Moving to contingency reduces the risk of teachers being out sick.
- Off-campus behaviors | So many of our families have been diligent about practicing good safety habits both on and off campus. However, we have seen multiple cases of students sent to school with symptoms or while awaiting COVID test results. These incidents put staff and other students at risk in addition to causing preventable school quarantines.
- Projection models | Current models predict exponential growth of COVID-19 cases over the next several weeks, projecting as many as 250,000 positive daily U.S. cases with 3,000-5,000 deaths per day. Higher community spread translates into higher positive COVID cases on campuses, higher counts of quarantine, and greater risk for everyone.
We know you will have questions, and as plans develop and are shared, we will do our best to answer them. This includes planning for athletics & extra curricular activities. Here are a few that we can currently address:
- How long will we stay in virtual mode? Our decisions are always guided by the public health metrics. We will continue to monitor the metrics, no matter what instruction mode we are offering, and bring students back to campus when the metrics indicate it is safe to do so again.
- What does this mean for my student who is currently in hybrid mode? Your student will shift to virtual instruction. Additional information on bell schedules and other specifics will be circulated next week.
- What does this mean for my student who is already in virtual mode? There will not be a substantial change for students who are already in virtual mode. They will see all of their classmates joining class from home. Additional information on bell schedules and other specifics will be circulated next week.
- What does this mean for my special needs or high-risk student? On-site support services will be made available for students who fall into priority categories, in compliance with the original Executive Order from Governor Doug Ducey. Please see here for more information about on-site support services and the students that qualify.
We understand that this is a difficult time for so many of our families. As a reminder, there are resources online to assist you and your families, including a list of social emotional wellness resources (available here). Please make sure to utilize them, and reach out to the support teams at your school site for additional information and resources.
Thank you for your continued support,
Dr. Kevin J. Mendivil
SuperintendentEstimados padres y familias de TUHSD:
Como dije anteriormente, nuestro Distrito ha estado monitoreando cuidadosamente las métricas de salud pública disponibles tanto por el Condado de Maricopa como por el Departamento de Servicios de Salud de Arizona. Estas métricas han guiado nuestra toma de decisiones desde el comienzo de la pandemia de COVID-19.
A partir del lunes 30 de noviembre, TUHSD volverá al aprendizaje virtual. Seguimos conscientes de nuestra responsabilidad de mantener segura a toda nuestra comunidad, desde los estudiantes hasta los maestros, el personal y sus respectivas familias. Tenga en cuenta que no tomamos esta decisión a la ligera y que continuamos enfocándonos en brindar instrucción de calidad en el entorno virtual. Además, la Primaria Tempe y Kyrene han tomado decisiones para regresar a la instrucción virtual como resultado de sus métricas, que compartimos. El nivel de colaboración con nuestros distritos hermanos siempre ha sido una prioridad, especialmente en situaciones como esta.
Informe cortesía del Departamento de Salud Pública del Condado de Maricopa.Los factores adicionales que hemos tenido en cuenta incluyen:
Estudiantes de TUHSD en cuarentena | Si bien nuestro recuento de casos positivos se ha mantenido bajo, hemos visto un aumento en los informes en las últimas dos semanas y, a la fecha, casi 915 estudiantes y personal han sido aislados o puestos en cuarentena debido a una posible exposición en el campus.Escasez de sustitutos | Un número creciente de empleados experimenta síntomas similares a los de COVID debido a la gripe, resfriados u otros virus. Se requiere que el personal permanezca en casa con CUALQUIER síntoma, y estamos teniendo dificultades extremas para conseguir maestros sustitutos para esas aulas. Pronto, no tendremos suficiente personal para cubrir las clases. Pasar a la contingencia reduce el riesgo de que los profesores se enfermen.
Comportamientos fuera del campus | Muchas de nuestras familias han sido diligentes en la práctica de buenos hábitos de seguridad tanto dentro como fuera del campus. Sin embargo, hemos visto varios casos de estudiantes enviados a la escuela con síntomas o mientras esperaban los resultados de la prueba COVID. Estos incidentes ponen en riesgo al personal y a otros estudiantes, además de causar cuarentenas escolares prevenibles.
