MESA, AZ — Mesa Public Schools says it will return to online learning after the winter break, and until January 19 in an effort to help slow the spread of the coronavirus.
For the remainder of the current semester, Mesa Public Schools says it will continue to make decisions on a school-by-school and classroom-by-classroom basis.
“When we return for second semester, all students in the district will begin in the remote learning model from Jan. 4-15, 2021. During these two weeks, we will re-establish our school-level database of positive COVID-19 cases,” the district said in a letter Thursday. “Our COVID-19 tracking team will use this data, along with the district and zip code metrics, to confirm a return to five-day modified in-person learning on Tuesday, Jan. 19.”
Mesa Public Schools cited the following COVID-19 district and zip code metrics as their reason for the decision:
432.57 cases per 100,000 (red)
13.85% positivity (red)
7.70% COVID-like illnesses (yellow)
The district put out the following guidelines for families that will be remote learning:
Attendance will be recorded daily by your child’s teacher(s), not based on activity in Canvas, our learning management system.
Meals will be available for pick up at some elementary schools, and at all junior high and high schools. Students do not need to be present. The locations will be shared before the start of winter break.
On-site centers will be available at every school for students needing a safe place to complete their remote learning. Transportation will not be provided. You will receive registration information before the start of winter break.
Xplore will be open before and after school hours on Xplore campuses for students who are registered.
Transportation for EVIT students will be provided from their high school campus.
*Self-contained special education students will return to five-day in-person learning on Monday Jan. 11.
*Preschool students will return to in-person learning on Monday, Jan. 11.
Information about reporting positive COVID-19 cases during winter break and additional details about the first two weeks of second semester will be shared in a future communication.
We must continue to work together to prioritize the safety of our students and staff. This includes following recommended mitigation strategies at school and in our community - wearing face coverings, physical distancing to the greatest extent possible, frequent hand washing and staying home if feeling ill.
Please follow the recommendations of health experts and CDC when planning your winter holidays. If you are exposed to COVID-19 or develop symptoms, please get tested. If you haven’t done so, consider getting a flu shot.
We need your help to remain Safe.Strong.Ready. in 2021.
Sincerely,
Dr. Andi Fourlis
Superintendent
