Glendale UnionHigh School District

2020-2021 COVID-19 Information

Posted on 01/15/2021

January 15, 2021 – The following information was sent to parents via email and phone dialer.

Dear GUHSD Parents/Guardians:

We are writing to share the most recent COVID-19 numbers released by the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, which shows our community data continues to rise.

COVID-19 DATA FOR THE GUHSD COMMUNITY

Released January 14, 2021 (for the week of Dec. 27, 2020)

●Cases per 100K people: 772.28 (red)

●Percent positivity: 27.88% (red)

●Covid-like illness: 14.50% (red)

Prior week's data (for the week of Dec. 20, 2020)

●Cases per 100K people: 548.36 (red)

●Percent positivity: 25.12% (red)

●Covid-like illness: 12.90% (red)

Source: School Reopening Dashboard & Guidance

As previously communicated, we remain committed to returning to our in-person learning model. Wearing cloth masks, frequent handwashing, social distancing and staying home when you are not feeling well has proven to help mitigate the spread of the virus. We encourage everyone to do their part so that we are able to return to our campuses as soon as it is safe to do so.

ATTENDANCE

Our student attendance rate has been great this semester. As you can imagine, attendance is a significant factor that contributes to student success. Thank you for encouraging your teen(s) to attend all their classes. Parents/guardians are asked to follow the usual protocol of communicating with the school’s attendance office when there is an absence.

ACADEMIC SUPPORT

We want all GUHSD students to be successful. Teachers are available during class, as well as before and after school. We ask that students notify their teachers when they need additional academic support before or after school. Please reach out to your teen’s teachers and school administrators if you have any questions or need additional assistance.

SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL SUPPORTS

GUHSD is dedicated to providing comprehensive support for students and their families so that they may be academically, socially and emotionally successful.

As a reminder, all GUHSD schools have a social worker and are continuing to support the social/emotional well-being of students during remote learning. Information regarding the services offered is on your school’s website or can be found here.

FINAL THOUGHTS

We will continue to monitor our community health data and provide our parents/guardians updates.

We encourage you to frequently visit our website and follow our social media for up-to-date and accurate information. 

Thank you.

January 8, 2021– The following information was sent to parents via email and phone dialer.

Dear GUHSD Parents/Guardians:

We hope you had a restful break and wish you a happy new year.

We are writing to provide you with a few updates, including the most recent COVID-19 numbers released by the Maricopa County Department of Public Health.

COVID-19 DATA FOR THE GUHSD COMMUNITY

Released January 7, 2021 (for the week of Dec. 20, 2020)

●Cases per 100K people: 548.36 (red)

●Percent positivity: 25.12% (red)

●Covid-like illness: 12.90% (red)

Prior week's data (for the week of Dec. 13, 2020)

●Cases per 100K people: 572.93 (red)

●Percent positivity: 21.62% (red)

●Covid-like illness: 12.80% (red)

Source: School Reopening Dashboard & Guidance

We are committed to returning to our in-person learning model, but as indicated by the data, we will continue with our virtual/remote learning from home model until the health metrics indicate otherwise.

ACADEMIC SUPPORT AND SUCCESS

As we begin the semester, we have added to the professional development for our teachers so that we can continuously improve the online learning process. Among the focus areas of the recent professional development are connecting with students and structuring the classes in a way that helps them to be more engaged in the learning process and feel more connected to their teachers and classmates.  

Our talented and creative teachers are focused on working together and becoming experts in teaching in a virtual learning model, so that our students can have an outstanding educational experience in an engaging and collaborative virtual setting.

In order for our students to have high levels of support as they pursue academic excellence, we are asking you to partner with us. Some simple ways parents/guardians can partner with teachers and contribute to the success of students are listed below.

TIPS FOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS

As we enter into the last semester of this school year, we want to make sure that our students are prepared to finish the year strong. There are several things parents/guardians can do to keep teens focused, interested and balanced as they continue learning remotely from home:

●Set up a line of communication with teachers (contact information can be found on your school website under directory)

●Ensure students have a quiet place to learn

●Confirm that students are logging into their daily classes

●Verify that students are turning in their assignments on time

●Check grades regularly

●Encourage teens to contact their teacher when they need help

SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL SUPPORTS

GUHSD is dedicated to providing comprehensive support for our students and their families so that they may be academically, socially and emotionally successful.

As a reminder, all GUHSD schools have a social worker and are continuing to support the social/emotional well-being of students during remote learning. Information regarding the services offered is on our school websites or can be found here.

FINAL THOUGHTS

We appreciate your ongoing support for our district, schools and students. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to your teen’s teachers and administrators if you have any questions or need additional assistance.

Visit our website for updates, additional information and available resources.

December 18, 2020  – The following information was sent to parents via email and phone dialer.

Dear GUHSD Parents/Guardians:

As we head into winter break, we wanted to share a few updates, including the current COVID-19 numbers released by the Maricopa County Department of Public Health. It’s important to note that the numbers continue to rise in the GUHSD community.

MOST RECENT COVID-19 DATA FOR GUHSD

Released December 17, 2020 (for the week of Nov. 29, 2020)

●Cases per 100K people: 496.97 (red)

●Percent positivity: 20.31% (red)

●Covid-like illness: 10.20% (red)

Prior week's data (for the week of Nov. 22, 2020)

●Cases per 100K people: 326.42 (red)

●Percent positivity: 17.15% (red)

●Covid-like illness: 9.10% (yellow)

Source: School Reopening Dashboard & Guidance

REMOTE LEARNING RESUMES ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 5, 2021

As indicated in our last communication, we will continue operating in our current remote learning from home model when we return for the second semester. All students will continue virtual/remote learning from home on Tuesday, January 5, 2021.

We will have a modified schedule on Tuesday and Wednesday during our first week back. Students will follow the schedule below for the week of January 4 and will resume with the normal bell schedule beginning the week of January 11.

FINAL REMARKS

Local schools will be sending additional communication to families over winter break.

In closing, we are thankful for your continued support of our schools and district. We wish you all a safe, healthy and relaxing winter break.

Please visit our website for additional information and resources.

December 11, 2020  – The following information was sent to parents via email and phone dialer.