Modelos de proyección | Los modelos actuales predicen un crecimiento exponencial de los casos de COVID-19 durante las próximas semanas, proyectando hasta 250,000 casos positivos diarios en los EE. UU. Con 3,000-5,000 muertes por día. Una mayor propagación en la comunidad se traduce en casos de COVID positivos más altos en los campus, recuentos más altos de cuarentena y mayor riesgo para todos.
Sabemos que tendrá preguntas y, a medida que los planes se desarrollen y se compartan, haremos todo lo posible para responderlas. Esto incluye la planificación de actividades deportivas y extracurriculares. Aquí hay algunos que podemos abordar actualmente:
¿Cuánto tiempo permaneceremos en modo virtual? Nuestras decisiones siempre se guían por las métricas de salud pública. Continuaremos monitoreando las métricas, sin importar el modo de instrucción que estemos ofreciendo, y llevaremos a los estudiantes de regreso al campus cuando las métricas indiquen que es seguro hacerlo nuevamente.
¿Qué significa esto para mi estudiante que se encuentra actualmente en modo híbrido? Su estudiante cambiará a la instrucción virtual. La próxima semana se distribuirá información adicional sobre los horarios de las campanas y otros detalles.
¿Qué significa esto para mi alumno que ya está en modo virtual? No habrá un cambio sustancial para los estudiantes que ya están en modo virtual. Verán a todos sus compañeros unirse a clase desde casa. La próxima semana se distribuirá información adicional sobre los horarios de las campanas y otros detalles.
¿Qué significa esto para mi estudiante con necesidades especiales o de alto riesgo? Los servicios de apoyo en el lugar estarán disponibles para los estudiantes que caen en categorías prioritarias, de conformidad con la Orden Ejecutiva original del Gobernador Doug Ducey. Consulte aquí para obtener más información sobre los servicios de apoyo en el lugar y los estudiantes que califican.
Entendemos que este es un momento difícil para muchas de nuestras familias. Como recordatorio, hay recursos en línea para ayudarlo a usted y a sus familias, incluida una lista de recursos de bienestar social y emocional (disponible aquí). Asegúrese de utilizarlos y comuníquese con los equipos de apoyo de su escuela para obtener información y recursos adicionales.
Gracias por su continuo apoyo,
Dr. Kevin J. Mendivil
Superintendente
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Parent Letter 11.20.20 - Preparation for a Return to Virtual Learning from Superintendent Mendivil
November 20, 2020
Dear TUHSD Parents and Families,
As I previously shared with you, our District has been carefully monitoring the public health metrics made available by both Maricopa County and the Arizona Department of Health Services. These metrics have guided our decision making from the very beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Beginning Monday, November 30, TUHSD will return to virtual learning. We remain mindful of our responsibility to keep our entire community safe - from students to teachers to staff and their respective families. Please know that we do not take this decision lightly and that we are continuing to focus on delivering quality instruction in the virtual environment. Additionally, Tempe Elementary and Kyrene have made decisions to return to virtual instruction as a result of their metrics, which we share. The level of collaboration with our sister districts has always been a priority, especially in situations like this one.
Report courtesy of Maricopa County Department of Public Health. Dashboard available here.
Additional factors we have taken into consideration include:- TUHSD students in quarantine | While our positive case count has remained low, we have seen an increase in reports in the last two weeks and, as of today, nearly 600 students and staff have been isolated or quarantined due to possible exposure on campus.
- Substitute shortage | A growing number of staff are experiencing COVID-like symptoms due to flu, colds or other viruses. Staff are required to remain home with ANY symptoms, and we are having extreme difficulty securing substitute teachers for those classrooms. Soon, we will not have enough personnel to cover classes. Moving to contingency reduces the risk of teachers being out sick.
