COVID-19 Updates

3/01/2022

Dear NUSD Community,

Hoping that everyone is safe and doing well at this time. Thank you for all the support and understanding you have provided to our school communities during these difficult times.

NUSD wants to thank all of our parents, students, teachers/staff, school professionals, school leadership, Governing Board, and all of our school communities for doing their very best during these difficult times.

We are into our third year of this ever-changing virus and NUSD--with your support and understanding--has been very fortunate to keep as many staff and students as safe as possible during this ever-evolving virus.

Together we have done our best to deal with the unknown as this health scare continues to change every day. NUSD has tried to be consistent and has followed the Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines, local health expert recommendations, weekly data monitoring, safety-hygiene strategies, testing protocols, ongoing improvement of school building ventilation, and use of school community surveys/feedback to assist with making decisions and recommendations in the best and safest interest of our school communities.

NUSD has had reported COVID-19 cases district-wide throughout this school year, but we believe that due to the safety protocols in place and with your support we have been very fortunate to keep our schools open and our staff and students as safe as possible. It certainly has not been a perfect situation, very difficult at times in fact, but everyone within our school community has done their very best each day.

We understand that there is a great deal of frustration and personal inconvenience with this health crisis and it has affected all of us or our families and communities in one way or another. Many lives have been affected and sadly, a lot of divisiveness within our own communities has been created with this pandemic.

There have been many challenges throughout these past three years and NUSD will continue to monitor and adjust accordingly following what is in the best and safest interest of all of our school communities. This can only continue with your support and understanding.

As you may be aware, the CDC guidelines have recently changed regarding COVID-19 protocols and face coverings/masks. The guidance regarding masking has now changed to reflect new "Community Level" metrics, in which low/medium/high levels are identified based upon county COVID19 hospital admissions and ICE beds occupied by COVID19 patients. This is a change from the prior metrics, which were based primarily on COVID19 positive cases and did not take into account the severity of those infections. Given the widespread availability of other mitigation efforts such as vaccination and testing, the CDC is now recommending masking indoors only during "high" community levels. During "low" or "medium" levels, there is no recommendation for indoor masking unless someone is at "increased risk" for COVID19. Santa Cruz County is currently at a "medium" level. As we move forward and monitor the data going into the spring, we hope that this virus continues to change for the better and that Community Levels remain at low or medium for our county.

At this time we would like to once again ask for your feedback as we transition and cautiously start the process and timelines to lift the mask mandate and implement a personal choice of wearing a mask in school buildings and school activities during low and medium community Levels.

NUSD will be preparing and sending a survey regarding mask-wearing and the mitigation practices currently in place as we continue monitoring and adjusting to best meet the health and safety needs of our students, staff, and the entire school community. However, the data will continue to be prioritized as we monitor and adjust or make changes and recommendations accordingly.

At this time the mask mandate has not been lifted at NUSD and no timelines or recommendations have been made.

Thank you again for all of your support and understanding!

Superintendent Parra

10-22-2021

Dear NUSD Team,

Congratulations to our schools for being recognized for earning high ranking best achieving schools!! NUSD CONGRATULATES OUR STUDENTS, TEACHERS, SCHOOL PROFESSIONALS, SUPPORT STAFF, PARENTS/FAMILIES AND SCHOOL LEADERS FOR EXCELLENCE IN ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT!!

The U.S. News and World Report just published their first-ever rankings of public elementary and middle schools. For each state, schools were assessed on their pupils’ proficiencies in mathematics and reading, as measured by state assessment tests. Half of the ranking formula was the results themselves; the other half was the results in the context of socioeconomic demographics. In other words, the top-ranked schools are high-achieving ones that succeeded in educating all of their students. Data is based on the 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 school years.

The great news is that we have 5 schools that were identified as earning a high ranking earned each of them, eligible to display a U.S. News Best Elementary and Best Middle Schools award badge which recognizes educational excellence. The schools which met this criterion and are in the top 30% for their category are:

*Franciso Vasquez de Coronado Elementary, ranking #89 in Arizona elementary schools

*Robert M. Bracker Elementary School, ranking #159 Arizona elementary schools

*Mary L Welty Elementary School, #238 Arizona elementary schools

*Lincoln Elementary School, #310 Arizona elementary schools

*Desert Shadows Middle School, #159 Arizona middle schools

* Nogales High School #86 high schools in Arizona

What a wonderful honor to have 6 schools identified as highly ranked this first year that this organization has begun to rate K-8 schools!

You can access this information about each of our schools at
https://www.usnews.com/education/k12/elementary-schools/arizona/nogales-unified-district-109571?city-zip=85621 for the elementary schools

and at
https://www.usnews.com/education/k12/middle-schools/arizona/nogales-unified-district-109571?city-zip=85621 for the middle school level.

NUSD IS PROUD OF ALL OF OUR SCHOOL COMMUNITIES AND ALL THE HARD WORK, DEDICATION AND TEACHING AND LEARNING ALL OF YOU DO FOR OUR STUDENTS/FAMILIES.

We are also very proud of all of our schools who have received this honor and very proud of all of our schools who continue to do their very best each day to meet all the academic and social-emotional needs of our STUDENTS/FAMILIES.

Thank you for doing your best every day!

Very proud of NUSD!

Fernando Parra

Superintendent

8/19/2021

Good morning NUSD Staff and Families--

In a continued effort to support the health and safety of students, staff, and the NUSD school community, the district has entered into a partnership with the Santa Cruz County Health Department, the Arizona Department of Health Services, and Concentric by Gingko to provide free weekly COVID19 screening for students and staff as well as free BinaxNOW rapid testing.

The Concentric screening is referred to as a "pooled testing" program in which students and staff are tested for COVID19 using a nasal swab on a weekly basis at no cost. Test results are provided back to the school within 24 to 48 hours of the collection. If a pooled sample for a classroom is identified a positive, the staff and students will be administered a free BinaxNOW rapid test to determine which person (s) with the test group are positive for COVID19, enabling the district to have another tool to help maintain a safe and healthy school environment.

Through the program and a collaboration with the Santa Cruz County Health Department, the district will also be able to utilize the BinaxNOW tests to provide free testing for students and / or staff who develop a sudden onset of COVID-like symptoms during the school day. The rapid COVID19 test results would be available within minutes the same day on which the test is administered.

The district has applied for all six elementary schools, both middle schools, and high school athletes to participate in this free, voluntary program. We have particularly targeted the K-8 grades as the COVID19 vaccine is not yet available for children under 12 years of age and this program provides another tool to promote the health and safety of students and staff. If a staff member wishes to participate in this program or a parent wishes to have their child (ren) eligible to participate in the voluntary screening program, they just need to complete a consent form which will be sent home with students and provided to the school staff during the next few days

Pooled testing for students and staff with completed consent forms on file will take place weekly beginning the week of August 30, 2021, and any follow-up testing would occur each week as needed for any positive results so that students, staff, and families have timely information on the results.

If you have any questions about the program or consent forms, please do contact your school's principal or health staff. We encourage everyone that is interested in participating to submit a completed consent form by Friday, August 27, 2021.

Thank you--
Superintendent Parra

08-03-2021

Dear NUSD Community,

Wishing everyone the best as we return to in-person instruction tomorrow, Wednesday, August 4, 2021.

NUSD remains committed to prioritizing the health and safety of our students and staff and our entire school community. The science is very clearly showing that the best way to protect yourself and your family from COVID-19 is to get vaccinated. Please encourage all students 12 years of age and older to receive the vaccine for COVID-19.

NUSD is committed to quality education and understands the need and commitment for our students to attend in-person teaching and learning. As we welcome all of our students and families back to NUSD, the health and safety of our school communities continue to be a priority, following all the safety guidelines, CDC, and our local health experts' recommendations.

NUSD, in partnership with Mariposa Health Center and our local health experts, is hosting a vaccination clinic at the Nogales High School James K Clark Auditorium starting on Monday, August 9, 2021, from 3 pm to 6 pm. The vaccinations are for anyone 12 years of age or older and are offered at no cost. This includes NUSD students 12 and older, parents of our students, and staff.

It is concerning that, as the new Delta variant is spreading across the country, according to the ADHS and CDC data as of July 29, 2021, Santa Cruz County is at an 8.2% positivity. This places the County in the substantial transmission range.

Therefore, NUSD is highly encouraging and recommending for all of our students, school staff, teachers, and visitors to continue to wear a mask at all times during school hours--with discretion while students are eating or understanding individual situations/health concerns when masks cannot be worn. NUSD is following the CDC guidance recommending wearing universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to K-12 Schools, regardless of vaccination status.

As a reminder, all students boarding the school bus and/or school vehicles are required to wear a mask at all times during transport to and from school. Please encourage our students to wear a mask when attending school at all times. NUSD will be providing masks for our students/families if needed or requested.

NUSD appreciates all the support, cooperation, and understanding as we work together and welcome everyone back and safely return to school.

Thank you-Superintendent Parra

Clic aqui para Español

07/03/20021 8:00 PM

Dear NUSD Community,

Hoping and wishing that everyone is safe, healthy and enjoying the summer. I want to once again thank all of our students, parents and families for all of the support and understanding as we worked together during this unprecedented school year.

Your cooperation and togetherness in following all of the safety and security guidelines through the difficult school year we just completed is deeply appreciated by NUSD and our entire school community. Thank you!

At this time, NUSD is continuing to plan and prepare for the new school year. Our facilities are being thoroughly cleaned, disinfected, and prepared to safely welcome all of our students, families, and staff back in the fall. The facility cleaning and hygiene protocols will continue to be part of the cleaning procedures and disinfection processes that will be followed throughout the upcoming school year.

NUSD is also installing a new ventilation/air purification system at all of our school buildings that will provide a safer, cleaner air quality in all classrooms at all times.

For your information, please be advised that the Arizona Legislature has recently passed a new ordinance regarding face masks at schools. Specifically, Arizona Revised Statute 15-342.05 regulating face coverings outlines the following requirements and prohibitions:

A. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER LAW OR ORDER, A COUNTY, CITY, TOWN, SCHOOL DISTRICT GOVERNING BOARD, OR CHARTER SCHOOL GOVERNING BODY MAY NOT REQUIRE THE USE OF FACE COVERINGS BY STUDENTS OR STAFF DURING SCHOOL HOURS AND ON SCHOOL PROPERTY.

B. A SCHOOL DISTRICT OR CHARTER SCHOOL MAY NOT REQUIRE A STUDENT OR TEACHER TO RECEIVE A VACCINE FOR COVID-19 OR TO WEAR A FACE COVERING TO PARTICIPATE IN IN-PERSON INSTRUCTION.

This ordinance became effective June 30, 2021 and will be in effect for the start of the 21-22 school year. This is concerning as we are now experiencing the new variants and do not know how things will be in the fall. Also, younger children are being impacted by these new variants including the COVID-19 Delta virus. Therefore, NUSD will continue to highly encourage mask wearing following all CDC recommendations and the advice of our local health experts, but mask wearing is no longer a school mandate or policy effective immediately following the new legislative ordinance.

Thank you and wishes to you all for a happy and safe 4th of July!

Superintendent Fernando Parra

Estimada comunidad NUSD,
Espero y deseo que todos estén seguros, sanos y disfrutando del verano. Quiero agradecer una vez más a todos nuestros estudiantes, padres y familias por todo el apoyo y comprensión mientras trabajamos juntos durante este año escolar sin precedentes.
Su cooperación y unión en seguir todas las pautas de seguridad y protección durante el difícil año escolar que acabamos de terminar es profundamente apreciada por el NUSD y toda nuestra comunidad escolar. ¡Gracias!
En este momento, NUSD continúa planificando y preparándose para el nuevo año escolar. Nuestras instalaciones se están limpiando, desinfectando y preparando a fondo para dar la bienvenida de manera segura a todos nuestros estudiantes, familias y personal en el otoño. Los protocolos de limpieza e higiene de las instalaciones seguirán formando parte de los procedimientos de limpieza y los procesos de desinfección que se seguirán durante el próximo año escolar.
El Distrito también está instalando un nuevo sistema de ventilación / purificación de aire en todos nuestros edificios escolares que proporcionará una calidad de aire más segura y limpia en todos los salones de clases en todo momento.
Para su información, tenga en cuenta que la Legislatura de Arizona ha aprobado recientemente una nueva ordenanza con respecto a las mascarillas en las escuelas. Específicamente, el Estatuto Revisado de Arizona 15-342.05 que regula los revestimientos faciales describe los siguientes requisitos y prohibiciones:
A. A PESAR DE CUALQUIER OTRA LEY U ORDEN, UN CONDADO, CIUDAD, PUEBLO, JUNTA DE GOBIERNO DEL DISTRITO ESCOLAR O EL ÓRGANO DE GOBIERNO DE LA ESCUELA CHARTER NO PUEDE REQUERIR EL USO DE CUBIERTAS FACIALES POR LOS ESTUDIANTES O EL PERSONAL DURANTE EL HORARIO ESCOLAR Y EN LA PROPIEDAD ESCOLAR.
B. UN DISTRITO ESCOLAR O ESCUELA CHARTER NO PUEDE REQUERIR QUE UN ESTUDIANTE O MAESTRO RECIBA UNA VACUNA PARA COVID-19 O QUE USE UNA CUBIERTA FACIAL PARA PARTICIPAR EN LA INSTRUCCIÓN EN PERSONA.
Esta ordenanza entró en vigencia el 30 de junio de 2021 y estará en vigencia para el inicio del año escolar 21-22. Esto es preocupante ya que ahora estamos experimentando las nuevas variantes y no sabemos cómo serán las cosas en el otoño. Además, los niños más pequeños se ven afectados por estas nuevas variantes, incluido el virus COVID-19 Delta. Por lo tanto, el NUSD continuará alentando el uso de mascarillas siguiendo todas las recomendaciones de los CDC y los consejos de nuestros expertos en salud locales, pero el uso de mascarillas ya no es un mandato o política de la escuela efectiva inmediatamente después de la nueva ordenanza legislativa.
¡Gracias y les deseo a todos un feliz y seguro 4 de julio!
Superintendente Fernando Parra

04-28-2021 4:30 PM

Good afternoon,

We want to thank our NUSD parents and students as we conclude with our state assessment schedule this week. NUSD had a very high percentage of students participate in these assessments. We would like to thank our school community for your consistent understanding, always adjusting to the changes, and for your support, as we continue moving forward safely and in the best interest of all of our stakeholders.

As we prepare to wrap up testing this week, we are pleased to share that beginning Monday, May 3rd, 2021, the Nogales Unified School District is in a position to allow students enrolled in a hybrid model of instruction at all NUSD elementary, middle, and high schools the opportunity to attend classes four days a week.

Currently, out of an abundance of caution, when the district resumed in-person instruction, hybrid students were scheduled either to attend classes in person on Monday and Tuesday for the Hybrid A model or to attend classes on Thursday and Friday as part of the Hybrid B instructional model.

While each school worked the last several weeks to complete the majority of state testing and resume in-person instruction, the district has been closely monitoring the number of students participating in the hybrid model and closely following the local positivity rates, which have begun to stabilize at lower levels in Santa Cruz County. Circumstances now permit the district to proceed to offer hybrid students the opportunity to attend school four days for those parents who wish to have their child do so. Of course, schools will continue to follow all of the CDC guidelines as well as all of the safety and mitigation strategies that have been in place this school year.

Starting May 3 through the last day of school on May 21, parents of hybrid students will have a third option, Hybrid C, in which students would attend classes in person Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday with all safety and mitigation strategies in place. Wednesday would continue to be an asynchronous day in which students work online.

If you have any questions or would like your hybrid student to participate in the Hybrid C model for the additional two days of in-person instruction, please contact your child’s school or respond to additional communication which will be sent out directly from the school.

Thank you!

Superintendent Fernando Parra

Buenas tardes,

Queremos agradecer a nuestros padres y estudiantes del NUSD al concluir con nuestro programa de evaluaciones estatales esta semana. NUSD tuvo un porcentaje muy alto de estudiantes que participaron en estas evaluaciones. Nos gustaría agradecer a nuestra comunidad escolar por su comprensión constante, siempre ajustándose a los cambios y por su apoyo, mientras continuamos avanzando de manera segura y en el mejor interés de todos nuestros interesados.

Mientras nos preparamos para terminar las pruebas esta semana, nos complace compartir que a partir del lunes 3 de mayo de 2021, el Distrito Escolar Unificado de Nogales está en condiciones de permitir que los estudiantes inscritos en un modelo híbrido de instrucción en todas las escuelas primarias, intermedias, y las escuelas secundarias la oportunidad de asistir a clases cuatro días a la semana.

Actualmente, por precaución, cuando el distrito reanudó la instrucción en persona, se programó que los estudiantes híbridos asistieran a clases en persona los lunes y martes para el modelo Híbrido A o asistieran a clases el jueves y viernes como parte del modelo instruccional Híbrido B.

