Glendale UnionHigh School District

2020-2021 COVID-19 Information

Posted on 04/09/2021

April 9, 2021 - The following information was sent to parents via email and phone dialer. 

Dear GUHSD Parents/Guardians:

Today we are providing you with the following updates:

• COVID-19 DATA FROM MCDPH
• GUHSD GRADUATION INFORMATION
• SUMMER SCHOOL OPPORTUNITIES

COVID-19 DATA FROM MCDPH FOR THE GUHSD COMMUNITY

Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) released updated data on April 8.

Cases per 100k people decreased from 60.43 to 57.89. The percent positive numbers increased from 6.97% to 7.54%.

It is important to continue following the mitigation measures in place. Wearing masks, staying home when sick, and following all the other recommendations will help us maintain in-person operations, keep cases low, and our community safe.

School Reopening Dashboard & Guidance

GUHSD GRADUATION INFORMATION

As previously announced, we are pleased to have the opportunity to hold in-person graduations at the Gila River Arena in May.

It is important to note that one of the contingencies of the agreement to hold our graduations at Gila River Arena is the possibility of having to change one of the graduation dates, should the AZ Coyotes hockey team make the NHL playoffs and have a game scheduled on either of our two graduation dates (see details below):

Monday, May 24th, 2021*

Apollo  – Graduation 10:00 a.m.

 Thunderbird – Graduation 12:30 p.m.

 Glendale– Graduation 3:00 p.m.

Washington - Graduation 5:30 p.m.

  Independence - Graduation 8:00 p.m.

Tuesday, May 25th, 2021*

Cortez – Graduation 10:00 a.m.

Moon Valley– Graduation 12:30 p.m.

Greenway – Graduation 3:00 p.m.

Sunnyslope - Graduation 5:30 p.m.

*In the event of a scheduled NHL Playoff game at Gila River Arena on either May 24th or May 25th, the schools listed on that date will be required to move their graduation to Wednesday, May 26, 2021.

UPDATE: On May 8th we will know if the Coyotes make the playoffs.
We will update parents/guardians of the exact graduation dates/schedule on May 10.

There is additional information we would like to share with you now, as we continue preparing for our in-person graduation ceremonies:

• Per Gila River Arena, all students, staff, family members, and guests of the Arena will be required to wear a mask. Anyone that arrives without a mask will not be allowed entry into the venue.
  
  
• Per Gila River Arena, all attendees will be required to go through a security magnetometer. No handbags or purses will be allowed. (Bags for medical needs are allowed, but will be searched. Diaper bags smaller than 12 x 12 are allowed, but will be searched.)
  
  
• Per Gila River Arena, no balloons, noisemakers, or wrapped gifts will be allowed inside Gila River Arena.
  
  
• Per Gila River Arena, all guests agree to comply with the venue’s ejection policy. Those who refuse to abide by the venue’s health and safety protocols, including the required mask policy, will be ejected from the arena.
  
  
• Per Gila River Arena, a $10 parking fee will be assessed per vehicle. To offset this cost charged by the arena, GUHSD will be distributing graduation tickets to our graduates, free of charge.

• Schools will be distributing tickets to each graduate.
  
  

Additional information related to graduation will be provided to you by your teen’s school.

SUMMER ACADEMY OPPORTUNITIES

We are happy to announce that we are expanding our summer learning opportunities for students in grades 6-12. Not only will we offer classes to keep students on track to graduate, but we will also offer a number of engaging programs to expand learning and knowledge.

Free academic classes like Project SHARP, High School Prep, Honors Algebra 1, and Honors Geometry will be open to current eighth-graders. These classes are designed to prepare students for that important next step as they begin their high school careers.

Free summer camps will be available to current sixth and seventh graders. Programs like culinary, coding, engineering, fire science, sports, art, short stories, theatre, and music are among the camps we will offer.

More information, including a link for registration, will be forthcoming soon.

CLOSING THOUGHTS

As always, we remain committed to ensuring all students finish the year strong. Please feel free to contact our schools with any questions, concerns, or needs.

March 25, 2021 - The following information was sent to parents via email and phone dialer. 

Dear GUHSD Parents/Guardians:

It has been great to welcome students back to campus. Students have done an amazing job transitioning back to in-person learning and we are so proud of them.

Today we are providing you with the following updates:

• COVID-19 DATA FROM MCDPH
• MASK MANDATE
• FREE BREAKFAST AND LUNCH FOR ALL STUDENTS
• COVID-19 VACCINATIONS

COVID-19 DATA FROM MCDPH FOR THE GUHSD COMMUNITY

Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) released updated data today, March 25.

