By China Cassidy On Monday, March 30, Arizona Governor Doug Ducey gave the executive order that Arizona schools will remain closed for the rest of the 2020-2021 school year. To find out how the announcement will affect students through the final quarter of school, administrators of Holbrook and Joseph City schools explained what parents and students can expect. Superintendent Dr. Robbie Koerperich with Holbrook Unified School District said the district is working on three systems to help the students continue learning through the remainder of the school year. “Due to the diversity of access amongst our schools we will be utilizing a ‘value added’ model or ‘better not worse’ system. In other words, students may increase their academic status but will not be hurt by the inability to submit work.” He explained that many families are not able to leave their homes at this time on the Navajo Nation and this allows for fair and justified grading systems. One option for students who have online access or prefer to continue their learning via the internet or Google is distance learning. “This process will be delivered via Google Classroom and other online resources. Students may access Google Classroom learning opportunities via the school website. Teachers have reached out to parents and students to make connections on this method,” explained Koerperich. Another option is the deliverable learning packet. Koerperich said the district is offering families the opportunity to pick up packets at their child’s school that contain material similar to what is being offered online. Koerperich explained, “This process involves paper materials for learning packets. The information tries to replicate the distance learning information.” Packets can be picked up on Wednesdays at Park Elementary School, Hulet Elementary School and Holbrook Junior High School. According to Koerperich, they are ensuring that students who attend Holbrook schools but do not reside in town have access to the material. “We are also delivering packets via our food service programs to Sun Valley, Adamana and Woodruff. We are also delivering to designated bus stops at Indian Wells, Greasewood, Dilcon, Whitecone and Teesto,” relayed Koerperich. He explained that they’ve also created a learning opportunity for the Holbrook High School students. “Holbrook High School is conducting a project based education opportunity in which students are doing a multi-disciplinary, real life analysis of how this historical event is impacting them and their families,” explained Koerperich who added that a detailed overview of the project can be found on the district website at Holbrook.k12.az.us. In response to what the requirements for students would be for the fourth quarter and state testing, Koerperich offered, “The focus is on learning opportunities not regular coursework. Fortunately, most of the state standards are taught during the first three quarters of the school year in preparation for the AzMERIT, which has been cancelled this year. The fourth quarter focus on the AzMERIT assessment, MAP testing, mastering standards, new learning opportunities and some project-based learning. We will try to replicate what we would normally do during the fourth quarter through the distance learning opportunities and deliverable learning packets.” In addition, he explained that exchange of paperwork is not advisable due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, therefore the district is just asking that parents and students work on self-directed learning and hold themselves accountable for completion. “We will work with parents and students throughout the process and the remainder of the year. We want learning to continue and will do everything we can to ensure that happens at the highest level possible,” stated Koerperich. Joseph City Unified School District also provided a brief summary of how they are handling the school closure. They will be providing educational opportunities during the school closure as part of the grades and credits needed to complete the year. State testing has been canceled but the civics test which is required for graduation in the State of Arizona will not be waived. Seniors who still need to pass the test will receive help and guidance from the school to complete the requirement. JCUSD also reported that options for graduation are being discussed and more information will be given as it becomes available.
