Kayenta Unified School District
Yá’át’ééh!
Kayenta Unified School District No. 27 is located in the Navajo Nation of Arizona. We are a people who take great pride in our heritage. It is our privilege and honor to be in the position to accompany our children on their journey to great heights and solid futures. As you learn about us, we know you’ll catch our enthusiasm and appreciate our awe-inspiring past, present, and future. We know that by working together, we accomplish great things!
Message from the Superintendent
Dear Family Members,
With the daily headlines about the coronavirus (COVID-19), you may have questions about this global outbreak and how the district is responding.
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) virus that we are learning more about every day. There is currently no vaccine to protect against COVID-19. They have found cases of COVID-19 on every continent except Antarctica, and it continues to spread. At this time, several cases have been confirmed in Arizona and specifically on the Navajo Nation.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
While the outbreak is concerning, there are other respiratory viruses like influenza currently circulating in our communities that have the same symptoms as COVID-19. Fever, coughing, and difficulty breathing are symptoms associated with all of them. Therefore, anyone exhibiting these symptoms should contact your health provider.
How can I protect my student?
Because COVID-19 is a virus, this is a good time to review preventative measures that we can all take to avoid the spread of any respiratory virus.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. Handwashing strategies include washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick and keep sick children home as well.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and then immediately discard the tissues. If no tissues are available, cough or sneeze into your elbow or other article of clothing.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
What is the district doing to respond to COVID-19?
We are planning and preparing using guiding documents from the Arizona Department of Education to prepare for the pandemic.
Governor Ducey has ordered school closures to April 10, 2020. The KUSD Governing Board will consider action on the extension of school closure. There is a special meeting set for March 26, 2020, at 4:00 p.m. Please remember social distancing is the norm for such gatherings.
The district has reestablished the KUSD social media Facebook page for communication expediency.
The district meets daily regarding the improvement of communication and coordination among departments to ensure we meet the intent of the HB2910. Food deliveries will continue for all children under eighteen years old, and the district will provide some form of instruction to all students enrolled in our district. Please contact your school if you have any questions.
School Closures:
The district will continue to monitor the Arizona Department of Education and the executive orders from the governor’s office regarding the COVID-19 and school closures.
Other important points to keep in mind regarding the possibility of school closures:
- The Navajo Nation Department of Health Public Health Order. (social distancing)
- The Navajo Nation “stay at home order”.
Visit the link below for additional information on COVID-19.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Interim Guidelines
As we receive updates that affect our school community, we will pass them along to you.
Sincerely,
Lemual B. Adson
Lemual B. Adson
KUSD 27 Superintendent