Behind the Scenes at PS Academy: Virtual & On-Campus
Latest Update 11.17.20
We are so glad that we have been able to keep our campus open for in-person learning during this recent spike in coronavirus cases. Our goal, of course, is to continue to stay open for as long it is safe. While we are not sure what the future holds as far as positive case numbers in Maricopa County, there are some proactive ways that you can help us remain open.
If your student is showing any symptoms, please keep him/her home and take advantage of our virtual classroom. We have some computers still available to rent and ESA will cover the cost for most of you. Although it is not required, we would strongly encourage you to have your student tested for COVID if he/she is showing symptoms. Just about every common cold/stomach bug symptom is also a coronavirus symptom, so you cannot be too careful. Please email covidteam@psacademyarizona.com and let us know the results of the test. We take privacy very seriously and the results, whether negative or positive, would be kept confidential.
Implement a healthy hygiene routine for your student. Daily consumption of multivitamins, at least one hour of fresh air daily, and of course frequent handwashing are great ways to keep your student healthy. It will also establish important habits that go far beyond elementary/high school.
Stay up to date with information from the Arizona Dept. of Health and the CDC.
We are always hard at work, making sure that our campus is kept clean and taking precautions where necessary. Our campus is well-equipped with workspace dividers, plenty of sanitizing equipment, and isolation areas for students showing symptoms while at school. We also have a great HVAC air-filtration system that helps to keep the air clean and healthy. High ceilings and large classrooms also help to limit the spread of germs.
Our outdoor areas are being used frequently. Elementary students have lots of time to play outdoors with their friends, while our Secondary students regularly have PE outside, as well as a rotating lunch schedule.
We will continue to support our families as best we can during this time. Please reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns!
While we have had a great start to the school year virtually, we’re thrilled to now offer students the opportunity to get back into the classroom and see familiar faces in person.
We’ve also taken a number of measures to welcome students back on campus.
First, why choose PS Academy for your special student?
PS Academy is a specialized school for K-12 students with autism and other exceptionalities. We pride ourselves seeing past the “label” and focusing on the “able” for each student. We don’t put any students in a predetermined box, allowing for them to reach their full potential, without being held back or stereotyped.
One of our core values is making sure that students have plenty of outside-the-classroom activities to explore, grow as individuals, and shape relationships.
That is why we put such a strong emphasis on our clubs and electives. Here, students can learn about something new or gain a new skill. Grades are important, but so is developing separate hobbies, skills, and interests.
With our small class sizes, we are able to give students more dedicated attention, provide support throughout the day, and also limit the number of students per classroom to comply with our safety precautions.
We are also able to provide support to parents and families through services like respite and habilitation, our Before and After School Program, as well as helping with transportation to and from school.
Virtual and In-Class
Here at PS Academy, we’ve always thought that the best way to learn and grow is to be around people and create long-lasting relationships. While many other businesses and jobs may be opting for remote work, we believe that nothing can substitute face-to-face interactions.
That being said, we do understand that some families may not be ready to walk through the school doors which is why we’re going to continue offering virtual classes.
We spent the summer designing the PS Academy Virtual Classroom, and are up and running smoothly for the 2020-21 school year. Classes will run from Monday to Thursday, and students will attend core classes, electives, and have time to socialize on Zoom.
Those in the virtual classroom will be held to the same expectations as our in-class students. We want to make sure that no one is left behind!
Whatever option you choose will be where your student will remain for this quarter. After this, we will allow parents to choose either the virtual or on-campus program for each upcoming quarter.
Enhanced Cleaning Methods
Anywhere you go, you’re bound to see businesses advertising their enhanced cleaning methods.
Well, we’re no different!
We’ve hired a cleaning company that uses a special electrostatic disinfect ionizer to make sure all classrooms and common areas stay clean.
Times between classes have been extended so classrooms can be cleaned and sanitized properly.
Teachers and students will be wearing face masks and/or shields in common areas to protect everyone. Even though they may not be the most comfortable things in the world, we know how important they are for the safety and wellbeing of everyone at PS Academy!
Come See Us (Virtually)
Even though we’re still a bit away from offering in-person tours, we have virtual tours ready to go!
We’d love to take you through the school virtually to see all we have to offer and explore whether PS Academy could be an ideal fit for your student.
Schedule a tour here, and we look forward to hearing from you!