By Lily Altavena | Arizona Republic
The Murphy School District accepted more than a dozen boxes of face masks from Phoenix Rescue Mission on Thursday. For Vicki Douvikas, an instructional coach with the district, the delivery signals relief — more supplies as schools face reopening amid a pandemic.
Most Arizona schools typically open in early or mid-August. Gov. Doug Ducey has ordered schools not to physically open until at least Aug. 17, although they can begin online programs sooner.
While the day schools will physically reopen this year is not clear, Arizona district, charter and private schools are preparing for the new reality under COVID-19. For most schools, that reality includes face masks — and sometimes even shields — for teachers and students.