April 23, 2018
Dear Pendergast Families,
The Arizona Educators United #RedforEd organizers conducted voting in schools across the state, and they have tabulated the voting results. Seventy-eight percent of those who cast ballots voted for a school walkout to begin on Thursday, April 26, 2018. No information was provided on the length of the walkout. We felt it is important to update you on information that may impact your child and services offered in our schools during this time.
District administrators have been meeting and planning in the event there will be a walkout this week with the discussion focusing on the potential impact to schools and services in Pendergast District. Our goal is to ensure the safety of your child. This Wednesday, students will be in school all day with no half days for the rest of the school year until further notice. All Pendergast schools will be closed on April 26 – April 30, 2018 - Thursday through Monday and possibly longer depending on the duration of the walkout. Pendergast District will provide a bag breakfast and lunch to our students if you choose to stop by your child’s school and pick those up. We ask that you have an alternative plan for your student(s) since school will be closed this Thursday through Monday.
In order to help you plan we have provided these Frequently Asked Questions and Answers to assist you with information:
How will I find out my child’s school is closed?
Please only rely on the official district communication for information on a school closing. PESD will use our emergency notification system, our website, school websites, and phone calls with district officials, texts, and verified district and school social media accounts to communicate information regarding a school closing. For a missed phone call, please check the voicemail message before calling the school as staff will not be available at the school.
How will you determine if schools need to be closed?
All PESD schools will be closed on Thursday through Monday and possibly longer depending if the walkout continues and we determine there is not adequate staff to maintain campus security and student safety. This will impact preschool as well as Pride Club and any before or afterschool activities. The monthly Parent Lunch scheduled for Friday, April 27 will be cancelled.
Will childcare be available?
If schools close, all before and after school childcare will be canceled.
If a school is closed, would the school year be extended?
Yes. According to state laws and current policies, any day that a school is closed would have to be made up. However, starting this Wednesday, students will be in school all day until further notice. There will be no early release days on Wednesdays for the rest of the school year.
Would school closures affect 8th grade promotion events?
Yes, celebration activities would occur on the last day of school.
If a school is closed, would athletic practices or games be canceled as well as after school clubs and activities?
Yes, they would be cancelled.
If a school is closed, would school trips take place as scheduled?
No. If schools are closed; school trips would be canceled.
If a school doesn’t close but has limited staff, will bus transportation to and from school still be provided?
If schools are open, transportation will continue to be provided.
If schools are open with limited staff and I send my child, what can I expect will happen that day?
The top priority will be the safety and security of the campus. At this time, there is no school at any of the PESD campuses on Thursday through Monday. Depending on what happens in the future, schools may have to limit academic instruction and support services. If there is not sufficient staff, you may receive a call to pick up your child.
If a school is closed for more than one day, how often will I receive communication?
Parents can expect regular communication during a school closure as information becomes available. Please be sure the school office has updated phone and email information so you can be contacted.
If my child’s school is closed, do I have to call him/her out sick?
If school is closed, you are not required to call a child out as sick.
If my child’s school is open, but there is limited staff, can I keep my child home?
We will only open schools if we have adequate staff to address the safety and instructional needs of students. As indicated above, instruction may be impacted as well as other services.
What support will the district offer to our families?
Breakfast and lunch will be served at all 12 PESD schools beginning on Thursday, April 26 and continuing, Monday through Friday, as long as school campuses are closed. ALL children, ages 1 through 18, are eligible and do not have to attend a PESD school. Adults may purchase breakfast or lunch for $3.00. Breakfast - 7:00 am to 8:00 am | Lunch - 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.
We will continue to keep you informed and serve as your source for accurate and timely information regarding any event surrounding the walk-out this week.
Sincerely,
Dr. Lily Matos DeBlieux, Pendergast Superintendent