School district answers questions

Parker Unified School District has answered parent questions relating to the COVID-19 closure, with topics including the continuation of the school nutrition program, distance learning and graduation. See their responses below.

How long will school be closed?

On March 30, 2020, the Governor of Arizona, Doug Ducey, has ordered all schools in the state closed through the end of the school year 2019-2020. While this may bring up many questions regarding graduation, promotion, and retention. We will continue to update via the FAQ and One Call Now as details become available.

How will parents be updated during this time of crisis?

Parker Unified uses One Call Now as our primary tool when notifying our parents during times of emergency. This system allows PUSD to send text messages, emails, and phone calls quickly. If you haven’t updated your phone number with your child’s school, now is a good time to do so. Some of our schools will also use Facebook, letters, or emails.

Will there be school nutrition available during this time of closure?

Parker Unified has asked for a waiver from ADE and USDA to conduct food service operations during the time schools are closed for the Corona Virus.

The following are locations and times that PUSD will have nutrition available Mon-Fri.

Wallace Dome: 7:30-9:30
Big River at the corner of Rio Mesa and Rio Vista: 7:30-9:30
Bluewater Lagoon: 7:30-9:30
Poston Fire Station: 7:30-9:30
Mo Chem: 7:30-9:30
100 Homes @ CRRMC: 7:30-8:20
CRIT Villas: 8:25-8:50
Lazy D: 8:55-9:30
Bean Pot Hill at Admiral/Harbor: 7:30-7:55
Lakeside 5: 8:00-8:25
Buckskin Fire #2: 8:45-9:15
Baseball Field at Western Park: 9:30-10:00

What if I don’t feel comfortable sending my child to school once the Governor has lifted the closures?

Parker Unified will work with our parents to help alleviate fears of the coronavirus spreading to their families. If you are uncomfortable sending your child to school after the Governor has re-opened them, your child will be given an excused absence.

How is PUSD cleaning the schools?

PUSD is following CDC recommendations on the types of cleaners being used to kill the virus on hard surfaces. All schools have been disinfected and deep cleaned. Our custodians continue to clean areas that have traffic in them daily.

What about Athletics?

The AIA has cancelled all spring time athletics. This includes all activities with the AIA including E-sports and Spring Football.

How long will the school closures last?

As of March 30th, schools will be closed through the end of the regular school year. For Parker Unified, that date is May 21st, 2020. At this time, Parker Unified plans on offering summer school if we are able to do so. We will continue to follow the Federal and State guidelines for dealing with this virus.

Where do I find information regarding COVID-19?

There is a variety of information regarding this virus. A general google search will produce hundreds of sites to look at. Two websites to check often for Arizona are the following:

Arizona Department of Education: azed.gov
Updates from the department of education regarding the virus and how it affects schools in Arizona.

Arizona Department of Health Services: azdhs.gov.
This website has all the information from the State of Arizona regarding this virus including a FAQ section.

Centers for Disease Control: cdc/gov/coronavirus.
This is the federal website for more information.

What about Distance Learning?

Homework packets are available every Wednesday at our food pick up points. In addition, parents can stop by any of the school offices from 8AM-2PM to pick up a packet. PUSD has also placed a Distance Learning tab on each of our websites. Parents can find uploads of the homework packets in this location. Parker High School: Check your Google accounts. All teachers are utilizing Google Suite. If you are unable to access the internet, please stop by the office to grab work. Many of our teachers are trying lessons on Facebook, Dojo, Google Meet, etc. Please be patient during this crisis. If your child is on an IEP, our ESS department is mailing individual packets home to provide services to your child during this time period. Completed packets may be dropped off at the food sites on Wednesday.

What about Graduation/Promotion Activities?

Parker Unified is committed to offer our seniors and 8th graders their graduation/promotion ceremony. At this time, we are unsure when this will take place. We will continue to monitor the virus and guidelines that are given to the schools. We will continue to update our parents and students as this progresses.