Si bien cada escuela trabajó durante las últimas semanas para completar la mayoría de las pruebas estatales y reanudar la instrucción en persona, el distrito ha estado monitoreando de cerca la cantidad de estudiantes que participan en el modelo híbrido y siguiendo de cerca las tasas de positividad locales, que han comenzado a estabilizarse. en niveles más bajos en el condado de Santa Cruz. Las circunstancias ahora permiten que el distrito proceda a ofrecer a los estudiantes híbridos la oportunidad de asistir a la escuela cuatro días para aquellos padres que deseen que su hijo lo haga. Por supuesto, las escuelas continuarán siguiendo todas las pautas de los CDC, así como todas las estrategias de seguridad y mitigación que se han implementado este año escolar.

Desde el 3 de mayo hasta el último día de clases el 21 de mayo, los padres de estudiantes híbridos tendrán una tercera opción, Hybrid C, en la que los estudiantes asistirían a clases en persona los lunes, martes, jueves y viernes con todas las estrategias de seguridad y mitigación implementadas. El miércoles seguiría siendo un día asincrónico en el que los estudiantes trabajan en línea.

Si tiene alguna pregunta o le gustaría que su estudiante híbrido participe en el modelo Híbrido C durante los dos días adicionales de instrucción en persona, comuníquese con la escuela de su hijo o responda a la comunicación adicional que se enviará directamente desde la escuela.

¡Gracias!

Superintendente Fernando Parra

4-20-2021 9:00 AM
Dear NUSD Community:

I hope that everyone is doing well and is safe and healthy at this time. Yesterday, Governor Ducey, through an Executive Order, rescinded the mask requirement for schools. However, the Governor and the Arizona Department of Health Services (through Emergency Measure 2021-02) stated that now school districts and charter schools will be responsible for maintaining and enforcing COVID-19 mitigation policies, including the use of masks.

To clarify, MASK WEARING WILL REMAIN IN EFFECT AT NUSD UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. The district will follow Governing Board Regulation GBGB-R (Staff Personal Security and Safety) which states that all persons shall wear a cloth face covering while on any district property, any facility, school event, or program. This includes all school buses and district vehicles.

All ADHS and CDC safety and mitigation guidelines and protocols will continue to be implemented, following the recommendations of these health officials as well as local health experts.

As we have done throughout this pandemic, NUSD will continue to prioritize the safety and security of our students, families, teachers, staff, and the entire school community. NUSD appreciates your support and understanding as we proceed in the best interest and for the safety of stakeholders.

Be safe and personally responsible following all safety guidelines.

Thank you,

Superintendent Parra

Estimada comunidad NUSD:

Espero que todos estén bien y estén sanos y salvos en este momento. Ayer, el gobernador Ducey, a través de una orden ejecutiva, anuló el requisito de máscaras para las escuelas. Sin embargo, el gobernador y el Departamento de Servicios de Salud de Arizona (a través de la Medida de Emergencia 2021-02) declararon que ahora los distritos escolares y las escuelas autónomas serán responsables de mantener y hacer cumplir las políticas de mitigación de COVID-19, incluido el uso de máscaras.

Para aclarar, EL USO DE MÁSCARA PERMANECERÁ EN EFECTO EN NUSD HASTA OTRO AVISO. El distrito seguirá la Regulación de la Mesa Directiva GBGB-R (Seguridad y Protección Personal del Personal) que establece que todas las personas deben usar una cubierta de tela mientras se encuentren en cualquier propiedad del distrito, cualquier instalación, evento escolar o programa. Esto incluye todos los autobuses escolares y vehículos del distrito.

Se seguirán implementando todas las pautas y protocolos de mitigación y seguridad de ADHS y CDC, siguiendo las recomendaciones de estos funcionarios de salud y de los expertos en salud locales.

Como lo hemos hecho durante esta pandemia, NUSD continuará dando prioridad a la seguridad de nuestros estudiantes, familias, maestros, personal y toda la comunidad escolar. NUSD agradece su apoyo y comprensión a medida que avanzamos en el mejor interés y por la seguridad de las partes interesadas.

Permanezca seguro y personalmente responsable siguiendo todas las pautas de seguridad.

Gracias,

Superintendente Parra

03/05/2021 4:07 PM

Good afternoon--

As we begin our spring break and prepare to resume hybrid instruction on Monday, March 15, 2021, we wanted to provide a brief update to all of our students/families.

As you may know, Governor Ducey issued Executive Order 2021-04, which requires schools to begin in-person instruction with all safety and mitigation factors in place. To comply with this order, we will proceed with offering the hybrid model of instruction as we had planned to do for those families who choose to send their child to school two days a week for in-person instruction. For those families who prefer for their child to remain completely online for the remainder of the school year, as we had originally outlined in our Reopening of Schools Plan, this option will continue to be available.

NUSD is moving forward as planned with the hybrid model of instruction, following all the mitigation precautions currently in place that are recommended by the CDC and required by the Governor's Executive Order. This model is particularly necessary to implement appropriate physical/social distancing in all classrooms.

If you have any questions or wish to request a model change, please contact your child's school when we return from spring break on March 15, 2021.

Be safe and have a healthy spring break!

Superintendent Fernando Parra

Buenas tardes,

Al comenzar nuestras vacaciones de primavera y prepararnos para reanudar la instrucción híbrida el lunes 15 de marzo de 2021, queríamos brindar una breve actualización a todas nuestras familias.

Como sabrá, el gobernador Ducey emitió la Orden Ejecutiva 2021-04, que requiere que las escuelas comiencen la instrucción en persona con todos los factores de seguridad y mitigación en su lugar. Para cumplir con esta orden, procederemos a ofrecer el modelo híbrido como teníamos planeado para aquellas familias que opten por enviar a su hijo a la escuela dos días a la semana para recibir instrucción presencial. Para aquellas familias que prefieren que su hijo permanezca completamente en línea durante el resto del año escolar, como lo habíamos descrito originalmente en nuestro Plan de Reapertura de Escuelas, esta opción seguirá estando disponible.

NUSD continuará según lo planeado con el modelo híbrido de instrucción siguiendo todas las precauciones de mitigación actualmente vigentes que son recomendadas por CDC y requeridas por la Orden Ejecutiva del Gobernador. Este modelo es particularmente necesario para implementar un distanciamiento físico/social apropiado en todas las aulas.

Si tiene alguna pregunta o desea solicitar un cambio de modelo, comuníquese con la escuela de su hijo cuando regresemos de las vacaciones de primavera el 15 de marzo.

¡Esté seguro y tenga unas vacaciones de primavera saludables!

Superintendente Fernando Parra

12/4/2020 15:40

Dear NUSD Community,

Due to COVID-19 cases increasing with 22.9% Positivity Rates and Cases Per 100,000 individuals currently at 704/100k in the County as per November 15, Benchmarks, in an abundance of caution we will be closing our in-person services for all of our self-contained programs starting on Monday, December 7, 2020 until further notice.

We have not had an outbreak reported at any of the school sites at this time, but we do have several reports of exposure, close contact and individual staff testing positive. All safety guidelines and protocols have been followed.

The district building, registration office and all school buildings, facilities and fields are closed to the public at this time. The buildings are only open for school business until further notice.

Please continue to follow all the safety guidelines, wash your hands often, wear a mask at all times at public places and around other people, follow social(physical) distancing, avoid large gatherings of any kind, wash your hands often and be personal responsible to protect yourself, family and our community.

Thank you for your support and understanding as we continue to go through this very difficult situation together.

Superintendent Parra

10/22/2020 6:50 p.m.

Dear NUSD Students, Parents/Families, and Community

Wishing everyone is safe and in good health following all the safety guidelines.

As you are aware NUSD started the Hybrid Model of Instruction on Monday, October 19, 2020, and approximately 45% of our students/families district-wide have been attending in-person instruction. Our numbers are very small with the majority of our students/families choosing to stay and participate in our Online Model. In monitoring the ADHS School Benchmark Data and in consultation with our local medical experts on whose advice we rely, NUSD will be returning to the Online Model for all students starting Monday, October 26, 2020, UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

This recommendation and decision are being made out of an abundance of caution after reviewing the data and in accordance with our local health experts reporting that, for the past two to three weeks, our county has been seeing an increase of new cases. The ADHS School Benchmark Data, which shows the positivity rate and other factors, was once again going up above 6% back in late September and is currently dipping back down as of early October. However, this latest benchmark data is only a snapshot of the early week of October and does not reflect the most current data for the past two weeks of October in which positive cases are increasing.

As of this morning, the overall positivity rate of Santa Cruz County is at 16%. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) updated guidance has also changed. Previously it defined "close contact" as being within 6 feet for 15 minutes of a confirmed positive person to now close contact being a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period. Locally the data indicates the percentage of youth ages 0-19 makes up 14% of all cases, exceeding the percentage of cases now for adults aged 65 and older (11%). There is also a shift from adults aged 45 to 64 to now only comprising 32% of all cases in Santa Cruz County to adults 20 to 44 accounting for the greatest percentage of cases at 43%.

NUSD will continue to make recommendations and decisions based on the data and in consultation with our local health experts who are supporting this recommendation to return to the Online Model for all students starting on Monday, October 26, 2020.

Please note that the schedule for self-contained students receiving on-site services will not change nor will the process and procedures for high school students in the athletics program, including weekly testing.

We understand the difficulties of confronting this ongoing and difficult situation. Once again, this recommendation and decision are being made with the best and safest interest in mind for the NUSD community and the Nogales and Santa Cruz County community. The safety and security of all stakeholders are the priority and above anything else.

Your support, patience, and understanding are appreciated. May all of our students, families, and the entire school community be safe and healthy. Please continue to practice personal responsibility and follow all the safety guidelines including social (physical distancing), avoidance of large gatherings, wearing a mask at all times while in public or around other people, and washing your hands often.

Thank you,

Superintendent Parra

Estimados estudiantes, padres / familias y comunidad del NUSD

Deseando que todos estén seguros y con buena salud siguiendo todas las pautas de seguridad.

Como saben, NUSD inició el Modelo Híbrido de Instrucción el lunes 19 de octubre de 2020, y aproximadamente el 45% de nuestros estudiantes / familias en todo el distrito han estado asistiendo a instrucción en persona. Nuestro número es muy pequeño y la mayoría de nuestros estudiantes / familias eligen quedarse y participar en nuestro Modelo en línea. Al monitorear los datos de referencia escolares del ADHS y en consulta con nuestros expertos médicos locales en cuyos consejos confiamos, NUSD volverá al modelo en línea para todos los estudiantes a partir del lunes 26 de octubre de 2020, HASTA NOTIFICACIÓN ADICIONAL.

Esta recomendación y decisión se toman con mucha precaución después de revisar los datos y de acuerdo con nuestros expertos en salud locales que informaron que, durante las últimas dos o tres semanas, nuestro condado ha estado viendo un aumento de nuevos casos. Los datos de referencia escolares del ADHS, que muestran la tasa de positividad y otros factores, volvieron a subir por encima del 6% a finales de septiembre y actualmente están bajando a principios de octubre. Sin embargo, estos últimos datos de referencia son solo una instantánea de la primera semana de octubre y no reflejan los datos más actuales de las últimas dos semanas de octubre en las que los casos positivos están aumentando.

A partir de esta mañana, la tasa de positividad general del condado de Santa Cruz es del 16%. La guía actualizada del Centro para el Control de Enfermedades (CDC) también ha cambiado. Anteriormente, se definía "contacto cercano" como estar dentro de los 6 pies durante 15 minutos de una persona positiva confirmada hasta que ahora el contacto cercano es un total acumulativo de 15 minutos o más durante un período de 24 horas. A nivel local, los datos indican que el porcentaje de jóvenes de 0 a 19 años representa el 14% de todos los casos, superando el porcentaje de casos ahora para adultos de 65 años o más (11%). También hay un cambio de adultos de 45 a 64 años que ahora solo comprenden el 32% de todos los casos en el condado de Santa Cruz a adultos de 20 a 44 años que representan el mayor porcentaje de casos con 43%.

NUSD continuará haciendo recomendaciones y decisiones basadas en los datos y en consulta con nuestros expertos en salud locales que apoyan esta recomendación de regresar al Modelo en línea para todos los estudiantes a partir del lunes 26 de octubre de 2020.

Tenga en cuenta que el horario para los estudiantes autónomos que reciben servicios en el lugar no cambiará ni el proceso y los procedimientos para los estudiantes de secundaria en el programa de atletismo, incluidas las pruebas semanales.

Entendemos las dificultades de afrontar esta difícil y actual situación. Una vez más, esta recomendación y decisión se toman con el mejor y más seguro interés en mente para la comunidad del NUSD y la comunidad del condado de Nogales y Santa Cruz. La seguridad y protección de todas las partes interesadas es la prioridad y por encima de cualquier otra cosa.

Se agradece su apoyo, paciencia y comprensión. Que todos nuestros estudiantes, familias y toda la comunidad escolar estén seguros y saludables. Continúe practicando la responsabilidad personal y siga todas las pautas de seguridad, incluidas las sociales (distanciamiento físico), evitar grandes reuniones, usar una máscara en todo momento mientras está en público o cerca de otras personas y lavarse las manos con frecuencia.

Gracias,

Superintendente Parra

10/7/2020 11:30

Dear NUSD Students, Parents/Families, and Community:

Wishing everyone is safe and in good health.

I wanted to remind you that NUSD, in collaboration with Mariposa Health Center and Arizona State University, will be providing FREE Covid-19 Testing on Thursday, October 8 and Friday, October 9, 2020. This will be for our students/families on a voluntary basis but highly recommended in the best and safe interest of our NUSD community.

Additional information is located on the NUSD website to explain how families can register for the COVID-19 saliva test at:
https://asubioempportal.pointnclick.com/
(Use Agency Code: SALIVATEST)

As you are aware, NUSD is scheduled to start a hybrid model of instruction beginning October 19, 2020, where students will be attending in-person classes two days a week. However, NUSD is providing flexibility for our students/families if parents wish to have their child continue to work completely online will be able to do so. NUSD would like to provide these options/opportunities in the best interest of our students and families as needed and requested.

Transportation for eligible students will be available and breakfast/lunch meals will be provided. Your schools should have already reached out to provide all information and procedures (schedules) for the reopening of school on October 19, 2020. If you have additional questions please contact your school directly. Please follow the district website/Facebook for further information and updates as needed.

NUSD will continue to follow and monitor the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) school benchmark data, which are published every Thursday, summarizing new cases, positivity rates, and hospitalizations for Santa Cruz County. This past Thursday, which examined data for the week of September 6 through the week of September 13, we were in the minimal range for the number of COVID-19 cases per 100K, very low positivity rates (3.4% and 3%), and had very low hospitalization rates (at 1.7% and 1.6%).

NUSD also continues to communicate and follow the advice of our local/advisory health experts regarding the steps recommended on reopening schools. Please know that if NUSD needs to close the schools/in-person hybrid of instruction we are prepared to do so in the best interest, safety, and security of our school community.

NUSD has all the safety measures and guidelines in place. A safety/sanitation plan which meets the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) protocols and recommendations for the opening schools are also in place at NUSD. However, please know that there is and will continue to be an essential risk throughout this process and transition into our in-person instruction.

As Superintendent I want to let you know once again that this decision to transition to in-person instructional options is being made with the best and safest interest in mind for all our NUSD staff, students/families, and our entire school community.

I appreciate all the support and understanding as we continue confronting this very difficult and unknown situation; taking the best steps possible to prepare and transition for the reopening of schools and programs on October 19, 2020.

May all of our students, families, and school community be safe, healthy and continue to practice personal responsibility and follow all the safety guidelines; social (physical) distancing, avoid large gatherings, wear a mask at all times while in public or around other people and wash your hands often.

Thank you

Superintendent Parra

Estimados estudiantes, padres / familias y comunidad del NUSD:

Deseando que todos estén seguros y con buena salud.

Quería recordarles que el NUSD, en colaboración con Mariposa Health Center y la Universidad Estatal de Arizona, proporcionará pruebas Covid-19 GRATIS el jueves 8 de octubre y el viernes 9 de octubre de 2020. Esto será para nuestros estudiantes / familias en un de forma voluntaria pero altamente recomendada en el mejor y más seguro interés de nuestra comunidad del NUSD.

Se encuentra información adicional en el sitio web del NUSD para explicar cómo las familias pueden registrarse para la prueba de saliva COVID-19 en:

https://asubioempportal.pointnclick.com/
(Use el código de agencia: SALIVATEST)

Como saben, el NUSD está programado para comenzar un modelo híbrido de instrucción a partir del 19 de octubre de 2020, donde los estudiantes asistirán a clases en persona dos días a la semana. Sin embargo, el NUSD está brindando flexibilidad a nuestros estudiantes / familias si los padres desean que sus hijos continúen trabajando completamente en línea podrán hacerlo. Al NUSD le gustaría brindar estas opciones / oportunidades en el mejor interés de nuestros estudiantes y familias según sea necesario y solicitado.

Habrá transporte disponible para los estudiantes elegibles y se proporcionarán desayunos / almuerzos. Sus escuelas ya deberían haberse comunicado para proporcionar toda la información y los procedimientos (horarios) para la reapertura de la escuela el 19 de octubre de 2020. Si tiene preguntas adicionales, comuníquese directamente con su escuela. Siga el sitio web del distrito / Facebook para obtener más información y actualizaciones según sea necesario.