The most recent numbers continue to decline for the GUHSD community. Cases per 100k people decreased from 64.10 to 42.36 and the percent positivity numbers decreased from 7.42% to 6.15%.

Source: School Reopening Dashboard & Guidance

 MASK MANDATE

 It is important to note that Governor Ducey's recent announcement relaxing COVID-19 restrictions for businesses does not affect schools.

 AZDHS Emergency Measure 2020-04 is still in effect, requiring masks in all K-12 schools. Masking is one of the top mitigation strategies for safe in-person learning as recommended by the CDC.

PLEASE NOTE: Masks must be worn on school campuses, on school buses, and during school activities by all students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

In addition to masks, we will continue utilizing all GUHSD mitigation measures.

 FREE BREAKFAST AND LUNCH FOR ALL STUDENTS

 GUHSD continues to provide FREE breakfast and lunch for ALL students.

 Breakfast and lunch are available daily at all our schools and will continue to be free for the remainder of the school year. Please contact your school’s cafeteria for more information.

COVID-19 VACCINATIONS FOR INDIVIDUALS 16 AND OLDER

Registration at Arizona’s state-operated COVID-19 vaccination sites in Maricopa county opened to all Arizonans 16 and older on Wednesday.

 For more information about the vaccine, including how to make an appointment, visit azhealth.gov/findvaccine or call 1-844-542-8201.

 CLOSING THOUGHTS

 We want to thank you all - our incredible students, families, and faculty/staff - for your partnership and consistent adherence to the mitigation strategies. This has helped to make our transition to in-person learning smooth and successful.

 We remain committed to ensuring all students finish the year strong. Please feel free to contact your school with any questions, concerns, or needs.

March 12, 2021 - The following information was sent to parents via email and phone dialer. 

Dear GUHSD Parents/Guardians:

Today, we are providing updates for the following:

• COVID-19 DATA FROM MCDPH
• A RETURN TO IN-PERSON LEARNING ON MARCH 22
• REMOTE LEARNING FROM HOME

 

COVID-19 DATA FROM MCDPH FOR THE GUHSD COMMUNITY

Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) released updated data on March 11. You will notice that the information the county is now sharing has been modified to only include the cases per 100k people and percent positivity numbers.

The numbers continue to decline in both categories. For the GUHSD community, cases per 100k people decreased from 85.28% to 76.24% and the percent positive numbers decreased from 9.64% to 7.6%.

School Reopening Dashboard & Guidance

A RETURN TO IN-PERSON LEARNING ON MARCH 22

GUHSD is excited to welcome students back on campus beginning March 22, 2021. Below are links to the updated in-person learning information:

• Bell Schedule
• GUHSD Learning Options
• Meal Service
• Social/Emotional Supports
• COVID-19 Safety Protocols & Information
• COVID-19 Data Dashboard
• GUHSD Mitigation Plan
• GUHSD Task Force Recommendations
• Safe Return Protocols
• Distance Learning Plan
• FAQ’s
• Contact Us

 

REMOTE LEARNING FROM HOME

Parents/guardians who are not yet comfortable with a return to in-person learning will be able to request that their teen(s) continue learning remotely from home.

CLOSING THOUGHTS

Next week is Spring Break for our schools (March 15-19). We hope you have a safe and relaxing break, and we look forward to seeing everyone when we return to in-person learning on Monday, March 22.

March 5, 2021 - The following information was sent to parents via email and phone dialer. 

 

 

February 26, 2021 – The following information was sent to parents via email and phone dialer.

Dear GUHSD Parents/Guardians:

Today we are providing updates for the following:

• COVID-19 health metrics
• Considerations for a return to in-person learning
• A return to in-person learning
• Remote learning from home
• Important survey for next week
• Additional details for a return
• Graduation

 

COVID-19 DATA FOR THE GUHSD COMMUNITY

We continue to be encouraged by recent improvements in the county health metrics. All three indicators decreased again for the GUHSD community.

Released February 25, 2021 (for the week of Feb. 7, 2021)

• Cases per 100K people: 160.67 (red)
• Percent positivity: 12.68% (red)
• Covid-like illness: 3.80% (green)

Prior week's data (for the week of Jan.31, 2021)

• Cases per 100K people: 315.69 (red)
• Percent positivity: 17.58% (red)
• Covid-like illness: 5.10% (yellow)

Source: School Reopening Dashboard & Guidance

CONSIDERATIONS FOR A RETURN TO IN-PERSON LEARNING

As stated previously, GUHSD was reviewing current advice from national, state, and local health agencies and experts when considering a return to in-person learning. We have also taken into account the quickly declining COVID-19 metrics and the fact that schools are opening without major outbreaks.

