Dear Canutillo Community,
On September 14, 2020 Canutillo ISD opened its doors to in-person instruction after meeting 3 guiding metrics.
✓ 7-day Rolling Average Cases Per Capita less than 25 cases per 100,000
✓ 14-day Steady Decline in the 7-day rolling average of positive cases
✓ Testing Positivity Rate less than 7.5%
Currently, El Paso County COVID-19 cases are up by about 500% in just the last two weeks, reaching an all-time high of more than 10,000 active cases. The hospitalization rate has skyrocketed to more than 33%, the average cases per capita has risen to 92.1 per 100,000, and the 7-day rolling average positivity rate is 14.52%.
To counteract the rapid spread of COVID-19, we deployed the following vital measures to ensure the safety and welfare of our students, teachers, staff, and community.
The District extended intersession through October 23. In addition, as recommended by the El Paso Department of Public Health and in collaboration with other area school districts, Canutillo ISD applied for a 9-week waiver to hold the current number of students receiving in-person instruction. It was granted for two weeks. Canutillo ISD continues to work closely with TEA, all region 19 districts, and health authorities using data to drive all reopening decisions. The determining factor will be the county hospitalization rate. More information will be forthcoming.
Upon return from fall intersession on October 26, remote instruction will continue to be an option for all students and parents. Though we encourage parents to weigh the current pandemic data and consider remote learning if possible, those who selected in-person instruction for the first 9-week grading period or have extenuating circumstances, may attend in-person. Contact your school for specific information.
Our teachers have also been given the option to teach remotely or from the classroom to protect their safety, when they are not being rotated in to support in-person learning. Therefore, students attending in-person instruction at a campus will either receive in-classroom instruction with their teacher physically present, or receive instruction remotely from their teacher via learning pods.
Canutillo operates not only following local policy but also adhering to state and federal mandates, which are often connected to funding. Regardless of the decisions made in Washington DC and Austin, Canutillo ISD planned ahead knowing this pandemic would challenge the learning environment for our students. To support successful remote instruction, the district invested over $6.9 million to launch Canutillo Connect which provides universal internet connectivity and 1:1 with devices for every student. Canutillo ISD will continue to provide a high quality education while taking the necessary actions to protect the health and safety of all community members - our highest priority.
We look forward to the day when we can return to a sense of normalcy and campus life. To reach this goal, we must all continue to do our part in keeping each other safe. Wear your mask, wash your hands, and watch your distance. Please visit the district’s website and social media for the most current updates.
Pedro Galaviz
Superintendent of Schools