| Friday, July 24, 2020 Dear MUSD Parent and Guardian: This is always an exciting time of year as we prepare for the start of the school year. I know that I have been looking forward to the return of our students and the opportunity to begin building relationships with our families. While starting the school year through remote learning is not what I had envisioned, I am excited for our students to begin learning and connecting with their classmates and teachers. I know there may be some confusion regarding the Arizona: Open for Learning Plan that came out yesterday afternoon from Governor Doug Ducey and Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman. If you are like me, you are walking away from these press conferences with more questions than answers these days. Yesterday's announcement does not change the start of our school year. MUSD will begin the school year on Wednesday, August 5 delivering thoughtful and rigorous Remote Learning and Distance Learning models. We will continue these learning models until the District can safely return to in-person classroom instruction. I am incredibly proud of the collaborative work, which continues to occur in order to provide a high-quality learning experience. Our educators, staff, and administrators are eager to begin teaching and learning with your student. The big announcement that came from this newest Executive Order yesterday is the replacement of the August 17 date for in-person instruction with the release of "public health benchmarks" for the safe return of in-person, teacher-led classroom instruction. The Governor announced that these benchmarks will be made available to school districts no later than August 7. The Order states that school districts are to consider these benchmark recommendations, guidance from county health officials, community needs, and available resources to then determine when in-person instruction can safely be made available for all students. Additionally, the Order states that school districts are to provide some on-site support beginning August 17, which we are also working to finalize those details. Please know that we are continuing to work closely with Pima County health officials and our different stakeholder groups in our planning efforts to determine when the District can safely return to in-person instruction. I will continue to keep you updated and thank you again for your support and understanding as we navigate this constantly changing situation. As we count down to August 5, please check your email for ongoing communications from your student's school regarding Chromebook and course materials distribution, teacher assignments/classroom placements, student schedules, virtual back to school events, and more. We plan to begin a great year making connections with students and providing supportive and engaging academic experiences. Thank you for your support and partnership. These past months have proven that we will get through these unprecedented times together. Please take care of your student, your family, and yourself. Sincerely, Dan Streeter, Ed.D.
Superintendent | 
