Distance Learning Extended To February 15

January 28, 2021

Dear Salpointe Community,
We do not want to be writing this letter today. The consistent dashing of hopes and plans are exhausting for all of us. We share your frustration with the state of our world and we are all worried about the well-being of our Lancer students. It is with a heavy heart, therefore, that we inform you that at-home learning will be extended until February 15. We know that some of you will be in agreement, while others will be heartbroken or even angry with this decision. With 646 students opting for full time at-home learning and 606 taking advantage of the hybrid model last semester, we recognize that this decision will not satisfy every family.  
 
Please know that the health and safety of our community is our greatest concern as we make this very difficult decision. Salpointe continues to have students hospitalized, as well as parents, family members and alums who have been hospitalized, intubated or who have passed away from COVID 19 in the past few months. Please keep these Lancers in your prayers.
 
According to the CDC today, Arizona has the second highest transmission rate in the United States, and according to Johns Hopkins University on January 16, Arizona led the world in average new confirmed COVID cases per capita. When Salpointe made the decision to remain in distance learning after Christmas, the COVID 19 transmission rate in Pima County was 357/100,000. When we decided to extend distance learning to February 1, the transmission rate was 565/100,000. Now the transmission rate is 835/100,000. The percent positivity is 21.7% and hospital visits for COVID-like illnesses are at 14.8%, indicating substantial stress on the region’s healthcare system. Clearly, Pima County has not trended in the right direction. 
 
Arizona Department of Health Services recommends virtual learning for all counties: https://www.azdhs.gov/preparedness/epidemiology-disease-control/infectious-disease-epidemiology/index.php#novel-coronavirus-schools. Salpointe has followed the recommendations of state and county health departments since March 2020 and we will continue to do so. When AZDHS recommends that schools return to the hybrid or in person model, we will do so. This decision is in sync with other school districts in Southern Arizona. We are not alone in this disappointing, dismal situation.

We look forward to a return to normalcy and hope that the distribution of the vaccine will help us to reach this goal sooner than later. Thank you for your support as we navigate the challenges facing our Southern Arizona community. 
 
Please stay healthy and safe.
 
Kay Sullivan    Keith Gibalski
President       Principal
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Salpointe Catholic High School

1545 E. Copper St.,
Tucson, AZ 85719
(520) 327-6581
Attendance: (520) 327-1990
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