Important Learning Model Updates

October 21st, 2020

SAS Families, 

Thank you for your patience as we continue to work through the challenges that the pandemic has presented. 

Our intent was to announce a transition to additional in-person instruction for our current hybrid Y5-5th grade students as early as this coming Wednesday, October 28th. However, based on the recent evidence of local COVID-19 spread, we are forced to delay this decision. 

Although we are confident in the low infection rate at the lower grade levels (including transmission to adults), the evidence of spread is based on the 25 positive cases per 100,000 people and the 3% (and rising) positivity rate. The county-based spike is a metric that must be watched carefully. 

Please review the updated schedule below, broken out by grade level: 

• For students in grades Y5-5th, if data begins to trend in the appropriate direction early next week, our intent is to begin 4 day a week in-person (Monday through Thursday) instruction on Wednesday, November 4th. A confirmation of this decision will be communicated with families and staff next week. 

• For students in grades 6th-12th, their chosen learning model will continue (as is) through the end of the trimester, which now concludes on Tuesday, November 24th. 

We are proceeding with caution regarding this local case uptick and it’s important that we approach this together as a community. As holiday and travel seasons are upon us, please keep the safety of our students and staff at the forefront of your decision making. Every extra precaution to stop the spread while not in school is critical for our in-person instructional time. Schools play a critical role in the academic, social, emotional, and physical well-being of our students. 

We understand that the transitions are difficult for families, however, our administration and staff will continue to pursue the safest opportunities to maximize in-person learning. Please look for information on community Zoom Webinars hosted by our building administration that will take place next week. This will be an opportunity for you to receive additional information, voice concerns and ask any questions you may have. 

In Partnership, 

Scot Graden

Superintendent