We reached out recently to our students and families regarding their decision of online learning or in-person learning for the original August 17^th school opening date. As you may have heard, Pima County has released guidance for reopening schools. The guidance now states that the earliest date that school would resume is after Labor Day. Given the latest guidance from Pima County, the Rose Academies will further delay our in-person learning start date past the originally proposed August 17^th re-opening date. Once we reopen for in-person learning, the decisions made previously regarding the learning option that best fits you and your family will be implemented.

In addition, the guidance from Pima County recognizes that although they are not advising resuming traditional face-to-face learning, it does recommend the opening of school facilities for at-risk youth on a limited basis as envisioned in the Governor’s latest executive order. Therefore, in accordance with Pima County guidance and the Governor’s executive order, Rose Academies will provide onsite learning opportunities and onsite support services starting August 17^th for at-risk youth.

Onsite support services are not to be confused with in-person learning. To help clarify, here are the definitions:

1. “In-person learning” refers to our normal school learning setting with face-to-face teacher-led small group instruction and individualized one-on-one instruction.
2. “On-site support services” means targeted support services offered directly to students when school is not open for in-person instruction.
3. “Online learning” means the delivery of instruction to students who may not be physically present in a school building.

Onsite support services will be available for:

• Special education students
• English Language Learners
• Students who qualify for McKinney-Vento services
• Any student who does not have a computer or internet to access their courses
• Any student that needs a safe place to go during the school day

For students eligible for onsite support services, we will be offering onsite learning during our normal school session times (Morning, Afternoon & Evening). Students will have access to the computer and the internet to complete coursework in Odysseyware. Students will be supervised and may receive live teacher tutoring or virtual instruction from teachers while they are on campus.

Students participating in the onsite learning opportunities will be required to follow health and safety guidelines, including:

• Wearing a face covering.
• Washing their hands with soap and water frequently throughout the day.
• Staying home when they are sick.

Students would also be required to follow all school rules as outline in our Student Handbook.

All eligible students must sign-up in advance to attend by calling the school and scheduling with the front desk clerk. Please note due to social distancing there are limited seats available.

We will be monitoring guidance from the health department closely to anticipate when it will be safe for Rose to resume in-person learning.

We thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate new information.

As you are aware, Governor Ducey issued an executive order delaying the start of in-person school to August 17, 2020 for all Arizona schools.
The Rose Academies will begin the school year on August 6th, as originally scheduled, via online learning. We expect to provide in-person learning on August 17th. At that time students and parents that want to continue online learning will have that option.

We will continue to update you on our plans to reopen in-person learning safely. If you have any questions please contact your school principal.

NOTICE: The conditions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic are continually evolving, the Return to School Plan and Safety Protocols will be constantly evaluated to adapt to the continuing trends, guided by local, state, and national authorities.

Schools are practicing elevated cleaning and sanitizing protocols that are consistent with public health guidelines. This includes sanitizing high-contact surfaces and workstations throughout the day. There are hand sanitizers throughout the building. Staff and students are encouraged to wash their hands often and use hand sanitizer.

Rose is installing UV filters in the air conditioning units to help kill bacteria and viruses and improve air quality in our buildings.

In addition, we have invested in foggers to help sanitize the classrooms. We use EPA approved disinfectants following the CDC guidelines. The machines disperse the disinfectant over 5 to 6 minutes while the atomized particles reach up to 15 ft. settling in all those hard to reach spaces.

We are reducing the capacity of students per session to allow for six feet of distance. We are eliminating use of areas where students may congregate. All desks and tables in small group classrooms will be physically distanced.

Yes, students and staff must provide their own masks. Rose will provide face coverings in special situations if they are available.

Rose has a limited number of Chromebooks that can be distributed to students under specific circumstances. For a list of low-cost internet resources, please click here.

Yes, students can change from online learning to in-person learning. Students will be required to fill out a request form due to reduced seating capacity for our in-person learning sessions.

Our curriculum is available through Odysseyware so students who choose online learning are accessing the same curriculum as students who choose in-person learning. Students who choose online learning will receive direct instruction via video conferencing or phone whereas students who choose in-person learning have direct instruction with a teacher in the classroom. This model makes it easy for students to transition at any time between the two options to accommodate any situation.

In-Person Learning Option – In-person learning option is our normal program of instruction using our blended learning model. We will have reduced student capacity per session to maintain health guidelines so seating per session will be limited. Students will choose from one of our three sessions and attend school 20 hours a week Monday through Thursday. Teachers will be available to work with students individually and in small group. Students choosing this option still have access remotely to get ahead in coursework.

Online Learning Option – Students will complete coursework online through Odysseyware and MS Teams. Students will complete assignments in Odysseyware and are expected to join regular classes virtually, following an expected level of participation. 

Students can work online anytime. Teachers will provide instruction via MS Teams. Within MS Teams teachers will use video conferencing to teach and check-in with students, as well as videos of instruction can be accessed to assist students who are working online at various times of the day. Students choosing this option can also schedule time to come in on Fridays to work one on one with a teacher if necessary. Fridays will be significantly reduced student capacity as it is not a normal school day.

Yes, screening procedures are in place for staff and students to self-identify their COVID symptoms and to stay home.

We will ensure Arizona Department of Health Services guidelines are met by implementing staff and student screening prior to entering the building. We have isolation protocols in place for any staff or students developing symptoms while they are in the building. If a staff or student tests positive for COVID we would notify those with direct exposure while maintaining confidentiality of the individual and require those individuals to self-quarantine until they are symptom-free for 72 hours or until test results are received. There are additional cleaning protocols in place in the event that this happens. We continue to update our protocols based on local health and CDC guidelines.

Students with IEPs or 504 Plans will receive the same support as a normal year (i.e. inclusive practices, accommodations, modifications, etc.). Rose will offer related services either online or in-person on a scheduled date and time to receive related services.