August 18, 2020

Hello FUSD families,
As we have previously communicated to our school community, the FUSD Governing Board voted to continue the Distance Learning platform until the end of the 1st quarter. This decision was made because our district did not meet the metrics and medical data regarding COVID-19 which was provided by the Arizona Department of Health Services for a safe return to in person instruction.

However, the FUSD administration has been preparing to offer families a choice at the start of the second quarter on October 5th. Families are now able to choose the best learning option for their student and confirm whether they want to return to in person classroom instruction or continue learning online by attending Florence Virtual Academy.
We understand that this is an important decision for your student and family. We urge you to visit our Return to Learn webpage to learn more about each option and confirm your registration choice. Our website will offer a comparison of each option and links to complete the registration process. All families must choose their option by August 31st in order to be properly staffed and ready to start the 2nd quarter.

We will continue to update our FUSD community as we eagerly anticipate welcoming our students back to school in October.
We are FUSD and we are family!

Sincerely,
Chris Knutsen
Superintendent

FUSD family,

To comply with Governor Ducey’s Open for Learning Executive Order FUSD will establish onsite Internet Opportunity Zones (I/O Zones) beginning on Monday, August 17, 2020.   I/O Zones  are a space on each school campus designated for free wifi access to any currently registered FUSD student. These I/O Zones are meant to provide a safe environment for students to access the internet and will have proper adult supervision during the school day; which will be from .  It is important to understand that students will not receive direct instruction by a teacher during their time in the I/O Zone, it is simply a place for students to connect to the internet while independently engaging in their Distance Learning during the scheduled school day.  Students are expected to be self-directed and follow all of the guidelines and expectations of the I/O Zones.  

The I/O Zone will have physically distanced work stations that children may use to complete school work and other activities. Each workstation will be cleaned using disinfectant. Cleanings will occur at minimum, before and after each session and whenever a new student uses a workstation. No sharing of equipment or supplies will be permitted. A thorough cleaning of the space will occur after the last session has concluded.

Eligibility for the I/O Zone will be on an individual needs basis. Students who lack the internet at home will be given priority. Please visit our website to register your student at www.fusdaz.com

Thank you. 
Chris Knutsen - Superintendent

Dear FUSD family,

I know you are eager to hear what the new school year will look like for your family. I appreciate your patience as we have had to shift and adapt in this ever-changing situation.  On June 29, Governor Ducey ordered all schools closed for in-person learning until August 17th but allowed schools and districts to start the school year in a distance learning format.  

The FUSD School Reopening Task Force has been working diligently on a plan to start school in this distance learning format. We will begin the school year as scheduled on July 22nd as we know how much our families are eager to resume learning for their children. The first three days of our school year, July 22, 23 and 24, will be used for our teachers to connect with students and explain the Distance Learning expectations and allow them time to adjust to the new online environment. . 

Your child’s school principal will be in communication with you by the end of this week to share with you important information regarding device pick-up, instructional time, and other details of the Distance Learning platform, which will be quite different than what you have experienced at the end of last school year.  In addition, you may also find information on our Return to Learn website, including resources for parents and an FAQ where we will provide continuous updates. 

I am confident that our team of educators and support staff are ready to connect with your students academically, socially and emotionally to ensure that every child is successful at the start of the new school year. The Task Force also continues to  develop a safe plan for when we are able to physically return to school. As always, email communications, our official social media channels and our Return to Learn website will always be the official source for information regarding our school plans. 

I will continue to monitor this fluid situation and keep you updated on our ability to physically welcome our students and staff back to school.  We want to assure our FUSD family that we will continue to follow the guidance from the CDC and our state and local public health leaders, to prepare for a safe return to school when the restrictions are lifted.  Until then, I implore you to stay positive, stay connected and stay healthy.  We will get through this together.

Your partner in education,

Superintendent, Chris Knutsen

FUSD family,

This past Wednesday, we began the new school year through the Distance Learning platform and although it was different from previous years,  I am proud of what we have accomplished so far.  Our teachers have displayed their commitment to their students through their efforts in reaching every child and family; parents have become true partners in the learning process as we work together during this challenging time. We are so excited to see our kids back learning along with their peers! 

On July 23, 2020 Governor Ducey along with Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction announced the Open for Learning Executive Order.  This new order explains that school districts will be given specific data points on which to make the decision to return to In-person learning.  The data points are determined by the Arizona Department of Health and will be provided by August 7, 2020.  

As we begin to prepare to welcome our students back to campus and in response to the Governor’s Executive Order, FUSD will require face masks or face shields for all staff and students over the age of five while attending school. The district will be working on a policy that will provide more information soon.

I will continue to review this new Executive Order with my administrative team so that we can communicate how this will affect our students and families in the upcoming weeks.  Please keep in mind that due to the fluidity of this situation  and new information regarding COVID-19 cases is provided, we will make decisions based to ensure the safety and welfare of our students, teachers and staff. Please check our school reopening website as we will be posting any updates there.

Be assured that FUSD will continue to deliver high-quality instruction and learning opportunities for every student as this pandemic continues to evolve.  We are a family at FUSD and like all families, we take care of each other.  Stay healthy!

Your partner in education,

Superintendent, Chris Knutsen