The Atlas mission is to prepare and empower all students for success on their post-graduate paths through educational excellence, character development, and community engagement.
UPDATED: 9/1/2020
Big Picture
Until our community transmission is much lower or there is an available vaccine/treatment for COVID-19, we believe that it is safer for our students and their families to continue with a remote instruction model for the majority of secondary students.
At this time, Atlas believes it can provide small group in-person instruction for our youngest learners and students in need of special services in a safe environment. Therefore, our approach will include online and modified in-person instruction options that follow social distancing and health and safety protocols outlined by the Colorado Department of Education, El Paso County Health Department, and Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
Family & Advisor Conferences – Quarter 1
For all schools, families will be invited to meet with their student’s advisor for in-person or virtual conferences in late September. A scheduled time and date will be coordinated between families and the student’s advisor.
Updated Approach to Academic Instruction for SY2020-21 (as of August 25, 2020)
Elementary School
August 24 – September 4, 2020
Elementary students will have the option between in-person or online instruction. The instructional model for in-person learning will be half days, 8:15am – 12:45pm. Class sizes will be no larger than 20 students, masks will be required, daily wellness checks performed and social distancing will be prioritized when possible.
September 14 – October 15, 2020
Elementary students will have the option between in-person or online instruction. The instructional model for in-person learning will be full days, 8:15am – 3:45pm. Class sizes will be no larger than 20 students, masks will be required, daily wellness checks performed and social distancing will be prioritized when possible. We will re-evaluate local community data and progress of in-person instruction after the break, to determine any changes. Families and staff will be updated prior to returning from break if there is a change in the instructional offerings.
Middle School and High School
August 24 – October 15, 2020
Middle and High School students will be primarily online for instruction, with the addition of small group and one-on-one services offered outside or in well ventilated spaces starting September 14. In-person programming will be prioritized for students with IEPs, ELL plans, and receiving mental health services. Advisors will notify students and their families receiving these services about schedules and specific details. Masks and daily wellness screenings will be required for all students and staff onsite.
October 19 – December 20, 2020
For the second quarter, Atlas will continue offering the small group and one-on-one services mentioned above and consider in-person instruction for the majority of secondary students based on the continued guidance and collaboration with the Colorado Department of Education, El Paso County Health Department, and Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, and Harrison School District Two. We will notify staff and families at least two weeks before a planned transition to an in-person instruction model. Masks and daily wellness screenings will be required for all students and staff onsite.
