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BR Family:
This morning's 9:00AM Special Board Meeting regarding COVID-19 and school closure will be live streamed on the BRUSD Facebook at this link: https://www.facebook.com/Blue-Ridge-Unified-School-District-32-102721964605115/. -
Attention Blue Ridge Community:
The situation regarding COVID-19 is evolving quickly, requiring daily adjustments affecting virtually every aspect of our lives. Recent direction from the Federal and State governments encourage everyone to reduce community spread through the implementation of common-sense approaches, including avoiding large gatherings and limiting travel.
Therefore, a Special School Board meeting will be held Tuesday, March 17, 2020, at 9:00 AM to consider the closure of all Blue Ridge schools and cessation of all school-related activities until it is safe to resume school operations.
The District will also seek authorization to compensate all Blue Ridge employees throughout school closures for a duration not to exceed the 2019-2020 School Year.
While it is true all have a legal right to attend the Special Board meeting; we respectfully request attendance be limited to only school board members, administration, a small number of PTSO representatives (10 or less), and local media. Minutes of the meeting will be posted for public access on BRUSD.org immediately following the meeting.
Moreover, beginning March 23, 2020, meals will be provided for everyone under 18 years of age, Monday-Friday, for the duration of school closures. Blue Ridge Elementary will serve as the point of food preparation and distribution. Details concerning the administration of this program will soon follow.
Lastly, while it is true, challenging days and even months may lie ahead, such problems will surely be temporary.
With all that said, as BR stakeholders centered on doing what’s best for our students, staff, and community, we will press past this crisis, emerging even stronger and more closely connected. Thank you for your understanding and patience.
Respectfully,
Dr. Mike Wright
Superintendent
Blue Ridge Unified School District -
Dear Parents/guardians of Blue Ridge students:
Organizations across Arizona, including schools, are closing to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Despite the current schedule calling for classes to resume Monday, March 23, 2020, the District is considering remaining closed until April to reduce community spread of the virus.
Many families depend on schools to provide supervision for their children. Therefore, we are providing advanced notice to allow necessary arrangements to ensure children are appropriately supported and supervised.
Lastly, we are working to develop ways to safely distribute food to all students qualifying for free and reduced meals. We anticipate staging operations at Blue Ridge Elementary as a distribution point and are working through the logistics and safety measures associated with such an effort. [Furthermore, we are contemplating steps to ensure students requiring special education services are supported.] The District will provide additional information as it is made available in connection to extended school closures and community supports.
Thank you for your consideration and patience.
Respectfully,
Dr. Mike Wright -
Attention Blue Ridge Family:
The situation regarding COVID-19 and potential school closures as part of social distancing is dynamic, with changes being announced hourly and more anticipated to follow.
Many states and organizations are requiring the closure of schools and limiting the number of persons that may gather at a public activity. These states are also calling for the cooperation of churches and other organizations where large groups of people congregate to stop doing so for a certain amount of time. I anticipate the State of Arizona may require mandatory closures of schools and other government functions shortly.
Please note, that in the event of a district-wide school closure, students, parents, and stakeholders will be notified as outlined within our district’s emergency communication plan recently sent.
Plans are in place to ensure the continuation of critical district functions and operations, such as payroll, public relations, technology, and facility support, even during a districtwide closure of schools and services. We are also determining what assistance, if any, may be provided to students on free and reduced lunch programs should our schools close.
As a precaution, given the uncertainty surrounding the virus and growing employee concerns, I am closing all school offices and the district office next week. Employees will work from home. Again, essential district functions will remain in operation. Our facilities will be closely monitored as maintained to ensure proper care.
Sports and school-relative activities will move forward as scheduled until such time schools are mandated to close. In this instance, all games and school-related activities will be canceled. I met with Bob London, our Director of Athletics, and will keep him in the communication loop.
For the moment, there are no changes to previously scheduled games and or other school-related activities.
Keeping our staff and students safe is one of my top priorities. Please know I am monitoring the COVID-19 closely. I promise to keep you posted as additional information is provided.
Respectfully,
Dr. Mike Wright
Superintendent
Blue Ridge Unified School District -
Attention Blue Ridge Community:
In an effort to provide further understanding of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), Navajo County Public Health Services District has provided the following important information and guidance.
March 3, 2020
Dear Parent/Guardian:
We understand that the Novel Coronavirus, now known as COVID-19, is causing much anxiety in our community, country and the world. Navajo County Public Health (NCPH) is working to provide you with the most up to date information on this rapidly evolving situation. We are working with school districts to ensure they have the information needed to make key decisions. Following is a brief overview of the current situation. For more information and FAQ’s, we recommend you visit https://reports.mysidewalk.com/ebaab58e56
WHAT IS KNOWN
• The virus causing COVID-19 is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified and causes a respiratory illness ranging from a mild cold-like illness to severe pneumonia.
