We hope everyone is staying safe and healthy and finding ways to stay active in this crazy summer heat!
Our Desert Heights COVID-19 Task Force has developed a solid plan for our schools' reopening in August. We want to share this with you knowing that as you plan for the school year, there are so many questions you have and logistics you all need to work out for your family. However, I must stress that this current plan may have to change should the state's plan for reopen change.
As you know, we sent a survey to our parent community to gather information on intentions for returning to the classroom in August. 74% of parents/guardians stated they would have their children return to school in the Fall. Of the 26% stating they were still unsure, many stated they did not want strict guidelines for day to day school life but wanted to minimize exposure if possible. We all recognize the need for our children to have some normalcy and social connection.
Based on this feedback, we will be reopening in the Fall and I will be outlining the details for you within this correspondence. I want to share some details that are important for you all to know to better understand why we've chosen the model we have.
Since the state has determined schools will reopen, schools cannot offer virtual learning unless they are certified to do so. To be certified for virtual learning, an application must be submitted to the state, we must purchase an online curriculum and learning management system, as well as staff to provide it. This must occur whether or not we chose full-time virtual learning or a hybrid model of virtual and brick and mortar. Due to these current circumstances (again, remember they could change if things change at the state level or if lawmakers bring it to the table) Desert Heights is unable to offer Virtual Learning or a Hybrid as we are not certified.
Our plan for reopening consists of these things:
All grade levels Kinder-12th grade will observe the following:
- Each teacher will be equipped with a thermometer and sanitizing station in their classroom. Students will have temperature checks upon entry to the room and will sanitize their hands each time they enter or leave.
- At this point, face-coverings such as masks are encouraged but are not required.
- We will be training our staff on ways to support students through this unprecedented time both in addressing learning gaps, and in their well-being. We will provide one-on-one check-ins with our kids to ensure they are adjusting okay and to ease anxiety for them as much as possible.
- Volunteers will not be permitted on campus under these temporary guidelines in order to minimize possible exposure.
- Our maintenance staff has completed service and checks of all A/C and ventilation units. All will circulate outside air frequently. Teachers will be bringing in fresh air from their windows and doors as well.
- We are planning to still offer the transportation route we have previously offered but will need to stagger times and possibly run multiple routes. Please look for further communication from Jay Jiles, our Transportation Director.
- We will not be having large gatherings or clubs and activities at the start of the year.
- Our Task Force will be revisiting each portion of the plan on an ongoing basis.
Kinder-4th will observe the following:
- Our daily schedule and school calendar will remain the same. Other than a possible staggered pick-up time for students, all K-4 students will be on campus from 8:00am-3:00pm Monday through Thursday, and every Friday 8:00am-1:00pm.
- We have added an additional classroom for each grade level so that class sizes can be lessened to 17 or less per class. This is if all students return and are in the homeroom for the entire day.
- Students will remain with their homeroom cohort of students and not co-mingle with other classes or grade levels.
- Students will still have Specials and will still be permitted recess to get up and moving. They will not commingle at recess.
- Students will eat lunch in their classrooms, and we are considering options for a rotating schedule for them to eat outdoors and have a picnic at a safe distance from one another.
- Students will house their supplies in their area within the classroom, supplies will not be shared among students and they will not bring them back and forth between home and school.
5th-8th will observe the following:
- Our daily schedule and school calendar will remain the same. Other than a possible staggered pick-up time for students, all students will be on campus from 7:30-2:30 on Mondays-Thursdays, and from 7:30-12:30 on Fridays.
- We have added additional classrooms for 5th-7th grades so that class sizes can be lessened to 17 or fewer per class. This is if all students return and are in the homeroom for the entire day.
- Students will remain with their homeroom cohort of students and not co-mingle with other classes or grade levels. In Junior High, this means students will not move from class to class because teachers will rotate.
- All students will still have Electives. In Middle School, they will still be permitted recess to get up and moving. They will not commingle at recess.
- Students will eat lunch in their classrooms, and we are considering options for a rotating schedule for them to eat outdoors and have a picnic at a safe distance from one another.
- Students will house their supplies in their area within the classroom. Supplies will not be shared among students and they will not bring them back and forth between home and school. Homework will look different this year as well. More information will be shared soon!
9th-12th grade will observe the following:
- High School classes have been relocated to pass classes in outside hallways, so social distancing can happen.
- Students will eat lunch in their classrooms, and we are considering options for a rotating schedule for them to eat outdoors and have a picnic at a safe distance from one another.
- We have added additional classrooms for 5th-7th grades so that class sizes can be lessened to 17 or fewer per class.
- Our daily schedule and school calendar will remain the same. Other than a possible staggered pick-up time for students, all students will be on campus from 7:30-2:30 on Mondays-Thursdays, and from 7:30-12:30 on Fridays.
Thank you all so very much for being such an incredible support for our educational team during this time. We are confident that our community will rise to this challenge together and remain focused on providing the best community and culture we can for our kids. They are the absolute most important focus.
Sincerely,
Katie Miller-DHCS Principal
Darna Davis-DHPA 5th-8th grade Dean
Courtney Martin-DHPA 9th-12th grade Dean
