Dear Families,
I hope that the previous couple of weeks found you enjoying your favorite holiday traditions. I wanted to take the time to update you on some of the changes that are coming our way after the winter break.
On December 23, Governor Kate Brown released guidance that allows us to OPEN our campus to full in-person instruction while continuing to follow safe practices—masking, distancing, hand-washing and disinfecting. On December 31st I received an email from the Oregon Department of Ed, (ODE) that states, “Schools may consider previous success in mitigating transmission on-site as they consider continuing in-person instruction after January 1, 2021.” There is no need to consider the county metrics.
That means:
- We can continue to meet in person with all grades . Start and finish times will remain the same. Drop off and pick-up will remain the same.
- Please be aware that the only part of our response to COVID that the governor has made optional is the metrics. This is what allows us to continue full in-person instruction. However, as long as we have students on our campus, we are mandated to follow all of the safety procedures we have already implemented. This means health checks, masks, social distancing, and safe sanitizing practices must still remain a part of the daily routine.
- ODE is in the process of updating its COVID guidance for schools. We will need to continue to monitor our practices to ensure that we remain in compliance as new guidance is released. We will do everything we can to minimize the impact these updates might have on you and your student, but we want you to be aware that additional changes in how we operate may be necessary should ODE guidance so dictate.
Along with the teachers and staff, I am committed to providing a safe learning environment for our students. We understand that emotional safety is as important as physical safety and will continue to support our learners and families with options to navigate Covid-19 in a way that protects your family’s needs. I recognize that many of you might have questions about these recent developments. Please feel free to contact me with your questions.
Sincerely,
John McCombs