• Most (81%) of people diagnosed with COVID-19 in China had mild disease, including most children.
• Similar to influenza, the people who are most likely to have severe disease and complications from COVID-19 are older individuals (>60 years old) and those with other medical conditions like heart and lung disease or diabetes.
• There is no vaccine or treatment currently available for COVID-19 but the National Institutes of Health is evaluating treatments and developing a vaccine already.
• Currently, there is NO confirmed community spread of COVID-19 in Navajo County, meaning the virus is not being spread from person-to-person. However, experts predict there will eventually be community spread. NCPH is preparing for when/if this happens.
HOW THE VIRUS SPREADS
• COVID-19 is believed to spread primarily the same way the common cold or flu spreads—through respiratory droplets that are produced when someone coughs or sneezes.
• People who are most at risk of becoming infected with COVID-19 are those who have been in close contact (within about 6 feet) with someone who has the disease.
• People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest).
• Some spread of the virus might be possible before a person has symptoms; there have been reports of this with COVID-19, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW
• Keep children home when they are sick.
o Students (and parents/guardians) who are ill, especially with acute respiratory symptoms (not allergies or chronic conditions), should stay home.
• Teach your children to always cover their cough and sneezes with a tissue or elbow.
• Remind them to wash their hands with soap and water (or use hand sanitizer) after they touch their face, use the restroom and before they eat.
• Tell children to avoid touching their mouth and nose since that is how germs get into the body.
• Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects (everyday household disinfectants are fine)
o Enhance cleaning of high touch surfaces like door knobs, toilet handles, and sink handles.
PLAN FOR WHEN COMMUNITY SPREAD OCCURS
• Make a plan now, who could take care of your child if they must stay home
• Know your child’s school plan to communicate with you when needed, such as robocalls, email or checking their website.
NCPH staff are working day and night to monitor this evolving situation and will continue to provide new information to the community as things change. Please contact your school leadership or healthcare provider should you have additional questions.
More information can be found at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus https://reports.mysidewalk.com/ebaab58e56 or at https://twitter.com/NavajoCountyAZ.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey P Lee
Director
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Attention future Blue Ridge Junior High 7th Grade Parents!
Blue Ridge Junior High Parent-Student Orientation will be held tomorrow, Tuesday, February 25th from 5:00PM to 6:30PM at the junior high gym on the Blue Ridge main campus.
• Targeted toward upcoming 7th grade Blue Ridge JH students and their parents
• Learn what to expect for the 2020/2021 school year
• Junior High staff will be able to answer questions
• Current 6th graders will tour the BRJH campus on Wednesday, February 26th and receive registration materials
• Registration cards are due Friday, February 28th, 2020
For more information, see the BR Junior High website at: BRUSD.org
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Welcome to the 2019 –2020 school year. As your new Principal, I am delighted to work with all parents in providing the best opportunities for learning and growing for the students in our care. I have been a part of the Blue Ridge family for 4 years, serving as Counselor and Dean of Students. I value all of the relationships I have made since 2016, and realize I have yet many more to develop.
As a staff, we are energized and deeply committed to making a positive difference in the lives of our students. We are dedicated to continually providing our students with the skills necessary to ensure they reach their potential as lifelong learners and productive citizens. We feel privileged to be a part of this school family.
Our dedicated staff will continue to work diligently to maintain a community where students feel valued, safe and loved. Our teachers are dedicated to ensuring student interests are considered when developing engaging lessons and will continue to work hard to ensure each student is supported. We put forth the extra effort each day to make our school a place where students thrive and look forward to learning.
We invite you to become an active member at Blue Ridge Elementary School through volunteering, joining our PTSO, or attending and supporting school events. We appreciate your trust and do not take it for granted. Together we want to provide the best opportunities for learning and growing for the students in our care. Research supports that when parents/guardians are involved in their child’s education, there is a greater likelihood of academic success. We are partners in your child’s education and look forward to working together to make certain that our students have the skills necessary to reach their potential. With parents and staff members working as a team, toward common goals, every child will find success.
I pledge to do my best to ensure that each child is challenged, supported and provided with a safe and caring learning environment. I honor all the hard work that was invested in years past and vow to continue our time-honored traditions and best practices. Should you wish to speak with me, please don’t hesitate to stop by. I will always do my best to make time to listen to and hear your concerns. I look forward to continuing to work with all stakeholders as partners in learning.
Sincerely,
Gail Irestone
