GlendaleStar.com
July 23, 2020
/GlendaleStar
GESD finalizing Healthy Return to School plan BY GLENDALE STAR STAFF Cindy Segotta-Jones, superintendent of the Glendale Elementary School District, recently sent a letter to parents that was also posted on the district’s website (gesd40.org). She noted Gov. Doug Ducey recently gave an executive order delaying in-person schooling until Aug. 17, in light of an increase in COVID-19 cases in the state. GESD teaches nearly 12,000 students at 17 schools. “Though in-person instruction is delayed, the executive order does allow for schools to begin on their normally scheduled start date through distance learning models. We are still reviewing the requirements after the second executive order for the possibility of a distance learning model,” Segotta-Jones said. “As we are currently reviewing the options outlined in the executive order it is clear to note that our parent surveys showed support for both in-person and online instruction.” She added that GESD has submitted an application to the State Board of Education for approval of an Arizona Online Instruction program. GESD recently posted a Healthy Return to School plan. The district plans a two-phase reopening. Phase 1 is Distance Learning and Glendale Elementary Online (GEO) Learning. “Using information from parent and staff surveys and our schools’ task force and safety committees, GESD has made the difficult decision to adhere to its current calendar and will begin distance learning and launch the GEO Learning online platform on Aug. 10,” Segotta-Jones said. According to the district website, learning packets will be available for
Glendale Elementary School District has a two-phase plan for reopening its 17 schools. The district teaches nearly 12,000 students. (Photos cour-
tesy GESD)
students who focus on academic reinforcement, skill development and enrichment. Teachers will provide support through Google Classroom, telephone calls and emails. “GEO Learning mirrors an online class a student would take at the high school or college level only with grade level content,” the website explains. For Phase 2, families will have the choice of in-person learning or GEO Learning. The protocols for the two programs: In-person instruction • Five days of instruction per week. • Reduced hours. • Students will report directly to classrooms when they arrive at school. • Cohorts of students stay together where possible throughout the day, including breakfast, lunch, recess, related arts and dismissal. • Restricted common area use. • Structured transitions. • In classroom celebrations and virtual trips. • Large events, such as Meet-theTeacher-Night, may take place virtually or may be scheduled over a period of time to limit the size of the gathering.
• Maximum space between desks, facing the same direction, when possible to allow for social distancing. • Students will be provided school supplies to limit and discourage sharing of supplies among students.
• Parent drop-off and pickup area; drivers stay in cars at all times. • Parent appointments made through the office in advance. • Nonessential visitors and volunteers will be restricted and not assigned in classrooms. • May choose to assemble and celebrate students in small groupings. • In classroom celebrations and virtual. • Athletic and extracurricular activities will be postponed. • Written and digital collaboration encouraged, limited verbal collaboration.
SEE GESD PAGE 12
SUCCESS. NOTHING LESS Cartwright School District #83
SCHOOL BEGINS AUGUST 3, 2020 With Distance Learning
Accepting 4-year olds for kindergarten as long as they turn 5 before Dec. 31, 2020. Dual Language (Traver & Starlight Park) Markerspace Engineering Labs STEM • Drones • Robotics Technology Music • Fine Arts • Mariachi Ballet Folklorico • Band Gifted Classes Special Education Social Emotional Learning Extracurricular Activities Before School Care Field Trips
One Team, Una Familia! Registration is open for the 2020-2021 school year. Enroll now, visit www.csd83.org for information or call 623-691-4000. The Cartwright School District will continue to adhere to CDC guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic. 5220 W. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85031
