By L. Parsons The Winslow Unified School District announced on Monday, March 23, that they would be moving toward online practice instead of instruction for the duration of the school closure. There will also be worksheet packets available as hard copies for those students without access to reliable internet service. Students that reside on the reservation will have to come into Winslow to receive their packets due to a closure of the Navajo Nation put in place by President Jonathan Nez. As of press time, Arizona Governor Doug Ducey has closed Arizona schools until April 10. In a letter released by Superintendent Cyndie Mattox she said, “This is the beginning of the fourth quarter of the school year. Most teachers would have been reviewing material at this point to prepare for state testing. After testing, they would move forward and teach units that promote teamwork, incorporate broad new interests or maybe use higher level standards that enrich lessons.” State standardized testing was scheduled to take place this week in K-12 school statewide. Those tests have been cancelled due to the closure. District Academic Coach Amanda Leonard said, “Our main goal right now is just to make sure these kids are practicing the skills they have already learned this year. We are recommending lots of reading practice and these online resources. The teachers at each grade level will compile a list of websites that are geared toward their grade level. Those will be available on school websites and through the Class Dojo. We do understand that some of our kids don’t have access to the internet or a computer. For those kids, we will have hard copy packets available at our food distribution sites.” Leonard explained that the materials provided will not be required to be turned in if and when schools reopen this year. “Again, we just want those skills to stay sharp. It also gives these kids something else to do while we are all staying home. Reading 20 minutes a day is a good practice as well.” She also added that children, especially the younger ones, will benefit from other activities while at home. “Play and have fun with your kids! Plant a garden! Play with chalk! Learn to bake! It doesn’t have to be boring. In fact, learning happens in all things and fun makes it less stressful for you and for these kids.” Winslow will have the hard copy educational material available at 10 sites that have been designated for free breakfast and lunch pick up. Students will receive both meals at the same time beginning at 10 a.m. Monday through Friday. The following Winslow sites will provide those meals: Bonnie Brennan School, Coopertown Park, Hopi Housing, Kachina Gardens, Lee Street Park, Ponderosa Apartments, Southside Park, Sundown Trailer Park, Winslow Junior High and the outdoor pool. Winslow School District offices are also closed, with meetings between teachers and administrators being conducted remotely. For information regarding student educational material visit www.wusd1.org.
