UPDATE: FUSD Approves Back-to-School Return to Learn Plan

UPDATED JUNE 29, 2020: With Governor Ducey's announcement today, to delay the start of school until August 17, 2020, the Florence Unified School District Administration will meet tomorrow, June 30, 2020, to discuss an alternative plan.

The following letter, written by FUSD Superintendent Chris Knudsen, was sent to all families attending schools in the Florence Unified School District, on Fri June 26, 2020. The letter explains the Back-to-School Return to Learn Plan for the 2020-2021 academic school year.

The FUSD Governing School Board approved the Back-to-School Return to Learn Plan for the 2020-2021 academic school year. The FUSD reopening Task Force has spent countless hours over the past two months conducting staff and parent surveys to gather the necessary data in order to create a cohesive educational program for students to attend school either In-person or Online.

I am proud of the work the Task Force has completed and confident that through these plans, our school staff can effectively provide high-quality education while staying connected to our students whether they choose to learn on campus or online.

Since the pandemic started, it has been an extremely difficult time for all of us, especially for our students. I fear the isolation from their friends and school community will have a detrimental effect on them. I understand that some of you may not be comfortable sending your student to school in a brick and mortar stetting due to COVID- 19, therefore the Task Force created two options.

I am sharing the Return to Learn Plan that was presented to our Governing School Board for you to review. On Monday, June 29th, you will receive more information regarding the registration process for either option. At that time, should you have any questions, please contact your student's school site administrator.

Once you receive the communication on Monday, please register your student as soon as possible. It is imperative that we know how many students will be returning In-person or Online so that we are able to staff accordingly.

Keep in mind that COVID-19 remains a very fluid situation. This pandemic is an ever-changing situation as our nation and our state continues their efforts to keep everyone healthy. Even though the Task Force has been thoughtful and deliberate in creating the Back-to-School plan, not everyone will agree with every decision. Personally, I have never witnessed our country as polarized as it is in my lifetime. That is why it is so important to remain positive for the sake of our students. I held out hope that we could have an In-person graduation and it happened. I am holding out hope that we can get our kids back to school.

I continue to pray for the health and safety of our entire FUSD community during these unprecedented times and appreciate your patience and understanding as we prepare for the new school year ahead.

Your partner in education, Superintendent, Chris Knutsen