Finally, we have analyzed the GUHSD Reopening Survey data and received the mitigation strategies recommended by the GUHSD Reopening Task Force, which concluded its work this week. Their updated recommendations can be found here.

RETURN TO IN-PERSON LEARNING ON MARCH 22

• After considering all the factors mentioned, we are announcing a return to in-person learning five days per week, beginning March 22, 2021.
• We chose March 22 to allow students, faculty, and staff to remain focused on academics, instead of being focused on a transition and mitigation strategies, during the final two weeks before grades close for current classes.
• Although we will return to in-person learning, the schedule will remain the same. Students will attend Monday through Friday on the current class schedule, including the early-release days on Wednesdays.
•  All faculty, staff, and students will be required to wear a mask while on campus. This is just one of the many mitigation strategies we will follow.
• All mitigation strategies, recommended by the GUHSD Reopening Task Force, are included in the GUHSD Mitigation Plan and will be fully implemented and strictly enforced.

 

REMOTE LEARNING FROM HOME

• Parents/guardians who are not yet comfortable with their teens participating in the return to in-person learning will be able to remain in the remote learning model.

IMPORTANT SURVEY NEXT WEEK

• It is critical for planning purposes that we have an accurate count of how many students will be returning for in-person learning and how many will remain learning remotely from home.
• Early next week schools will be sending you a survey for you to declare whether your teen will be returning to in-person learning or will remain learning remotely from home.

 

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

Over the next few weeks, our schools will be communicating additional details as we prepare to return to in-person learning. Reminders about health and safety protocols, transportation, food service information, schedules, and more will be sent directly from the school.

GRADUATION

There was a delay in receiving the agreement from the venue. We didn’t receive it until this afternoon. After finalizing the agreement, we will provide you with more details about graduation next week.

Please note that our plan remains the same.  We are working to provide our students with an in-person graduation at an indoor venue.

CLOSING THOUGHTS

Thank you for your partnership and patience during this pandemic. Our ability to continue moving forward depends on all of us wearing masks, staying home when sick, and following all the other mitigation strategies recommended by Public Health to reduce the spread of the virus.

Thank you.

February 19, 2021 – The following information was sent to parents via email and phone dialer.

 

Dear GUHSD Parents & Guardians:

The following topics for today’s update are:

• COVID-19 Health Metrics
• GUHSD Reopening Survey Results
• A Return to In-Person Learning
• Graduation

COVID-19 DATA FOR THE GUHSD COMMUNITY

We continue to be encouraged by recent improvements in the health metrics. All three indicators decreased again for the GUHSD community.

Released February 18, 2021 (for the week of Jan. 31, 2021)

• Cases per 100K people: 315.69 (red)
• Percent positivity: 17.58 (red)
• Covid-like illness: 5.10 (yellow)

Prior week's data (for the week of Jan. 24, 2021)

• Cases per 100K people: 385.15 (red)
• Percent positivity: 20.15% (red)
• Covid-like illness: 7.40 (yellow)

Source: School Reopening Dashboard & Guidance

REOPENING SCHOOLS SURVEY RESULTS  

We want to thank everyone who participated in our opportunity to provide the district with valuable feedback on the recent Reopening Schools Survey. Your input is a critical part of the decision-making process and we appreciate you taking the time to complete the survey.

Below are the results of the two questions that specifically ask about a return to in-person learning. You will see that the majority of parents/guardians and the majority of faculty/staff prefer a return to in-person learning. The majority of student respondents indicated a preference to remain in remote learning from home.

Q: The county metrics have improved over the last five weeks and there is new guidance from the Center for Disease Control about opening schools. If GUHSD made the decision to return to in-person learning, given the current conditions, I/my teen would prefer to…

A: Return to School or Continue in Remote Learning

Parents/Guardians (6041 responses)

A: Return to School                       55.14%

A: Continue in Remote Learning    44.86%

Students (6800 responses)

A: Return to School                        45.53%

A: Continue in Remote Learning     54.47%

Faculty/Staff (1118 responses)

A: Return to School                         61.45%

A: Continue in Remote Learning     38.55%

Q: Despite CDC guidance and improved county metrics, I believe school should remain in a virtual learning model.

