- Tempe Union High School District
- COVID-19
- 2021–2022 School Year FAQs
2021–2022 School Year FAQs
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Last updated: August 13, 2021, at 3:50 PM
2021–2022 Academic FAQs
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How will students access instruction if they are quarantined due to exposure?
Any student who is quarantined due to an exposure to a positive COVID-19 individual is expected to access their classes through Google Meets. Teachers will provide the appropriate link for students. If there is a change in status (ie, student becomes COVID positive), the parent/guardian needs to contact the attendance office.
Students who fall into either of these categories have a right to privacy and teachers will not make their status known to the class.
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How will students access instruction if they test positive for COVID-19?
If a student tests positive, or is quarantined and then becomes positive, they are no longer expected to attend class via Google Meets. However, students will have an opportunity to make up missed work.
Students who fall into either of these categories have a right to privacy and teachers will not make their status known to the class.
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How will teachers address the learning gaps?
We anticipate students will have gaps in their learning. We are providing extended learning opportunities in the form of Spring Intersession and Summer Education Academy to address this issue.
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What additional opportunities will TUHSD provide to address student learning needs?
We are providing extended learning opportunities in the form of credit recovery labs, Tempe Union Online (TUO) opportunities, Evening and Saturday School.
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How will my student be graded?
Teachers determine how grades will be calculated in accordance with district policy. Teachers will provide ongoing feedback to students regarding student acquisition of skills. To view your students’ progress, be sure to check your ParentVue account each week. If you have any questions or concerns, you can access your child’s teacher through that account.
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What are other ways that TUHSD supports students?
- Additional days dedicated for teacher professional development
- Increased access to technology for both teachers and students
- Hot spots to increase access to wifi at our school sites
- Removal of course fees to support families while also ensuring that all students have access to high-quality electives
- Elimination of activity and athletic fees
- Free options for credit recovery
- Free evening and Saturday class options
- Nightly virtual tutoring during the weekdays
- Late bus runs have been added to support credit recovery and tutoring opportunities
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How will services be provided to special education students?
All parents and educators are striving to provide a sense of normalcy for our students while ensuring they have access to meaningful educational opportunities. Services for Special Education students will be aligned to their IEP.
We will always ensure that all our students with IEPs have equal access comparable to their general education peers. All students will receive service minutes on their IEPs, accommodations, and modifications.
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My child does not have access to a laptop or other computer. Will we be able to check out a laptop?
Tempe Union is committed to providing devices for students who need access to technology. The District will distribute devices so that students with an internet connected device have access to Schoology, Google Hangouts, etc. Labs are open at each school for student use as needed.
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I don’t have Wifi at my current residence. What are my options?
Several Internet providers are offering free and heavily discounted services at this time. Here are some options:
- From COX:
- First two months free Connect2Compete service, $9.95/month thereafter
- First two months free remote desktop and phone support through Cox Complete Care to provide peace of mind and ease for technology needs
- Resources for discounted, refurbished equipment through our association with PCs for People
- Organization and Educator toolkits are available to help families connect to the internet
- Program eligibility and other restrictions apply. Learn more at www.cox.com/c2c or see this pdf flyer for more information.
- Spectrum is offering free Internet Access to qualifying homes with students.
- Call 1-844-579-3743 to enroll.
- In an effort to ensure Americans have the necessary access to online resources, qualifying households with students can get 60 days of FREE access8 with a Spectrum Internet account.
- Available for households with K-12 or college students.
- Limited to new accounts who do not already have a Spectrum Internet subscription.
- Installation fees will be waived.
- Internet access during the COVID-19 emergency is more important than ever before. A fast, reliable, and affordable internet connection can help each of us stay connected to healthcare services, school coursework, and each other. High-speed internet is not yet available everywhere in Arizona, but there are many special offers and options to help you find low-cost (or no-cost) internet solutions at the time you need them most.
- To find every internet provider in Arizona please see: Tools to Access Broadband at Home - PDF.
- From COX:
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Will there be any technical support for students and families?
Technical support can be accessed by calling 480-345-3738 and selecting the appropriate information when prompted.
Information on specific programs can also be found on our website:
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How will families & students be updated?
The TUHSD website is updated on a regular basis and other district communication will be sent regularly via email or text. Principals and school administration will communicate with families routinely to provide site-specific information and resources. We also encourage our families to connect to us on social media, where news and updates are frequently posted.
