December 29, 2020

Dear fellow parents,

It is with bated anticipation that we look toward our children’s return to school. We regret not being able to offer parents a choice between remaining remote and returning to the building. Our resources as an independent charter school, limit us to choosing one over the other. The benefits of stronger learning in the classroom and the falling COVID positivity rates in our area have won us over on returning to in-person learning.

Last night we voted to phase our students to in-person learning with more complete class schedules. This decision follows the latest data trends provided by the Denver and Tri-County Health Departments and the decisions of our surrounding school districts.

• Local health departments are reporting COVID positivity rates falling steadily toward the previously stated acceptable levels of less than 7%; less than 5% for lessened restrictions.
  • Arapahoe County’s rate is currently at 7% and Denver County’s is at 6%.
• Aurora Public Schools will return to the in-person hybrid model they were in at the end of Quarter 2.
• Denver Public Schools will start remotely on Jan 5th and then on Jan 11^th, ECE-5th begin full schedules in-person. DPS Secondary grades (6-12) will begin phasing into buildings on Jan 19^th with all grades reporting for full-schedule in-person classes starting Feb 1.
• Cherry Creek Schools will start remotely as well. Then on Jan 11^th, K-5 will return to full schedule in-person classes and grades 6-12 will begin an enhanced in-person hybrid model.

  We will continue to monitor caution matrixes given by local health departments. If data trends change, we will respond appropriately. Until then, we will continue to move toward giving our children and yours the level of learning that meets our school’s Mission and Vision. We will be able to more successfully provide a well-rounded, rigorous curriculum with high academic standards if students are in the building.

  Our plan for the 3^rd Quarter is as follows:

• Monday, Jan 4^th: 3-8 grades return to Remote Learning
• Wednesday, Jan 6^th: K-2 will begin in-person, full-day schedules
• Tuesday, Jan 19^th: 3-5 will begin in-person, full-day schedules
• Monday, Feb 1^st: 6-8 will begin in-person, full-day schedules

More logistical information will be communicated from our administration and our children’s teachers in the days and weeks closer to these dates.

Along with more students returning to the building than we saw last quarter, we will see some other logistical changes. Curbside temperature checks will be moved to the classrooms. Carlines will return to their normal routes and expectations. Of course, all students and staff will continue to use PPE as well as good hand washing and sanitizing practices throughout all class periods and when around others on school grounds. But, due to these changes, we implore you to partner with us and monitor your and your kids’ health closely at home and communicate any symptom concerns prior to coming to the school grounds. If you are exposed to someone that has tested positive, isolate and get tested before returning to normal daily activities. You can see more guidelines on when to keep your kids home from our nursing staff on our Health Office webpage. It is only through this honest, free communication that we will have success in following our cautionary protocols and further protect our children. These notices should be sent through our absence page.

As always, if you have concerns or comments about this decision, please direct them to the Board at board@aacademy.org. We value your communication and participation in our school!

Respectfully, 

The Directors – 

James Kamb Zhivonne Armstrong
Courtnay Hazim Karla Sue Byg
Bernadette Fleming Luke Baker


10251 E 1ST AVE AURORA CO 80010 | (303) 367-5983 

Aurora Academy Charter's School mission is to provide a well-rounded, rigorous curriculum with high academic standards for Kindergarten through 8th grade students.

Since the school’s inception, Aurora Academy has proven to be an exemplary place to learn and grow. With a student population near 540 each academic year, 90% of its students stay with the school to complete their elementary and middle school education. Aurora Academy consistently outperforms district and state schools in producing high scores in nationwide assessments. The school has been recognized by the Colorado Department of Education as a School of Distinction. Aurora Academy has also been honored three times with the Governor’s Distinguished Improvement Award, an honor presented for having some of the highest rates of growth on student assessments.