A: True or False

Parents/Guardians (5986 responses)

A: True            47.58%

A: False           52.42%

Students (6798 responses)    

A: True             58.80%

A: False           41.20%

Faculty/Staff (1125 responses)

A: True            45.69%

A: False           54.31%

Click the links below for a complete look at all the survey results:

Parent/Guardian Survey Results

Student Survey Results

Faculty/Staff Survey Results

A RETURN TO IN-PERSON LEARNING

The GUHSD Reopening Task Force met last night to review the recent survey results and will be meeting again next week. A plan and a timeline for return to in-person learning cannot be finalized until the GUHSD Reopening Task Force finishes its work and administration reviews the task force work, survey results, health metrics, current advice from health experts, and all other factors of a return to in-person learning. Our goal is to be able to finalize a plan and announce by next week a target date for students to return to in-person learning. 

GRADUATION UPDATE

The city responded to us this week regarding the request we had submitted to be able to hold a large gathering in May, and we have been approved to hold in-person graduations for the Class of 2021.

Now that we are authorized to hold the event, we will finalize an agreement with the venue. We expect to be able to announce all the details to parents/guardians, students, and faculty/staff by the end of next week.

CLOSING THOUGHTS

As always, thank you for your great input and passion for your teens’ best interests. Together we can navigate these challenges in order to meet the needs of our students.

Please contact your school’s administration and teachers with any questions and/or concerns you may have.

February 12, 2021 – The following information was sent to parents via email and phone dialer.

Dear GUHSD Parents/Guardians:

Today’s message includes the latest COVID-19 health metrics for our community, a link to the GUHSD Reopening Schools survey, and an update on graduation.

COVID-19 DATA FOR THE GUHSD COMMUNITY

COVID-19 numbers released by the Maricopa County Department of Public Health show one of the largest decreases we have seen in several months. This is encouraging news for our GUHSD community. As mentioned previously, we are discussing the current advice of health experts, as well these metrics, when considering the timing of a return to in-person learning.

Released February 11, 2021 (for the week of Jan. 24, 2021)

• Cases per 100K people: 385.15 (red)
• Percent positivity: 20.15 (red)
• Covid-like illness: 7.40 (yellow)

Prior week's data (for the week of Jan. 17, 2021)

• Cases per 100K people: 611.61 (red)
• Percent positivity: 24.06% (red)
• Covid-like illness: 10.30% (red)

Source: School Reopening Dashboard & Guidance

GUHSD REOPENING SCHOOLS SURVEY

Although district administration is actively engaged in the discussion about a return to in-person learning, we need additional information before finalizing a plan. A critical step in the decision-making process is receiving feedback from our parents/guardians, students, faculty, and staff.

To express your opinion on whether schools should reopen to in-person learning, click here to complete a survey. The survey closes at noon on Wednesday, February 17, 2021.

More information will be shared in next Friday’s update.

GRADUATION UPDATE

Graduation continues to be another topic of conversation among district administration. Like many of you, we want in-person graduations to happen for the GUHSD Class of 2021.

Our original host site is not scheduling events, so we are actively engaged in securing another venue and are awaiting for the city to approve our request to hold large events.

We will provide our senior parents/guardians with an update once we have more information to share.

ACADEMIC SUPPORT

Please contact your school’s administrators, faculty, and staff with any questions and/or concerns you may have. Each school’s website has a directory tab where you will find contact information and email addresses for your teen’s teachers. 

CLOSING THOUGHTS

GUHSD continues to plan for a return to in-person learning. We encourage you to complete the survey by noon on Wednesday to ensure all parents/guardians have the opportunity to provide input during this process.

We appreciate your continued support.

Thank you.

February 10, 2021 – The following information was sent to parents via email and phone dialer.

February 5, 2021 – The following information was sent to parents via email and phone dialer.

Dear GUHSD Parents/Guardians:

In addition to the weekly COVID-19 health metrics for our community, we are writing to share a few other updates including information regarding the discussion about reopening schools, the GUHSD Reopening Task Force, employee vaccinations, and student meal service.

COVID-19 DATA FOR THE GUHSD COMMUNITY

The most recent COVID-19 numbers released by the Maricopa County Department of Public Health show another decrease in the COVID-19 cases per 100k. Although the percent positivity slightly increased, the covid-like illness declined.