Dear GUHSD Parents/Guardians:

The current COVID-19 numbers have been released on the Maricopa County Department of Public Health website and we wanted to share the information with you. As you will note, the cases per 100k people, percent positivity, and covid-like illness continue to rise within the GUHSD community.

MOST RECENT COVID-19  DATA FOR GUHSD

Released December 10, 2020 (for the week of Nov. 22, 2020)

●Cases per 100K people: 326.42 (red)

●Percent positivity: 17.15% (red)

●Covid-like illness: 9.10% (yellow)

Prior week's data (for the week of Nov. 15, 2020)

●Cases per 100K people: 301.85 (red)

●Percent positivity: 13.92% (red)

●Covid-like illness: 7.70% (yellow)

Source: School Reopening Dashboard & Guidance

RESUMING ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 5, 2021

Due to the COVID-19 numbers continuing to rise, we will continue operating in our current remote learning from home model when we return for the second semester. All students will continue in the virtual/remote learning from home model on Tuesday, January 5, 2021. Please be assured that we will continue providing regular updates to our families and will return to a hybrid learning model when the metrics indicate that it is safe to do so.  

FINAL REMARKS

Schools will provide additional communication regarding the start of second semester next week. In the meantime, please feel free to contact your teen’s school if you have questions or concerns and visit our website for additional information and resources.

December 4, 2020  – The following information was sent to parents via email and phone dialer.

Dear GUHSD Parent/Guardians:

The current COVID-19 numbers have been released on the Maricopa County Department of Public Health website.

MOST RECENT COVID-19  DATA FOR GUHSD

Released December 3, 2020 (for the week of Nov. 15, 2020)

●Cases per 100K people: 301.85 (red)

●Percent positivity: 13.92% (red)

●Covid-like illness: 7.70% (yellow)

Prior week's data (for the week of Nov. 8, 2020)

●Cases per 100K people: 210.93 (red)

●Percent positivity: 13.55% (red)

●Covid-like illness: 6.20% (yellow)

Source: School Reopening Dashboard & Guidance

FINAL REMARKS

We will continue to provide regular updates to our families as we monitor the weekly health benchmarks. Please feel free to contact your teen’s school if you have questions or concerns and visit our website for additional information and resources.

 

November 19, 2020  – The following information was sent to specific parents via email and phone dialer.

Dear GUHSD Parent/Guardians:

 The current COVID-19 numbers have been released on the Maricopa County Department of Public Health website. The numbers for the Glendale Union High School District have hit red for the second consecutive week and are now in red in two different categories:

MOST RECENT COVID-19  DATA FOR GUHSD

Released today, November 19, 2020 (for the week of Nov 1, 2020)

●Cases per 100K people: 169.14 (red)

●Percent positivity: 11.9% (red)

●Covid-like illness: 5.03% (yellow)

Prior week's data (for the week of Oct.25, 2020)

●Cases per 100K people: 112.10 (red)

●Percent positivity: 9.46% (yellow)

●Covid-like illness: 4.00% (green)

Source: School Reopening Dashboard & Guidance.

REMOTE LEARNING MODEL

As stated in last week’s communication, a second week in the red area will result in a transition from hybrid to remote learning. 

Based on the data released today showing a second week in red, the following GUHSD schools/programs will return to Virtual/Remote Learning from home with Onsite/Safe Space Support beginning Friday, November 20:

○Apollo High School

○Cortez High School

○Glendale High School (already in remote learning from home)

○Greenway High School

○Independence High School (already in remote learning from home)

○Moon Valley High School

○Sunnyslope High School

○Thunderbird High School

○Washington High School

○Northern Academy

○Next Step

○GUHSD Online Learning Academy

DURATION OF REMOTE LEARNING MODEL

Due to the COVID-19 numbers showing an upward trend at this time, and the fact that it takes two weeks in yellow to transition back to hybrid, the remote learning model for all GUHSD schools will be in effect through December 17.

We will continue monitoring the numbers and will continue updating you on a regular basis. As we approach the end of the semester, we will have more information regarding the start of second semester.

SUMMARY AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Beginning tomorrow - Friday, November 20:

●GUHSD students will not return to campus for hybrid learning.

●Students will begin learning remotely from home on Friday, November 20.

●Student schedules will remain the same as they learn remotely from home.

●Food service for students will be available for pickup, Monday-Friday, from 2-4 p.m.

●Onsite space support centers/safe space, offered in accordance with Governor Ducey’s Executive Order 2020-51, will continue to be available to students who need a safe place to go for remote learning during the day.

CLOSING REMARKS

We recognize the impact this decision has on our families; however, we believe it is the best one for the health and safety of our students and staff members. We will continue to monitor the health benchmarks and will continue to provide regular updates to our families. Please feel free to contact your teen’s school if you have questions or concerns and visit our website for additional information and resources.

November 12, 2020  – The following information was sent to specific parents via email and phone dialer.

Dear GUHSD Parents/Guardians:

The public health metrics released today show another increase in COVID-19 cases and percent positivity within our district boundaries. The new increase puts the district in its first week of red.

CURRENT COVID-19 BENCHMARKS & DATA FOR GUHSD

Overall risk level is:

Moderate

Recommended learning scenario is:

Hybrid w/ onsite support

Most recent data (for the week of Oct. 25, 2020)

●Cases per 100K people: 112.10 (red)

●Percent positivity: 9.46% (yellow)

●Covid-like illness: 4.00% (green)

Prior week's data (for the week of Oct.18, 2020)

●Cases per 100K people: 89.51 (yellow)

●Percent positivity: 7.3% (yellow)

●Covid-like illness: 4.00% (green)

Sources: School Reopening Dashboard & Guidance

RETURN TO REMOTE LEARNING

As stated in last week’s communication, if a GUHSD school moves into red for one or more categories, the local school administration would prepare for the possibility of the transition from hybrid to remote learning. 

Now that the district is red for the first week, we will follow the same process for the possible move from hybrid to remote learning for all district schools.

PROCESS FOR MOVING FROM HYBRID TO REMOTE

●If the numbers for our district are still in the red category next Thursday, November 19, the two consecutive week requirement to move from hybrid to remote learning will be met.

●We will communicate with you on Thursday, November 19, to inform you of the updated COVID-19 numbers. If the district is red for the second consecutive week, all GUHSD schools will move to remote learning on Friday, November 20.

●The shift back to remote learning will not impact the schedule.

