Dear Families,
I promised you a more detailed letter following Governor’s Inslee’s announcement about closing schools for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year. This closure is an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 and keep our community safe and healthy. Our classrooms have been closed for traditional face-to-face instruction for the remainder of the school year through June 19. We understand that the continued closure of schools presents many challenges for students and families. It also raises many questions.
The information outlined below is what we know now. We will continue to share further guidance as decisions are made and as information becomes available.
- Distance Learning: Distance learning will continue as we do our best to establish and maintain connections with all students and families to provide learning materials and support using a variety of modalities such as email, phone, printed learning materials, and available online platforms.
- The next printed packet for home learning will be delivered with the meals on Tuesday, April 14. They can also be picked up at the school office by calling ahead to arrange for pickup. The work in these packets will be due to the teacher a week after delivery.
- A new online resource page to support distance learning is currently in development. Our goal is to have this resource ready on Monday, April 20th. The link will include a page for each class, lesson plans for the week, and links to content and resources. I will send out another email and include information on our website with updates, along with more information about grading and turning in assignments.
- Technology: If your child needs a Chromebook to complete the work, please contact Amber at awarren@skamania.k12.wa.us. We do not have enough Chromebooks for every child, and will need to prioritize for those who do not already have a computer at home. Amber will send an agreement form to those who wish to check out the Chromebooks. We are also happy to work out alternative plans for those who do not have internet access.
- Nutrition Services: We will continue to provide meals at no charge to students who need them during weekdays (Monday – Friday) at the current drop off locations.
- 8th grade graduation: In-person graduation ceremonies will change to virtual ceremonies and/or be delayed. A final decision related to the 8th grade graduation ceremonies will be shared in the near future.
- School Activities: All school events, including drama club, field trips, PTO events, etc. will be canceled during the extended school closure.
- Summer School: We are awaiting information from Governor Inslee on whether school facilities will be open to provide school over the summer.
Future updates will be given through letters, the messenger program, our website, and/or on the PTO Facebook. If you have questions, you may reach me at rpruitt@skamania.k12.wa.us or leave a message on the school phone at 509-427-8239 or write to Amber Warren at awarren@skamania.k12.wa.us. Please continue to take good care of yourselves and your families. This is a difficult time for all of us, but we will get through it together.
Sincerely,
Dr. Ralph Pruitt, Superintendent