SFIS to Remain in Distance Learning 3rd Quarter
SANTA FE, New Mexico — Today the SFIS Board of Trustees voted to continue SFIS Campus Closure and Distance Learning for 3rd Quarter (January 7 – March 12, 2021). The decision is based on the fact that many of Tribal communities remain closed with COVID-19 cases rising. Tribal leaders and parents continue to express concerns regarding in-person, on-campus learning.
As a unique school community that transports students in and out of the Pueblos daily, the responsible course of action is to reduce student movement between multiple communities. Roughly, two-thirds of the student body of over 700, live in the dorms with most returning to their home communities on the weekend. One-third of students are day students who ride in daily on one of three northern or three southern Pueblo bus routes.
In late February 2021, based on data at that time, the SFIS Board of Trustees will decide whether to continue Distance Learning for the rest of Spring semester, or whether to start bringing students back to campus – possibly through a Blended Model where students learn part-time on campus and part-time through Distance Learning.
The SFIS community is comprised of all of the tribes of New Mexico, including the 19 Pueblos, Navajos, and Apaches. “In order to protect our students, staff, as well as the communities they come from we are doing our part and staying closed,” states Superintendent Roy M. Herrera. “We are keenly aware of the impact on our students, especially the seniors who have already sacrificed major milestones in their high school experience. Remote learning is challenging and has not only required creativity but the perseverance of all involved.”
Please visit www.sfis.k12.nm.us for more information.
SFIS Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information Center: https://www.sfis.k12.nm.us/coronavirus