●The only change will be that students will be learning from home five days per week in the remote model.

Again, this possible change is contingent upon next week’s data remaining red. We will communicate with you again next Thursday, November 19, to notify you whether or not there will be a return to remote learning.

PREVENTING THE SPREAD OF COVID-19

We all play a part in helping keep people safe and healthy. It is critical that daily health assessments are completed each and every day. As a reminder, students should stay home when they experience any of the following:

●Feeling ill/sick,

●Experiencing a fever over 100.4 degrees, and/or

●Being exposed to someone with a positive test for COVID-19.

Additionally, masks must be worn to cover the nose and mouth, hands must be washed frequently, and physical distancing should be practiced as much as possible. Together, we can minimize the impact of community spread. 

CURRENT ACTIVE COVID-19 CASES

As a reminder, we have added a COVID-19 cases dashboard to our website. This information is updated every Friday. More information can be found here.

CLOSING THOUGHTS

Please contact your teen’s school or visit our website at www.guhsdaz.org for additional information. The website includes answers to frequently asked questions, our latest communication, links to important resources and other information.

Thank you.

 

November 6, 2020 – The following information was sent to specific parents via email and phone dialer.

Dear GUHSD Parents/Guardians:

According to data released on Thursday from the Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH), COVID-19 numbers for our community have increased once again. The cases per 100,000 increased to 89.51 and our percent positivity rate increased to 7.3%.

Please make sure to help reduce the spread by following preventative measures such as 

• staying home when sick, 
• washing hands frequently, 
• not participating in large gatherings, 
• practicing physical distancing, and 
• wearing a cloth face mask. 

Reducing the spread within our community is imperative for our schools to continue with our hybrid learning model.

Here are this week’s updates:

GUHSD CURRENT COVID-19 BENCHMARKS & DATA

Overall risk level is:

Moderate

Recommended learning scenario is:

Hybrid w/ onsite support

Most recent data (for the week of Oct. 18, 2020)

• Cases per 100K people: 89.51% (yellow)
• Percent positivity: 7.3% (yellow)
• Covid-like illness: 4.00% (green)

Prior week's data (for the week of Oct.11, 2020)

• Cases per 100K people: 70.03% (yellow)
• Percent positivity: 7.24% (yellow)
• Covid-like illness: 3.00% (green)

Sources: School Reopening Dashboard & Guidance 

SCHOOL METRIC CLARIFICATION

The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) provided clarification about its recommendations for school benchmarks. The updated guidance still allows for schools to move to virtual/remote learning when one or more benchmarks are in the red category. 

We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 metrics and will use our current guideline to transition from hybrid to remote learning:

Red in one or more categories for two consecutive weeks will result in a move from hybrid to remote learning. 

PROCESS FOR MOVING FROM HYBRID TO REMOTE

• If a GUHSD school moves into red for one or more categories on a Thursday, the day the numbers are released, the school community will be notified.
• The district and local school administration will prepare for the possibility of the transition from hybrid to remote learning, and administration will ask the school community to plan for the possible transition.
• If the numbers are still in the red category the following Thursday, the requirement to move from hybrid to remote learning will be met.
• The shift back to remote learning will not affect classes or the schedule. The difference will be that students will be learning from home five days per week in the remote model.

If any school meets the benchmark of two consecutive weeks of one or more red categories, that school’s community will be notified the day the numbers are released that the move to remote learning will begin the following day.

CURRENT ACTIVE COVID-19 CASES

As a reminder, we have added a COVID-19 cases dashboard to our website. This information is updated once a week. More information can be found here.

CLOSING THOUGHTS

Please contact your teen’s school or visit our website at www.guhsdaz.org for additional information. The website includes answers to frequently asked questions, our latest communication, links to important resources and other information.

Thank you. 

October 30, 2020 – The following information was sent to specific parents via email and phone dialer.

Dear GUHSD Parents/Guardians:

Data released yesterday from the Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) shows that the COVID-19 numbers for the geographic area of GUHSD have increased again. 

It is imperative for all of us to follow public health recommendations, not only while at school, but also when we are away from school and in the community. The ability to keep our schools operating in our hybrid model is dependent on it. 

Please make sure to help reduce the spread by following preventative measures such as staying home when sick, washing hands frequently, not participating in large gatherings, practicing physical distancing and wearing a cloth face mask.

Here are this week’s updates:

GUHSD CURRENT COVID-19 BENCHMARKS & DATA

Overall risk level is:

Moderate

Recommended learning scenario is:

Hybrid w/ onsite support
Most recent data (for the week of Oct. 11, 2020)

 

• Cases per 100K people: 70.03 (yellow)
• Percent positivity: 7.24% (yellow)
• Covid-like illness: 3.00% (green)

Prior week's data (for the week of Oct. 4, 2020)

• Cases per 100K people: 59.30 (yellow)
• Percent positivity: 5.42% (yellow)
• Covid-like illness: 3.00% (green)

 

Sources: School Reopening Dashboard & Guidance 

SCHOOL METRIC CHANGES

We are aware of recent changes made by the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) regarding its recommendations on the school benchmarks. We are currently seeking additional details and an explanation for the changes. We will provide more information in a future communication.

CURRENT ACTIVE COVID-19 CASES

GUHSD has created a dashboard, which lists active COVID-19 cases. The purpose of this information is to provide our families and staff members with a transparent summary of COVID-19 cases by school, resulting in a temporary removal from in-person learning and school activities. 

• An active case indicates that a student or staff member participating in on-campus activities has tested positive for an active COVID-19 infection.
• Individuals who test positive are excluded from participation in any in-person/on-campus activity until the school verifies that the individual meets the return criteria set by state and local health authorities.
• Once the individual is cleared to return, the case is no longer considered active and is removed from the dashboard count.
• The dashboard will be updated on a weekly basis.

COMMUNICATION OF ACTIVE COVID-19 CASES

The communication regarding a positive COVID-19 case falls within the HIPPA guidelines and the privacy rights of students and staff members must be protected. GUHSD works closely with the Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) to track/confirm COVID-19 cases and conduct contact tracing. 

The school will communicate in the following ways:

• The school will notify every person that has been identified to have been in “close contact” with the positive individual. 

• Close contact is defined as, “being within six feet for a ten to fifteen-minute duration.” 