NUSD continuará siguiendo y monitoreando los datos de referencia de las escuelas del Departamento de Servicios de Salud de Arizona (ADHS), que se publican todos los jueves, resumiendo nuevos casos, tasas de positividad y hospitalizaciones para el condado de Santa Cruz. El jueves pasado, que examinó los datos de la semana del 6 de septiembre a la semana del 13 de septiembre, estábamos en el rango mínimo para el número de casos de COVID-19 por 100K, tasas de positividad muy bajas (3.4% y 3%), y tenían tasas de hospitalización muy bajas (1,7% y 1,6%).

El NUSD también continúa comunicándose y siguiendo los consejos de nuestros expertos en salud locales / asesores con respecto a los pasos recomendados para la reapertura de las escuelas. Por favor sepa que si NUSD necesita cerrar las escuelas / híbrido de instrucción en persona, estamos preparados para hacerlo en el mejor interés, seguridad y protección de nuestra comunidad escolar.

NUSD tiene todas las medidas y pautas de seguridad en su lugar. Un plan de seguridad / saneamiento que cumple con los protocolos y recomendaciones del Centro para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC, por sus siglas en inglés) para las escuelas abiertas también está en vigor en el NUSD. Sin embargo, sepa que existe y seguirá siendo un riesgo esencial durante este proceso y la transición a nuestra instrucción en persona.

Como superintendente, quiero hacerles saber una vez más que esta decisión de hacer la transición a las opciones de instrucción en persona se está tomando con el mejor y más seguro interés en mente para todo nuestro personal del NUSD, estudiantes / familias y toda nuestra comunidad escolar.

Agradezco todo el apoyo y comprensión mientras seguimos enfrentando esta situación tan difícil y desconocida; tomando las mejores medidas posibles para preparar y hacer la transición para la reapertura de escuelas y programas el 19 de octubre de 2020.

Que todos nuestros estudiantes, familias y comunidad escolar estén seguros, saludables y continúen practicando la responsabilidad personal y sigan todas las pautas de seguridad; distanciamiento social (físico), evite grandes reuniones, use una máscara en todo momento mientras esté en público o cerca de otras personas y lávese las manos con frecuencia.

Gracias

Superintendente Parra

8/28/2020 9:05

Dear Parents, Students, and NUSD Community:

Wishing that everyone is safe and healthy at this time!

NUSD would like to thank and appreciate our parents/grandparents and students for all their patience, understanding, positive feedback, and being mindful that NUSD will continue to prioritize the safety, security, and health of all our school communities. All recommendations and determinations for Reopening Schools for In-person Instruction/Hybrid Model in the Fall will be based on the data/benchmark positivity rates.

As per the most current data/benchmark; For the past two weeks, Santa Cruz County has not met the benchmark below positive test rate of 7%.

Therefore, NUSD will continue with the Online Instruction Program until further notice.

Please follow the safety guidelines, wear a mask when out in public and around other people, wash your hands often, and practice social (physical) distance avoiding large gatherings.

Be personally responsible and stay at home as much as possible........

Thank you and Be Safe!

Superintendent Parra

Estimados padres, estudiantes y comunidad del NUSD:

¡Deseando que todos estén sanos y salvos en este momento!

NUSD quisiera agradecer y agradecer a nuestros padres / abuelos y estudiantes por toda su paciencia, comprensión, comentarios positivos y por ser conscientes de que NUSD continuará priorizando la seguridad, protección y salud de todas nuestras comunidades escolares. Todas las recomendaciones y determinaciones para la reapertura de escuelas para instrucción en persona / modelo híbrido en el otoño se basarán en los datos / índices de positividad de referencia.

Según los datos / pruebas comparativas más actuales; Durante las últimas dos semanas, el condado de Santa Cruz no ha alcanzado el índice de referencia por debajo de la tasa de prueba positiva del 7%.

Por lo tanto, NUSD continuará con el Programa de instrucción en línea hasta nuevo aviso.

Siga las pautas de seguridad, use una máscara cuando esté en público y cerca de otras personas, lávese las manos con frecuencia y practique la distancia social (física) evitando grandes reuniones.

Sea personalmente responsable y quédese en casa tanto como sea posible ........

¡Gracias y Esté Seguro!

Superintendente Parra

8/25/2020 15:18

Mask Use in Schools and Required Reporting

Mask Use in Schools

The Arizona Department of Education (ADE) and the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) issued additional clarity on the use of masks in schools. The key takeway:

In Executive Order 2020-51, Governor Ducey required all school districts and charter schools to develop and implement a policy to require face coverings, such as face masks or face shields, for all staff and students over the age of 5 and to develop and adopt a COVID-19 mitigation plan prior to opening a school building for on-site support services or in-person instruction. These two critical requirements combined with the guidance provided in the Arizona Department of Education’s Arizona Roadmap for Reopening Schools and the Arizona Department of Health Services’ Guidance for Safely Returning to In-Person Instruction provide a framework for all schools to prepare for a successful and safe re-entry.

Mask Use in Schools

ADHS Emergency Measure

Slowing the Spread of COVID19: Reporting Requirements

Arizona Department of Health Services issued an emergency measure requiring Arizona schools, child care centers, and shelters to report outbreaks of COVID19 to their local health departments.

This new emergency measure aimed at improving the public health response to outbreaks applies to:

public schools
charter schools
private schools with students from kinder-12th grade
child care establishments and shelters

ADHS Emergency Measure

ADHS Emergency Measure Press Release

Aug 14, 2020, 4:22 PM

Good afternoon students, parents and NUSD community:

At this time, based upon the benchmark data published by the Arizona Health Services Department, NUSD will not be resuming in-person models of instruction and students will continue to work online from home until further notice. We will continue to monitor and follow the data to determine a date for reopening.

Our current positivity rate for COVID-19 still remains above the 7% threshold, which places us at the "Substantial" community spread category. The overall positivity rate for Santa Cruz County is also high, at 22.3%. We recently met with local health officials at Mariposa Community Health Center and they confirm that we should continue online instructional models until the positivity rate declines.

We also want to share that Arizona is leading the country with its rate of COVID-19 infection among children, according to a national report. The report, from the Academy of Pediatrics and the Children's Hospital Association, is updated weekly, with the most recent update published on August 6, 2020. In both it's July 30 and August 6 rankings, Arizona led the nation in COVID-19 infections in children. In Arizona, 12% of COVID-19 infections are in those 19 and younger according to the report. Arizona was among 27 states reporting 10% or more of all their cases were children (The Arizona Republic, August 2020.)

While we realize that our students look forward to the time when they can have the option to meet in-person with their teacher, it is in the best interest, safety, health and security of students, staff, families, and the community to delay in-person instructional models to a later date.

Your support, understanding and collaboration with your child's teacher(s) and school is greatly appreciated. The health and safety of all stakeholders continues to be our number one priority and although our online instruction has been very successful, we will continue to make refinements and work closely with students and families for the academic success of each student.

Sincerely,
Superintendent Parra

Buenas tardes estudiantes, padres y comunidad del NUSD: En este momento, según los datos de referencia publicados por el Departamento de Servicios de Salud de Arizona, el NUSD no reanudará los modelos de instrucción en persona y los estudiantes continuarán trabajando en línea desde casa hasta nuevo aviso. Continuaremos monitoreando y siguiendo los datos para determinar una fecha de reapertura. Nuestra tasa de positividad actual para COVID-19 aún se mantiene por encima del umbral del 7%, lo que nos coloca en la categoría de propagación comunitaria "sustancial". La tasa general de positividad para el condado de Santa Cruz también es alta, 22,3%. Recientemente nos reunimos con funcionarios de salud locales en Mariposa Community Health Center y confirmaron que debemos continuar con los modelos de instrucción en línea hasta que disminuya la tasa de positividad. También queremos compartir que Arizona está liderando el país con su tasa de infección por COVID-19 entre los niños, según un informe nacional. El informe, de la Academia de Pediatría y la Asociación de Hospitales de Niños, se actualiza semanalmente, y la actualización más reciente se publicó el 6 de agosto de 2020. Tanto en su clasificación del 30 de julio como del 6 de agosto, Arizona lideró la nación en infecciones por COVID-19 en niños. En Arizona, el 12% de las infecciones por COVID-19 se encuentran en los menores de 19 años, según el informe. Arizona se encontraba entre los 27 estados que informaron que el 10% o más de todos sus casos eran niños (The Arizona Republic, agosto de 2020). Si bien nos damos cuenta de que nuestros estudiantes esperan el momento en que puedan tener la opción de reunirse en persona con su maestro, es en el mejor interés, seguridad, salud y seguridad de los estudiantes, el personal, las familias y la comunidad retrasar modelos de instrucción en persona para una fecha posterior. Se agradece mucho su apoyo, comprensión y colaboración con los maestros y la escuela de su hijo. La salud y seguridad de todos los interesados sigue siendo nuestra prioridad número uno y, aunque nuestra instrucción en línea ha sido muy exitosa, continuaremos mejorando y trabajando en estrecha colaboración con los estudiantes y las familias para el éxito académico de cada estudiante. Sinceramente, Superintendente Parra

8/7/2020 16:05

Good afternoon--

NUSD STUDENTS, PARENTS AND SCHOOL COMMUNITY:

I hope that this email finds you and your family well as we complete our first three days of the 2020-2021 school year! I want to provide a brief update to you regarding new benchmark measures published yesterday by the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) and the waiver that I have shared we intend to apply for to delay the start of in-person instruction based upon these measures and our local data.

Before beginning the update, I want to take a moment to share information about the successful beginning of our new school year. To date, we have provided approximately 4,500 laptops to students and several hundred MiFi devices to families in need. As a result, this week over 5,300 students were able to log in to their Google Classroom and online programs to begin instruction.

We will continue to support new student enrollments with devices and are providing technical support to families at the district level (by calling 520-397-7919 Mon.-Fri. from 7 am to 4 pm) as well as at your child's school during regular school hours. Additionally, we have created a student portal on the NUSD website under the "Quick Links" with online program links and login directions (in English and Spanish) for students and families. https://www.nusd.k12.az.us/students.

Moving into the update, as you know, by Executive Order 2020-51, the expected date for the beginning of in-person instruction, including the start of the hybrid model, had been scheduled by the Governor to begin on August 17, 2020. However, as I shared during the last update, it is our intent to apply for a waiver to delay all in-person instruction based upon our high positivity rates here in Santa Cruz County. Yesterday, ADHS shared the benchmark measures that our waiver and eventual return to in-person school will be based upon.

These benchmark measures were developed to guide decisions by school districts on when to offer online, hybrid, or in-person instruction amid the current pandemic. Benchmarks are classified into minimal, moderate, and substantial transmission categories as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and align with the Arizona Department of Education's Roadmap for Reopening Schools.

ADHS recommends that schools consider county-specific public health benchmarks that provide recent information about community transmission. These include benchmarks around new cases, the positivity rate for testing, and COVID-19 related hospitalizations. For the initial reopening of the in-person and hybrid-based models, ADHS recommends the following county-level benchmarks:

Cases: a two-week decline in weekly average cases OR two weeks below 100 cases per 100,000 population.
Diagnostic test percent positivity: two weeks with positivity below 7%.
COVID-19-Like-Illness Surveillance: two weeks with less than 10% of hospital visits due to COVID-like illness.

A dashboard for schools is available on the ADHS website that indicates whether counties meet the recommended benchmarks for the initial reopening of in-person learning in schools. ADHS recommends that all three benchmarks fall into the moderate or minimal transmission ranges before schools in a county consider a hybrid approach. When one or more benchmark categories are in the range of substantial transmission, ADHS recommends that schools work with their local health departments and prepare for online learning. Data on the dashboard will be updated weekly on Thursdays.

At this time, Santa Cruz County is still identified as "Substantial" in the area of positivity and, as such, the County Health Director agrees that online learning should continue for all students as we do not meet the safety measures to return to any type of in-person instructional models.

We will continue to monitor the benchmark data for our county with local health and medical officials to determine when we meet the criteria for in-person and hybrid instruction. To support our efforts when it is safe to return to school, through their partnership with Arizona State University (ASU) the Mariposa Community Health Center (MCHC) will be able to offer no-cost testing for students and staff. This program will be a tremendous support to our district and our goal to provide a safe and healthy environment when in-person instruction resumes. The district will have a system in place to implement the testing program and more information will be shared with families when in-person instruction is ready to begin.

We will continue to work closely with local health officials to determine when it is safe to return to the classroom this fall as well as throughout the school year as the situation and data changes.

Please continue to follow all health and safety guidelines by wearing a mask, washing your hands frequently, and maintaining social (PHYSICAL) distance. Be well, have a restful weekend, and have a very successful rest of the school year!

THANK YOU
SUPERINTENDENT PARRA

Buenas tardes--

ESTUDIANTES, PADRES Y COMUNIDAD DE ESCUELAS DEL NUSD:

¡Espero que este correo electrónico los encuentre bien a usted y a su familia al terminar nuestros primeros tres días del año escolar 2020-2021! Quiero brindarle una breve actualización con respecto a las nuevas medidas de referencia publicadas ayer por el Departamento de Servicios de Salud de Arizona (ADHS) y la exención que hemos pedido con la intención de solicitar para retrasar el inicio de la instrucción en persona basada en estas medidas y nuestros datos locales.

Antes de comenzar la actualización, quiero tomarme un momento para compartir información sobre el comienzo exitoso de nuestro nuevo año escolar. Hasta la fecha, hemos proporcionado aproximadamente 4,500 computadoras portátiles a estudiantes y varios cientos de dispositivos MiFi a familias necesitadas. Como resultado, esta semana más de 5,300 estudiantes pudieron iniciar sesión en sus programas en línea y en Google Classroom para comenzar la instrucción.

Continuaremos apoyando las inscripciones de nuevos estudiantes con dispositivos y brindaremos apoyo técnico a las familias a nivel del distrito (llamando al 520-397-7919 de lunes a viernes de 7 am a 4 pm) así como en la escuela de su hijo(a) durante el horario regular de escuela. Además, hemos creado un portal para estudiantes en el sitio web del NUSD bajo los "Enlaces rápidos" con enlaces a programas en línea e instrucciones de inicio de sesión (en inglés y español) para estudiantes y familias. https://www.nusd.k12.az.us/students.

Pasando a la actualización, como saben, por Orden Ejecutiva 2020-51, la fecha prevista para el inicio de la instrucción en persona, incluido el inicio del modelo híbrido, había sido programada por el Gobernador para comenzar el 17 de agosto del 2020. Sin embargo, como compartí durante la última actualización, hemos solicitado una exención para retrasar toda la instrucción en persona en función de nuestras altas tasas de positividad aquí en el condado de Santa Cruz. Ayer, ADHS compartió las medidas de referencia en las que se basará nuestra exención y eventual regreso a la escuela en persona.

Estas medidas de referencia se desarrollaron para guiar las decisiones de los distritos escolares sobre cuándo ofrecer instrucción en línea, híbrida o en persona en medio de la pandemia actual. Los puntos de referencia se clasifican en categorías de transmisión mínimas, moderadas y sustanciales según lo definido por los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC) y se alinean con la Hoja de ruta del Departamento de Educación de Arizona para la reapertura de escuelas.

ADHS recomienda que las escuelas consideren los puntos de referencia de salud pública específicos del condado que brindan información reciente sobre la transmisión comunitaria. Estos incluyen puntos de referencia en torno a casos nuevos, la tasa de positividad para las pruebas y hospitalizaciones relacionadas con COVID-19. Para la reapertura inicial de los modelos en persona y basados en híbridos, ADHS recomienda los siguientes puntos de referencia a nivel de condado:

• Casos: una disminución de dos semanas en el promedio semanal de casos o dos semanas por debajo de 100 casos por 100,000 habitantes.

• Porcentaje de positividad de la prueba diagnóstica: dos semanas con una positividad inferior al 7%.

• Vigilancia de enfermedades similares a COVID-19: dos semanas con menos de 10% de visitas al hospital debido a enfermedades similares a COVID.

Un tablero para las escuelas está disponible en el sitio web de ADHS que indica si los condados cumplen con los puntos de referencia recomendados para la reapertura inicial del aprendizaje en persona en las escuelas. ADHS recomienda que los tres puntos de referencia se incluyan en los rangos de transmisión moderada o mínima antes de que las escuelas del condado consideren enfoque híbrido. Cuando una o más categorías de referencia están en el rango de transmisión sustancial, ADHS recomienda que las escuelas trabajen con su departamento de salud local y se preparen para el aprendizaje en línea. Los datos en el tablero se actualizarán semanalmente los jueves.

En este momento el condado de Santa Cruz todavía se identifica como "sustancial" en el área de positividad y como tal el director de salud del condado está de acuerdo en que el aprendizaje en línea debe continuar para todos los estudiantes, ya que no cumplimos con las medidas de seguridad para regresar a ningún tipo de modelo de instrucción en persona.

Continuaremos monitoreando los datos de referencia de nuestro condado con los funcionarios médicos y de salud locales para determinar cuándo cumplimos con los criterios para la instrucción en persona e híbrida. Para apoyar nuestros esfuerzos cuando sea seguro regresar a la escuela, a través de su asociación con la Universidad Estatal de Arizona (ASU), el Centro de Salud Comunitario de Mariposa (MCHC) podrá ofrecer exámenes sin costo para los estudiantes y el personal. Este programa será un gran apoyo para nuestro distrito y nuestra meta de proporcionar un ambiente seguro y saludable cuando se reanude la instrucción en persona. El distrito tendrá un sistema para implementar el programa de evaluación y se compartirá más información con las familias cuando la instrucción en persona esté lista para comenzar.

