A press release from the Winslow Unified School District released Wednesday, Aug. 12, states that the district is postponing in person learning until at lease Oct. 12. “Last week, the Arizona Department of Health Services released a set of benchmarks that will help guide the reopening of in-person instruction,” it reads. “The benchmarks are dependent upon three factors: Number of cases, percentage of positive tests and the number of COVID-like illnesses. Currently, Navajo County and WUSD meet two of the three requirements.” The release mentions the efforts being made by WUSD staff and leadership to create a plan that, “Outlines the strategies the school will implement to reduce the spread of COVID-19 among students and staff upon reopening school buildings.” That plan is said to be posted on the district website within the coming days. “Therefore, in an effort to provide stability for our schools and students, and to ensure staff safety and well-being, WUSD has made the decision to suspend in-person instruction and to reevaluate reopening of schools on Oct. 12. Each school site will continue to monitor and regulate distance learning.” Benchmarks will continue to be monitored each week as well and the district will be releasing information as the school year proceeds. The State of Arizona requires schools to be physically open 180 days a year to provide basic services to those who need them. To comply with that mandate, WUSD will provide on-site support services for Exceptional Education students, English Language learners and children in the foster care system beginning Aug. 17. According to the press release, all sites will adhere to social distancing, face covering and safety monitoring protocols. In a second press release by Winslow Junior High School Principal Deb Lopez, she informed parents that fall sports at WJHS would be cancelled. She wrote, “The affected sports will include football and softball for the 2020-21 season. We have concluded that the season, including travel and competition posed too great a risk for our student athletes, coaches and staff.” She explained that like the in-person learning conversation, sports will also be revisited in October. For questions regarding clarification on who will be returning to in-person learning, contact Superintendent Kathyrn Zanin at (928) 289-8101.