Dear Heritage Families,

A few new developments have come about over the weekend and today that are important to share with you.

  1. This morning, Governor Ducey and Superintendent Hoffman extended school closures through the end of the academic year. Our program will continue online through this time.  Read more here. Please continue to work with your teachers on the coursework for each class. 
  2. This afternoon, Governor Ducey also issued a new executive order title, “Stay Home, Stay Healthy, Stay Connected” effective Tuesday, 31 March 2020 at 5pm.  Read more here. Online learning should continue during this time. 
  3. For our athletic teams, the Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) and the Canyon Athletic Association (CAA) have cancelled all of their activities for the remainder of the Spring season. Additional details regarding sports fees is forthcoming.
  4. Due to the lack of our ability to properly schedule facilities and rehearse, all of our year-end arts performances are also cancelled. Our outstanding arts teachers will have some creative ways to perform and produce greatness to end the year.
  5. With these new guidelines, we are revisiting plans for graduation. Of all the cancellations, this is one we hope to save as our Seniors have worked so hard throughout their time with us. Tomorrow, the AZ State Board of Education will be clarifying the requirements for graduation. We will review their decisions and communicate our plans in the upcoming days.
  6. While safety comes first, we strongly encourage your scholar(s) to continue to learn. In earlier pandemics in 1918, 1957, and 1968, schools were closed for some time. Eventually schools and civil society reopened as mortality rates dropped. When we reopen we do not want our scholars to be behind or lose any of their academic progress. We want each scholar adequately prepared for the next grade. Further, many are preparing for tests such as PSAT, SAT, ACT, or other career related examinations. Unlike with prior pandemics, we are very blessed to have online technology to continue to learn and communicate with each other.
  7. For the remainder of this year, attendance will be tracked weekly. Scholars who complete an assignment will be marked present. Scholars who do not complete at least one assignment will be marked absent. Please send an email to your school for excused absence so we are aware of your circumstance.

The health and safety of our Heritage families is very important. We support our local and State authorities and look forward to when schools reopen.  We know this time is very stressful for some of our scholars. Please contact us should you have any additional questions or ways we can be of assistance. 

Sincerely,

Jared Taylor 

Governing Board Chairman 

Heritage Academy Schools

jtaylor@heritageacademyz.com