Continuaremos trabajando en estrecha colaboración con los funcionarios de salud locales para determinar cuándo es seguro regresar al salón de clases este otoño y durante todo el año escolar a medida que la situación y los datos mejoren.

Continúe siguiendo todas las pautas de salud y seguridad al usar una máscara, lavarse las manos con frecuencia y mantener la distancia social (FÍSICA). ¡Les deseo que estén bien, tengan un fin de semana de descanso y mucho éxito para el resto del año escolar!

GRACIAS-

Fernando Parra, Superintendente

7/30/2020 8:51

Dear NUSD Parents and School Community,

Welcome to the 2020-20201 school year. Although things are different this year, we are excited to begin the year with new online programs.

To help our students and families with the online instruction, NUSD will be checking out laptops to each student who needs a device. If your NUSD student needs a laptop please fill out the form below using the link below. Please note that families in need, who lack internet access, can also request a “MiFi” device. If you are unable to complete the form online, please feel free to contact your child’s school to assist you in completing the form.

LAPTOP REQUEST

We ask that you please read the form carefully as parents and guardians will be acknowledging district policies and regulations regarding the use of district electronics such as the laptops and devices. At the time you pick up the electronic devices, there is no need for you to sign any paperwork, as the request form submitted for the devices is the acknowledgment and acceptance of the expectations, policies, and procedures for the use of the devices.

The electronic devices are to be picked up by the student’s parent/legal guardian. The school principals will be sending out more information regarding the pick-up dates and times. Please refer to the district/school websites, Messenger emails, and Facebook pages for additional information. Each school will be sending out information regarding educational software systems and technical support.

As the CDC guidelines suggest, take care and please:

- Be safe and personally responsible.

- Wear a mask/face covering to protect yourself and others.

- Avoid large and public gatherings.

- Practice hand washing and good hygiene often and consistently.

- Stay home as much as possible.

Stay safe and healthy!

Fernando Parra

Superintendent

Estimados padres y comunidad escolar del NUSD:

Bienvenido al año escolar 2020-20201. Aunque las cosas son diferentes este año, estamos entusiasmados de comenzar el año con nuevos programas en línea.

Para ayudar a nuestros estudiantes y familias con la instrucción en línea, NUSD va prestar las computadoras portátiles para cada estudiante que necesite un dispositivo. Si su estudiante de NUSD necesita una computadora portátil, complete el formulario a continuación utilizando el siguiente enlace. Tenga en cuenta que las familias necesitadas, que carecen de acceso a Internet, también pueden solicitar un dispositivo "MiFi". Si no puede completar el formulario en línea, no dude en comunicarse con la escuela de su hijo para que lo ayude a completar el formulario.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe3ikv1yWNxsWVY0YuRW7gstdPRaLrmamq1i1DtoX5dLbraYA/viewform

Le pedimos que lea el formulario detenidamente, ya que los padres y tutores reconocerán las políticas y regulaciones del distrito con respecto al uso de productos electrónicos del distrito, como las computadoras portátiles y los dispositivos. En el momento de retirar los dispositivos electrónicos, no es necesario que firme ningún documento, ya que el formulario de solicitud presentado para los dispositivos es el reconocimiento y aceptación de las expectativas, políticas y procedimientos para el uso de los dispositivos.

Los dispositivos electrónicos deben ser recogidos por el padre / tutor legal del estudiante. Los directores de las escuelas enviarán más información sobre las fechas y horarios de recogida. Consulte los sitios web del distrito / escuela, los correos electrónicos de Messenger y las páginas de Facebook para obtener información adicional. Cada escuela enviará información sobre sistemas de software educativo y soporte técnico.

Como sugieren las pautas de los CDC, tenga cuidado y por favor:

- Sea seguro y personalmente responsable.

- Use una máscara / cubierta facial para protegerse y proteger a los demás.

- Evitar reuniones grandes y públicas.

- Practique el lavado de manos y una buena higiene a menudo y de manera constante.

- Quédese en casa tanto como sea posible.

¡Mantente seguro y saludable!

Fernando Parra

Superintendente

7/17/2020 15:23

Good afternoon

As parents of NUSD students enrolled for the 2020-2021 school year, you are invited to complete a survey. Please assist us in planning for school by completing this survey. Your feedback is important and will enable us to plan appropriately for your child's instruction.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSensGt3DK_I9gKAMA2CA_DUYYseIiGNgzig6a5hLKOxoD3jEQ/viewform?usp=sf_link

Buenas tardes:

como padres de estudiantes de NUSD inscritos para el año escolar 2020-2021, están invitados a completar una encuesta.Ayúdenos a planificar el año escolar completando esta encuesta. Sus comentarios son importantes y nos permitirán planificar adecuadamente la instrucción de su hijo/a.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSensGt3DK_I9gKAMA2CA_DUYYseIiGNgzig6a5hLKOxoD3jEQ/viewform?usp=sf_link

7/9/2020 9:18

Dear NUSD Parents and School Community,

As we had communicated in our last update, the governor has issued an executive order that delays the start of in-person school until August 17, 2020.

NUSD will be following the school calendar and opening school on August 5th with all instruction being provided online until school is reopened for in-person instructional options. This online instruction will include direct teacher instruction and the district will be providing devices to our students and families on an as-needed basis. This includes additional technology resources like MiFi devices and instructional tools. If you have more than one student enrolled in the district and need additional devices, each student will be provided their own individual device. If necessary, one MiFi device can be issued per household for those families who lack internet access.

As we move forward, we will be providing additional information including communication to explain how devices may be requested and the schedule of dates/times when the devices can be picked up by students and families. Our schools will be reaching out to our parents and families to provide additional information and direction.

NUSD is excited to welcome our students back and to be able to provide the best online education for all of our students and families! We have been working and planning with our school leaders and our Reopening of Schools Advisory Committee, which is composed of students, teachers, parents, local doctors, school psychologist, nurses and many other stakeholders and school officials. For the past two weeks, the district has been meeting and planning with committee members to provide our students and families a variety of instructional options.

Yesterday the advisory committee provided additional feedback and input regarding the instructional models that will be implemented if and when we go back to in-person instruction. These models will provide options for our students and families for when we can transition to in-person instruction. As part of these options, students can attend school daily (referred to an in-person option) or transition to a combination of in-person and online instruction (referred to as a hybrid model).

Once options for in-person or hybrid instruction are permitted, online instruction will also continue to be available as an option for our K-12 students and families, either through their brick-and-mortar school or through enrollment in the district’s AOI program, NUSD Online.

The district has taken your feedback and input from our last survey regarding your concerns for in-person instruction in the fall. All these factors are being considered and evaluated as we establish and finalize the opening of school plan.

One second family survey will be sent out soon so that that the district can finalize and present the Reopening of Schools Plan. Your feedback is being gathered to enable the district to the safest and best instructional plan into place for our students and families. Your input is important for the district as we make the best decisions and determinations for our students and families at NUSD.

We will continue to keep you updated as circumstances and the COVID-19 data change rapidly. Please know that NUSD will continue to prioritize the safety, security and health of our students, employees and our school communities.

As the CDC guidelines suggest, please:

- Be safe and personally responsible.
- Wear a mask/face covering to protect yourself and others.
- Avoid large and public gatherings.
- Practice hand washing and good hygiene often and consistently.
- Stay home as much as possible.

Superintendent Parra

Estimados padres y comunidad escolar del NUSD:

Como nos habíamos comunicado en nuestra última actualización, el gobernador emitió una orden ejecutiva que retrasa el inicio de la escuela en persona hasta el 17 de agosto de 2020.

NUSD seguirá el calendario escolar y abrirá la escuela el 5 de agosto th con toda la instrucción brindada en línea hasta que la escuela se vuelva a abrir para las opciones de instrucción en persona. Esta instrucción en línea incluirá instrucción directa para maestros y el distrito proporcionará dispositivos a nuestros estudiantes y familias según sea necesario. Esto incluye recursos tecnológicos adicionales como dispositivos MiFi y herramientas de instrucción. Si tiene más de un estudiante inscrito en el distrito y necesita dispositivos adicionales, a cada estudiante se le proporcionará su propio dispositivo individual. Si es necesario, se puede emitir un dispositivo MiFi por hogar para aquellas familias que carecen de acceso a Internet.

A medida que avanzamos, proporcionaremos información adicional, incluida la comunicación para explicar cómo se pueden solicitar los dispositivos y el calendario de fechas / horas en que los estudiantes y las familias pueden recoger los dispositivos. Nuestras escuelas se comunicarán con nuestros padres y familias para brindarles información y orientación adicionales.

¡NUSD se complace en darles la bienvenida a nuestros estudiantes y poder brindar la mejor educación en línea para todos nuestros estudiantes y familias! Hemos estado trabajando y planificando con nuestros líderes escolares y nuestro Comité Asesor de Reapertura de Escuelas, que está compuesto por estudiantes, maestros, padres, médicos locales, psicólogos escolares, enfermeras y muchos otros interesados y funcionarios escolares. Durante las últimas dos semanas, el distrito se ha reunido y planeado con los miembros del comité para proporcionar a nuestros estudiantes y familias una variedad de opciones de instrucción.

Ayer, el comité asesor proporcionó comentarios y aportes adicionales con respecto a los modelos de instrucción que se implementarán cuando regresemos a la instrucción en persona. Estos modelos proporcionarán opciones para nuestros estudiantes y familias para cuando podamos hacer la transición a la instrucción en persona. Como parte de estas opciones, los estudiantes pueden asistir a la escuela diariamente (referido a una opción en persona) o hacer la transición a una combinación de instrucción en persona y en línea (referido como un modelo híbrido).

Una vez que se permitan las opciones de instrucción en persona o híbrida, la instrucción en línea también seguirá estando disponible como una opción para nuestros estudiantes y familias de K-12, ya sea a través de su escuela física o mediante la inscripción en el programa AOI del distrito, NUSD en línea.

El distrito ha recibido sus comentarios y aportes de nuestra última encuesta con respecto a sus preocupaciones sobre la instrucción en persona en el otoño. Todos estos factores están siendo considerados y evaluados a medida que establecemos y finalizamos la apertura del plan escolar.

Pronto se enviará una segunda encuesta familiar para que el distrito pueda finalizar y presentar el Plan de Reapertura de Escuelas. Se recopilan sus comentarios para permitir al distrito el mejor y más seguro plan de instrucción para nuestros estudiantes y sus familias. Su opinión es importante para el distrito ya que tomamos las mejores decisiones y determinaciones para nuestros estudiantes y familias en NUSD.

Continuaremos manteniéndolo actualizado según las circunstancias y los datos de COVID-19 cambien rápidamente. Tenga en cuenta que NUSD continuará priorizando la seguridad y la salud de nuestros estudiantes, empleados y nuestras comunidades escolares.

Como lo sugieren las pautas de los CDC, por favor:

- Sea seguro y personalmente responsable.
- Use una máscara / cubierta facial para protegerse y proteger a los demás.
- Evitar reuniones grandes y públicas.
- Practique el lavado de manos y una buena higiene a menudo y de manera constante.
- Quédese en casa tanto como sea posible.

Superintendente Parra

6/29/2020 18:07

Dear NUSD Parents and School Community,

Our very best and blessings to our students and families during this health scare and very difficult time.

The Governor of Arizona Doug Ducey has just issued an Executive Order delaying the first day of school to August 17th.

NUSD will be meeting with our Reopening of Schools Committee who are tasked with determining the flexible plan that will be used to resume school. We will be taking into consideration your input and feedback (such as through the parent survey) as we coordinate and work together with the ongoing plan. Please know that all available options regarding student instruction (e.g. distance learning, in-person, and hybrid-remote- online) will be included within the plan that will be adapted as needed throughout this crisis. All Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations will be guiding the plan in the best interest, safety, and health of our students, families, teachers, staff, and the entire school community.

We will continue to keep you updated as the situation and the data continue to change rapidly. Future updated parent surveys will also be submitted as we continue to monitor and adjust to this situation.

PLEASE FOLLOW THE SAFETY GUIDELINES AND RECOMMENDATIONS:

- WEAR A MASK/FACE COVERING TO PROTECT
YOURSELF/OTHERS
- PRACTICE SOCIAL/PHYSICAL DISTANCING
- AVOID LARGE AND PUBLIC GATHERINGS
- PRACTICE HAND WASHING/GOOD HYGIENE
OFTEN AND CONSISTENTLY
- STAY HOME AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE

Be safe and healthy,
Superintendent Parra

Estimados padres y comunidad escolar del NUSD:

Nuestros mejores deseos y bendiciones para nuestros estudiantes y familias durante esta alarma sanitaria y estos momentos tan difíciles.

El gobernador de Arizona, Doug Ducey, acaba de emitir una orden ejecutiva que retrasa el primer día de clases hasta el 17 de agosto.

NUSD se reunirá con nuestro Comité de Reapertura de Escuelas, quienes tienen la tarea de determinar el plan flexible que se utilizará para reanudar la escuela. Tendremos en cuenta sus comentarios y opiniones (como a través de la encuesta para padres) a medida que coordinamos y trabajamos juntos con el plan en curso. Tenga en cuenta que todas las opciones disponibles con respecto a la instrucción del alumno (por ejemplo, aprendizaje a distancia, en persona e híbrido remoto en línea) se incluirán en el plan que se adaptará según sea necesario durante esta crisis. Todas las recomendaciones del Centro para el Control de Enfermedades (CDC) guiarán el plan en el mejor interés, seguridad y salud de nuestros estudiantes, familias, maestros, personal y toda la comunidad escolar.

Seguiremos manteniéndolo actualizado a medida que la situación y los datos continúen cambiando rápidamente. Las futuras encuestas para padres actualizadas también se enviarán a medida que continuamos monitoreando y ajustándonos a esta situación.

SIGA LAS DIRECTRICES Y RECOMENDACIONES DE SEGURIDAD:

- USE UNA MÁSCARA / CUBIERTA PARA PROTECCIÓN PERSONAL / OTROS
- PRACTICAR EL DISTANCIAMIENTO SOCIAL / FÍSICO
- EVITE REUNIONES GRANDES Y/O PÚBLICAS
- PRACTIQUE LAVADO DE MANOS / BUENA HIGIENE A MENUDO Y CONSISTENTE
- QUEDARSE EN CASA MÁS POSIBLE

Permanezca seguro y saludable
Superintendente Parra

6/23/2020 17:01

Good afternoon,

NUSD is wishing all of our students and families to be safe and healthy during this difficult situation and health crisis.

This virus continues to spread across the state of Arizona and our county. The confirmed local cases continue to increase significantly. The health experts remind us that it is essential to practice hand-washing, social distancing, staying home as much as possible, avoidance of large gatherings, and wearing masks when out in public places or around other people.

We wanted to advise everyone that we have received the data results of the reopening of schools survey completed by parents and guardians. We have also sent out a survey for all of our teachers and staff and will be analyzing the survey responses to assist the district with plan to reopen schools in the fall.

This week, NUSD assembled a Reopening of Schools Committee. This committee is composed of teachers, support staff, district administrators, principals, school nurses, school psychologists, food service management, bus transportation officials, Mariposa Community Health experts, and other stakeholders.

The District will be working diligently with the committee to create an NUSD Reopening of Schools Plan, which will include multiple contingencies to address varied conditions anticipated due to the pandemic. Different options regarding the school calendar, staggered school schedules, classroom instruction (in-person versus online), etc. will be factored within the flexible plan. It is important to understand and to be mindful that things change daily and rapidly with this virus and the development of this plan will be ongoing. We will need to monitor and adjust as needed and modify the plan based on the most current and ever-changing data.

The Reopening of Schools Plan will take all health and safety protocols and guidelines from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as well as any or all existing policies and recommendations from the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) for reopening of school. The plan will also include a contingency for future closure of school if needed.

We want to thank you for your input and feedback on the survey as your opinion, understanding, and support are critical as we proceed with the reopening of school process. Please continue to practice all the safety measures. Be safe, stay healthy, and many blessings during these difficult times. NUSD will continue to update and communicate with our school community throughout this time.

Thank you
Superintendent Parra

Buenas tardes,

NUSD desea que todos nuestros estudiantes y familias estén seguros y saludables durante esta difícil situación y crisis de salud.

Este virus continúa propagándose por todo el estado de Arizona y nuestro condado. Los casos locales confirmados continúan aumentando significativamente. Los expertos en salud nos recuerdan que es esencial practicar el lavado de manos, el distanciamiento social, quedarse en casa tanto como sea posible, evitar grandes reuniones y usar máscaras cuando esten en lugares públicos o cerca de otras personas.

Queremos informar a todos que hemos recibido los resultados de los datos de la encuesta de reapertura de escuelas completada por padres y tutores. También enviamos una encuesta a todos nuestros maestros y personal y analizaremos las respuestas de la encuesta para ayudar al distrito a planificar la reapertura de las escuelas en el otoño.