 

• Any student/staff member deemed to have been in close contact with the positive individual is required to stay home for 14 days from the exposure date.  

• The school will communicate with families of students who are identified as “close contacts” or someone who is COVID-19 positive.
  
  
• The school will communicate with all families if there is an outbreak of COVID-19.

•  MCDPH classifies an outbreak as at least two COVID-19 cases linked to students or staff who have been in close contact with the school within a 14-day period. 

 More information, including the new dashboard can be found here.

CLOSING THOUGHTS

Please contact your teen’s school or visit our website at www.guhsdaz.org for additional information. The website includes answers to frequently asked questions, our latest communication, links to important resources and other information.

Thank you. 

October 23, 2020  – The following information was sent to specific parents via email and phone dialer.

Dear Parents/Guardians:
It was a pleasure to see many of our students back on campus this week for our hybrid learning model. As always, we are grateful to our faculty and staff who created a smooth transition as they welcomed back the group A and group B students into their classrooms.
Here are the latest updates for this week:

Sources: School Reopening Dashboard & Guidance

According to the latest data released from the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, the cases per 100K people for our district have increased. While we remain in the “hybrid learning scenario”, this increase serves as a reminder for all of us to continue following the public health preventative measures such as staying home when sick, washing hands frequently, social distancing when possible and wearing a cloth face mask. These small actions will make a big difference in helping slow the spread of COVID-19.

BENCHMARKS AND LEARNING SCENARIOS







*Percent positivity - MCDPH recommends putting greatest weight on PCR test percent (%) positivity – the proportion of all PCR tests performed that week that are positive. A higher % positivity can indicate that there is more disease spreading within the community, or it can mean that there is not enough available testing in the area.
















*There are two Learning Scenarios that can be recommended when there is Moderate Community Spread: 1) Virtual Learning with Onsite Support when an area has a weekly test % positivity of 7-10%, or 2.) Hybrid once the community has met the recommended threshold for percent positivity of < 7% for 2 consecutive weeks.
FINAL THOUGHTS
GUHSD and our schools are working diligently to help slow the spread of the virus while keeping all of our students, faculty and staff members safe. Through daily announcements and public service announcement posters placed throughout the campus, students, faculty and staff members are consistently reminded to always practice good health habits such as frequently washing hands, wearing a cloth face mask, and physically distancing. Additionally, students, faculty and staff are consistently reminded to stay home when feeling ill, experiencing a fever over 100.4 degrees, or being exposed to someone with a positive test for COVID-19. We know these practices are essential to the process of reducing the risk of transmitting the virus. We recognize slowing the spread is a partnership with our families, and we thank you for doing your part to help keep our schools and communities safe.
Thank you.  

October 16, 2020  – The following information was sent to specific parents via email and phone dialer.

Dear Parents/Guardians:

We hope everyone is enjoying fall break. We are actively working to finalize and implement our plans to welcome back many of our students to our Hybrid Learning Model beginning Monday, October 19.

Here are our latest updates:

COVID-19 PERCENT POSITIVITY & OTHER DATA

The latest update from the Arizona Department of Health Services and the Maricopa County Department of Public Health shows a slight increase in the data; however, as a district we are still in the yellow area, which allows for us to proceed with our plans to move nine of our ten campuses into our Hybrid Learning Model on October 19, 2020. 

According to the state site, GUHSD’s current health benchmarks are as follows:

Must be below 7% for two consecutive weeks for the initial transition into the hybrid learning model.

October 9, 2020  – The following information was sent to specific parents via email and phone dialer.

Dear Parents/Guardians:

Our teachers, support staff, principals and district leadership have been focusing on preparing  for a safe return on October 19. From the district and school campuses to transportation, efforts to implement new protocols and procedures have been ongoing. While doing this, we continue to monitor the COVID-19 data.

Here are our latest updates:

COVID-19 PERCENT POSITIVITY & OTHER DATA

The latest update from the Arizona Department of Health Services and the Maricopa County Department of Public Health shows our numbers have decreased from last week.

According to the state site, GUHSD’s current health benchmarks are as follows:

Must be below 7% for two consecutive weeks

Week of September 13 Week of September 20

Maricopa County 4.7% 3.8%

GUHSD 5.4% 5.0%

Sources: School Reopening Dashboard & Guidance & AZDHS
Overall risk level is:

Moderate

Recommended learning scenario is:

Hybrid w/ onsite support

Most recent data (for the week of Sept 20, 2020)

• Cases per 100K people: 36.14 (yellow)
•  Percent positivity: 5.04% (yellow)
•  Covid-like illness: 2.00% (green)

Prior week's data (for the week of Sept 13, 2020)

• Cases per 100K people: 43.77 (yellow)
• Percent positivity: 5.36% (yellow)
• Covid-like illness: 2.00% (green)

HYBRID LEARNING MODEL AND NEW DAILY SCHEDULE

We will begin our Hybrid Learning Model when we return from fall break on October 19. During our first week back, students will be following the schedule below:

• Students assigned to Group A will be attending school on Monday, October 19 & Thursday, October 22
•  Students assigned to Group B will be attending school on Tuesday, October 20 & Friday, October 23.
• All students will be learning remotely from home on Wednesday, October 21.

The updated daily schedule, complete with lunches and passing periods, can be found here. 

Information regarding group A/B assignments and class schedules will be provided by your school over the next week.

Students who will be continuing to learn remotely from home for the remainder of the semester will be required to attend their scheduled classes from home Monday through Friday.

October 9, 2020  – The following information was sent to all Independence High School parents via email and phone dialer.

