News
COVID-19: SFIS School Closure
March 12, 2020
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SFIS: School Closure due to Health and Safety Precautions
Dear SFIS Students and Families,
Today the SFIS Board of Trustee supported the Superintendent’s recommendation in a unanimous vote (7-0) to close school starting today, March 12, 2020 through the end of the scheduled spring break on April 19, 2020. We intend to resume classes on Monday, April 20, 2020 with dorms opening on Sunday, April 19, 2020 and will provide regular updates on our school website https://www.sfis.k12.nm.us/
This difficult decision was made as a precautionary measure to protect the health of students, staff, and tribal communities due to the COVID-19 outbreak in surrounding areas. At this point, we have no reported cases of COVID-19 at Santa Fe Indian School and no reported contact with anyone with the virus.
As we are a unique school community that transports students in and out of the Pueblos daily, we feel the prudent course is to focus on prevention by reducing student movement between multiple communities. We remain committed to the education of our students and we will continue to provide educational services through the school closure.
Please read the following guidance regarding expectations for continued instruction:
- Students are required to take home all personal and assigned course materials, including textbooks/novels/etc., calculators, and issued Chromebooks.
- SFIS will provide you with a Chromebook so you can complete assignments during the closure:
- 7 day dorm students, who do not have a Chromebook assigned to them, will be given a Chromebook today before leaving school.
- 5 day dorm students, who do not have a Chromebook assigned to them, will be able to pick up a Chromebook in their tribal community. The exact location and time is yet to be determined, but will be shared out via the school’s messenger system/NASIS and website.
- Students not living in the Pueblo communities can contact the academic programs to make arrangements to receive a Chromebook. High School 505-989-6330 and Middle School 505-989-6393.
Student Expectations: You are expected to:
- You are expected to:
- complete all assignments in all courses during this school closure.
- turn in all assignments by the deadlines provided by your teachers.
- check your sfisonline email twice a day. Your teachers will be sending your assignments and monitoring your work via sfisonline.
Parent/Family Expectations
- Check SFIS website during the week.
- Ensure your child is completing assignments.
- Ensure your NASIS contact information is accurate. Call Admissions to update your information: 505-989-6370.
The health and safety of our students and entire SFIS community is of utmost importance. In order to reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection and to prevent spread of this and other viruses and illnesses, we recommend the following prevention guidelines:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer;
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands;
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick; Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or utilize your elbow when you cough or sneeze. Dispose of the tissue and wash your hands again;
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces;
- Most importantly, if your child has symptoms of the flu or of any serious infection or virus, please utilize your best judgement to determine if your child should consult a physician to avoid exposing others;
- If you are concerned your child has COVID-19, follow the New Mexico Department of Health guidance outlined at http://cv.nmhealth.org/. Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed COVID-19 cases. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure and may include: fever, cough, and shortness of breath.
Together we will get through this tough time. Stay strong!
Many blessings and prayers for all,
Roy M. Herrera
Superintendent