- Off-campus behaviors | So many of our families have been diligent about practicing good safety habits both on and off campus. However, we have seen multiple cases of students sent to school with symptoms or while awaiting COVID test results. These incidents put staff and other students at risk in addition to causing preventable school quarantines.
- Projection models | Current models predict exponential growth of COVID-19 cases over the next several weeks, projecting as many as 250,000 positive daily U.S. cases with 3,000-5,000 deaths per day. Higher community spread translates into higher positive COVID cases on campuses, higher counts of quarantine, and greater risk for everyone.
We know you will have questions, and as plans develop and are shared, we will do our best to answer them. This includes planning for athletics & extra curricular activities. Here are a few that we can currently address:- How long will we stay in virtual mode? Our decisions are always guided by the public health metrics. We will continue to monitor the metrics, no matter what instruction mode we are offering, and bring students back to campus when the metrics indicate it is safe to do so again.
- What does this mean for my student who is currently in hybrid mode? Your student will shift to virtual instruction. Additional information on bell schedules and other specifics will be circulated next week.
- What does this mean for my student who is already in virtual mode? There will not be a substantial change for students who are already in virtual mode. They will see all of their classmates joining class from home. Additional information on bell schedules and other specifics will be circulated next week.
- What does this mean for my special needs or high-risk student? On-site support services will be made available for students who fall into priority categories, in compliance with the original Executive Order from Governor Doug Ducey. Please see here for more information about on-site support services and the students that qualify.
We understand that this is a difficult time for so many of our families. As a reminder, there are resources online to assist you and your families, including a list of social-emotional wellness resources (available here). Please make sure to utilize them, and reach out to the support teams at your school site for additional information and resources.Thank you for your continued support,
Dr. Kevin J. Mendivil
Superintendent
Para Español:
Estimados padres y familias de TUHSD:
Como dije anteriormente, nuestro Distrito ha estado monitoreando cuidadosamente las métricas de salud pública disponibles tanto por el Condado de Maricopa como por el Departamento de Servicios de Salud de Arizona. Estas métricas han guiado nuestra toma de decisiones desde el comienzo de la pandemia de COVID-19.
A partir del lunes 30 de noviembre, TUHSD volverá al aprendizaje virtual. Seguimos conscientes de nuestra responsabilidad de mantener segura a toda nuestra comunidad, desde los estudiantes hasta los maestros, el personal y sus respectivas familias. Tenga en cuenta que no tomamos esta decisión a la ligera y que continuamos enfocándonos en brindar instrucción de calidad en el entorno virtual. Además, la Primaria Tempe y Kyrene han tomado decisiones para regresar a la instrucción virtual como resultado de sus métricas, que compartimos. El nivel de colaboración con nuestros distritos hermanos siempre ha sido una prioridad, especialmente en situaciones como esta.
Informe cortesía del Departamento de Salud Pública del Condado de Maricopa. Tablero disponible aquí.
Los factores adicionales que hemos tenido en cuenta incluyen:
Estudiantes de TUHSD en cuarentena | Si bien nuestro recuento de casos positivos se ha mantenido bajo, hemos visto un aumento en los informes en las últimas dos semanas y, a la fecha, casi 600 estudiantes y personal han sido aislados o puestos en cuarentena debido a una posible exposición en el campus.
Escasez de sustitutos | Un número creciente de empleados experimenta síntomas similares a los de COVID debido a la gripe, resfriados u otros virus. Se requiere que el personal permanezca en casa con CUALQUIER síntoma, y estamos teniendo dificultades extremas para conseguir maestros sustitutos para esas aulas. Pronto, no tendremos suficiente personal para cubrir las clases. Pasar a la contingencia reduce el riesgo de que los profesores se enfermen.
Comportamientos fuera del campus | Muchas de nuestras familias han sido diligentes en la práctica de buenos hábitos de seguridad tanto dentro como fuera del campus. Sin embargo, hemos visto varios casos de estudiantes enviados a la escuela con síntomas o mientras esperaban los resultados de la prueba COVID. Estos incidentes ponen en riesgo al personal y a otros estudiantes, además de causar cuarentenas escolares prevenibles.