Esta semana, NUSD reunió un Comité de Reapertura de Escuelas. Este comité está compuesto por maestros, personal de apoyo, administradores del distrito, directores, enfermeras escolares, psicólogos escolares, administración de servicios de alimentos, funcionarios de transporte en autobús, expertos de Mariposa Community Health Centre y otras partes interesadas.

El Distrito trabajará diligentemente con el comité para crear un Plan de Reapertura de Escuelas del NUSD, que incluirá múltiples contingencias para abordar diversas condiciones anticipadas debido a la pandemia. Dentro del plan flexible se incluirán diferentes opciones con respecto al calendario escolar, horarios escolares escalonados, instrucción en el aula (en persona versus en línea), etc. Es importante comprender y tener en cuenta que las cosas cambian a diario y rápidamente con este virus y el desarrollo de este plan continuará. Tendremos que monitorear y ajustar según sea necesario y modificar el plan en función de los datos más actuales y cambiantes.

El Plan de Reapertura de Escuelas tomará todos los protocolos y pautas de salud y seguridad de los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC), así como cualquiera o todas las políticas y recomendaciones existentes del Departamento de Educación de Arizona (ADE) para la reapertura de la escuela. El plan también incluirá una contingencia para el cierre futuro de las escuelas si es necesario.

Queremos agradecerle por sus aportes y comentarios sobre la encuesta, ya que su opinión, comprensión y apoyo son críticos a medida que avanzamos con la reapertura del proceso escolar. Continúe practicando todas las medidas de seguridad. Esté seguro, manténgase saludable y muchas bendiciones durante estos tiempos difíciles. NUSD continuará actualizándose y comunicándose con nuestra comunidad escolar durante este tiempo.

Gracias
Superintendente Parra

6/3/2020 10:54

Dear Parents, Students, and NUSD Community:

I hope that you are safe and healthy at this time and that you are continuing to practice all the social distancing and safety guidelines. Our community continues to see an increase in detected cases of COVID-19 with 425 as of June 2, 2020. There are 54 detected cases in children 19 years old and younger.

Please continue to practice social distancing and wearing masks when around other people, avoiding large gatherings if possible protecting yourselves, families, and others.

The NUSD Summer School Program has started with several of our courses and other summer programs will be starting next week. Over 500 students will be participating and taking these free summer courses for advancing purposes as well as credit recovery. All of our courses will be through remote/online instruction.

We want to extend our thanks and appreciation to all of our NUSD summer school teachers and the Arizona State University professors who will be teaching some of the courses including the health and wellness course with the opportunity for our students to receive dual credit for both levels. This is a great opportunity for our students and NUSD is very proud to be able to provide free summer instruction for our students during these difficult times.

NUSD will soon be sending for your attention and consideration a brief survey for your input regarding the Reopening of School in the fall. This survey contains two brief questions concerning our parents/students' feelings about options that will include returning for in-person instruction and/distance online learning for the 2020-21 School Year. We appreciate your input and participation to assist NUSD with developing and preparing a safe, secure, healthy, and flexible Opening of School Plan for this coming Fall.

Follow up information and direction will be provided as we receive input from our parents/students and all stakeholders within the NUSD community.

We thank you and wish you all a safe and healthy summer!

Superintendent Parra

Estimados padres, estudiantes y comunidad NUSD:

Espero que estén seguros y saludables en este momento y que continúen practicando todas las pautas de distanciamiento social y seguridad. Nuestra comunidad continúa viendo un aumento en los casos detectados de COVID-19 con 425 hasta el 2 de junio de 2020. Hay 54 casos detectados en niños de 19 años o menos.

Continúen practicando el distanciamiento social y el uso de máscaras cuando estén cerca de otras personas, evitando grandes reuniones si es posible para protegerse, proteger a sus familias y a los demás.

El Programa de Escuela de Verano de NUSD ha comenzado con varios de nuestros cursos y otros programas de verano comenzarán la próxima semana. Más de 500 estudiantes participarán y tomarán estos cursos de verano gratuitos para fines avanzados, así como para la recuperación de créditos. Todos nuestros cursos serán a través de instrucción remota / en línea.

Queremos extender nuestro agradecimiento y agradecimiento a todos nuestros maestros de escuela de verano del NUSD y a los profesores de la Universidad Estatal de Arizona que enseñarán algunos de los cursos, incluido el curso de salud y bienestar, con la oportunidad de que nuestros estudiantes reciban doble crédito para ambos niveles. Esta es una gran oportunidad para nuestros estudiantes y NUSD se enorgullece de poder proporcionar instrucción gratuita de verano para nuestros estudiantes durante estos tiempos difíciles.

NUSD pronto enviará para su atención y consideración una breve encuesta para su opinión sobre la reapertura de la escuela en el otoño. Esta encuesta contiene dos preguntas breves sobre los sentimientos de nuestros padres / estudiantes sobre las opciones que incluirán regresar para recibir instrucción en persona y / o aprendizaje en línea a distancia para el año escolar 2020-21. Agradecemos su aporte y participación para ayudarnos a desarrollar y preparar un Plan de Apertura de Escuela seguro, flexible y seguro para el próximo otoño.

Se proporcionará información y dirección de seguimiento a medida que recibamos información de nuestros padres / estudiantes y de todos los interesados dentro de la comunidad NUSD.

¡Les agradecemos y les deseamos a todos un verano seguro y saludable!

Superintendente Parra

5/12/2020 11:23

Dear Nogales Unified School District Community,

On May 11, 2020 the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) recommends that large mass gatherings such as graduations, concerts not to be held at this time.

The guidelines state that Arizonan's should use their best judgement in suspending public activities that can be delayed suspending these activities can protect individual and the public and preserve vital health care resources.

At this time N.U.S.D. continues to prioritize the safety, security and health of our students and school communities and will be following and recommending the Arizona Department of Health Services Guidelines.

Nogales High School in an abundance of caution and consideration to this health scare crisis will be recognizing the "Class of 2020" through personalized virtual ceremonies, drive in services and other live stream programs following the social distancing guidelines.

Pierson High School will be having a "Pick Up Your Diploma Day" staggering individual students and recognizing each student individually as they pick up their diploma and are recognized. No ceremony will be held due to large group gathering and social distancing guidelines.

* If in the coming weeks/months the Arizona Department of Health Services modifies or recommends a new set of guidelines; Nogales High School will consider the possibility with input and feedback from the school community, students and parents to organize an in person ceremony to celebrate our graduates.

N.U.S.D. Congratulates the "Class of 2020" Nogales High School is Graduating 403 students and Pierson High School is Graduating 27 students. It is very difficult to not be able to celebrate our graduating students with a traditional in person graduation at this time, due to the situation we are all experiencing and going through with this health scare. It is difficult and very emotional for everyone involved, but it is also important to be mindful prioritizing the safety and health of our students and Nogales Community.

For more information please follow us on our N.U.S.D. website www.nusd.k12.az.us.

Many Blessings and Health to our students and families.

Thank you!

Superintendent Parra

Estimada comunidad del Distrito Escolar Unificado de Nogales,

El 11 de mayo de 2020, el Departamento de Servicios de Salud de Arizona (ADHS, por sus siglas en inglés) recomienda que no se realicen grandes reuniones masivas como graduaciones, conciertos en este momento.

Las pautas establecen que Arizonan debe usar sus mejores juicios para suspender actividades públicas que pueden retrasarse. Suspender estas actividades puede proteger al individuo y al público y preservar los recursos vitales de atención médica.

En este momento, N.U.S.D. continúa priorizando la seguridad y la salud de nuestros estudiantes y comunidades escolares y seguirá y recomendará las Directrices del Departamento de Servicios de Salud de Arizona.

La Escuela Secundaria Nogales, con mucha precaución y consideración a esta crisis de miedo a la salud, reconocerá la "Clase de 2020" a través de ceremonias virtuales personalizadas, servicios de conducción y otros programas de transmisión en vivo siguiendo las pautas de distanciamiento social.

Pierson High School tendrá un "Día de Recoja su Diploma" asombrando a los estudiantes individuales y reconociendo a cada estudiante individualmente a medida que recogen su diploma y son reconocidos. No se llevará a cabo ninguna ceremonia debido a la reunión de grupos grandes y las pautas de distanciamiento social.

* Si en las próximas semanas / meses el Departamento de Servicios de Salud de Arizona modifica o recomienda un nuevo conjunto de pautas; La Preparatoria Nogales considerará la posibilidad con aportes y comentarios de la comunidad escolar, estudiantes y padres para organizar una ceremonia en persona para celebrar a nuestros graduados.

N.U.S.D. Felicita a la "Clase de 2020" Nogales High School está graduando a 403 estudiantes y Pierson High School está graduando a 27 estudiantes. Es muy difícil no poder celebrar a nuestros estudiantes graduados con una graduación tradicional en persona en este momento, debido a la situación que todos estamos experimentando y pasando por este susto de salud. Es difícil y muy emotivo para todos los involucrados, pero también es importante tener en cuenta priorizar la seguridad y la salud de nuestros estudiantes y la comunidad de Nogales.

Para obtener más información, síganos en nuestro N.U.S.D. sitio web www.nusd.k12.az.us.

Muchas bendiciones y salud para nuestros estudiantes y familias.

¡Gracias!

Superintendente Parra

Graduation Guidance from Arizona Department of Health Services

Dear School Leaders,
Today, the Arizona Department of Health Services released guidance regarding Graduation Ceremonies. That guidance can be viewed by clicking here. We know many of you are already actively planning and discussing what graduation ceremonies will look like in the weeks or months ahead.
At this time, the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) recommends that mass gatherings (such as graduations, concerts) are not held.

Consider whether gatherings may need to have limited attendance, be held virtually, or suspended if physical distancing is difficult to maintain.
All Arizonans should use their best judgment in suspending public activities that can be delayed. Suspending these activities can protect individuals and the public and preserve vital healthcare resources.

If canceling, postponing, or holding the event virtually is not an option, ADHS recommends the additional steps be taken by mass gathering coordinators. For more information, please see ADHS' Guidance for Graduations.
We encourage you to consider the attached recommendations and to share them with your students and families as you make decisions that meet the needs of your local school communities. Additional public health related information and resources can be found at ADHS' website.
Thank you,
Arizona Department of Education

5/5/2020 15:00

Dear Nogales Unified School District Community:

We hope that all of our students and families are doing well, staying safe and healthy following all social distancing guidelines.

There is a possibility of a Modified Plan for the start of the school year, August 2020. We will provide updates as we hear more from State officials and proceed accordingly.

Once again, we know how difficult it has been for our students, parents and all of our school communities during this school closure. Not being able to continue a normal school calendar has been difficult for everyone but the priority continues to be the safety, security and health of our students, school communities and the Nogales community. The end of the year student check out plan started this week for senior students at Nogales and Pierson High Schools with great success following social distancing guidelines. The schools will continue providing specific guidelines and communication on the procedures which will be followed.

A difficult matter concerning COVID-19 is that schools are not able to plan/provide a person-to-person traditional graduation at this time. This is difficult for our school officials as we know how hard, difficult and emotional it has been for our students, parents and families. I myself am a parent of a graduating student and can personally understand and feel how difficult this is for all of our family and all of your families and students. Understanding that social distancing guidelines and large group gathering restrictions remain in effect at this time and we do not know until when or for how long. The infected cases continue to increase in the County, State and Country. As I write this communication, we are up to 35 confirmed cases in Santa Cruz County. As of today, Arizona has 395 deaths. This is why this is so devastating as this health scare and virus continue to take many lives and make an impact in our daily lives.

Due to these unknown factors the high schools will be implementing a modified graduation plan.

At Pierson High School (27 graduates) school officials have been communicating and coordinating with students. The school is planning what they will be calling a "Pick Up Your Diploma Day" for the Class of 2020 where individual students will be wearing their cap/gown and picking up their diploma directly at the school. This process will be staggering individual students allowing each student (parent) to pick up their diploma and be recognized. Not all 27 graduates (large group setting) will be able to be together at one time as students will be picking up their diploma directly and leaving accordingly to provide space and time for each individual student to follow this process. This was decided based on the fact that it is a small group of senior students with the understanding that we cannot have an in-person graduation ceremony following all appropriate social distancing guidelines.

At Nogales High School in order to be able to recognize and celebrate the Class of 2020 (403 graduates) school officials have a graduation committee composed of senior student officers, parents, community members and school officials to plan a virtual graduation ceremony. The school is recognizing that in the future they will probably not be able to recognize all graduating students as many will be moving on with summer college programs, joining the military and others planning personal things as they move on after high school. This will be a personalized virtual graduation ceremony (video recorded) that will also include other activities to recognize all students respectively and accordingly.

The school will be looking into possibly holding an in-person modified celebration later this summer with the understanding that safety/ health guidelines for large group gatherings are in place as recommended by the health experts. We do not know when this health scare will be over and it would be irresponsible to schedule any other event. The District has partnered with the Nogales International for a special edition graduation program where all of our graduates from NHS and PHS will be recognized and celebrated.

We appreciate your understanding, support and sensibility as we continue through this difficult time together as a community.

We want to wish our "Class of 2020" the very best as they have earned their high school diploma through their hard work and perseverance.

This graduating class will embrace and endure this difficult situation. They will continue to be a determined group of great students and people who will move on and accomplish many great things in life. They are deserving of a safe, healthy and prosperous future!

Be Safe and please continue to practice good hygiene and practice all the social distancing guidelines.

THANK YOU

Superintendent Parra

Estimada comunidad del Distrito Escolar Unificado de Nogales:

Esperamos que todos nuestros estudiantes y familias estén bien, manteniéndose seguros y saludables siguiendo todas las pautas de distanciamiento social.

Existe la posibilidad de un Plan modificado para el comienzo del año escolar, agosto de 2020. Proporcionaremos actualizaciones a medida que escuchemos más de los funcionarios estatales y procedamos en consecuencia.

Una vez más, sabemos lo difícil que ha sido para nuestros estudiantes, padres y todas nuestras comunidades escolares durante el cierre de esta escuela. No poder continuar un calendario escolar normal ha sido difícil para todos, pero la prioridad sigue siendo la seguridad y la salud de nuestros estudiantes, las comunidades escolares y la comunidad de Nogales. El plan de salida de estudiantes de fin de año comenzó esta semana para estudiantes de último año en las escuelas secundarias Nogales y Pierson con gran éxito siguiendo las pautas de distanciamiento social. Las escuelas continuarán proporcionando pautas específicas y comunicación sobre los procedimientos que se seguirán.

Un asunto difícil con respecto a COVID-19 es que las escuelas no pueden planificar / proporcionar una graduación tradicional de persona a persona en este momento. Esto es difícil para los funcionarios de nuestra escuela, ya que sabemos lo difícil, difícil y emocional que ha sido para nuestros estudiantes, padres y familias. Yo mismo soy padre de un estudiante graduado y puedo entender y sentir personalmente lo difícil que es para toda nuestra familia y todas sus familias y estudiantes. Entendiendo que las pautas de distanciamiento social y las restricciones de reunión de grupos grandes siguen vigentes en este momento y no sabemos hasta cuándo ni por cuánto tiempo. Los casos infectados continúan aumentando en el condado, estado y país. Mientras escribo esta comunicación, tenemos hasta 35 casos confirmados en el Condado de Santa Cruz. A partir de hoy, Arizona tiene 395 muertes. Esta es la razón por la cual esto es tan devastador ya que este susto de salud y virus continúan cobrando muchas vidas y tienen un impacto en nuestra vida diaria.

Debido a estos factores desconocidos, las escuelas secundarias implementarán un plan de graduación modificado.

En Pierson High School (27 graduados) los funcionarios escolares se han comunicado y coordinado con los estudiantes. La escuela está planeando lo que llamarán un "Día para recoger su diploma" para la clase de 2020, donde los estudiantes llevarán su toga / birrete y recogerán su diploma directamente en la escuela. Este proceso asombrará a los estudiantes individuales permitiendo que cada estudiante (padre) recoja su diploma y sea reconocido. No todos los 27 graduados (grupo grande) podrán estar juntos al mismo tiempo, ya que los estudiantes recogerán su diploma directamente y se irán en consecuencia para proporcionar espacio y tiempo para que cada estudiante siga este proceso. Esto se decidió en base al hecho de que es un pequeño grupo de estudiantes de último año con el entendimiento de que no podemos tener una ceremonia de graduación en persona siguiendo todas las pautas apropiadas de distanciamiento social.

En la Preparatoria Nogales, para poder reconocer y celebrar la Clase de 2020 (403 graduados), los funcionarios escolares tienen un comité de graduación compuesto por altos estudiantes, padres, miembros de la comunidad y funcionarios escolares para planificar una ceremonia virtual de graduación. La escuela reconoce que en el futuro probablemente no podrán reconocer a todos los estudiantes que se gradúen, ya que muchos seguirán adelante con los programas universitarios de verano, se unirán al ejército y a otros que planeen cosas personales a medida que avanzan después de la escuela secundaria. Esta será una ceremonia de graduación virtual personalizada (video grabado) que también incluirá otras actividades para reconocer a todos los estudiantes respectivamente y en consecuencia.

