TCUSD Re-Opening Plan

Tuba City Unified School District is working to have a strong contingency plan to what has become the most unexpected school year. As TCUSD plans for our second quarter, we are working to build on the innovative solutions and systems that Tuba City Unified School District staff have created to support student learning and relationship building under conditions many of us never imagined. 

Planning is underway for the first day of school, January 12, 2020. While it is still unclear what guidance and restrictions from public health agencies may be in place this fall, it will almost certainly impact the way we provide student learning and school operations will look very different for the 2020-21 school year.  As always, the health and safety of our students and staff will be our highest priority and any plan will prioritize access of students furthest from educational justice. 

While science, data, and shared values will inform our decisions, the capacity and resource constraints posed by safety guidelines, limits the number of possible scenarios for the re-entry of students. These constraints include safety guidelines for transportation, the number of students that can be physically accommodated in our buildings, and the need to prioritize developmentally appropriate practices. Any scenario will require a significant change to the school day, both in structure and instruction as we work to meet social distancing requirements. 

The re-entry scenarios being explored are:

Scenario 1: Opening our doors to all students and teachers.  Traditional setting

Scenario 2:  Students in grades Pre-K-5 attend school in person full time; students in grades 6-12 have an A/B schedule where they receive part in-person learning and part remote learning.

Scenario 3:  Students in all grades Pre-K-12 have an A/B schedule and receive part in-person learning and part remote learning.

Scenario 4:  All students participate in 100% remote learning.

Our contingency planning engagement teams comprised of school leaders, parents, TCUSD members, Chapter house representatives, local partners, students, and central office staff explore each scenario. Our engagement teams may also suggest revisions to the initial options or a hybrid of the four models. The planning process will be guided by the tenets of our President Nez, Governor Ducey and Superintendent Hoffman of the Arizona Department of Education to explore safety requirements, attendance requirements, delivery of remote instruction to various student groups, and budget constraints, and will include feedback gathered in the recent staff, family, and leadership survey. These same survey results will be shared with all families and staff. 

We understand the frustration that some may feel about possibly continuing remote learning in the later part of fall and possibly into winter, while others may be fearful for their student’s or family’s safety if we were to return to school buildings. Please know that we are actively engaging with a diverse group of partners and stakeholders and centering family and student voice in our decision making.

A final decision and third quarter 2021 re-opening plan will be decided at the December 9, 2020 school board meeting.

Tech Support

All students have been provided a 1-1 IPad and equipment to complete assignments from home and at school.  NTUA has provided free access to WiFi/internet at Tuba City High School and Dzil Libie Elementary in Cameron.  These schools are open to families, community members, students and staff.  The parking lots are open for people to park in the parking lot and access the internet.  There is no password required.

Be Safe, Be Kind, Be Healthy!

Dr. Risha VanderWey
Superintendent
Tuba City Unified School District #15