Modelos de proyección | Los modelos actuales predicen un crecimiento exponencial de los casos de COVID-19 durante las próximas semanas, proyectando hasta 250,000 casos positivos diarios en los EE. UU. Con 3,000-5,000 muertes por día. Una mayor propagación en la comunidad se traduce en casos de COVID positivos más altos en los campus, recuentos más altos de cuarentena y mayor riesgo para todos.
Sabemos que tendrá preguntas y, a medida que los planes se desarrollen y se compartan, haremos todo lo posible para responderlas. Esto incluye la planificación de actividades deportivas y extracurriculares. Aquí hay algunos que podemos abordar actualmente:
¿Cuánto tiempo permaneceremos en modo virtual? Nuestras decisiones siempre se guían por las métricas de salud pública. Continuaremos monitoreando las métricas, sin importar el modo de instrucción que estemos ofreciendo, y llevaremos a los estudiantes de regreso al campus cuando las métricas indiquen que es seguro hacerlo nuevamente.
¿Qué significa esto para mi estudiante que se encuentra actualmente en modo híbrido? Su estudiante cambiará a la instrucción virtual. La próxima semana se distribuirá información adicional sobre los horarios de las campanas y otros detalles.
¿Qué significa esto para mi alumno que ya está en modo virtual? No habrá un cambio sustancial para los estudiantes que ya están en modo virtual. Verán a todos sus compañeros unirse a clase desde casa. La próxima semana se distribuirá información adicional sobre los horarios de las campanas y otros detalles.
¿Qué significa esto para mi estudiante con necesidades especiales o de alto riesgo? Los servicios de apoyo en el lugar estarán disponibles para los estudiantes que caen en categorías prioritarias, de conformidad con la Orden Ejecutiva original del Gobernador Doug Ducey. Consulte aquí para obtener más información sobre los servicios de apoyo en el lugar y los estudiantes que califican.
Entendemos que este es un momento difícil para muchas de nuestras familias. Como recordatorio, hay recursos en línea para ayudarlo a usted y a sus familias, incluida una lista de recursos de bienestar social y emocional (disponible aquí). Asegúrese de utilizarlos y comuníquese con los equipos de apoyo de su escuela para obtener información y recursos adicionales.
Gracias por su continuo apoyo,
Dr. Kevin J. Mendivil
Superintendente
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Parent Letter 11.13.20 - Update on COVID-19 from Superintendent Mendivil
Dear TUHSD Parents & Families,
Based on concerns we are receiving from families and others in our community, I would like to reassure you that we are committed to our current model of hybrid learning. Throughout this pandemic, we have ensured that our decision making is guided by the public health metrics made available by both Maricopa County and the Arizona Department of Health Services.
Although many of our surrounding communities are facing situations where they are “in the red” with the latest round of updates, we are fortunate that the areas where our students reside are still considered “yellow”, and safe to continue with the hybrid learning model that we have implemented. We will continue to be guided by these metrics, and although cases are on the rise in Arizona overall and two benchmarks have gradually increased for TUHSD, we consider ourselves fortunate that we have not yet had to consider a return to fully remote learning.
Recently, the State updated their guidelines which will allow us to continue in hybrid until we have hit “red” in all three tracked metrics, for two consecutive weeks. While we can’t be certain what the future holds, we are committed to continuing in our current model until the metrics dictate otherwise, and continuing to ask our families and community to be mindful of the safety measures that we have in place that protect us all.
TUHSD remains committed to implementing and following the safety measures in our Health Mitigation Plan to protect students and staff from exposure to COVID-19. We feel that the adherence to this plan is what has kept our community “yellow”. Our protocols include reminding students and staff to stay home when they are sick and mandating wearing face masks. Physical distancing rules are in place and high-touch surface areas are disinfected regularly. We also encourage frequent hand washing and hand sanitizer is readily available to students and staff.
