West-MEC — Western Maricopa Education Center — A Faster Way Forward

September 3, 2020

Dear West-MEC students and families,

As of today, September 3rd, Maricopa County has met the specific two-week criteria health metrics. Based on the Governing Board’s decision, West-MEC continues to prepare for a return to in-person student learning on Wednesday, September 9th. The last day of online instruction will be September 8th. All students are required to return to in-person instruction at their specific campus on September 9th.

As part of the reopening of schools, it is imperative that both the school and family recognize there are safety responsibilities to uphold as it relates to COVID-19. Both the school and family have the responsibility to ensure a safe and healthy learning environment. However, each party realizes that there are inherent risks associated with any contact among people or facilities. 

West-MEC is committed to ensuring safety protocols are followed, that cleaning and wearing of appropriate safety gear (face coverings), and every effort is made to follow social distancing requirements. To review our commitment to safety, please see our return to campus plan.

The Arizona Risk Retention Trust Fund, who insures most of the public schools in the state of Arizona has asked West-MEC to have parents or guardians sign a form stating that they (the family) understands there is some risk in returning to an in-person environment. 

We are asking parents/legal guardians to acknowledge this fact and sign a COVID-19 Waiver Release and Assumption of Risk Form provided by our insurance carrier:

Here is our process for collecting this completed form. If you have already signed this form, please disregard the process below.

• Bring a signed copy of the form to class on the first day back to campus (September 9)
• Those without access to a printer or unable to present a signed copy on the first day (September 9). will receive a hardcopy to return the following day. 

Sincerely,

Greg Donovan
West-MEC Superintendent