March 18, 2020

Families and Students of LUSD9:

As we plan through the impact COVID-19 has had upon our state, communities and districts, our educational leaders have remained in continuous contact to discuss the very latest information available.  We are committed to providing our staff and students opportunities for continued teaching and learning in the best way possible during this unprecedented time.

Some of you may have questions regarding continued services since Nevada and Utah also have plans that seem slightly different.  Administrators from all across our state participated in a webinar late yesterday afternoon regarding COVID-19 Guidance for Schools.  The Governor of Arizona, along with State Superintendent of Instruction, Kathy Hoffman, provided a statement in a letter which is the basis of our plan of action.  It states,

 “School closure is NOT a complete shutdown of school operations and instructional obligations to students. During school closures, staffs are still expected to engage in work-related activities, and students and families are expected to meet the instructional requirements of their teachers and schools.”

Next week the staff and teachers of LUSD9 will return to work and put plans in place for continued learning.  The plan will be flexible enough to consider the safety of our employees as well. The district will implement meal distribution for students.  The overall plan includes:

• Meal distribution will be brought to our students along various bus stops beginning Tuesday, March 24, 2020. Please look at the bus schedules sent along with this communication.
• Continued learning opportunities for all students through online delivery beginning Monday, March 23, 2020, and homework packets for students with no internet access or technology on Tuesday, March 24, 2020 (packets distributed at the meal distribution stops on Tues.)
• We will get the information about online learning sent as soon as it is available on Monday, March 23, 2020.

This past week our custodial and maintenance staff have been hard at work, deep cleaning and sanitizing surfaces, door knobs, desks, etc.  and utilizing our air sanitizers.  During school closure they will continue to clean and wipe surfaces daily so when students do return they are returning to a safe environment. 

The school offices will remain closed to in-person visitors.  They will be open for phone calls only. Together we can get through this time of uncertainty.  If changes occur we will send out further communication as needed.

Sincerely,

Darlene McCauley, Superintendent