Released February 4, 2021 (for the week of Jan. 17, 2021)

• Cases per 100K people: 611.61 (red)
• Percent positivity: 24.06 (red)
• Covid-like illness: 10.30 (red)

Prior week's data (for the week of Jan. 10, 2021)

• Cases per 100K people: 683.90 (red)
• Percent positivity: 23.73% (red)
• Covid-like illness: 12.50% (red)

Source: School Reopening Dashboard & Guidance

DISCUSSION ABOUT REOPENING SCHOOLS

Although we continue to follow and report the weekly data from the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, those three metrics are not the only data and advice being used in the discussion about reopening schools. Throughout this entire process, we said that we would follow guidance from national, state and local health agencies/experts. 

As you know, the health and safety guidelines related to reopening schools have significantly changed. We are aware of the recent changes and are considering them, as well as the metrics, in the decision-making process regarding the reopening of schools. 

GUHSD REOPENING TASK FORCE AND SURVEY

The GUHSD Task Force will reconvene next week. As previously mentioned, the purpose of the group is to review the current health metrics, review prior recommendations and discuss current advice of health agencies regarding how to reopen schools safely.

Additionally, the group will create a survey to distribute to faculty/staff, parents/guardians and students. Information gathered will be another consideration in the decision regarding when to reopen our schools to in-person learning. 

The survey will be sent to you by the end of next week. 

GUHSD EMPLOYEES TO RECEIVE COVID-19 VACCINATIONS

We are grateful to partner with Fry’s Pharmacy for an onsite COVID-19 vaccination event for school district employees on Saturday, February 13 and Sunday, February 14. Faculty and staff who have yet to receive a vaccination will have the opportunity to receive the first of two doses during this time. A follow-up event will be held during the month of March for employees to receive their second dose.

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.

GUHSD MEAL SERVICE

Our schools are still providing meals to students who need them. Students can pick up meals during their scheduled lunchtime and/or Monday through Friday between 2-4 p.m. Please contact your school’s cafeteria staff for more information.

CLOSING THOUGHTS

We are here to assist our GUHSD families. Please contact your school’s administrators, faculty, and staff with any questions and/or concerns you may have.

We appreciate your continued support.

Thank you.

January 29, 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 indicate that the data decreased in all three categories. The cases per 100k people decreased significantly and the numbers in the other two categories decreased slightly for the second consecutive week.

COVID-19 DATA FOR THE GUHSD COMMUNITYReleased January 28, 2021 (for the week of Jan. 10, 2021)

• Cases per 100K people: 683.90 (red)
• Percent positivity: 23.73% (red)
•  Covid-like illness: 12.50% (red)

Prior week's data (for the week of Jan. 3, 2021)

●Cases per 100K people: 839.20 (red)
●Percent positivity: 25.1% (red)
●Covid-like illness: 13.70% (red)

Source: School Reopening Dashboard & Guidance

GUHSD TASK FORCE TO RECONVENE

The GUHSD Task Force, which is composed of parents, students, teachers, social workers, nurses, and school administrators, will reconvene soon.

The group will look at current metrics, review prior recommendations, and discuss the current advice of health agencies regarding how to reopen schools safely.

Additionally, the GUHSD Task Force will be creating a survey for faculty/staff, parents, and students. More information on the survey and the task force will be provided in next week's update.

FINAL THOUGHTS

GUHSD is committed to meeting the needs of all students. Please contact your school’s administrators, faculty, and staff for additional support and assistance.

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

Thank you.

January 22, 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. Although the cases per 100k people continues to increase, the percent positivity and Covid-like illness numbers have slightly declined.

COVID-19 DATA FOR THE GUHSD COMMUNITY

Released January 21, 2021 (for the week of Jan. 3, 2021)

• Cases per 100K people: 839.20 (red)
• Percent positivity: 25.1% (red)
• Covid-like illness: 13.70% (red)

Prior week's data (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)

Source: School Reopening Dashboard & Guidance

ATTENDANCE

As previously mentioned, our student attendance rate has been very strong this semester and we want to keep the momentum going. Thank you for stressing to your teen(s) the importance of attending all their classes, actively participating in them and turning in their assignments. Please reach out to your teen’s teachers and/or school administration if you need additional support regarding your teen’s academic success.

OPEN HOUSE/MEET THE TEACHER NIGHT

All GUHSD schools invite you to attend their second Open House/Meet The Teacher Night for this school year. This virtual event is an opportunity for parents/guardians to learn more about their teen’s new teachers and the curriculum for their new classes this semester.

The online event will be on Tuesday, January 26 at 6:00 p.m. Please check your school’s website for more information.

FINAL THOUGHTS

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

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

Thank you.

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.