Arizona Daily Star reporter Genesis Lara's Top 5 stories of 2021

Some school districts have implemented changes to their teaching models — including outdoor learning spaces and real-time tutoring — to make up for the learning and social experience gaps created during the pandemic.

The Education Plus-Up grant — a $163 million program funded through the American Rescue Plan Act — distributed about $17 million to local school districts.

The Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and the Blind closed temporarily after COVID-19 infections within the transportation department caused a bus driver shortage.

The Tanque Verde Unified School District governing board approved a mask mandate, effective Nov. 15 to Dec. 17.

Tanque Verde District school has seen 50% of students absent over two consecutive days and there have been 40 COVID-19 cases reported to the county health department.