Spring Break School Update (03-29-2021)
Good evening Centurions, I know everyone is on spring break, including myself, but we have a few staff members still calling this week to reach our families we have not heard from with regards to in-person learning at school or to stay online the week of April 12th. We have sent repeated call outs, listed ID numbers and made personal calls home, but still have not heard back from some families. One thing we have found is that while some thought they completed the survey, the way the survey was constructed caused some to think they had submitted a response when they did not.
At this point, 927 (54%) stated that they plan to return to school. Because this number is very close to 50%, we may or may not be able to accommodate allowing students to come to school four days a week. Whether to go to a two or four day week is dependent on the size of classrooms and how many students can be accommodated keeping proper social distancing. In the bungalow classrooms, the maximum number a room can hold is anywhere between 15-17 students. Most classes have 30 students in them, so with the 54% percent saying they are returning, this will likely cause overcrowding in many of our classes.
Because I know families need to make plans, UCHS will open up with a two day model to start the week of April 12th. Students with the last names A-L will attend Monday and Tuesday, and students with the last names M-Z will attend Wednesday and Thursday. We know that this is the same alpha breakdown for Standley Middle School who is also having to start on a two day a week model. The exception to the alpha breakdown by day will be for students who have already been attending school during Phase I. These students will come to school four days a week.
We know many of our families are desiring their students attend school four days a week. Please know we will be checking live body counts the week of April 12th to see if we cannot invite more students back the second week of Quarter 4. Our goal will continue to be to allow as many back as possible to a four day a week model. Because the numbers and room capacity are so close, we need to start with the two days a week model and then see if we can’t make adjustments once we get classes up and going.
Again, sorry to reach out over the break, but we wanted our families to know as soon as possible to help in their planning.
Mr. O.