APS and Pickens Tech Extend Spring Break Through March 27
APS and Pickens Technical College will be extending Spring Break for an additional week. This action is an effective way to slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). This means our Spring Break will last from March 16 through March 27. We are also canceling all athletics, activities, events, facilities rentals, and childcare during this extended Spring Break. We will reassess the situation by March 27 and decide whether students and staff should return on March 30. Superintendents will be calling on the Colorado Department of Education for flexibility on mandatory seat time and state testing requirements.
As we shared earlier today, we do not have any confirmed cases of COVID-19 in APS at this time. Public health officials are not mandating schools to close. However, they are encouraging social distancing. This means reducing large group gatherings and keeping yourself a safe distance (a few feet away) from others.
We know that extending the break will have an impact on families, but we also believe that strong, urgent action must be taken to prevent the spread of this disease and to protect lives.
Information specific to APS staff expectations will be sent shortly regarding the extended Spring Break.
During the break, all schools and district facilities will undergo additional intensive deep cleanings with highly-effective disinfectants. We encourage you at home to continue hand washing and other recommendations from the CDC about how to avoid the spread of illness.
We are facing a dynamic and evolving public health crisis in our community. In our response to COVID-19, we must depend on the guidance of our public health experts and make decisions that protect the health of students, staff, and families in our community.
We have been following the guidance of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and local public health agencies and are implementing preventative strategies and planning for response to new developments. In light of Governor Polis’ declaration of a state of emergency in Colorado and the rapidly growing number of confirmed cases in the Denver metro area, we must take swift action to protect public health.
We will send follow-up communications with additional information about the distribution of meals, access to online education resources, and new developments. Please continue to check aurorak12.org for updates.
Our goal is always to protect the safety, health, and wellness of our students, staff, and families. Amid the uncertainty and fear that this pandemic brings, our strength as a community is our greatest asset. We can work together to protect each other and slow the progression of COVID-19.
We thank you for your support and partnership in this effort.
Sincerely,
Superintendent Rico Munn