Dear Independence Parents/Guardians:
COVID-19 DATA FOR 85303
As you are aware, we have been closely monitoring the COVID-19 benchmark data since last spring. As of last week, Independence High School was the only school within GUHSD that had a zip code area (85303) not meet the percent positivity requirement of a number under 7% for two consecutive weeks.
However, the percent positivity in the zip code 85303 was down to 7.65% last week. Due to the recent downward trend, we believed that yesterday’s numbers could be below 7.0% and the second week of percent positivity would be reflected in the numbers released over fall break. Unfortunately, the data released yesterday showed a large increase in the percent positivity for the Independence area.
PERCENT POSITIVITY INCREASE FOR 85303
Yesterday’s numbers show that the percent positivity increased to 9.64% for 85303. Based on the current data, the recommended learning scenario for Independence High School is Virtual with Online Support Until <7% for two weeks. Independence High School has not ever met the reopening requirements to be able to transition to a hybrid learning model. This information is released every Thursday and can be found by accessing the following site: School Reopening Dashboard & Guidance. 
As we have stated throughout this process, we will make decisions based on data and advice of health agencies so that we are protecting our faculty/staff, students, and families. After thoughtfully evaluating the health data and in order to limit the spread of the coronavirus within our community, as well as for the health, wellness, and safety of our students and staff, we have made the decision that Independence High School will remain in its current remote learning from home model with onsite/safe space support until it meets the criteria to safely transition to the hybrid learning model. 
INDEPENDENCE HIGH SCHOOL TO REMAIN LEARNING REMOTELY FROM HOME
After fall break, Independence High School students will not return to campus. They will continue to learn remotely from home until the school meets the criteria to safely transition to the hybrid learning model.
Shortly you will be receiving more information from Independence High School. 
We recognize the impact this decision has on our families; however, we believe it is the best one for the health and safety of our students and staff. We will continue to monitor the health benchmarks and will continue to provide updates to our families.
In closing, Independence will continue to focus on academic achievement with their students and will provide support and resources for them to be successful. More information regarding the October 19 schedule, along with additional details, will be sent to you by the school. 

October 2, 2020  – The following information was sent to all parents via email and phone dialer.

Dear Parents/Guardians,
Here are today’s updates:

• COVID-19 PERCENT POSITIVITY

The latest update from the Arizona Department of Health Services and the Maricopa County Department of Public Health shows a slight uptick in our district’s data; however, we are still below the 7% threshold and will proceed with our plans accordingly.
According to the state site, GUHSD’s current health benchmarks are as follows:
Most recent data posted on October 1, 2020 for the weeks of September 6 & September 13.
Must be below 7% for two consecutive weeks

             Week of September 6         Week of September 13

 

Maricopa County                3.8%                                   4.7%

 

GUHSD                                4.7%                               5.4%                                                  
Sources: School Reopening Dashboard & Guidance & AZDHS

October 1, 2020 – The following information was sent to all parents via email and phone dialer.

Dear Parents/Guardians,

We are a little more than two weeks away from welcoming back students to our campuses for our hybrid learning model. As a reminder, our hybrid learning model begins after fall break on October 19.

Here are two updates we would like to provide to you today:

• SURVEY RESULTS

Thank you to the families who completed our most recent survey. We had 8,426 respondents. Schools are in the process of contacting the families who did not respond to learn what their plans are for their teen beginning October 19. We acknowledge that the percentages below could look different once we receive the final results.

 

• REVISED SCHOOL AND BELL SCHEDULE

It is important to note that beginning October 19, there will be a change to our current school and bell schedule. We will be switching our remote learning from home day from Monday to Wednesday. Every Wednesday all students will be learning from home. Our rationale for the change is as follows:

◦ Assists families with children in our district and our elementary school feeder districts.

◦ Alignment to our feeder districts would have a positive impact on attendance and student learning.

◦ Wednesday afternoons will be dedicated for teacher professional development. Continuous professional development is essential to continue the academic excellence within the Glendale Union High School District.

The revised schedule will provide for students assigned to Group A to come to school on Monday and Thursday. Students assigned to Group B will come to school on Tuesday and Friday. Again, all students will be learning remotely from home on Wednesday.

In addition to the revised schedule, we will be increasing the time between the passing periods from 5 to 10 minutes to allow for the health and safety protocols to be met. The updated school and bell schedule can be found on the website.

Your school will be providing you with more information regarding your teen’s placement in Group A or B in a future communication.

Our next update, scheduled for tomorrow, will include the following topics:

 

• Updated health metrics
• COVID-19 waiver
• Free and reduced lunch application

If you have questions, please contact your teen’s school or visit our website at www.guhsdaz.org. The website includes answers to frequently asked questions, our mitigation plan, the latest communication to parents/guardians, and more.

Thank you. 

 

September 25, 2020 – The following information was sent to all parents via email and phone dialer.

Dear Parents/Guardians,

The latest update from the Arizona Department of Health Services and the Maricopa County Department of Public Health shows our district’s data continues to trend downward. According to the state site, GUHSD’s current health benchmarks are as follows:

COVID-19 PERCENT POSITIVITY

Most recent data posted on September 24, 2020 for the weeks of August 30 and September 6.

                                          Week of August 30       Week of September 6

Maricopa County                          4.0%                                 3.8%

GUHSD                                        5.0%                                 4.7%
Sources: School Reopening Dashboard & Guidance & AZDHS

As announced last week, we will begin welcoming back students for our hybrid learning model beginning October 19, 2020. This model will allow only half of our student body on campus at once. Students will be assigned to an A or B group, which will be determined by their school. This information, as well as your teen’s class schedule, will be provided by the school prior to fall break.

This week our faculty and staff began health/safety protocols and procedures training. Our training is focused, in part, on our mitigation plan, which is informed by national, state and local health agencies. Additional trainings will occur next week. More information on health and safety protocols is forthcoming.

In closing, if you have not already completed our most recent survey that was sent to you on Wednesday, we ask that you do so. We need everyone to complete this survey to choose which educational option you want for your teen beginning October 19. This survey will provide us with the necessary information we need for a smooth transition.

Thank you for your continued support.

September 23, 2020 – The following information was sent to all parents via email and phone dialer.

Dear Parents/Guardians:

As we continue to solidify our plans for reopening our schools with the hybrid learning model, we need more feedback from our parents/guardians. Your input will help us know how many students we can expect to return to our schools beginning on October 19. 

Please complete the following survey by 12 p.m./noon on Monday, September 28, 2020. https://www.research.net/r/DQBFW75  

Thank you.

September 18, 2020 – The following information was sent to all parents via email and phone dialer.

Dear Parents/Guardians,

The latest update from Maricopa County shows our district’s percent positivity numbers have remained below 7% for two consecutive weeks.

COVID-19 PERCENT POSITIVITY

Most recent data posted on September 17, 2020 for the weeks of August 23 & August 30.

