FUSD family,

As Superintendent my goal is to always put the best interests of our students and families first. We continue to struggle with pandemic and grapple with many tough decisions that have no clear right answer. On January 12th, the Governing Board voted to transition back to virtual learning until January 29th due to the increasing staffing challenges from the high number of staff quarantines and absences which far exceeded our available substitute teachers. The Board agreed to convene again on January 26th to review data and decide if any changes to the plan were necessary.

Tonight at the Special Board Meeting, the School Board reviewed and discussed the public health metrics provided by the  Pinal County Public Health Department and the Arizona Department of Health Services to help guide our decisions and navigate this pandemic safely.  Understanding the challenges we continue to face as a District and community, the

FUSD Governing Board approved the following:

1. Virtual Instruction will be extended for 1 week for K-8 students and 2 weeks for 9-12 students
2. In-person instruction will begin for students in K-8 on Monday, February 8th.
3. In-person instruction will begin for students 9-12 on Tuesday, February 16th.  

Some things to remember during this time of transition are:

• FUSD will continue to provide Internet Opportunity Zones (I/O Zones) at each school site for students to access the internet and complete their assigned work.
• Students will continue to utilize the device assigned to them in their homerooms to use during the virtual learning period. Tech support will be available by either phone or email. FUSD Tech Support.pdf
• Attendance is required every day during virtual instruction.
• Food distribution will continue for all students.

With the extension of the virtual learning instructional model, FUSD employees will have an opportunity to receive the vaccine as case counts continue to decline.  I am hopeful that as our employees become vaccinated, we can finally get our students back in school and provide them with the highest quality of education that they deserve. 

I understand that this has been a challenging time for all of us, but now is the time to focus on getting our students back in the classrooms where they belong.  We can do this by continuing to practice safe social distancing, wearing masks at all times and frequently washing our hands.  Let’s work together to welcome our students back where they will feel #welcomesafeconnected. 

Wishing you continued health,

Superintendent, Chris Knutsen

FUSD Winter Sports Parents and Athletes,

After voting 5-4 on January 8 to halt the winter sports season due to the continued presence of Covid-19, the AIA’s Executive Board reconsidered its position based on feedback from its member schools. After additional debate and consideration, Executive Board members voted 5-4 to reinstate the winter sports season with additional modifications:

• All students, coaches, parents, and officials will be required to wear a cloth mask or gaiter for the entirety of a game/contest.
• Up to two parents or legal guardians may attend their student-athlete's home games as allowed by the school and county guidelines.  Parents are asked to leave the gym/stadium after their athlete has completed their game.  No school age children will be allowed to attend.  Parents must wear a mask when in attendance. Non-compliance will result in their removal from the contest.

The situation will be closely monitored and re-evaluated in the upcoming days and weeks. Once hospitalizations decrease to more acceptable levels, the Executive Board may also reconsider additional sport-specific modifications, removal of masks during competition, and the allowance of more fans.

FUSD will follow the AIA’s recommended strategies at all levels as we continue to our scheduled winter sports season. Please feel free to contact your school athletic director if you have any questions regarding these changes.

Thank you for your help and assistance in ensuring that our winter sports athletes are able to compete this season.

Jeff Cox, M.Ed.
Director of K12 Athletics/Community Education

Familia FUSD,

Me gustaría desearles a todos un feliz y saludable Año Nuevo.  Desde que regresamos a la escuela de las vacaciones de invierno, he estado monitoreando cuidadosamente tanto las métricas de salud pública como el  porcentaje de positividad en cada una de nuestras escuelas.  Constantemente me he basado en la información del Departamento de Salud Pública del Condado de Pinal y el Departamento de Servicios de Salud de Arizona para ayudar a guiar nuestras decisiones y navegar esta pandemia de manera segura. Este es un momento desafiante para todos nosotros a medida que vemos un aumento constante en el número de casos positivos en todo nuestro Estado.  Con la salud y seguridad de nuestros estudiantes, maestros, personal y familias en mente, esta noche la Junta Directiva del Distrito Escolar Unificado de Florence (FUSD por sus siglas en inglés) aprobó lo siguiente:

FUSD volverá a la instrucción virtual a partir del jueves 14 de enero hasta el viernes 29 de enero debido a los siguientes factores:

• Hemos observado un aumento en la cantidad de casos positivos en la comunidad desde que regresamos de las vacaciones de invierno, incluida la cantidad de personas que deben ponerse en cuarentena debido a una infección o exposición.
• La gran cantidad de cuarentenas y ausencias del personal ha excedido la cantidad de suplentes  y miembros del personal certificados a nuestra disponibilidad para cubrir las clases. 
• Aunque las familias de FUSD han brindado su apoyo al hacer su parte en casa para ayudar mitigar la propagación de COVID-19, hemos notado que los estudiantes son enviados a la escuela exhibiendo síntomas y / o esperando los resultados de la prueba de COVID-19.  Por tanto, los niveles de la difusión de la comunidad y las tendencias de salud durante las próximas dos semanas permitirían a FUSD para predecir los problemas de personal y la posibilidad de volver a la instrucción en persona después del 29 de enero.

