Breakfast Program
Open For Learning
We are excited to announce that we will be opening our classrooms to in-person learning on September 14. We will continue with multiple options for distance learning for those families who prefer to learn safe at home.
The spread of COVID-19 has slowed enough for to reopen for in-person classes under state health recommendations.
The benchmarks, which use the level of COVID-19 spread as the barometer for safely reopening school buildings, show that Maricopa County has met the health benchmarks.
- The number of COVID-19 cases has declined for two consecutive weeks or the rate of cases has been lower than 100 cases per 100,000.
- The infection rate has been below 7% for two consecutive weeks.
- Hospital visits for COVID-like illnesses have remained below 10% for two consecutive weeks.
Because spread is considered “minimal to moderate” in Maricopa County, Arizona Department of Health Services guidance recommends that schools open with fewer students on campus at the same time. That model of learning, called hybrid learning, usually requires students to split their week between virtual and in-person learning.
Since many of our Sage families have elected to stay home and learn virtually for the first quarter, we anticipate our in-person classes being open to all students five days a week. In order to prepare for the families that are comfortable returning to in person learning we are asking to update your families preference.
Those families electing to continue with the distance learning model will have a choice of the distance learning similar to what has been done so far this year or move to the Edgenuity self paced program which will be available on September 14.
If your family chooses to return to in person learning and your child(ren) must miss an extended amount of time due to illness or possible exposure to Covid-19, they will have the option for distance learning online while they are out. Students who have anyone in their household exposed must stay home and quarantine as recommended by the CDC.
Transportation is not available during this time.
School Hours
Kindergarten | 9am – 2pm, Early Release Wednesdays 1pm
Grades 1 – 8 | 8:30am – 3:30pm, Early Release Wednesdays 2:30pm
Before and aftercare will also be available for a fee to families who need care outside of the regular school hours. Rates and hours have been adjusted to increased safety and health protocols, including smaller group sizes. DES is accepted.
Before Care
Kindergarten | 6:00am – 9:00am $30 a week
Grades 1 – 8 | 6:00am – 8:30am $20 a week
After Care
Kindergarten | 1:00pm/2:00pm – 6:00pm $50 a week
Grades 1 – 8 | 2:30pm/3:30pm – 6:00pm $35 a week
Below are some of the expectations if you choose in-person learning for your child(ren):
Student Expectations:
• Allow temperature checks upon arrival and throughout the day
• Answer screening questions upon arrival
• Do not share supplies or food
• 6-foot distance from other students and staff
• Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer regularly
• Wear a face covering as directed
• Avoid touching your face
• Follow code of conduct expected during normal school days
Parent Expectations:
• Parents must ensure their children are symptom-free before sending them to school
• Parents must immediately pick up their child when/if they are ill or showing signs/symptoms of COVID-19
• Parents must transport their children and pick up and drop off at the scheduled time each school day
• Parents must sign in and sign out their children each day
• Parents will wear face coverings and provide face coverings for their children to enter the school
• Parents must pick up your son/daughter if he/she violates the code of conduct
• Parents must notify the on-site support services staff if someone in your household has tested positive for COVID-19 (then follow County/State/CDC guidelines for student return to campus)
• Parents must cooperate with contact tracing when/if needed with COVID-19 exposures
• Campus/classroom visitors will not be allowed
Sage Academy Distance Learning Plan 2020-2021
Pursuant to A.R.S. § 15-802, parents/guardians of children between the ages of 6-16 are required to ensure their children participate in school.
Return to School Update
July 24, 2020
Dear Sage Families,
As you may be aware, Governor Ducey provided an update on schools yesterday. The Governor announced the Arizona: Open for Learning Plan and issued Executive Order 2020-51. The new order issues additional guidance for the safe reopening of schools.
By August 7, the Arizona Department of Health Services will develop and release public health benchmarks that schools should consider when determining when we can safely return to in-person, teacher led instruction. We will be using this guidance to determine if school will resume in person as planned on August 17.
