News
COVID 19: School Year 20-21 Letter from Superintendent
July 23, 2020
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Good day to our Students, Parents/Guardians, and Communities,
The Santa Fe Indian School (SFIS) would like to provide some updates regarding our plans for the start of the new school year in August. We are committed to the safety of our Students, Staff, and Guests on Campus. We know our communities have been impacted greatly. Our prayers continue for all of our School family. SFIS will work hard to provide strong educational opportunities for our students to continue their learning. We are also working on the campus buildings to provide a safe environment for when a safe return to campus is initiated.
- SFIS is planning to start school for all students on August 24, 2020 using our Santa Fe Indian School Distance Learning Model. Santa Fe Indian School will provide Chromebooks for students.
- The SFIS Campus will remain closed.This means that only “On-site Essential and Approved Staff” may enter campus.
- As long as the SFIS Campus is closed, athletic programs will be unable to participate in the Fall Seasons. The New Mexico Activities Association (NMAA) has given guidance regarding Fall Sports being modified or delayed. We will post this guidance on our SFIS website.
- If there are changes to our School Plans, we will communicate the current guidance to our students, parents, and staff.
We know that deciding on the option that is best for your student and family is a difficult one for many families. With guidance from our Pueblo Governors, Tribal Leaders, our Board of Trustees, and key SFIS staff, we cannot bring students to school in-person at this time. We realize that this creates concerns about planning for childcare and other needs, but the 400 parents who responded to our Health and Safety Survey this month affirmed that the safety of our students and communities is the most important consideration. We have developed a “Safe Return to School Plan” and a “Frequently Asked Questions” (both are attached). Our Principals will be sending out further guidance to students and staff in the near future.
As we work through the complexities that this COVID-19 Coronavirus Pandemic presents, we want to thank our students, staff and families for your patience, support, and partnership in support of the health and safety of our learning community. We know this has impacted everyone and together we will get through this. Stay Strong! I also encourage our parents/guardians to support your student with this Distance Learning Model and communicate closely with your Principals and Teachers.Thank You!
Respectfully,
Roy Herrera, Superintendent