Los miembros de la Junta Directiva Escolar convocarán una reunión especial de la junta el martes, 26 de enero para revisar los modelos de proyección y métricas de salud, incluidos los casos por 100K, el porcentaje de positividad y la enfermedad similar a COVID para determinar cuándo podremos regresar de manera segura a la instrucción en persona.   

Es mi objetivo es  apoyar a nuestros estudiantes, maestros, personal y padres de familia durante esta transición. Algunas de las cosas importantes que necesita saber son: 

• FUSD proporcionará Zonas de Oportunidad de internet (Zonas I/O por sus siglas en inglés) en cada escuela para estudiantes para acceder al internet y completar su trabajo asignado. Las Zonas de I/O comenzarán el martes, 19 de enero. Esta NO es instrucción directa por un maestro, sino simplemente un lugar seguro para brindar acceso equitativo a internet.   
• Los estudiantes utilizarán el dispositivo que se les asignó en sus aulas para usar durante el periodo de aprendizaje virtual. El Soporte técnico estará disponible por teléfono o por correo electrónico. FUSD Tech Support.pdf
• Se requiere la asistencia todos los días durante la instrucción virtual. El maestro de su niño le proporcionará información específica sobre los horarios de aprendizaje.

La distribución de alimentos continuará para todos los estudiantes:
Jueves, 14 de enero --10:30 am – 1:30 pm    2 desayunos y 2 almuerzos
(This is to replace the meals they could have received at school on Thursday and Friday.)

Martes, 19 de enero -- 4:00 – 6:30 pm            4 desayunos y 4 almuerzos
Cerrado el lunes debido al Dia de Martin Luther King Jr.

Lunes, 25 de enero -- 4:00 – 6:30 pm              5 desayunos y 5 almuerzos 

Puede acceder al Centro de Aprendizaje a Distancia en nuestro Sito Web FUSD para obtener más detalles.  Quiero que todos permanezcan positivos para que podamos ejemplificar los rasgos de carácter que queremos que aprendan nuestros estudiantes. Nuestro nivel de compromiso debe permanecer alto para lograr resultados notables en la educación de nuestros estudiantes.  ¡Aunque estamos distanciados físicamente, mantengámonos socialmente conectados con nuestros niños!

Deseándoles salud continua,

Superintendente, Chris Knutsen

FUSD family,

I would like to wish you all a very happy and healthy New Year.  Since we have returned to school from winter break, I have been carefully monitoring both the public health metrics and our percent positivity in each of our schools.  I have consistently relied on the information from the  Pinal County Public Health Department and the Arizona Department of Health Services to help guide our decisions and navigate this pandemic safely.  This is a challenging time for all of us as we see a steady increase in the number of positive cases throughout our state.  With the health and safety of our students, teachers, staff and families in mind, tonight the FUSD Governing Board approved the following:
FUSD will return to virtual instruction beginning Thursday, January 14  until Friday, January 29th due to the following factors:

• We have observed an increase in the number of positive cases in the community since we returned from winter break, including the number of individuals required to quarantine due to infection or exposure.
• The high number of staff quarantines and absences has far exceeded our available substitute teachers and certified staff members to cover classes
• Although FUSD families have been supportive in doing their part at home to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19, we have noticed students being sent to school exhibiting symptoms and/or awaiting COVID-19 test results. Therefore, the levels of community spread and health trends over the next two weeks will enable FUSD to predict the staffing challenges and possibility to return to in person instruction after January 29th.

The Governing School Board members will convene a special board meeting on Tuesday, January 26th to review the projection models and health metrics including cases per 100k, percent positivity and COVID-like illness to determine when we will be able to safely return to in person instruction.

It is my goal to support our students, teachers, staff and parents during this transition.  Some of the important things you need to know are:

• FUSD will provide Internet Opportunity Zones (I/O Zones) at each school site for students to access the internet and complete their assigned work. I/O Zones will begin Tuesday, January 19. This is NOT direct instruction by a teacher, but simply a safe place to provide equitable access to the internet.
• Students will utilize the device assigned to them in their homerooms to use during the virtual learning period. Tech support will be available by either phone or email. FUSD Tech Support.pdf
• Attendance is required every day during virtual instruction. Specific information will be provided by your student’s teacher regarding learning schedules.