Must be below 7% for two consecutive weeks

                                        Week of August 23       Week of August 30

Maricopa County                          5.1%                           4.0%

GUHSD                                        6.3%                           5.0%
Sources: School Reopening Dashboard & Guidance & AZDHS

Not only has Maricopa County met the benchmarks to transition to a hybrid learning model, which would allow only half the student body on campus at once, but the geographic area of GUHSD has met the benchmarks as well. According to national, state, and local health agencies, we now meet the criteria to begin a transition to our hybrid learning model.

Due to the current data, we are announcing today that the GUHSD will begin the hybrid learning model starting Monday, October 19, 2020. Please note that this plan is subject to change if the COVID-19 numbers increase and our district no longer meets the criteria to transition to a hybrid learning model.

Although October 19 is one month from the beginning of our transition period, Monday, September 21, it is only three school weeks followed by fall break.

We have chosen a three-week transition period instead of two for a few reasons. The third week is final exam week and we want our staff and students to focus on finishing the end of the academic term successfully, without having to implement the health and safety protocols that must be adhered to during the hybrid learning model. Additionally, we want staff, students, and families to have ample time to plan for students returning to campus.

In-depth training for faculty and staff on health/safety protocols and procedures will begin next week. This training is necessary to prepare everyone to safely welcome back our students and families to our schools. Training topics will be shared with parents/guardians in future communications.

In addition to communication on the health/safety protocols and procedures, information regarding whether your teen will be in group A or group B, as well as your teen’s class schedule, will be provided by your school prior to fall break.

In closing, we indicated last week that we would be surveying parents/guardians again this week; however, we have decided to postpone the survey until next week. Your choice of either continuing to have your teen learn remotely from home or begin hybrid learning on October 19 will provide us the information we need for a smooth transition. A link to the survey will be sent to you.

 We appreciate your continued support.

Reopening FAQ’s can be found here.










September 11, 2020 – The following information was sent to all parents via email and phone dialer.

Dear GUHSD Parents/Guardians,

We are happy to report that the latest update from Maricopa County shows our district’s data is still trending in the right direction.

 

COVID-19 PERCENT POSITIVITY

Most recent data posted on September 10, 2020 for the weeks of August 16 & August 23.

Must be below 7% for two consecutive weeks

                                              Week of August 16     Week of August 23

Maricopa County                               5.2%                           5.0%

GUHSD                                             8.1%                           6.3%
Sources: School Reopening Dashboard & Guidance & AZDHS

Although our data is still trending in a positive direction, it is important to note that we must meet the recommended threshold for percent positivity of less than 7% for two consecutive weeks before we can begin transitioning to our hybrid learning model. Once this occurs, we will communicate with you outlining the date of when we will begin welcoming back students to the classroom.

For staffing and safety/capacity reasons, we will be surveying again so that you can make a choice of either remote learning from home or hybrid learning through the end of the second nine weeks in December. You can expect another email with an update and the survey link next Friday, September 18, 2020.

In closing, we have added more information to our Frequently Asked Questions page on our website. Please visit the following link to learn more about our hybrid learning model, safety protocols and our other plans to successfully and safely welcome back students to our campuses.

September 4, 2020 – The following information was sent to all parents via email and phone dialer.

Dear GUHSD Parents/Guardians:

The latest COVID-19 benchmark updates were released yesterday and continue to show the numbers are trending in a positive direction within our school district boundaries. The newest data for GUHSD includes a decline in all three categories of benchmarks:

• Cases per 100k people
• Percent positivity
• Covid-like illness

Although this is encouraging news, it is important to note that all three benchmarks need to be met to transition to the hybrid learning/modified in-person learning model. In addition, the benchmarks need to stay consistent for two weeks before we can transition to a hybrid model safely. As of yesterday, GUHSD has met 2 of the 3 benchmarks to be able to transition to the hybrid model - Cases per 100k people and Covid-like illness. The benchmark still not met is the COVID-19 Percent Positivity.

COVID-19 PERCENT POSITIVITY
Most recent data posted on September 3, 2020 for the weeks of August 9 & August 16.

Must be below 7% for two consecutive weeks

                                              Week of August 9       Week of August 16

Maricopa County                           6.1%                              5.2%

GUHSD                                 11.1% (not met)            8.1% (not met)
Sources: School Reopening Dashboard & Guidance & AZDHS

Although all three benchmarks within GUHSD have not yet been met, it is important for our families to know that as soon as it is safe to do so, we will be ready to transition to the hybrid model. As a reminder, the hybrid model will alternate students on campus - resulting in only half the number of students on campus at any one time.

As the safety of our students, faculty and staff is a top priority, GUHSD will continue to monitor the benchmarks each day and provide weekly updates. We encourage you to complete the survey we sent last week, if you have not already done so. It will remain open until the end of the day on Monday, September 7, 2020.

As always, we thank you for your ongoing support.

August 31, 2020 – The following information was sent to all parents via email and phone dialer.

The district is actively planning to reopen schools with a modified in-person hybrid learning model as soon as public health metrics are met for our district. We know families want to understand when and how the district will determine it is safe to return to school, what safety measures will be in place to protect everyone, and what options you have for your teen.

Please visit the link below to learn more about our plan to reopen schools and to complete a short survey by Monday, September 7, 2020.

August 28, 2020 – The following information was sent to all parents via email and phone dialer.

Dear GUHSD Parents/Guardians,

We wanted to provide you with an update regarding our progress toward reopening our schools.

As many of you are aware, our district must meet certain health benchmarks to be able to transition from remote learning to a hybrid model. The benchmark that has not yet been met by Maricopa County or GUHSD is the COVID-19 percent positive.

The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) and the Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) guideline for the COVID-19 percent positive benchmark is a number below 7% for two consecutive weeks before transitioning from remote learning to a hybrid model.

Although we are tracking the numbers daily, the information that contains two weeks of data is released every Thursday. The information can be found on the ADHS and MCDPH websites. Here are the numbers that were released yesterday, August 27:

COVID-19 Percent Positive

(Must be below 7% for two consecutive weeks)

 

                                         Week of August 2               Week of August 9

Maricopa County                        8.6%                                      6.1%

GUHSD                                       12.1%                                   11.1%

The two weeks of data that will be posted next Thursday, September 3, will be for the weeks of August 9 and August 16. The current numbers indicate that Maricopa County could meet the benchmark by next week. If the downward trend continues in our district boundaries, GUHSD could meet the benchmark a few weeks later.

