There is no certain way to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, but the Dysart Unified School District has erred on the side of prioritizing the safety of students, staff and the community.
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There is no certain way to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, but the Dysart Unified School District has erred on the side of prioritizing the safety of students, staff and the community.
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey’s executive order July 23, allowing districts to open schools to in-person classes as early as Monday, Aug. 17 if they choose, prompted DUSD to extend remote learning through the end of the first quarter, with in-person classes resuming tentatively on Monday, Oct. 19.
“Dysart wants to open schools as soon as possible, and we understand there are many concerns, fears, emotions on this topic. However, the Governor has required that districts consider health benchmark data in their decisions regarding when students return to in person classes. As required by the Governor, Dysart will be carefully monitoring health benchmark data and trends that will be provided by county health officials to determine when it is safe to return to campus. If benchmark data indicates it is safe to return earlier than October 19, Dysart will adjust its in-person return date,” the district stated in a news release.
Dysart is set to begin remote learning Aug. 4 for all students. The district said the organization has been listening to the community and know that many families are struggling with a plan for student supervision during the school day.
“We are proud to announce that beginning Aug. 17, Dysart will have a Campus Learning Lab option available during remote learning periods that parents can enroll their students in, if needed. All Dysart students are eligible to attend, and there is no cost to parents. Campus Learning Labs are available during school hours and will provide supervision to students while they participate in remote learning,” the district stated in a press release. “Additional health and safety procedures will be followed, and temperature checks will take place. Den’s Club will also be available for before and after care, for a fee, for those that need supervision for extended hours.”
Space limitations will be in effect to ensure safety of the kids. District officials said more information regarding registration for Campus Learning Labs will soon be available.
Holly Bejarano posted to the Dysart Unified Facebook page July 27, stating, “Dysart, thank you for taking my children’s health into consideration. I know this was not an easy decision and I appreciate it. I know that you did what the governor told you to do and that he was advised by scientists and doctors who know more than I do about all of this.”
Some parents expressed displeasure with the decision, such as Jennifer Roberts who also posted the Facebook page, “I am just done with this. Not having the students in school, real school, is going to have last effects on them and not for the better. Open the schools.”
Details on drive-through meal service during remote learning are available by CLICKING HERE.
Reporter Jennifer Jimenez can be reached at jjimenez@newszap.com or follow her on Twitter @SCW_Independent.
I am passionate about sports and community writing and shining the light on positivity, while delivering the facts. I have been with the Independent team for five months, but in the game for 15 years. I am a proud Grand Canyon University alumni. Born and raised in Peoria, I also am blessed to have a street named after me called Jennifer Rose Court.
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