Food distribution will continue for all students:
Thursday, Jan 14 --10:30 am – 1:30 pm 2 breakfast and 2 lunch
(This is to replace the meals they could have received at school on Thursday and Friday.)

Tuesday, Jan 19 -- 4:00 – 6:30 pm  4 breakfast and 4 lunch
Closed Monday because of MLK Jr. Day

Monday, Jan 25 -- 4:00 – 6:30 pm   5 breakfast and 5 lunch                

You can access the Distance Learning Hub on our FUSD Website for further details.  I want us all to remain positive so that we can exemplify the character traits we want our students to learn.  Our level of commitment must remain high in order to achieve remarkable results in our students’ education.   Although we are physically distanced, let’s stay socially connected to our kids!

 Wishing you continued health,

Superintendent, Chris Knutsen

Estimada Familia:

Aquí en el Distrito Escolar Unificado de Florence (FUSD por sus siglas en inglés) nuestra prioridad número uno siempre ha sido la seguridad de nuestros estudiantes y personal.  Como la mayoría de ustedes saben, ha habido un aumento en el número  de casos de COVID-19 en Arizona y en el Condado de Pinal.  Mi objetivo como Superintendente es comunicar e informar a las partes interesadas de nuestra comunidad sobre los objetivos y los planes para abordar este problema en constante cambio.

La pandemia de COVID-19 ha sido increíblemente difícil para todos nosotros y aun mas para nuestros alumnos.  En FUSD hemos tenido que equilibrar la necesidad para garantizar la salud y seguridad de nuestros alumnos y personal, mientras continuamos proporcionando una instrucción de alta calidad para nuestros estudiantes.  Aunque esto  ha sido un reto  monumental para todos nosotros, juntos, todos hemos estado a la altura de la ocasión y el impacto positivo que estamos teniendo es visible en todo el distrito.

Para abordar algunas de las peguntas que rodean todos los nuevos datos y métricos proporcionados por el Departamento de Salud de Arizona y el Departamento de Salud del Condado de Pinal y cómo pueden relacionarse a las decisiones basadas en la educación, he incluido una tabla que proporciona el número de casos COVID-19 activos actualmente en nuestras escuelas, así como el número de personas que se han recuperado y han regresado al campus.  Como pueden ver, el porcentaje de casos activos en comparación con la población escolar es relativamente bajo. 

• Activo = el número de casos de estudiantes/personal que actualmente son positivos y están dentro del periodo de aislamiento de 10 días.
• Resuelto= el número de casos de estudiantes / personal que han completado so aislamiento de 10 días y que se les ha dado de alta y autorizados para regresar al campus.
• Populación = El número total de personal y estudiantes que están trabajando en el edificio escolar.  
• % + = el porcentaje de estudiantes y personal en la escuela que actualmente se consideran casos activos. 

Actualizaremos la tabla informativa  con esta información adicional durante las vacaciones de invierno.  

Además, durante la reunión del Consejo Directo del 8 de septiembre de 2020, los miembros del Consejo Escolar aprobaron  un pedimento que indica que el cierre de las escuelas quedaría a discreción del Departamento de Salud Del Condado de Pinal.  Este pedimento  fue para reconocer las respuestas a nuestra encuesta en la cual 75% de nuestras familias de FUSD que solicitaron el regreso a clases presenciales.    

Como COVID-19 continúa presentando desafíos, la administración de FUSD es persistente en satisfacer las necesidades de nuestros estudiantes y personal; razón por la cual estaré proporcionando una recomendación al Consejo Directivo de las Escuelas el martes, 8 de diciembre de 2020 para considerar:  

• ¿Qué datos deberían usarse para determinar un cambio, si es necesario, en nuestro modelo de aprendizaje?
• La capacidad de utilizar la positividad de casos a nivel escolar para determinar si debemos ajustar nuestro aprendizaje en persona a hibrido o en línea.
• Determinar si o cuando un cambio en todo el distrito sea

Como siempre, quiero asegurarle a nuestro personal, estudiantes y familias que nuestro objetivo es mantener a nuestros estudiantes aprendiendo en clases presenciales/ clases en persona de manera segura y responsable.  Hasta la fecha, los recuentos de casos en FUSD han sido bajos en comparación con los distritos vecinos  y nuestra comunidad en general.  Sin embargo, necesitamos que todos sigan haciendo de su parte en casa y en nuestra comunidad para mantener a nuestros estudiantes aprendiendo en la escuela.  Es nuestra responsabilidad colectiva para ayudar a mitigar la propagación de COVID-19 y usted puede hacer de su parte usando un tapabocas, manteniendo un distanciamiento social seguro, evitando grandes reuniones y practicando una higiene adecuada lavándose las manos o usando desinfectante de manos.  Si hacemos esto como, comunidad podemos continuar manteniendo a nuestros estudiantes bienvenidos.seguros.conectados durante el resto de este año escolar. 