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Who should I speak with if I have additional questions?
Please contact the appropriate administrator at your student’s school site. You may also email parentinfo@tempunion.org for assistance with general questions.
2021–2022 General FAQs
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Are face masks mandatory during school?
February 17, 2022- As a result of our metrics being in a favorable position and in consultation with our TUHSD Governing Board, beginning Tuesday, February 22, 2022, face masks will be optional indoors on all TUHSD campuses.
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Will masks/face coverings be provided for students?
Yes. If staff and students cannot provide their own mask, they will be made available.
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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?
- Any areas used by a sick person will be closed off until it can be safely disinfected.
- School staff will wait at least 24 hours before cleaning and disinfecting the area(s).
- School staff will ensure the safe and correct use and storage of cleaning and disinfectant products, including storing products securely away from students.
- 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).
- Contact tracing will be performed, in order to identify anyone who came into contact with the sick person.
- Anyone who has been exposed to a sick person will be informed and asked to stay home (quarantine), self-monitor for symptoms, and follow CDC guidance if symptoms do develop.
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What safety precautions will be in place to protect students and staff?
- Revamped classroom layouts to allow maximum physical distancing, to the extent possible 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
- 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 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
- 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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Is my student safe while riding the bus?
Despite Arizona’s new statute (A.R.S. § 15-342.05) that prohibits the requirement of face coverings by staff and students on school property in order to attend school in-person, school buses fall within certain federal requirements. These federal requirements supersede the state law restrictions and will be followed by the District.
For the safety of students and staff, face masks/coverings will be required in order to board the school bus.
Pursuant to the CDC’s order of February 1, 2021 (available here: 2021-02340.pdf (govinfo.gov)), all persons on a public conveyance (which includes school buses and any other school vehicle used to transport multiple people) are required to wear a mask or face covering with limited exception (under age of 2, medical necessity, unconsciousness, etc.). The Arizona Department of Education has updated its COVID-19 guidance to include this requirement: COVID-19 Guidance & Suggestions | Arizona Department of Education (azed.gov)
Buses will be equipped with extra masks for students who either lose their mask at school during the day (where masks will be expected, but not required), or students who are at the bus stop in the morning without a mask. Students at the bus stop without a mask will be provided a mask, transported to school, and the school leader will be instructed to follow-up with the parent/guardian regarding this requirement.Please note that if students are with their parent/guardian at a bus stop and refuse to wear a face covering, the bus driver will advise that they cannot be transported without a mask and that they should arrange other transportation.
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How often will buses be cleaned?
Daily cleaning and sanitization of buses will be conducted per recommended guidelines mid- and end- of day.
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How will school meals be offered for breakfast and lunch?
All meals (breakfast and lunch) will be provided for free during the 21/22 school year. Additional information is available here -PDF. To set up a parent portal account, please review these FAQs -PDF.
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What will athletics look like for the 21/22 school year?
All sports teams follow the appropriate guidance and safety measures as outlined by the Arizona Interscholastic Association’s (AIA) Return to Activity Guidelines - PDF, as well as the District’s Health Mitigation Plan (weblink).
For additional details, please contact your student’s coach or the site’s Athletic Director directly.
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What will extracurricular activities look like for the 21/22 school year?
Fine/performing arts, clubs, and other activities are guided by the appropriate association or governing body (ie, Arizona Marching Band Association), as well as the District’s Health Mitigation Plan (weblink).
For additional details, please contact your student’s club sponsor or activity leader.
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How will schools provide social-emotional support?
All sites work with district and site staff as well as collaborative partnerships with local agencies to support the social and emotional needs of all students. In addition, counselors, Care 7 staff, academic interventionists, dean of students and dropout prevention staff will coordinate to provide social-emotional support and deliver a social-emotional learning curriculum. Counselors will work with site intervention teams to determine what services will be provided in-person or remotely. Click here to learn more about our Social and Emotional Wellness program.
Our sites are also planning a variety of different activities to make the campus a welcoming and exciting environment for learning. Students will have opportunities to become acquainted with classmates they may have only known virtually, learn classroom procedures, and get reacquainted with school-wide health mitigation protocols.
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If I have a question that is not listed here, who do I contact?
Please contact the appropriate administrator/teacher/coach/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.