In response to an increase in COVID-19 cases in the school community, Draper Park Middle School is transitioning to online learning for 14 days. The pause in on-campus learning was determined to be in the best interest of students, families and staff.
Monday, Sept. 28 will be a transition day with no in-person instruction, which will give the faculty and staff time to prepare virtual classes for all Draper Park students for the next two weeks.
Online instruction for all Draper Park students will begin Tuesday, Sept. 29.
More information about online learning expectations will be forthcoming from the school and individual teachers. Lessons and assignments will be communicated using Canvas, CSD’s online learning management system.
The school is making arrangements to provide students with grab-and-go meals throughout the virtual learning period.
The decision follows guidelines recently established by the Canyons Board of Education for when a school reaches a certain threshold of positive cases within a two-week period. According to the parameters, if a CSD elementary or middle school reaches a 15-case threshold, the District will engage in an immediate discussion with local health officials on potential schedule changes or other precautionary measures, which may include a temporary pivot to online learning.
The most recent reports from health authorities indicate Draper Park has reached that threshold. Transmission trends within the Draper community also factored into the decision to pivot to online.
The Canyons community can monitor how many cases are at each CSD school by reviewing information on the District’s new data dashboard, which can be accessed on the Canyons District website. Information from the data dashboard guides the Canyons Board of Education and Administration as the community works together to face this public-health challenge.
It is hoped that in-person instruction will resume at Draper Park Middle on Monday, Oct. 12, 2020. In the meantime, the building will be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized. Friday Oct 9. will be a day of independent study for students per CSD’s new blended learning schedule.
The Board and Administration will continue to monitor the situation and evaluate options in consultation with the Salt Lake County Health Department.
Canyons District continues to ask the community to follow safety precautions while at and away from school. Please wear face coverings and observe physical distancing guidelines in public. Again, it will take the combined efforts of the community to maintain a consistent level of health and wellness.
Parents are encouraged to continue monitoring children for symptoms of COVID-19. Please contact a health provider immediately if your child begins to suffer a fever, cough, fatigue, muscle or body aches, new loss of taste or smell, a sore throat, congestion, nausea, or has difficulty breathing. We also recommend taking additional steps to protect your child’s overall well-being. Watch for signs of stress or behavior changes. For additional resources to keep children healthy during stressful times, we urge you to visit the CDC’s website by clicking here.
Students may worry about how COVID-19 may impact them, their family, and friends. Parents and guardians can help children navigate this experience in an honest and accurate way to help minimize anxiety or fear. Please see the suggestions from the CDC to assist with these conversations.
We recognize there may be questions or concerns. Please direct questions by email to communications@canyonsdistrict.org. Parents also can call the District Office at 801-826-5000. We thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation as we work together to safely provide an education to our community’s children.
