6
TUCSONWEEKLY.COM
AUGUST 5, 2021
SCHOOL SAFETY
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4
“We are not authorized as a school district, nor is any other school district in the state of Arizona, authorized to mandate masks for students, or our employees,” said Trujillo at the press briefing. “It is however the official position of this superintendent, and this administration and our governing board as voiced in public last night that we strongly encourage our students and staff to wear masks, in the spirit of public health and in the spirit of the recommendations that we have seen from the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control.” At the briefing, Trujillo highlighted the unexpected increase in enrollment for the Tucson Unified Virtual Academy, their new all remote learning school. Heading into their July 13 governing board meeting, about 700 students had enrolled in TUVA and as of July 20 Trujillo said that number had grown to 1,200 students. Trujillo initially projected around 1,000 students enrolled at TUVA, but believes they could probably have between 1,500 and 1,700 students enrolled by the time district opens on August 6.
He believes Gov. Doug Ducey’s decision to sign a budget bill passed by Arizona GOP lawmakers that prohibited schools from mandating masks is a “big reason” for the rise in enrollment to TUVA. “I have to believe that it’s created a significant level of uneasiness, of anxiety, of fear, for a lot of our parents that do not feel comfortable sending their unvaccinated students into maskless environments, and with a school district powerless to enforce what I think was our most powerful strategy for mitigation,” said Trujillo. “We’re no longer able to do that so I don’t blame parents for hesitating in sending their students back to school. For those parents TUVA is a viable option.” Trujillo said some parents also have concerns about the overall safety of returning to schools with a potential third wave as cases of the Delta variant continue to rise when there is no COVID-19 vaccine for those younger than 12. “Two of my three children are too young to be vaccinated against COVID-19, and that’s why they returned to public school today wearing masks,” wrote Arizona Health Department Director Cara Christ in a blog before she announced her retirement. “ADHS recommends the same for
all unvaccinated individuals when they are around people they don’t live with. It wasn’t the most popular decision to my two kiddos, but it’s one that will protect their health and the health of those around them.”
AT A JULY VACCINE CLINIC hosted by Marana Unified School District in partnership with the Pima County Health Department on Tuesday, Jennifer Hess waited with her two children to get their vaccinations before the coming school year. Students at Mountain View High School, Dustin, 15 and Audrey, 13, both got their COVID-19 vaccine. At the event, students could not only receive all the required vaccines for the coming school year for chicken pox, polio and the like, but also had the option to receive the Pfizer vaccine for those 12 and older. Hess said she waited mostly out of convenience, since her primary care provider is usually packed and school is starting soon. She also felt more comfortable and had no concerns about masking being optional, since her children are vaccinated. “It’s a small risk any time you have a vaccine,” said Hess. “For us the benefit outweighs the risks.”
The event had a larger turn out than expected, according to MUSD Director of Health Services Nicole Pargas. Pima County Health Department reported the clinic had 107 total visits, with around half the children getting vaccinated with their required vaccines, 17 children receiving only the COVID-19 vaccine, and 13 children receiving both. They also vaccinated five adults with the COVID-19 shot, as the event did not limit participation, even those outside of the district could receive their vaccines. Mehdi Ali, 68 travelled from New Mexico to visit grandkids Sama, 11 and Noor, 14 while their parents are overseas. He brought Noor, a student at Sonoran Science Academy, to the vaccine clinic to get the COVID-19 vaccine. As a faculty member at University of New Mexico, Ali got his vaccine in January, despite having diabetes and recent open heart surgery. “I hope people wise up and take the vaccine for themselves, for other people, for the community,” said Ali. “Better to be vaccinated at this age with the rise of the Delta variant.” Once Sama becomes eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, Ali believes she will be vaccinated, since their whole family
DIASPORA Showcase Africa
2021
SCHEDULE September 18 Savoy Opera House 6541 Tanque Verde RD. Tucson, Az
6PM Tickets start at $69 Weekend Package at $159 Including Hotel & Breakfast
Get out, get active & give back!
Saturday, September 11 communityfoodbank.org/HungerWalk
FASHION MUSIC DANCE FOOD
Sponsored by
Entertainment
www.diasporashowcase.com