Here are a few updates we would like to provide:
- On-Site Learning: School resumes August 17. In accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order 2020-51, once we have considered the guidance and recommendations issued by the Department of Health, we will determine if we will be returning to regular in person classes on the first day of school. If we are unable to return to regular classes will be providing teacher lead instruction on-line until it is determined safe to begin direct in person instruction. We will be offering free on-site learning options for students during regular school hours. Staff will be providing a safe environment where students are able to complete their on-line instruction. Before and Aftercare programs will be available on a limited basis as well during that time. We will provide information to all families on those options as information becomes available.
- Distance Learning: Families who choose to enroll their child in Sage Online Academy (virtual self-paced) please email NWeber@sage-academy.org. Children enrolled in the online program will be permitted to transfer to in person learning at the end of the quarter, if there is availability in the physical class. If you have already submitted your intent via the online survey, you will receive more information from the Distance Learning team in the coming weeks.
- Masks: The Governor’s Executive Order 2020-52 also requires development of a face masks policy for the safety of students and staff. Exceptions will be made for students when they socially distance, are outside in playground settings with distance, breaks for students to take off their masks off in a safe environment, and other exceptions outlined in the CDC guidelines.
- Device Distribution: We will be sending information to families regarding dates and times for device distribution the week of August 10. We want to ensure all distance learning students have a device in their hands and are ready for the first day of school on August 17. All students are encouraged to use a school issued device in order for us to better provide technology support should it be needed. Students are able to use their own device if their family chooses.
- Internet: For families without any Internet access, we will be sending out more detailed information on how to get connected.
We hope that you and your family continue to stay safe and healthy. Please contact the school office for more information at info@sage-academy.org or (602) 485-3402.
Best regards,
Sage Academy Administration
COVID-19 Update
On Sunday, March 15th Governor Doug Ducey and State Superintendent Kathy Hoffman announced the closure of all Arizona schools. This means Sage Academy will be closed following Spring Break through March 27. This is a fluid situation and anticipate additional direction from the Governor and State Superintendent in the coming days that will help determine how we will best support our staff and families.
UPDATE – On Friday, March 20, 2020, Governor Ducey and Superintendent Hoffman announced a two-week extension of school closures through Friday, April 10, 2020. Going forward, Governor Ducey and Superintendent Hoffman will continue to provide updates and guidance about the need for continued school closures beyond that date.
For our Families
From now through April 10, we hope you will take advantage of the online resources we will have posted for your child to continue learning at home. These resources will be accessible to students under the Resources section on this page.
Over the next two weeks, I would encourage you to have ongoing conversations with your child(ren) about all that they are hearing related to COVID-19. We will continue to post resources for you, like this one from the CDC.
It is worth repeating that this situation continues to be very fluid, but we are committed to bringing you updates as we have them available. While our phone response is limited, please reach out to us via email with questions or concerns and we will return your message within 24 hours.
We appreciate you all for your patience and support during this unprecedented time.
Learn at Home Resources
“If you only carry one thing throughout your entire life, let it be hope. Let it be hope that better things are always ahead. Let it be hope that you can get through even the toughest of times. Let it be hope that you are stronger than any challenge that comes your way. Let it be hope that you are exactly where you are meant to be right now, and that you are on the path to where you need to be… Because during these times, hope will be the very thing that carries you through.”
-Nikki Banas
Spirit Week October 24-28
Next Week is Sage Academy’s Spirit Week. The students can participate and dress according to the day. if students are not participating in a certain day, they must still be in Sage Academy uniform. Monday-Mis-Match Day. Monday’s are not always fun to get out of bed, on this day dress mis-matched and it won’t be so bad !!! Tuesday-SuperHero Day. Dress as your favorite cape crusader. Please no masks Wednesday– Rock vs. Country. Are you a little bit country or a little bit Rock and Roll? On this day you can dress as you were a bandmate for the day. Thursday-Pajama Day. School week is almost through–lets just roll out of bed in our favorite Pj’s. Please no slippers Friday-Sports Day. Go, fight, Win!!! Support your favorite team. Please do not dress in full sport uniform attire. FALL FESTIVAL will be during the day on Friday October 28th.
Parent Teacher Conferences
Parent teacher conferences are being conducted this week. Early release on Thursday and Friday at 2:15pm.