COVID-19 Update 2-4-2021 In-person Learning
February 4, 2021
Dear MCOB District Families and Students:
I hope everyone is safe and healthy! We are nearing the end of Winter Break/Winter Intercession. Thank you to all for your patience and understating as we continue to provide education to students while also trying to keep everyone healthy and safe. I appreciate the input I have received from parents via surveys and the recent Zoom call.
My top priorities are to provide as much in-person education for our students as possible and do this in a safe manner. We have made the decision to start 2nd Semester on February 16th with full in-person classes. Virtual learning will not be an option for our students unless the specific situation warrants virtual learning (i.e., quarantine or isolation due to COIVID-19). The pandemic continues to be a challenge as we navigate through the school year. While the community spread of COVID-19 in our area continues to be a significant concern, I am equally concerned for the education of our students as well as the students social and emotional health. Scientists from the CDC recently published research that indicates COVID-19 spread in schools is minimal when compared to the community spread of the virus. Read the full article here – Data and Policy to Guide Opening Schools Safely to Limit the Spread.
Our schools continually review and revise our practices as we make every attempt to continue to provide a quality education in the safest manner we can. When possible, we will keep students in cohorts and encourage physical distancing, understanding in a school/classroom environment cohosting and physical distancing are not always possible.
- Anyone with symptoms consistent with COVID 19 is highly encouraged to be tested for COVID-19 and should remain at home in isolation until test results are received; if COVID-19 testing is not done, students will stay home for a minimum of 10 days plus at least 24 hours after the resolution of fever (without fever-reducing medication) and improvement in other symptoms. CDC Flowchart Guidance on Symptoms in Schools
- Wear a mask or face covering.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, and then dispose of the tissue and clean your hands immediately.
Our best hope is that we can continue in-person learning for the remainder of the school year. We will continue to follow quarantine guidance and notification of close contacts of confirmed COVID-19 cases. This continues to be a challenging and fluid situation for everyone. Please contact me directly at 520-483-1562 or mbassett@pinalk12.org with questions, comments, or suggestions. I update the COVID-19 Resources webpage with any new information I receive.
We appreciate your support and will continue to work diligently to prioritize the academic success, and health and welfare of our students, families, and community.
Sincerely,
Marty Bassett
Superintendent
