Schools are an essential part of the infrastructure of communities as they provide safe, supportive learning environments for students and children and enable parents and caregivers to be at work. Schools also provide critical services that help to mitigate health disparities, such as school lunch programs and social, physical, behavioral, and mental health services. Students benefit from in-person learning, and safely providing in-person instruction is a priority. In addition, schools play critical roles in promoting equity in education and health, particularly for groups disproportionately affected by COVID-19. People living in rural areas, people with disabilities, immigrants, and people who identify as American Indian/Alaska Native, Black or African American, and Hispanic or Latino have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19. These disparities have also emerged among children. Schools and public health officials can promote equity in learning and health by demonstrating to families, teachers, and staff that comprehensive prevention strategies are in place to keep students, staff, families, and school communities safe and provide supportive environments for in-person learning. The guidance provided by healthcare organizations can help us to support safe, in-person learning and keep schools open while managing the spread of COVID-19. 

The Centennial School District will continue to evaluate, monitor, and address the academic needs of our students and the safety of everyone who enters our schools using available qualitative and quantitative data/information. This data/information continues to guide our actions and decision-making when determining how to provide a safe and effective teaching and learning environment.