There are too many variables to say at this time exactly when GUHSD will have two consecutive weeks of a percent positive number below 7%. Therefore, we are unable to announce today a specific date for when we will transition from a remote to a hybrid learning model.

We will continue tracking the data and preparing for the transition to the hybrid model. We will provide another update next Friday, September 4.

August 25, 2020 – The following information was sent to all parents via email and phone dialer.

Dear GUHSD Parents/Guardians,

We are writing to provide you with a brief update.

Our current remote learning plan was authorized to continue until “at least September 4,” and the GUHSD Governing Board voted to allow the Superintendent to extend our current remote learning plan, if necessary. 

As you are aware, we are less than two weeks away from September 4. Although the COVID-19 percent-positive number has been decreasing, we do not anticipate our district meeting the criteria to transition to a hybrid model by that date. 

We continue monitoring the COVID-19 data daily. The Arizona Department of Health Services will update the dashboard to show weekly averages for another two weeks of data this Thursday, August 27. After we analyze the new data, we will be sending another update to you by the end of Friday, August 28. Included in the update will be more details about the extension of our current online learning plan.

Additional updates can be found at:

https://www.facebook.com/GUHSDAZ/

https://twitter.com/GlendaleUnionAZ









August 13, 2020 – The following information was sent to all parents via email and phone dialer.

Dear GUHSD Parents/Guardians,

We are nearing the end of our first week of school. We appreciate you, parents and guardians, for the support you are offering to our faculty, staff, and especially our students while they learn from home.

We are excited to begin our second week of school. We have compiled several resources to help make the remote learning experience as seamless as possible. Please check our website links for the following:

• Daily Bell Schedule
• Computer/Technology Support 
• GUHSD Meal Service
• Social/Emotional Support
• Enrollment Information

Check out your school’s homepage for a list of additional resources under the Back to School Information link. Please keep the teachers, counselors and administrators informed about any other supports that you may need.

Per Governor Ducey’s Executive Order (2020-51), an onsite online learning option will be available to meet the needs of students who receive Special Education Services, students who are English Language Learners (ELL), students in the care of the Department of Child Safety, and students who qualify for Free and Reduced Lunch. While the onsite online learning option is intended to meet the needs of the students listed above, the Executive Order requires that this accommodation be available to every student. Keeping in compliance with guidance from the Maricopa County Public Health Department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, all district safety measures will be followed. All students will be required to answer health-check screening questions, wear a mask and physically distance. If your teen meets one of the special populations listed above, click here for more information.

In closing, we will continue our remote learning plan through at least September 4, 2020. We will daily monitor the new COVID-19 metrics provided by the AZ Department of Health Services and our Reopening Task Force guidelines as we make decisions associated with reopening our schools. We will provide you with updates as new information becomes available.

Additional updates can be found at:

https://www.facebook.com/GUHSDAZ/

https://twitter.com/GlendaleUnionAZ










August 11, 2020 – The following information was sent to all parents via email and phone dialer.

Dear GUHSD Parents/Guardians,

Welcome back to a new school year. Here at GUHSD, we were excited to welcome back over 16,000 students remotely on Monday.

For current students who have yet to begin the new school year, we encourage them to contact their school immediately. There they will receive their schedule and additional instructions on how they can join their classmates and teachers for the 2020-2021 school year.

It's not too late for students and families who have yet to enroll in one of our top-performing schools. Although a few of our schools have reached capacity, most of them still have room to welcome new students. Please feel free to share this information with your family and friends looking for an excellent education for their high school-aged student(s). Enrollment forms can now be completed online by clicking here.

We look forward to another great school year together.

Additional updates can be found at:

https://www.facebook.com/GUHSDAZ/

https://twitter.com/GlendaleUnionAZ










August 8, 2020 – The following information was sent to all parents via email and phone dialer.

Dear GUHSD Parents/Guardians,

Welcome to another exciting school year. We are looking forward to Monday, August 10, 2020, when students will begin school - remotely.

We are happy to provide you with the GUHSD Learning Plan and our Remote Learning Attendance Requirements. Additionally, you can access other important information like a bell schedule, our block schedule, technology information, social/emotional supports, and more on your school’s website.

Our administrators, teachers, and staff are excited for another successful school year to achieve and maintain the very best for students. We are confident that GUHSD schools will provide excellent experiences for all our students to achieve and develop during the 2020-2021 school year.

More information can be found at:

https://www.facebook.com/GUHSDAZ/

https://twitter.com/GlendaleUnionAZ










July 23, 2020 – The following information was sent to all parents via email and phone dialer.

Dear GUHSD Parents/Guardians,

This update is to inform you that our remote learning plan for all GUHSD schools will begin Monday, August 10 and will remain in place until at least Friday, September 4. This decision is based on the data indicating that we will not meet the GUHSD Reopening Task Force criteria to transition to the hybrid in-person model anytime soon. 

The GUHSD Reopening Task Force recommendations, which include a consistent downward trend in COVID-19 cases and up-to-date advice from national, state, and local health agencies, will continue to be used as a guide when making future decisions. As we approach the September 4 date, we will reassess the situation and announce whether remote learning will be extended again or whether we will start the transition to the hybrid in-person model. Again, our future decisions will be based on the aforementioned criteria.  

In order to begin a successful school year, our schools are holding modified walk-through registrations. They will be distributing Chromebooks and other essential materials needed to begin school on August 10. All schools are following strict social distancing guidelines and will be requiring those in attendance to wear masks/face coverings. Information on walk-through registration is being sent directly from the schools.

We will continue to provide regular updates. Our schools will continue to inform you of updates as well.

We look forward to working with you as we prepare for the upcoming school year.

Additional updates can be found at: 

https://www.facebook.com/GUHSDAZ/

https://twitter.com/GlendaleUnionAZ










July 9, 2020 – The following information was sent to all parents via email and phone dialer.

Dear Parents/Guardians:

We are grateful for the work of the GUHSD Reopening Task Force, GUHSD Scheduling Committee, and for all the parents/guardians, students, and faculty/staff who participated in our reopening survey, which helped guide the development of a plan to reopen our schools.