La escuela buscará posiblemente celebrar una celebración modificada en persona más adelante este verano con el entendimiento de que las pautas de seguridad / salud para las reuniones de grupos grandes están en su lugar según lo recomendado por los expertos en salud. No sabemos cuándo terminará este susto de salud y sería irresponsable programar cualquier otro evento. El Distrito se ha asociado con Nogales International para un programa de graduación de edición especial donde todos nuestros graduados de NHS y PHS serán reconocidos y celebrados.

Apreciamos su comprensión, apoyo y sensibilidad mientras continuamos a través de este momento difícil juntos como comunidad.

Queremos desear a nuestra "Clase de 2020" lo mejor, ya que han obtenido su diploma de escuela secundaria a través de su arduo trabajo y perseverancia.

Esta clase de graduados abrazará y resistirá esta difícil situación. Continuarán siendo un grupo determinado de excelentes estudiantes y personas que seguirán adelante y lograrán muchas cosas maravillosas en la vida. ¡Merecen un futuro seguro, saludable y próspero!

Esté seguro y continúe practicando una buena higiene y practique todas las pautas de distanciamiento social.

GRACIAS

Superintendente Parra

5/5/2020 14:30

Wishing everyone our very best! May all of you be safe, healthy and blessed during these difficult times.

Teachers/Educators and Everyone in our TEAM that works with our students every day:

You have been part of an experience of thousands of students! You have made better people for being part of their lives. Every person always remembers their teachers for better or for worse. I personally believe students will always have a memory of their teachers, but an even more powerful impact that will forever be part of who they are or become...You are role models just by choosing this profession. You make a difference and are influential in the lives of many students for the rest of their lives. You are part of a humble profession that provides the opportunity to do great things every day. It is the students holding us in their own honest way accountable as well as our own consciousness that forces us to be the very best teachers we can be! To do our very best every day!

Teaching is the very best of the human factor as you are able to not only make a difference, but you also nourish and plant a SEED IN EVERY STUDENT YOU TEACH AND LEARN WITH EVERY DAY...

The following is the teaching path and personal JOY we should always follow within our teaching and learning approach;

The Greatest Joy

“HAPPINESS IS IN MANY THINGS. IT'S IN LOVE. IT'S IN SHARING. BUT MOST OF ALL, IT'S IN BEING AT PEACE WITH YOURSELF KNOWING THAT YOU ARE MAKING THE EFFORT, THE FULL EFFORT, TO DO WHAT IS RIGHT. TRUE HAPPINESS COMES FROM THINGS THAT CANNOT BE TAKEN AWAY. MAKING THE FULL EFFORT TO DO THE RIGHT THING CAN NEVER BE TAKEN AWAY FROM YOU.
I BELIEVE THE GREATEST JOY ONE CAN HAVE IS DOING SOMETHING FOR SOMEONE ELSE WITHOUT ANY THOUGHT OF GETTING SOMETHING IN RETURN."

- Coach John Wooden

05/04/2020 10:30 AM

Dear Nogales Unified School District Community/K-8 Students and Parents:

We hope that all of our students/families are doing well, staying safe and healthy following all the social distancing guidelines.

As you may know, the Governor has extended the Stay at Home Order to May, 15, 2020. School Closure continues until the end of the regular school year calendar. A Modified Plan for the start of the new school year will be in effect for August 2020. We will continue to provide updates as we hear more from State officials and proceed accordingly with the possibility of a Modified Plan for the next school year.

Once again we know how difficult it has been and will continue to be for our students, parents and all of our school communities during this school closure. All of our lives have changed during this health crisis and not being able to continue a normal school year calendar has been very difficult for everyone. But the priority continues to be the safety, security and health of our students, school communities and the Nogales community.

For all of our K-8 students an end of the school year plan will be implemented during the coming weeks. The district and schools will be reaching out and communicating the process, details and procedures/time lines- dates that will be followed for returning/picking up any personal items, school materials, athletic uniforms, textbooks/library books, equipment items/musical instruments or any routine end of the school year student checking out items.

During this end of the year student check out/closure plan; our students will also be provided with an end of the year special transition packets; containing/including student certificates, awards, recognitions, DARE shirts- certificates and other individual student items/recognition of programs.

Hopefully some of our grade level teachers will be there (alternating grade level schedules) for final dismissal providing support as our parents/students pick up their end of the year student packets.

* ALL SOCIAL DISTANCING GUIDELINES WILL BE FOLLOWED DURING THESE END OF THE YEAR CHECKING OUT/PICK UP STUDENT PACKETS PLANS...

We are also very excited for our 3rd/4th grade students! The Nogales International and South32 Mining is working in partnership and have created a Fun/Critical Thinking Activity Book. The district will be mailing these Activity Books to all of our 3rd/4th grade students in the coming weeks as we know our students will really enjoy these grade level Activity Books.

We have missed our students very much and not having an end of the year transition has been the most difficult situation during this health scare crisis.

Be safe, stay healthy, wash your hands consistently with soap and water and continue to practice all the social distancing guidelines.

THANK YOU!
Superintendent Parra

Estimados estudiantes y padres de la Comunidad del Distrito Escolar Unificado de Nogales / K-8:

Esperamos que todos nuestros estudiantes / familias estén bien, se mantengan seguros y saludables siguiendo todas las pautas de distanciamiento social.

Como ya sabrá, el Gobernador ha extendido la Orden de quedarse en casa hasta el 15 de mayo de 2020. El cierre de la escuela continúa hasta el final del calendario escolar regular. Un plan modificado para el comienzo del nuevo año escolar entrará en vigencia para agosto de 2020. Continuaremos brindando actualizaciones a medida que escuchemos más de los funcionarios estatales y procedamos en consecuencia con la posibilidad de un plan modificado para el próximo año escolar.

Una vez más, sabemos lo difícil que ha sido y seguirá siendo para nuestros estudiantes, padres y todas nuestras comunidades escolares durante el cierre de esta escuela. Todas nuestras vidas han cambiado durante esta crisis de salud y no poder continuar un calendario escolar normal ha sido muy difícil para todos. Pero la prioridad sigue siendo la seguridad y la salud de nuestros estudiantes, las comunidades escolares y la comunidad de Nogales.

Para todos nuestros estudiantes de K-8 se implementará un plan de fin de año escolar durante las próximas semanas. El distrito y las escuelas se comunicarán y comunicarán el proceso, los detalles y los procedimientos / las fechas y fechas que se seguirán para devolver / recoger cualquier artículo personal, material escolar, uniformes deportivos, libros de texto / libros de la biblioteca, artículos de equipo / instrumentos musicales. o cualquier estudiante de rutina al final del año escolar que saque artículos.

Durante este fin de año, el plan de salida / cierre del estudiante; nuestros estudiantes también recibirán un paquete especial de transición de fin de año; que contiene / incluye certificados de estudiantes, premios, reconocimientos, camisetas de DARE, certificados y otros artículos individuales de estudiantes / reconocimiento de programas.

Afortunadamente, algunos de nuestros maestros de nivel de grado estarán allí (horarios alternos de nivel de grado) para el despido final brindando apoyo a medida que nuestros padres / estudiantes recojan sus paquetes de estudiantes de fin de año.

* TODAS LAS DIRECTRICES DE DISTANCIA SOCIAL SE SEGUIRÁN DURANTE ESTAS FIN DE AÑO CONTROLANDO / RECOGER PAQUETES DE ESTUDIANTES PLANES ...

También estamos muy emocionados por nuestro 3er / 4 th estudiantes de grado! Nogales International y South32 Mining están trabajando en asociación y han creado un Libro de actividades de pensamiento divertido / crítico. El distrito enviará estos libros de actividades por correo a todos nuestros alumnos de 3er / 4to grado estudiantes en las próximas semanas, ya que sabemos que nuestros estudiantes realmente disfrutarán de estos libros de actividades de nivel de grado.

Hemos extrañado mucho a nuestros estudiantes y no haber tenido una transición de fin de año ha sido la situación más difícil durante esta crisis de miedo a la salud.

Esté seguro, manténgase saludable, lávese las manos constantemente con agua y jabón y continúe practicando todas las pautas de distanciamiento social.

¡GRACIAS!
Superintendente Parra

5/4/2020 9:45

Dear NUSD Community,

The district is very excited and is currently planning and coordinating to provide Nogales High School Students/Parents Free Online Summer School for our students/families who need credit recovery.

Nogales High School will also be providing a Health Course/replacing the Physical Education Course for our students interested in taking the class for credit (dual credit) this summer. All summer courses will be online instruction. The summer program will include a transition to high school for incoming freshman students.

The schools will be following the Free Modified Remote/Online Summer School Program. For those students who do not have a technology device/the school will be providing/lending devices to our students as needed. Further information (registration- scheduled times-dates) and details regarding Online High School Summer School will be provided in the coming weeks.

If you have further questions or concerns please contact the school directly. For those students/parents who have already registered or made a payment for summer school you will be receiving a reimbursement.

NUSD is very proud to continue to provide the best services and instruction opportunities for our students/families.

Thank you for your support and for you choosing NUSD for your education!

Superintendent Parra

Estimada comunidad del NUSD:

El distrito está muy entusiasmado y actualmente está planeando y coordinando proporcionar a los estudiantes / padres de la escuela secundaria de Nogales escuela de verano en línea gratis para nuestros estudiantes / familias que necesitan recuperación de crédito.

Nogales High School también proporcionará un curso de salud / reemplazará el curso de educación física para nuestros estudiantes interesados en tomar la clase para obtener crédito (doble crédito) este verano. Todos los cursos de verano serán en línea. El programa de verano incluirá una transición a la escuela secundaria para los nuevos estudiantes de primer año.

Las escuelas seguirán el programa de escuela de verano en línea / remoto modificado gratuito. Para aquellos estudiantes que no tienen un dispositivo tecnológico / la escuela proporcionará / prestará dispositivos a nuestros estudiantes según sea necesario. En las próximas semanas se proporcionará más información (fecha de inscripción programada, fechas y fechas) y detalles sobre la Escuela de Verano en línea de High School

Si tiene más preguntas o inquietudes, comuníquese directamente con la escuela. Para aquellos estudiantes / padres que ya se hayan registrado o hayan realizado un pago para la escuela de verano, recibirán un reembolso.

NUSD está muy orgulloso de continuar brindando los mejores servicios y oportunidades de instrucción para nuestros estudiantes / familias.

¡Gracias por su apoyo y por elegir NUSD para su educación!

Superintendente Parra

04/17/2020 1:00 PM.

N.U.S.D. UPDATE AND COMMUNICATION:

We hope that everyone is safe and doing well. We want to provide an update on Distance Learning opportunities for our students and the N.U.S.D. Accountability Grading Plan during the school closure. The health and safety of our students, families, school community and the Nogales community continue to be the priority at N.U.S.D.

As we have communicated, we are continuing with the successful implementation of our district's phase one distance learning plan. On April 15, 2020, the district submitted a formal explanation as part of the documentation required by the State Board of Education to explain the remote learning plan that is in place for our district.

The distance learning plan for Nogales High School and Pierson High School is providing a variety of options that include online learning opportunities through Edgenuity, Google Classroom, Achieve3000, Kahn Academy, and other programs our students have access to. Paper packets are also available for those students that do not have internet connectivity.

Both high schools will continue to communicate and coordinate with students and parents identifying the distance learning needs for all of our students.

At the K-8 level, paper packets have been mailed successfully to our students. Phase one, which focused upon the first distribution of materials has already occurred. Phase two, the second distribution of packets, is being implemented now as the next packets are being prepared. For those students who have internet and technology devices, the optional resources provided in the packets include instructions for access to blended learning programs such as Imagine Learning for grades kindergarten through eighth grade and Achieve3000 for grades six through eight.

The needs of our special education students are also being addressed through our distance learning plan. Learning materials have been scaffolded to provide student support and designed to support accommodations provided to students. Additionally, several leveled packets were provided for pre-K through eighth grade as an alternative to traditional grade-level distance learning activity packets will be provided for those students who receive related services.

To support all students and families during the closure, school staff and teachers will be communicating with our students and parents as needed starting next week. This check-in with our students and families will be done district-wide for all N.U.S.D. students. School staff will be checking in and asking if students are having any difficulties or questions regarding the learning materials being provided as part of the distance learning plan. Additionally, our professional staff and special education teachers will also be communicating with our students and parents to check in and provide needed assistance and support.

Grading accommodations and flexibility have been considered at N.U.S.D. in the best interest of our students due to the school closure. District administrators and principals have worked together to identify a grading method that will be used for fourth quarter grades. As per legislation, grades must not penalize students due to the pandemic and cannot be lower than those earned third quarter. To this end, the proposal agreed upon by the N.U.S.D. administrative team is to provide a "P" Grade for passing for the fourth quarter for all students in kindergarten through twelfth grade.

At Nogales High School, as outlined in Governing Board Policy, the Senior Exhibition is an additional requirement for graduation. Senior students had successfully completed almost all components of the project prior to spring break and school closure. To meet the remaining project requirement, students have been asked to complete a PowerPoint Presentation according to a template that they have been provided. This PowerPoint will take the place of the oral presentation that is typically presented in May. Nogales High School teachers are providing a great deal of support and flexibility to our senior students as they remotely complete this component and we are confident that all seniors will be able to complete this last requirement of the Senior Exhibition.

For those high school students who are enrolled in AP or IB courses, additional considerations are in place. The College Board will be providing opportunities for the administration of AP assessments in a timed format from home and teachers are working to support students who plan to complete the AP assessments. Similarly, IB teachers are working closely with IB students to meet internal assessment requirements and pass those tests that will then take the place of IB external assessments, enabling seniors to earn the IB Diploma if they were already on track to do so prior to the school closure.

Both the IB/AP Programs have made significant modifications/accommodations as well as flexibility for our students to be able to successfully complete their program and assessments.

At the K-8 level, a passing grade will be given for all core and elective/specials classes as they currently appear on the report card for the fourth quarter. At the high school level, a passing grade will also be given for all classes in which the student is currently enrolled for the fourth quarter, including Edgenuity courses at Nogales High School, Pierson High School and N.U.S.D. Online.

Semester grades will be based upon an average of their third quarter grade and the passing fourth quarter grade, which an analysis of student grades indicate will fairly enable students to earn credits for work completed this spring, particularly seniors who need the spring semester credit to graduate and receive their Diploma.

These will be the processes and accountability measures followed by N.U.S.D. based upon a recognition of the state’s statutory guidance and a desire to hold students harmless for situations outside of their control related to the pandemic. This decision is also based on the health concerns for families and staff to avoid bringing people together for the collection of student papers and for individual teacher grading. In light of this pandemic and the many unknowns regarding this virus and the unpredictable way in which it is progressing in the community, it is best to avoid the collection of paper packets as we move into late April and May. Your understanding and support of this approach are appreciated!

However, please know that with this accountability proposal we fully recognize that some students may require support in the fall when classes resume. Supports will be in place to assist students for learning gaps that are identified during benchmark assessments. As needed, additional tutoring and remediation opportunities will be provided beyond that which we normally offer to support student learning as students’ transition to the next grade level content.

In addition to this accountability plan, the district is working on the following items: address changes, open enrollment and registrations to benefit and assist our students, parents, families, and school community. We have already pushed out a Google Form to assist parents in making address changes. The form has worked well and parents have been responding to assist us in making needed changes.

Parents have been inquiring about open enrollment during the closure. To assist parents, we are creating another Google Form that parents will be able to utilize to apply for open enrollment. To simplify this process, anyone who is currently on open enrollment during the 2019-2020 school year but whose parent has not yet submitted a form will not need to do so for the 2020-2021 school year. We will "roll" students over for the next year's grade level at their current or feeder school.

Only new open enrollment requests will need to be made for the 2020-2021 school year and we anticipate having that Google Form available in the next week for parents to access on the N.U.S.D. website.

For registration of new students, we are working to make online registration available. This process has been in the planning stage to start using it for the new school year. So we are currently working on this task to have it complete within the next few weeks. We are hoping to have it available in late May or early June by the latest. When it is ready for use, we will make sure that we are messaging this information out to schools and parents. Guidance and directions will be made available throughout this process.

These are several of the recommendations and procedures we are currently working on. We will continue to provide the best services and opportunities for our students and families at Nogales Unified School District #1.

We want to thank you for all your support, patience and understanding as we move forward through this process and school closure. Be safe, stay healthy, wash your hands consistently with soap and water, and follow all the health guidelines and social distancing practices.

Superintendent Parra

ACTUALIZACIÓN Y COMUNICACIÓN DE NUSD:

Esperamos que todos estén seguros y que les vaya bien. Queremos proporcionar una actualización sobre las oportunidades de aprendizaje a distancia para nuestros estudiantes y el Plan de calificación de responsabilidad del NUSD durante el cierre de la escuela. La salud y la seguridad de nuestros estudiantes, familias, comunidad escolar y la comunidad de Nogales siguen siendo la prioridad en N.U.S.D.

Como nos hemos comunicado, continuamos con la implementación exitosa del plan de aprendizaje a distancia de fase uno de nuestro distrito. El 15 de abril de 2020, el distrito presentó una explicación formal como parte de la documentación requerida por la Junta de Educación del Estado para explicar el plan de aprendizaje remoto que está vigente para nuestro distrito.