Deseándoles continua salud,

Superintendente, Chris Knutsen

•  

Dear FUSD Family,

At FUSD, the safety of our students and staff has always been our number one priority.  As most of you are aware, there has been an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases across Arizona as well as Pinal County.  My goal as Superintendent is to communicate and inform our community stakeholders about the District’s goals and plans to address this continually changing issue.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been incredibly difficult on all of us and most especially our students. At FUSD, we have had to balance the need to ensure the health and safety of our students and staff, while continuing to provide high-quality instruction for our students. Although this has been a monumental challenge for all of us, together, we have all risen to the occasion, and the positive impact we are making is visible throughout the District.

To address some of the questions surrounding all of the new data and metrics provided by the Arizona Department of Health and the Pinal County Health Department and how they may relate to our educational-based decisions, I have included a table that provides the current active number of COVID-19 cases in our schools as well as the number of individuals who have since recovered and have returned to campus.  As you can see, the percentage of active cases compared to the school population is relatively low. 

• Active = the number of cases of students/staff who are currently positive and are within the 10-day isolation period.
• Resolved = the number of cases of students/staff who have completed their 10-day isolation period and are cleared to return to campus.
• Population = the total number of staff and students working in the school building
• % + = the percent of students and staff at the school who are currently considered active cases.

We will be updating the current dashboard with this additional information over the winter break.

Additionally, during the Governing Board Meeting on September 8, 2020, the Board members passed a motion stating that any school closures would be at the discretion of the Pinal County Health Department.  This motion was to acknowledge the responses to our family survey in which 75% of our FUSD families requested the return to in person, classroom instruction.

As COVID-19 continues to present challenges, FUSD administration is persistent in meeting the needs of our students and staff; which is why I will be providing a recommendation to the Governing School Board on Tuesday, December 8, 2020 to consider:

• What data should be used to determine a change, if needed, in our learning model?
• The ability to use school level, case positivity to determine if we should adjust our in-person learning to either hybrid or online.
• Determine if or when a district-wide change is necessary.

As always, I want to assure our staff, students and families that our goal is to keep our students learning in-person at school, safely and responsibly.  As of today, our case counts in FUSD have been low compared to neighboring districts and our community at large.  However, we need everyone to continue doing their parts at home and in our community to keep our students learning in school.  It is our collective responsibility to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and you can do your part by wearing a mask, maintaining safe-social distancing, avoiding large gatherings and to practice proper hygiene by washing your hands or using hand sanitizer.  If we do this as a community, we can continue to keep our students, welcome.safe.connected during the remainder of this school year.

Wishing you continued health,

Superintendent, Chris Knutsen

COVID-19 Reporting

Dear Parents /Guardians,
At FUSD, the safety of our school community is our priority. As we return to in person instruction, the District has developed safety protocols and mitigation measures to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Once FUSD receives a report of a potential positive case of COVID-19 on a campus, it must report it to the County Health Office within 24 hours. The local health department will investigate and notify individuals who have been in close contact with the confirmed positive case. District Administration is required to report under Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R9-6-203 , either personally or through a representative. According to the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS), having more than one case within a school does not constitute an outbreak. ONLY those individuals who may have been potentially exposed will be contacted. The county health department will then provide FUSD with guidance for either isolation or quarantine for those who have been potentially exposed. However, all confirmed cases throughout the District are viewable on the FUSD website at www.fusdaz.com.

Please remember that COVID-19 is transmitted through person-to-person contact and through the exchange of respiratory droplets; which is why the CDC recommends the following best practices to help prevent the spread of COVID-19:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid close contact with those who are sick.
• Cover your cough and sneezes with a tissue or in the crook of your elbow.
• Avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose as much as possible. If you do, wash your hands.
• Disinfect frequently at home especially on highly touched surfaces and objects.
• Stay at home when you are sick.
• Practice safe, social distancing, leaving at least six feet between you and others.
• Wear a face covering (mask or shield) in public places.

FUSD continues to be vigilant in our efforts to provide a safe and healthy learning environment in all our schools. However, it is imperative that parents and staff be mindful of the symptoms of COVID-19 and stay at home should you experience any of the following:

• Fever
• Cough and shortness of breath
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Chills
• Congestion and runny nose
• Headache
• Muscle or body aches
• Nausea
• Sore throat
• New loss of taste and/or smell
  

There is nothing more important to us than the safety and health of our FUSD family. We are working directly with county and state health officials to address this situation and will communicate any additional information as deemed appropriate. If you or any member of your family exhibit these symptoms, please contact your medical provider.

Wishing you good health always,

Superintendent, Chris Knutsen

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

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