Last month, in an effort to be transparent with our community, we launched a TUHSD COVID-19 dashboard (available here), which lists current, active COVID-19 cases by school. The dashboard is updated on a rolling basis as information becomes available. We hope that this has been an informative resource for you. It is also worth noting that the overwhelming majority of our current, active cases are a result of off-campus exposure, which indicates that the protocols in our Health Mitigation Plan have been successful in keeping our students and staff safe during this time.
In addition to the COVID-19 dashboard, we have a wide variety of resources available to you at this time, including a video outlining safety protocols (available here), a list of frequently asked questions (available here), and a list of social-emotional wellness resources (available here).
Next Wednesday, November 18, our Governing Board will hear an important COVID-19 update from our administrative team. The meeting will be live-streamed on our YouTube channel starting at 7 PM. I hope you are able to join us.
Thank you for your continued support,
Dr. Kevin J. Mendivil
Superintendent
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Parent Letter 10.21.20 - COVID dashboard; study session
Dear TUHSD Parents & Families,
Last week, we began our hybrid learning model. The input we’ve received from our students and teachers has been overwhelmingly positive, and we continue to look for unique ways to refine this model and engage our students during this time.
TUHSD remains committed to implementing and following the safety measures in our Health Mitigation Plan to protect students and staff from exposure to COVID-19. This includes reminding students and staff to stay home when they are sick and mandating wearing face masks. Physical distancing rules are in place and high-touch surface areas are disinfected regularly. We also encourage frequent hand washing and hand sanitizer is readily available to students and staff.
In an effort to be transparent with our community, we have launched a TUHSD COVID-19 dashboard (available here), which lists current, active COVID-19 cases by school. This dashboard will be updated weekly moving forward.
It is important to remember that COVID-19 is widely circulating in our area, and we ask that you continue to be vigilant and monitor for symptoms consistent with COVID-19. If your child is experiencing cold or flu-like symptoms consistent with COVID-19, believe they have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, or you think they should be tested for COVID-19, please keep your child at home and see your healthcare provider and/or get tested with a PCR test (nose swab). You can visit Maricopa County Department of Public Health or call the AZ COVID-19 hotline at 844-542-8201 for more information about testing options and availability in your area.
In addition to the COVID-19 dashboard, we have a wide variety of resources available to you at this time, including a video outlining safety protocols (available here), a list of frequently asked questions (available here), and a list of social-emotional wellness resources (available here).
The issues surrounding social-emotional wellness, especially during this pandemic, remain of critical importance to TUHSD. Our Governing Board is holding a study session tonight on this important topic. The session will be live-streamed on our YouTube channel starting at 5 PM - I hope you can join us.
Dr. Kevin J. Mendivil
Superintendent
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Parent Letter 9.23.20 - Preparing for Return to Campus
Dear TUHSD Parents & Families,
We are moving closer to Tuesday, October 13 and I know our teachers and administrators share my excitement in having our students return to campus. Teachers are back in their classrooms today, and working to learn the safety protocols associated with this return to in-person learning. We have all been preparing for months for this moment and we look forward to starting this new phase.
As previously announced, we will begin our hybrid learning model on October 13. This means that students will be divided into two groups - A and B. Students from “A” group will attend in-person on Monday & Tuesday. Students from “B” group will attend in-person on Thursday & Friday. Students will learn in a virtual setting on the days they are not on campus, in addition to Wednesdays’, which will be virtual and asynchronous for all, in order to allow for cleaning in between the cohort groups.
Parents who wish for their students to remain in virtual instruction mode have that option. If you haven’t already done so, please fill out the Learning Choice Survey that was circulated last week. This survey is the opportunity for you to indicate your preference between hybrid or fully virtual learning. Links to the survey are available in both English and Spanish. We ask that you respond to the survey by 5 PM today.
A video outlining safety protocols can be found here. Please familiarize yourself with this video, and encourage your student to watch. Videos will also be made available with site-specific safety information. Please keep an eye on communications from your school principal or administrators for those links.