El plan de aprendizaje a distancia para Nogales High School y Pierson High School ofrece una variedad de opciones que incluyen oportunidades de aprendizaje en línea a través de Edgenuity, Google Classroom, Achieve3000, Kahn Academy y otros programas a los que nuestros estudiantes tienen acceso. Los paquetes de papel también están disponibles para aquellos estudiantes que no tienen conectividad a Internet.

Ambas escuelas secundarias continuarán comunicándose y coordinando con estudiantes y padres identificando las necesidades de aprendizaje a distancia para todos nuestros estudiantes.

En el nivel K-8, los paquetes de papel se han enviado con éxito a nuestros estudiantes. La fase uno, que se centró en la primera distribución de materiales, ya ha ocurrido. La fase dos, la segunda distribución de paquetes, se está implementando ahora a medida que se preparan los siguientes paquetes. Para aquellos estudiantes que tienen dispositivos de internet y tecnología, los recursos opcionales provistos en los paquetes incluyen instrucciones para acceder a programas de aprendizaje combinado como Imagine Learning para grados de jardín de infantes a octavo grado y Achieve3000 para grados de sexto a octavo.

Las necesidades de nuestros estudiantes de educación especial también se están abordando a través de nuestro plan de aprendizaje a distancia. Los materiales de aprendizaje se han andamio para proporcionar apoyo a los estudiantes y diseñados para apoyar las adaptaciones proporcionadas a los estudiantes. Además, se proporcionaron varios paquetes nivelados para pre-K hasta octavo grado como una alternativa a los paquetes de actividades de aprendizaje a distancia de nivel de grado tradicional para aquellos estudiantes que reciben servicios relacionados.

Para apoyar a todos los estudiantes y familias durante el cierre, el personal escolar y los maestros se comunicarán con nuestros estudiantes y padres según sea necesario a partir de la próxima semana. Este registro con nuestros estudiantes y familias se realizará en todo el distrito para todos los estudiantes del N.U.S.D. El personal de la escuela se registrará y preguntará si los estudiantes tienen dificultades o preguntas con respecto a los materiales de aprendizaje que se proporcionan como parte del plan de aprendizaje a distancia. Además, nuestro personal profesional y maestros de educación especial también se comunicarán con nuestros estudiantes y padres para registrarse y brindar la asistencia y el apoyo necesarios.

Las adaptaciones de calificaciones y la flexibilidad se han considerado en N.U.S.D. en el mejor interés de nuestros estudiantes debido al cierre de la escuela. Los administradores y directores del distrito han trabajado juntos para identificar un método de calificación que se utilizará para los grados del cuarto trimestre. Según la legislación, las calificaciones no deben penalizar a los estudiantes debido a la pandemia y no pueden ser inferiores a las obtenidas en el tercer trimestre. Con este fin, la propuesta acordada por el equipo administrativo del N.U.S.D. es proporcionar una calificación "P" para aprobar el cuarto trimestre para todos los estudiantes de jardín de infantes a duodécimo grado.

En Nogales High School, como se describe en la Política de la Junta de Gobierno, la Exposición para personas de la tercera edad es un requisito adicional para la graduación. Los estudiantes de último año habían completado con éxito casi todos los componentes del proyecto antes de las vacaciones de primavera y el cierre de la escuela. Para cumplir con el requisito restante del proyecto, se les ha pedido a los estudiantes que completen una presentación de PowerPoint de acuerdo con una plantilla que se les ha proporcionado. Este PowerPoint tomará el lugar de la presentación oral que generalmente se presenta en mayo. Los maestros de la Preparatoria Nogales están brindando una gran cantidad de apoyo y flexibilidad a nuestros estudiantes de último año a medida que completan remotamente este componente y estamos seguros de que todos los estudiantes de último año podrán completar este último requisito de la Exposición de estudiantes de último año.

Para aquellos estudiantes de secundaria que están matriculados en cursos AP o IB, existen consideraciones adicionales. El College Board brindará oportunidades para la administración de evaluaciones AP en un formato cronometrado desde casa y los maestros están trabajando para apoyar a los estudiantes que planean completar las evaluaciones AP. Del mismo modo, los profesores del IB están trabajando estrechamente con los estudiantes del IB para cumplir con los requisitos de evaluación interna y aprobar las pruebas que luego reemplazarán a las evaluaciones externas del IB, lo que permitirá a los estudiantes de último año obtener el Diploma del IB si ya estaban en camino de hacerlo antes de la escuela cierre.

Ambos programas IB / AP han realizado modificaciones / adaptaciones significativas, así como flexibilidad para que nuestros estudiantes puedan completar con éxito su programa y evaluaciones.

En el nivel K-8, se otorgará una calificación aprobatoria para todas las clases básicas y electivas / especiales tal como aparecen actualmente en la boleta de calificaciones para el cuarto trimestre. A nivel de escuela secundaria, también se otorgará una calificación aprobatoria para todas las clases en las que el estudiante está inscrito actualmente para el cuarto trimestre, incluidos los cursos de Edgenuity en Nogales High School, Pierson High School y N.U.S.D. Online.

Las calificaciones semestrales se basarán en un promedio de su tercer trimestre y la calificación aprobada del cuarto trimestre, lo que un análisis de las calificaciones de los estudiantes indicará que permitirá a los estudiantes obtener créditos por el trabajo completado esta primavera, particularmente los estudiantes de último año que necesitan el crédito del semestre de primavera para graduarse y recibir su diploma.

Estos serán los procesos y las medidas de responsabilidad seguidos por el N.U.S.D. basados en el reconocimiento de la orientación legal del estado y el deseo de mantener a los estudiantes indemnes por situaciones fuera de su control relacionadas con la pandemia. Esta decisión también se basa en las preocupaciones de salud de las familias y el personal para evitar reunir a las personas para la recolección de documentos de los estudiantes y para la calificación individual de los maestros. A la luz de esta pandemia y las muchas incógnitas con respecto a este virus y la forma impredecible en que está progresando en la comunidad, es mejor evitar la recolección de paquetes de papel a medida que avanzamos a fines de abril y mayo. ¡Su comprensión y apoyo de este enfoque son apreciados!

Sin embargo, sepa que con esta propuesta de responsabilidad reconocemos plenamente que algunos estudiantes pueden necesitar apoyo en el otoño cuando se reanuden las clases. Habrá apoyos para ayudar a los estudiantes a aprender las brechas de aprendizaje que se identifican durante las evaluaciones de referencia. Según sea necesario, se brindarán oportunidades adicionales de tutoría y remediación más allá de lo que normalmente ofrecemos para apoyar el aprendizaje de los estudiantes como transición de los estudiantes al siguiente contenido de nivel de grado.

Además de este plan de responsabilidad, el distrito está trabajando en los siguientes elementos: cambios de dirección, inscripción abierta y registros para beneficiar y ayudar a nuestros estudiantes, padres, familias y comunidad escolar. Ya hemos presentado un formulario de Google para ayudar a los padres a realizar cambios de dirección. El formulario ha funcionado bien y los padres han estado respondiendo para ayudarnos a hacer los cambios necesarios.

Los padres han estado preguntando sobre la inscripción abierta durante el cierre. Para ayudar a los padres, estamos creando otro formulario de Google que los padres podrán utilizar para solicitar la inscripción abierta. Para simplificar este proceso, cualquier persona que esté actualmente en inscripción abierta durante el año escolar 2019-2020 pero cuyos padres aún no hayan presentado un formulario no necesitarán hacerlo para el año escolar 2020-2021. Vamos a "pasar" a los estudiantes para el nivel de grado del próximo año en su escuela actual o secundaria.

Solo se deberán realizar nuevas solicitudes de inscripción abierta para el año escolar 2020-2021 y anticipamos tener ese Formulario de Google disponible en la próxima semana para que los padres accedan al sitio web del N.U.S.D.

Para el registro de nuevos estudiantes, estamos trabajando para que el registro en línea esté disponible. Este proceso ha estado en la etapa de planificación para comenzar a usarlo para el nuevo año escolar. Por lo tanto, actualmente estamos trabajando en esta tarea para completarla en las próximas semanas. Esperamos tenerlo disponible a fines de mayo o principios de junio a más tardar. Cuando esté listo para usar, nos aseguraremos de enviar esta información a las escuelas y a los padres. La orientación y las instrucciones estarán disponibles a lo largo de este proceso.

Estas son varias de las recomendaciones y procedimientos en los que estamos trabajando actualmente. Continuaremos brindando los mejores servicios y oportunidades para nuestros estudiantes y familias en el Distrito Escolar Unificado Nogales # 1.

Queremos agradecerles por todo su apoyo, paciencia y comprensión a medida que avanzamos a través de este proceso y el cierre de la escuela. Esté seguro, manténgase saludable, lávese las manos constantemente con agua y jabón, y siga todas las pautas de salud y prácticas de distanciamiento social.

Superintendente Parra

Good afternoon,

The produce industry- produce association along with N.U.S.D. volunteers will be distributing produce boxes for the Nogales Community/and N.U.S.D. Families. The distribution of the produce will be held at Nogales High School Student Parking Lot starting at 9:00 AM Thursday, April 16th.

A complete produce packet/pick up will be provided and placed in your vehicle.

Thank you!
Superintendent Parra

04/08/2020 4:30 PM

DEAR NOGALES UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT COMMUNITY :

AT THIS TIME THE NOGALES UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT #1 DOES NOT HAVE A DETERMINED TIME/DATE FOR HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION CEREMONIES.

NOGALES UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT #1 HAS NOT MADE A FINAL DECISION AND IS BEING MINDFUL OF THE HEALTH SCARE CRISIS BEING EXPERIENCED AT THIS TIME.
ALL SAFETY, SECURITY AND HEALTH GUIDELINES WILL CONTINUE TO BE FOLLOWED REGARDING SOCIAL DISTANCING AND LARGE GROUP GATHERINGS.
WE WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR, ADJUST AND EVALUATE THIS SITUATION ON A DAY BY DAY BASIS.

NUSD#1 IS BEING MINDFUL THAT THIS VERY IMPORTANT DECISION WILL BE MADE TAKING ALL THE SAFETY GUIDELINES/ FACTORS INTO CONSIDERATION AS WELL AS GETTING INPUT/RECOMMENDATIONS FROM OUR SENIOR STUDENTS, PARENTS, TEACHERS, SCHOOL PRINCIPALS, GOVERNING BOARD AND OUR ENTIRE SCHOOL COMMUNITY.

IT WOULD BE IRRESPONSIBLE IN OUR PART TO MAKE SUCH A DETERMINATION OR SET A DATE/TIME AT THIS TIME.

WE APPRECIATE YOUR UNDERSTANDING AND SUPPORT IN THE BEST INTEREST, SAFETY, SECURITY AND HEALTH OF OUR STUDENTS AND ENTIRE NUSD#1 COMMUNITY.

BE SAFE AND FOLLOW ALL THE SAFETY/HEALTH GUIDELINES!

SUPERINTENDENT PARRA

04/02/2020 6:00 PM

Dear NUSD Students ; Apaches, Wolves, Eagles, Diamondbacks, NUSD on Line, Hawks, Dolphins, Road Runners, Conquistadores, Challenger Rockets and Lions:

I understand how difficult this is for you as students going through this National Pandemic that is impacting not only our Community, but our City, County, State, Country and World as well. This is beyond unprecedented, due to the uncertainty of how this virus is continuing to spread, and breaking every "Norm" and way of life as we have known it. Just know that everyone is going through this difficult situation and we will get through it together.

But at this time as a community our number one concern and priority is the safety, security and health of our students, families, and our teachers/employees. It is very difficult to understand that from one day to another our lives have completely changed and come to a stop. More difficult is not knowing how long this will continue or if the health of our families is or will be affected by this health scare.

For now, we need to be patient and understand that this situation is out of our control. We hope that in the near future we will be able to get back to our way of life.

The intention of our schools and teachers is to continue to provide distance learning opportunities for all of our students. You should have already received your student lessons if you are doing your assignments/activities on line/remotely or through learning packets. Your schools will continue to communicate with you regarding distance learning opportunities and other teaching and learning resources that will be provided. This will not be a perfect situation, but please know that we will be doing our very best in providing these distance learning opportunities as we continue to monitor and adjust. Later on we will also be informing you and your parents about other school accountability measures regarding grades or any other school related matters. For now, please do your very best working on your distance learning lessons.

To our senior students we understand how very difficult this situation is for all of you. You are all deserving of being able to close out your senior year. It is very difficult for us as your teachers and educators having to experience this situation along with you, and your family. As a parent myself, it is an extremely difficult process to understand and have to go through. But as I mentioned, this situation is out of our control. Together as a community we will stand strong and deal with this crisis.

At a later time we will also be reaching out to you and your parents regarding receiving your graduation diplomas, credits, grades and all other specific procedures for you to successfully conclude your senior year. Please know that all considerations and flexibility will be implemented during this difficult time.

Even though we do not know what the future will hold, together with your principals and teachers we will be trying to find other means of providing a graduation ceremony if possible.

During difficult times such as these, it is important to appreciate your family, practice social distancing, stay home and follow all the safety guidelines to keep yourselves and all your loved ones safe and healthy.

We miss you, we appreciate you, and we hope you are healthy and safe throughout this National health crisis.

Respectfully,

Your Superintendent
Mr. Parra

04/02/2020 11:00 AM

ALL THE SCHOOL GROUNDS/ATHLETIC FIELDS WILL BE CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC, DUE COVID -19 FOR THE SAFETY, SECURITY & HEALTH OF THE COMMUNITY

03/30/2020 2:20 PM

Good afternoon N.U.S.D. PARENTS AND N.U.S.D. COMMUNITY :

THE GOVERNOR OF ARIZONA HAS EXTENDED THE SCHOOL CLOSURES THROUGH THE END OF THE SCHOOL YEAR. HOWEVER, SCHOOL DISTANCE LEARNING WILL CONTINUE TO BE PROVIDED THROUGH THE END OF THE OFFICIAL SCHOOL CALENDAR TO THE EXTENT THAT WE CAN. THIS WILL BE EVALUATED ON A DAILY BASIS.

ADJUSTMENTS AND LEARNING OPPORTUNITY CHANGES WILL BE MADE AS WE MONITOR AND ADJUST THROUGH THIS PROCESS AND AS WE ARE PROVIDED FURTHER OFFICIAL GUIDELINES FROM STATE OFFICIALS.

AT THIS TIME IN AN ABUNDANCE OF CAUTION THE NUMBER ONE PRIORITY FOR N.U.S.D. IS AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE THE SAFETY AND SECURITY/HEALTH OF OUR STUDENTS, OUR FAMILIES, ALL ENTIRE N.U.S.D. COMMUNITY AND COMMUNITY OF NOGALES...

N.U.S.D. IS REMINDING OUR PARENTS, STUDENTS AND SCHOOL COMMUNITY TO CONTINUE TO PRACTICE SOCIAL DISTANCING AND ALL THE SAFETY/HEALTH GUIDELINES.

ACCORDING TO THE HEALTH EXPERTS THE VIRUS PEAK WILL BE HITTING ARIZONA IN MID APRIL AND END OF APRIL FOR SANTA CRUZ COUNTY AS THE DATA IS CHANGING RAPIDLY EVERYDAY.

AT THIS TIME OUR SCHOOLS HAVE REACHED OUT TO OUR PARENTS/STUDENTS REGARDING THE DISTANCE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUR STUDENTS AND WE CONTINUE TO UPDATE YOU ON THESE PROCEDURES AS WE CONTINUE TO MONITOR AND ADJUST ACCORDINGLY; CONTINUING TO WORK THROUGH THIS CHALLENGING HEALTH CRISIS...

THE DISTANCE LEARNING OPPORTUNITY PACKETS ARE GOING OUT TODAY DISTRICT WIDE FOR ALL K-8 STUDENTS AND THE HIGH SCHOOLS HAVE SUBMITTED DIRECTION AND PICK UP SCHEDULES FOR LEARNING PACKETS FOR THOSE STUDENTS WHO WILL BE DOING LEARNING PACKETS. FOR OTHER STUDENTS DOING ON LINE LEARNING THEY HAVE ALREADY RECEIVED DIRECTION AND INSTRUCTION FROM THE SCHOOL AND GRADE SUBJECT TEACHERS. THIS COMMUNICATION WILL BE ONGOING...

WE APPRECIATE YOUR UNDERSTANDING, SUPPORT, COOPERATION AND PATIENCE AS WE WORK TOGETHER IN THE BEST INTEREST OF OUR N.U.S.D. STUDENTS/ COMMUNITY AND OUR ENTIRE NOGALES COMMUNITY.

AS MENTIONED, WE WILL CONTINUE TO PROVIDE UPDATES AND DIRECTION REGARDING SCHOOL LEARNING, ACCOUNTABILITY AND SCHOOL BUSINESS MEASURES. THE DISTRICT WILL BE USING FLEXIBILITY REGARDING LEARNING MEASURE ACCOUNTABILITY SUCH AS STUDENT GRADES AND OTHER SCHOOL POLICIES.

WE ARE PERFORMING AND ACTING DURING A VERY CHALLENGING SITUATION UNPRECEDENTED TIME.

PLEASE BE SAFE, PRACTICE SOCIAL DISTANCE AND FOLLOW ALL THE SAFETY/HEALTHY HYGIENE GUIDELINES.