On Monday, June 29, Governor Ducey announced that all schools shall delay the start for in-person instruction until August 17, 2020 (remote learning will remain in place until at least Friday, Sept. 4). However, the Executive Order permits schools to begin the school year on their previously scheduled start date by using remote learning. In order to have students begin their classes without a delay, GUHSD has decided to begin the 2020-2021 school year remotely from home on our scheduled start date of Monday, August 10, 2020.

Our plan for the safe reopening of schools has been guided by the latest recommendations from the Arizona Department of Health Services, Maricopa County Department of Public Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Arizona Department of Education, the GUHSD Reopening Task Force, the GUHSD Scheduling Committee and your input. Based on this guidance and recommendations, we will implement the following approved plan as we begin the 2020-2021 school year, which includes three possible approaches to learning:

REMOTE LEARNING
Beginning August 10, 2020, students will begin the 2020-2021 school year learning remotely from home.

HYBRID LEARNING
The hybrid learning approach would involve students being assigned to an A or B group. Half the students (Group A) would be at school and the other half (Group B) would be learning remotely from home. 

This model would allow students to be in classrooms while still adhering to current social distancing guidelines. Mondays are scheduled for remote learning from home for all students. The shortened class periods on Monday would be focused on support for students as well as enrichment activities/assignments.   

The A and B groups would alternate being on campus and learning from home Tuesday through Friday. Group A would be on campus Tuesdays and Thursdays as Group B learns remotely from home. Group B would be on campus Wednesdays and Fridays as Group A learns remotely from home.

FULL-TIME, IN-PERSON LEARNING
All students are back on campus learning in classrooms.

TRANSITIONING FROM ONE LEARNING APPROACH TO ANOTHER
Various factors will be considered to make a decision to move from one learning approach to another. The health of our students and our staff is of primary importance in the decision-making process, and any decision will be made with up-to-date information and guidance from the following agencies:

• Arizona Department of Health Services
• Maricopa County Department of Public Health
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Arizona Department of Education
• Regional Information or Zip Code Data

In addition to up-to-date information and guidance by these agencies, moving from Remote Learning to the Hybrid Learning would involve the following criteria:

• Moderate community spread of COVID-19 - steady, consistent downward trend in new cases

     OR

• Communication from the Arizona Department of Health Services that schools can safely reopen

Up-to-date guidance from the aforementioned agencies and the following criteria would be used to make a decision to move to full-time, in-person learning:

• Minimal community spread of COVID-19 - steady consistent downward trend in new cases 

     OR

• Communication from the Arizona Department of Health Services that schools can safely reopen 

BLOCK SCHEDULE
For any of the possible learning approaches planned for the 2020-2021 school year, a block schedule will be utilized. In a block schedule, the length of classes are extended to allow a year-long course to be completed in a semester. The six classes that students are scheduled to take in the 2020-2021 school year will be divided so that they are taking three classes in the fall semester and three new classes in the spring semester, allowing students to earn the six credits they would earn in our traditional schedule. 

Due to the difficulties some students experience when learning remotely, the block schedule will provide the opportunity for them to focus on half the number of classes at once. Additionally, this model will allow teachers to provide additional support to students. 

WEEKLY SCHEDULE 2020-2021 beginning August 10, 2020 (Updated August 10, 2020)






























GUHSD ONLINE OPTION
For families and students who choose to learn remotely for the semester, or even the entire school year, a full online option is available. More information on how to enroll in the GUHSD online learning option is forthcoming.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS and ELL
Students with disabilities will have their accommodations and modifications in place and/or an adjusted schedule based on individual needs. Additional information is forthcoming. 

ELL students will be provided with additional support, and there is a possibility that there could be some adjusted schedules in order to accommodate the needs of all our students.

SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
Whether in person or remotely, the social worker on each of our campuses will be available to provide social-emotional support to students.   

SAFETY PROTOCOLS
There are numerous health and safety protocols GUHSD schools will be following once students are allowed to return to campus. These protocols will include:

• regular announcements and messaging about hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette
• stay at home when feeling ill or exposure to COVID-19 announcements
• consistent, district-wide requirement for all faculty, staff, students and visitors to wear face masks/face shields while on campus
• that all faculty, staff, students and visitors use appropriate social distancing while on campus
• a district-wide commitment to high standards of cleaning, disinfecting and sanitizing
• procedures to limit the sharing of items between students
• a plan for student safety while on buses

IN CLOSING
We recognize you may have questions regarding our school reopening plan. We will be developing a Frequently Asked Questions document that should answer many of your questions. Be on the lookout for this information, which will be posted on our website within the next few weeks.

We appreciate your continued patience as we prepare additional communication regarding Chromebook checkout, registration, student schedules, athletics, extracurricular activities, transportation, food service, and other important information associated with the start of school. 

We will continue providing regular updates. As well, our schools will be sending out school-specific information by the end of next week. In the meantime, if you have an urgent question, please email us at prdept@guhsdaz.org.

We look forward to continuing to serve our GUHSD students/families as we prepare for another new school year.

Additional updates can be found at:

https://www.facebook.com/GUHSDAZ/

https://twitter.com/GlendaleUnionAZ











July 1, 2020 – The following information was sent to all parents via email and phone dialer.

Dear GUHSD Parents/Guardians,

Our Reopening Task Force concluded its work last night. We are currently reviewing the recommendations and we anticipate sharing our final plans with you by the end of next week. Today’s update focuses on the date classes will begin for the 2020-2021 school year.

On Monday, June 29, Governor Ducey announced that all schools shall delay the start for in-person instruction until August 17, 2020. However, the Executive Order permits schools to begin the school year on their previously scheduled start date by using remote learning.

In order to have students begin their classes without a delay, GUHSD has decided to begin the 2020-2021 school year remotely on our scheduled start date of Monday, August 10, 2020. Details such as Chromebook checkout and other aspects of registration are forthcoming from your teen’s school.

Per the Executive Order, we will begin classes remotely, but our reopening plans will still consider how to safely return to school in various scenarios due to the changing nature of COVID-19 cases and health advice. GUHSD’s plans will include an online learning option.

As always, thank you for your patience and understanding as we work diligently to prepare for the upcoming school year.

We wish everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend.

Additional updates can be found here:

https://www.facebook.com/GUHSDAZ/

https://twitter.com/GlendaleUnionAZ


To read prior COVID-19 messages from the 2019-2020 school year, click here.