On Thursday, September 24, we will hold a virtual Governing Board study session on the topic of Athletics. I know this is a topic that is of interest to many, and I hope you can tune in to our YouTube channel and join us. The meeting will be streamed live beginning at 4 PM.
As I have previously shared, we are closely monitoring the metrics and data that are made available through both Arizona’s Department of Health Services, and Maricopa County’s Department of Public Health. We will continue to do so, and the data will continue to guide our decision-making process.
With a week and a half left in the first quarter, I know many of you are looking forward to Fall Break. If you have travel plans, be sure to review the U.S. State Department’s list of travel advisories. And whether you are traveling or not, I hope that you and your family have a restful and restorative Fall Break.
Dr. Kevin J. Mendivil
Superintendent
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Parent Letter 9.8.20 - Additional Details on Return to School
Dear TUHSD Parents & Families:
As I shared in my last communication, our teachers, administrators, and staff are looking forward to seeing your students on-campus again beginning the week of Tuesday, October 13. We know the past five months have been very difficult for everyone and that it is important to remain hopeful as we embrace the next phase of this “new normal.”
Preparations are well underway to ready our campuses to receive students. Here are a few of the next steps:- All teachers and staff report to their respective schools on Monday, September 21
- Teachers prepare their classrooms for students - identifying how they want to set up their individual classrooms to maximize blended learning instruction, positioning cameras, and the other underlying work of readying their spaces
- Briefings and other training for returning employees to fully understand the safety plan for their school site, as well as the TUHSD Health Mitigation Plan - DOCX
- Prepare students to learn new behaviors to help mitigate the spread of the virus through social distancing, face coverings, and regular hand washing
On October 13, we will start in a hybrid two days per week learning model. Students will be divided into cohorts by the last name, and attend school in-person on either Monday/Tuesday or Thursday/Friday. The other three days of the week will see learning conducted virtually. Wednesdays are also a deep cleaning day, to ensure that our campuses are fully cleaned in between each cohort of students. More information on a specific cohort assignment will be sent by your student’s school site.
We appreciate everyone who took the time to answer our Parent Needs Survey and we have factored this feedback into our planning and will make every effort to get as many students safely and socially distanced in classrooms as possible. The results of the survey will be posted on the Health & Safety section of our website this week.
All families in our District have choices - as many students who want to learn in-person, on-campus in a blended learning environment will be able to do so. And students/families who do not feel comfortable returning to campus have the choice to remain in a virtual instruction model through the end of the 1st semester. Additional information on the remaining virtual will be disseminated directly to you by your student’s school site.
I cannot stress enough how much we appreciate our students, families, and larger TUHSD community. Your feedback and input during our planning process has been vital, and knowing that we will be welcoming our students back to campus in just a few weeks is a tremendous relief to us all.
Dr. Kevin J. Mendivil
Superintendent
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Parent Letter 9.4.20 - Return to Campus 10/13/20
Dear TUHSD Parents & Families:
At the Governing Board Meeting this past Wednesday, information was shared regarding current health metrics for TUHSD which included zip codes within our boundaries as well as zip codes for our open-enrolled TUHSD families.
I am pleased that we continue to see a favorable trend in the metrics provided by our public health agencies. Like our sister districts Kyrene and Tempe Elementary, Tempe Union will begin instruction on October 13. I will share additional information next week, and please be on the lookout for specific information from your school site in the coming weeks as well.
Information was also shared during the Board meeting regarding examples of best practices for hybrid learning. TUHSD is considering the best model for our high schools while we prepare to bring students back to in-person instruction. Again, additional details will be forthcoming.
We launched the Parent Needs survey this past Tuesday to solicit input from families on their desire to have their students return to school. We are reviewing preliminary results as the survey deadline draws to a close this evening, and will use the information to determine how we bring students back in a hybrid learning environment.
Thank you again for your input during this process. I know our teachers, staff, and administrators are all looking forward to welcoming students back to campus.
Dr. Kevin J. Mendivil
Superintendent