THANK YOU!

SUPERINTENDENT PARRA

03/20/2020 5:45 PM

Good afternoon Parents, Students, and ALL N.U.S.D. School Community:

WE WANTED TO REACH OUT WITH A NEW UPDATE TO ADVISE THAT SCHOOL CLOSURE HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO APRIL 10, 2020.

THE DISTRICT IS CURRENTLY IN AN ABUNDANCE OF CAUTION WORKING ON A DISTANCE LEARNING PLAN THAT WILL BE IN PLACE TO PROVIDE POTENTIAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL OF OUR STUDENTS TO START MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2020 DISTRICT WIDE. WE WILL BE PROVIDING/EXPLORING DIFFERENT METHODS AND OPTIONS FOR POTENTIAL DISTANCE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL OF OUR STUDENTS.

AT THIS TIME THE DISTRICT'S NUMBER ONE PRIORITY IS THE SAFETY, SECURITY- HEALTH OF ALL OF OUR STUDENTS, FAMILIES, AND ALL OF OUR N.U.S.D. COMMUNITY AND WILL CONTINUE TO ENSURE AND PRIORITIZE A SAFE AND ORDERLY PROCESS FOR POTENTIAL DISTANCE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL STUDENTS AT N.U.S.D.

OUR SCHOOLS WILL BE REACHING OUT AT A LATER TIME TO PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS, INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION REGARDING POTENTIAL DISTANCE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUR STUDENTS/FAMILIES.

OUR FOOD SERVICE MEAL PROGRAM HAS SERVED OVER 1,200 MEALS THIS WEEK AND AN ADJUSTED NEW MEAL CALENDAR WILL BE IN AFFECT FOR BETTER ACCESSIBILITY FOR OUR FAMILIES AND SAFETY/HEALTH PROTOCOL STARTING ON MONDAY, MARCH 23rd. THE NEW CALENDAR HAS BEEN POSTED AND SHARED WITH OUR N.U.S.D. COMMUNITY AND FAMILIES. N.U.S.D. IS LOOKING FORWARD TO CONTINUING PROVIDING MEALS FOR OUR STUDENTS AND FAMILIES.

WE WANT TO THANK YOU ONCE AGAIN FOR YOUR PATIENCE, UNDERSTANDING AND SUPPORT AS WE ALL WORK TOGETHER IN THE BEST INTEREST, SAFETY AND HEALTH OF ALL OF OUR STUDENTS, FAMILIES AND N.U.S.D. COMMUNITY.

BE SAFE AND PLEASE FOLLOW THE HEALTHY HYGIENE GUIDELINES.

WISHING THAT ALL OF OUR STUDENTS AND FAMILIES ARE DOING WELL AND STAYING SAFE THROUGH OUT THIS UNPRECEDENTED HEALTH SCARE AND SCHOOL CLOSURE.

THANK YOU!
SUPERINTENDENT PARRA

03/20/2020 2:00 PM

Beginning Monday N.U.S.D. will have a new schedule for the Grab and Go meals. Please see attached the meal schedule and menu items.

3/15/2020 1:40 PM

Nogales Unified School District #1 will be providing FREE MEALS during the school closure for children 18 years of age and under. Meals will be served at different locations throughout Nogales during this time. Attached you will find the flyers for the school closure meal schedule.

Thank you!

03/18/2020 2:09 PM

Dear NUSD Community,

As we were forwarding to you a current update, we received the following News Release from the Arizona State Legislature. Please review the attachment. Thank you again.

Click on the image to see the document

03/18/2020 2:00 PM

Good afternoon NUSD Community,

I hope that everyone is doing well and that you are following safety guidelines and staying healthy.

This corona virus pandemic is creating a great deal of stress and anxiety within our community and across the nation. The virus has several of the same symptoms as the flu virus and there are a number of people dealing with the common cold, flu and allergies at this time in our community. This creates a very difficult situation, as we do not know who may be infected with the corona virus and who is at risk of exposure. We continue to understand more each day about the COVID-19 virus, but we are all experiencing an unknown situation that is affecting all of us directly.

As you already know, if you have been following the news regarding the latest data for COVID-19 in Arizona (as last updated on 3/18/2020 by the Arizona Department of Health Services), the data is changing quickly. The current numbers indicate that there are 27 total COVID-19 cases; 11 in Maricopa County, 8 in Pinal County, 1 in Graham County, 2 in Navajo County and 5 in Pima County. So far, zero tests have come back positive in Santa Cruz County. Thankfully, there are no deaths reported at this time in Arizona. Unfortunately, even as we write this update, we know that the numbers are changing.

This health crisis makes this school closure unique in comparison with all past school closures that have occurred locally or across the state and nation. This means that ALL NORMAL SCHOOLING MATTERS including but not limited to instructional calendar, programs, events, small/large group gatherings for traditional teaching/learning, state accountability measures, testing, funding, and ALL related school business COME TO AN END UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE DUE TO THIS UNPRECEDENTED SCHOOL CLOSURE.

This morning NUSD district administrators and school leaders met to discuss the current situation and to review the state guidelines/information provided including the plan for potential learning opportunities. We are working together and will be reaching out to all of you as we formulate a learning plan that is in the best interest of all of our students and NUSD. At this time, we are waiting for legislative changes within the Senate Education Bill being drafted.

As you can understand, over the last 72 hours we have been continually receiving different information and recommendations from the AZ State Department of Education, but we have not received any concrete guidance or direction on how we will be proceeding during an extended school closure. Decisions regarding an extended school closure will be decided and determined by State officials by no later than Sunday, March 22, 2020.

These are the facts that are currently known at this time. As we have been, we will continue to keep you informed and provide direction as we receive updated information and have more specific guidance to share.

Currently, we are fortunate that we are able to provide continuation of pay and benefits to all full-time NUSD employees. I appreciate your understanding, trust and support at this time as we continue to work in the best interest of NUSD.

Please stay safe and thank you.
Fernando Parra, Superintendent

03/14/2020 4:40 PM

GOOD AFTERNOON PARENTS AND NUSD COMMUNITY,
IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT:

NUSD WILL BE IMPOSING SCHOOL CLOSURE FROM MARCH 16Th- MARCH 27TH TO RETURN ON MARCH 30TH!

* ALL AIA/ATHLETIC PROGRAM, EXTRACURRICULAR PROGRAMS, SCHOOL EVENTS AT ALL LEVELS INCLUDING ALL SCHOOL TRAVEL HAS BEEN CANCELED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

THE FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM WILL BE PROCEEDING WITH PROVIDING MEALS FOR OUR STUDENTS/FAMILIES WITH FOOD SERVICE STATIONS ACROSS THE DISTRICT AS WE DO WITH OUR SUMMER MEAL PROGRAM. THEY WILL BE FOLLOWING ALL FOOD SERVICE SAFETY AND PROCEDURES PROTOCOL. PLEASE VISIT OUR SCHOOL WEBSITE FOR SCHEDULE AND LOCATIONS. WWW.NUSD.K12.AZ.US.

AS WE MENTIONED AND COMMUNICATED EARLIER THIS WEEK THAT WE WOULD BE MONITORING THIS HEALTH CRISIS ON A DAY TO DAY BASIS AS WELL AS COMMUNICATING WITH STATE OFFICIALS AND HEALTH SERVICES EXPERTS.

AT THIS TIME I AM RECOMMENDING SCHOOL CLOSURE BASED ON THE HEALTH CRISIS WE ARE BEING CHALLENGED WITH AT THIS TIME/WHAT IS IN THE BEST INTEREST, SAFETY/HEALTH OF OUR STUDENTS AND SCHOOL COMMUNITIES. WE ARE DEALING WITH AN UNKNOWN HEALTH CRISIS SITUATION AND WE DO NOT KNOW HOW SEVERE THIS WILL BE OR WILL GET. THIS IS THE RECOMMENDATION AT THIS TIME AS WE CONTINUE TO MONITOR THIS HEALTH CRISIS SITUATION AT THE LOCAL, COUNTY AND STATE LEVELS.

WE APPRECIATE ALL THE FEEDBACK AND UNDERSTANDING WE HAVE RECEIVED IN THE BEST INTEREST OF NOT ONLY OUR SCHOOL COMMUNITIES, BUT OF OUR NOGALES COMMUNITY.

WE UNDERSTAND ALL THE CONCERNS THAT THIS HEALTH CRISIS HAS BROUGHT TO OUR COMMUNITY.....WE ARE ACTING IN THE BEST INTEREST AND SAFETY- HEALTH OF OUR COMMUNITIES.

THANK YOU!
FERNANDO PARRA, SUPERINTENDENT

03/13/2020 10:30 AM

Click on the image to see the full letter

03/12/2020 7:25 PM

A letter to our educators regarding COVID-19

March 12, 2020

Dear Arizona Educators,

Today, Governor Ducey, Director Dr. Cara Christ, and I held a conference call with district, charter, and private school leaders regarding guidance on COVID-19.

Like many other states, Arizona is following the Center for Disease Control & Prevention’s Mitigation Strategies in responding to novel coronavirus, or COVID-19. Our state and local health officials are using the most up-to-date information to make data-driven and evidence-based recommendations, including guidance around school closures. The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) shares these recommendations with the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) who then works with our schools and communities to provide accurate guidance and support.

School Closures

Right now, the question of whether or not a school will be asked to close is top-of-mind for our school communities. In Arizona, school closures can occur if/when:

The Governor declares a State of Emergency and State & County Health Departments provide direction to counties and schools to close in order to mitigate potential damage of an epidemic;
County Health Departments provide direction to some or all schools to close based on data/evidence in their county;
Charter Operators choose to close one or more of their charter schools under A.R.S. § 15-183;
School Districts or Charter Operators choose to close one or more of their schools under A.R.S. § 15-806 B.

While some school districts are making the decision to close, the Arizona Department of Health Services does not currently recommend school closures at this time.

In today’s conversation, Dr. Christ shared with school leaders that school closures could potentially lead to an increase in community spread if students were to be placed in a different congregate area outside of their regular communities for childcare purposes. Importantly, when community spread is minimal, keeping our schools open also provides children with a regular routine that helps reduce panic and fear in the midst tense times.

Should ADHS and county health departments’ recommendations change regarding school closures, ADE will work with our school leaders and state officials to help schools in the process. ADE is committed to keeping families, students, and educators as healthy and safe as possible.

Guidance to Schools

To be proactive, we shared information with district and charter leaders today on how they can continue to provide school meals, special education services, and alternative instruction, should their local county health department recommend a school closure. That guidance can be found on our website here.

I know that our schools have very valid concerns about the health of their communities. We encourage all schools to be in close contact with your county departments of public health who are the foremost experts in your community’s health and who can provide the most appropriate guidance on whether or not your school should remain open.

Impact on Students, Teachers, Communities

Lastly, I want to acknowledge the impact of the fear surrounding this new virus on our students, teachers, families, and communities. Our students have important questions about the global outbreak of COVID-19, and we know you want to respond with great care. The CDC has shared resources for talking to children about COVID-19, and in the coming week, ADE will be posting more resources on our website for teachers to use in their classrooms.

We will continue to communicate with you, our educators and school leaders, as this situation develops. And we are grateful for all you are doing to keep your school, your students, and yourself healthy & safe.

Sincerely,

Kathy Hoffman, MS, CCC-SLP

Superintendent of Public Instruction

03/12/2020 6:50 PM

ADE COVID-19 Response and Webinar

ADE Webinar: Tuesday, March 17th at 2:00 PM (Arizona Time)

Dear Superintendents, Charter Leaders, and Stakeholders,

The Arizona Department of Education and our partners at ASBA will be hosting a webinar to provide guidance and updates to district and charter schools on contingency planning for COVID-19 and its effect on our school communities. We encourage all district superintendents, charter leaders, and stakeholders to tune into this webinar to learn about the steps ADE is taking to provide guidance on the COVID-19 outbreak.

COVID-19 Webinar Registration

To support district and charter leadership during this COVID-19 pandemic, the Arizona Department of Education has issued updated guidance regarding pandemic preparedness.

To view this document on our website, please visit: http://www.azed.gov/communications/2020/03/12/pandemic-preparedness /

ADE Pandemic Preparedness - PDF

03/12/2020 06:30 PM
UPDATE COVID-19 CONFERENCE CALL/FOLLOW UP

Good evening

I along with many other state leaders and superintendents had a conference call earlier this afternoon with Arizona Governor Ducey, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Hoffman and Department of Health Services Director Dr. Cara Christ.
At this time there are 9 confirmed cases/3 in Maricopa, 5 in Pinal and 1 in Pima County. But as you know this can rapidly change.

At this time the Governor, State Superintendent, and Health Services Director ARE NOT RECOMMENDING SCHOOL CLOSURES STATEWIDE. This is based on the recent data/due to the minimal cases (clusters)and the situation being monitored by the Department of Health Services State Wide. Dr. Christ, health expert in this area has concluded that at this time all normal functions and daily routines with schooling and other community functions should continue. No restrictions are in place at this time only recommending senior citizens, students, cohort self-contained students or individual teachers- staff members who are at high risk with underline medical conditions should be monitored or not participate in large group settings. This recommendation might change due to any future increase of cases or outbreaks statewide. The Department of Health Services Director also stated that young adults/children are not being affected severely when exposed or contracting this virus.

As I mentioned, the health experts are recommending for school districts to continue as routine/normal schedules with classes, after-school programs, and extra-curricular activities. We will continue to monitor and check the following website for daily updates and reports. Please check this website as there are special webinars for educators- school personnel and parents. (azdhs.gov)

This website is being updated daily and anyone can find the latest information regarding the Corona Virus. There will also be a special guideline for schools posted later this evening.
A follow-up webinar is scheduled for next Tuesday, March 17, 2020, at 2:00 PM.

The Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) is not officially canceling any AIA athletic events at this time but is leaving this at the discretion of the individual school districts. The AIA Executive Board is meeting this coming Monday to further discuss and make final determinations- recommendations. Mr. Colgate, Nogales High School Principal has been in constant communication with the executive director and AIA officials to make final decisions and determinations in the best interest and health-safety- of our student-athletes, coaches and staff. He will also be keeping all coaches and staff informed of any event cancelations or changes. The Department of Health Services Director is not recommending these athletic/extracurricular events to be canceled as I mentioned earlier.

* Regarding if school closures will need to be made in the near future, State Superintendent and ADE are stating that the Department will be flexible and understanding with school districts in the areas of schooling; adjusting school calendars if necessary (not having to make up instructional days/flexibility), working in partnerships and working through these factors including supporting employee contractual/personnel matters as needed, as well as providing additional funding as needed and being flexible and understanding assisting with all these matters/or on a case by case basis.

* State Assessment Schedules/testing windows will also be adjusted and changed as needed. ADE will be making these accommodations and working directly with the districts as needed based on the situation.

* The same was mentioned regarding absences providing flexibility/understanding with districts due to this health crisis. I will further be communicating with all principals regarding student absences and how these will be handled on a case by case basis including reporting to the state/ADE as it relates with documentation, flexibility and not making these situations punitive.

We are in an unprecedented situation and collaboration, flexibility, practicality and common sense will be imposed when working and partnering with ADE/accountability measures. It was good to hear the State Superintendent mention flexibility and understanding when dealing with this situation and other impacting schooling issues.

The recommendations/steps and guidelines to follow are what we have already been communicating:
- Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water and wash your hands throughout the day/or use an alcohol-based sanitizer
( educate and communicate these simple hygiene steps to our students and school community)
- Use discretion with shaking hands/ avoiding direct physical contact
- Avoid touching your face/nose
- Avoid coughing/sneezing directly on individuals ( use your arm/elbow areas)
- Stay home if you are sick/ experiencing flu-like symptoms and see your medical provider if symptoms worsen
- Students will be sent home if showing flu-like symptoms and staff should stay home if feeling sick
- Hygiene (cleaning- disinfecting plan) is already in place at all schools including setting up hand washing/sanitizing stations

Later this evening and tomorrow we will be sending a voice messenger communication to all of our parents and school communities briefly updating them that school will be resuming as normal on Monday, March 16, 2020. If anything changes by then, we will certainly be communicating this directly to all stakeholders, our parents and the NUSD community. We will continue to monitor and be checking the health services website and keeping up with the latest information/health experts reports and updates.

Thank you,
Superintendent, Fernando Parra

03/12/2020 10:00 am.
Important Message - the Governor has declared an Executive Order on COVID-19 (Please see link below) :

The district has implemented a continuous and ongoing plan to disinfect and clean all facilities. All of our custodial and support services staff have received professional training on how to use the cleaning/disinfecting solution and procedures on specific cleaning and disinfecting areas in all school buildings. Hand washing/sanitizing stations are also placed at all school buildings.

At this time we will continue to monitor and to stay informed in the upcoming days. We have not received any further direction or information from any local/state health agency experts regarding any closure of schools or any employee or student being sick from this virus.

We will continue to keep everyone posted as we receive any further communication regarding this health scare situation.

Enjoy your Spring Break! Be safe and stay healthy!

Thank you,

Superintendent, Fernando Parra

You can view the Governor's Executive Order here

COVID-19 Updates

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NogalesUnified School District