2020-2021 School Year

4 years ago

We look forward to welcoming you back for the 2020-21 school year. With safety, choice and the Benson Unified School District's Promise as our guiding principles, we are pleased to announce our initial school-reopening plan. Our initial plan includes two excellent learning possibilities for our students: in-person learning and remote learning. Enrollment information will be shared July 1.

Based on feedback from our stakeholder meetings, we will present a refined final plan July 14.

To learn more, select one of the buttons below, or scroll down the page for highlights of each option.

In-Person Learning


In-Person Learning

  • PreK-12
  • Five days a week
  • Physical distancing expected
  • Enhanced cleaning and safety protocols
  • Face coverings may be required, per city and county mandates
  • Elementary classrooms stay together at recess
  • Materials will not be shared
  • All students will have a district-provided laptop
  • Students may choose to transition to modified in-person or remote learning periodically
  • Electives/specials will observe physical distancing and safety protocols
  • Modified breakfast and lunch
  • May participate in extracurricular activities and high school athletics, following safety measures
  • Social and emotional support to promote student, staff and family wellness
  • Learn more


Remote Learning

  • PreK-12
  • Five days a week
  • All students will have a district-provided laptop
  • All classes led by district teachers
  • High-quality online learning curriculum through Mesa Distance Learning Program (K-12)
  • Access to virtual "specials" throughout semester (K-6)
  • Students may choose to transition to in-person or modified in-person learning at semester break
  • May participate in extracurricular activities and high school athletics, following in-person guidelines and safety measures
  • Special education team will work directly with families to schedule required in-person or telephonic therapies
  • Social and emotional support to promote student and family well-being
  • Learn more

Additional safety measures


Hand hygiene 

  • Frequent hand washing will be encouraged at regular intervals throughout the day with both soap and water, and hand sanitizer

Face coverings

  • The City of Benson and Cochise County have issued proclamations regarding face coverings. Benson School's plan will adhere to stated guidelines and modify as needed for specific student circumstances.

Visitors on campus

  • No outside visitors or volunteers except for the safety and well-being of students
  • Parents will report to the front office and not go beyond unless it is for the safety or well-being of their child
  • Must follow all safety protocols

Training and signage

  • Training will be provided for all employees, students and parents on the expected safety protocols
  • Signage will be posted and visible throughout the campus

Learn more about BDLP


Benson Distance Learning Program has been Arizona's leader in online instruction for more than 20 years.

BDLP offers top-quality, interactive online semester courses taught by highly-qualified, certified teachers. It provides a multimedia-rich curriculum aligning to state and national standards as well as numerous online tools for both parents and students.

Benson Schools brings distance learning to a higher standard of education for students and families. A high school diploma may be earned upon successful completion of our program.

School districts throughout the state partner with BDLP to provide quality instruction to their students. Online courses are available for both in-state and out-of-state students. Learn more

Learn More About In-Person Learning

4 years ago

The In-Person Student Experience

Before leaving home:

  • A parent will check their child for any symptoms that would prevent them from attending/remaining at school.
  • Parents are encouraged to send their child with at least one clean face covering.

On the school bus:

  • Parents are encouraged to drive their children to and from school to reduce the number of students riding the bus.
  • Temperature checks when boarding bus by bus monitor.
  • Sanitizer on buses.
  • Drivers, monitors, and riders will be encouraged to wear a face covering.  
  • Open windows while students are riding, if possible
  • Students will sit in assigned seats with family members, if possible.  
  • Procedures for regular cleaning of buses, before and after routes.

At school:

  • The social and emotional needs of our students and our employees continues to be a priority and will be a focus for the 2020-2021 school year.
  • Physical distancing will be encouraged. 
  • Face coverings are encouraged but may be required per city mandates.
  • Student transitions will be minimized.
  • At primary/middle school recess, grade levels will stay together and limit sharing of equipment.

In the classroom:

  • Desks will be physical distanced. 
  • Individual materials will be encouraged.
  • Electives/Specials will observe classroom physical distancing and safety protocols, to include outdoor activities.
  • The district is moving to a 1:1 technology environment.  All students will have a district-provided Chromebook as needed for 2-12 grade.  

At breakfast/lunch: 

  • Grade levels will be separated in designated areas during breakfast and lunch to promote physical distancing. 

Athletics and extracurricular activities:  

  • May participate in middle/high school athletics, following safety measures, according to AIA and CAC guidelines.
  • Visual and performing arts will follow specific safety protocols that include frequent sanitation of instruments and no sharing of woodwind instruments or supplies.
  • Student and staff field trips and travel have been canceled for the first quarter.


Additional safety measures: 

Hand hygiene:

  • Frequent hand washing will be encouraged at regular intervals throughout the day with both soap and water, and hand sanitizer.

Face coverings:

  • Face covering/shields are encouraged but may be required, per city mandates.
Visitors on campus: 

  • Parents will report to the front office and not go beyond unless it is for the safety and well-being of their child.
  • Must follow all safety protocols.  

Training and signage:

  • Training will be provided for all employees, students, and parents on the expected safety protocols.
  • Signage will be posted and visible throughout the campus.