Dear Canutillo community,
This has been another eventful week both nationally and locally.
First, let's follow in the path of our new 46th president’s call to move forward in unity – to come together in this historic moment of crisis and challenge. And, listen to this well-known quote by an author who wrote, “Your beliefs don't make you a better person, your behavior does.” So, we must be moved to action. It is in our hands to create brighter days.
Second, ensuring the health and well-being of our students, staff and community continues to be our top priority. Over winter break, my leadership team and I closely monitored the health of our community.
Since October 2020, we have been abiding by the mandates of the TEA approved, ESC-Region 19 School System COVID-19 Campus Attendance Plan. The hospitalization rate in December, which is the parameter used in the Region 19 Zones Plan, was in the Orange Zone for 30 consecutive days, which mandated a return to in-person instruction for a select group of students. January 20 and 21, 2021, the hospitalization rate rose slightly above 20%, and continues to slightly fluctuate.
Dr. Hector Ocaranza, the city and county’s health authority during the COVID-19 pandemic, shared that the county is not expected to remain in the Red Zone and advised that schools should continue to educate students as currently established. In addition, regardless of local conditions, our Texas Education Agency waiver (Region 19 Zones Plan) expires on January 29 and we must open on February 1 for all students who wish to return to in-person instruction.
We realize that many families have a lot to consider when deciding on whether in-person learning is best for their children and safe for others also living in their home. While Canutillo ISD will follow the order to open, we want to reassure you that you still have the option to keep your children home on remote learning for the rest of the school year. We will continue to strongly support remote learning through our improved technology, new devices, and enhanced network. To help us prepare, we are asking all parents to please let us know if you wish your children to return to in-person learning on February 1. Visit our website for your specific campus’ commitment form. The surveys close on Thursday, January 28.
As we begin transitioning back, we must continue doing our part to curb the spread of COVID-19. School offices will serve families and visitors by appointment only until further notice. Parents and guardians are asked to call the school office and schedule a time to visit. Parents and students, it is essential that we continue to practice the safety protocols in place and practice our 3 Ws. All schools will continue to monitor the health of students and staff returning to school.
Dr. Pedro Galaviz
Superintendent of Schools