ARIZONA NEWS

Mesa High School lowers in-person learning days amid COVID-19 cases

Oct 30, 2020, 8:17 PM | Updated: 9:12 pm

(Mesa Public Schools Photo)...

(Mesa Public Schools Photo)

(Mesa Public Schools Photo)

PHOENIX — A high school in Arizona’s largest school district is transitioning from a five-day modified in-person model to only two days due to active coronavirus cases within the school community and public health data.

In a letter posted to the Mesa High School website, Principal Kirk Thomas and Associate Superintendent Holly Williams said the decision, beginning Monday, is being made in an attempt to avoid moving to a fully remote model.

Mesa Public Schools began five-day modified in-person learning on Oct. 12.

The school received confirmation Friday that a student who was last on campus Oct. 22 had tested positive for the coronavirus and that parents whose child was in the same classroom as the student would receive separate communication from the school.

Located near Southern Avenue and Gilbert Road in Mesa, the school is in an area that has two of three coronavirus benchmarks in the substantial range, according to the Maricopa County Department of Public Health.

The latest data shows 113.41 cases per 100,000 people and a 10.23% positivity rate, the percent positivity moving from moderate to substantial with the latest data.

The COVID-like illness remains in the minimal range at 3%.

Mesa High School will be in the updated learning model through at least Nov. 13, according to the message, with the school’s active case count and area metrics being used to determine when it is safe to return to a five-day modified in-person learning model.

The Arizona Department of Health Services updated the recommended guidelines this week for schools deciding which model to deliver, urging school districts to transition from hybrid to virtual learning if all three benchmarks of cases per 100,000 individuals, percent positivity and hospital visits for COVID-like illness move to the substantial spread category for two weeks.

Previous guidelines urged schools to shift if only one of the benchmarks was in the severe category for two weeks.

Arizona Department of Health Services Director Dr. Cara Christ and Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman in a joint statement Friday, however, said the decision to transition to virtual learning is the school’s to make.

“The important part is that these benchmarks provide schools with data-driven metrics, while schools maintain the ultimate authority to make decisions that are best for their communities.”

Out of the over 67,500 district staff and students, Mesa Public Schools currently has 80 active coronavirus cases, according to the district’s dashboard.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

Karrin Taylor Robson...

KTAR.com

Karrin Taylor Robson announces 2nd run for governor of Arizona

Karrin Taylor Robson, who unsuccessfully ran for governor of Arizona in 2022, announced Wednesday she is running again in 2026.

9 minutes ago

Phoenix police officers shot and killed a suspect near Williams Field and and Higley roads in Gilbe...

KTAR.com

Man killed in overnight shooting involving Phoenix police officers in Gilbert

A man was killed in an overnight shooting involving Phoenix police officers in Gilbert, authorities said Wednesday morning.

37 minutes ago

A Scottsdale estate with a Jordan shoe display and a full basketball gym was listed for $23.5 milli...

Kevin Stone

Furnished Scottsdale estate with basketball gym, Jordan sneaker display listed for $23.5M

A basketball lover’s dream home is on the market in north Scottsdale, but you better have plenty of space under your salary cap if you want to buy it.

2 hours ago

Uranium mining...

Kevin Stone

Arizona GOP leader wants Trump administration to remove uranium mining restrictions

Arizona's Republican Senate president is hoping the Trump administration will undo actions by former presidents that curtail uranium mining in the state.

2 hours ago

56 trees growing into power lines to be removed in 2 cities...

Serena O'Sullivan

SRP to remove 56 trees growing too close to power lines in Chandler, Apache Junction

The Salt River Project (SRP) is teaming up with the cities of Chandler and Apache Junction to remove 56 trees growing into power lines.

3 hours ago

Two Arizona Department of Economic Security Employees were convicted of receiving bribes to approv...

David Veenstra

2 state employees convicted of receiving bribes

Two Arizona Department of Economic Security Employees were convicted of receiving bribes to approve unemployment insurance claims.

10 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Bright Wealth Management

How IRAs are a helpful tool in retirement planning

When it comes to retirement planning, individual retirement accounts (IRAs) can be a great tool for income growth.

...

Bright Wealth Management

How to start your retirement planning early and avoid costly mistakes

Retirement planning can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, you can avoid costly pitfalls.

...

Bright Wealth Management

How to save money on retirement planning following 2024 election

PHOENIX -- With the 2024 election over, economic changes could impact how people plan for retirement as 2025 is on the horizon.

Mesa High School lowers in-person learning days amid COVID-19 cases