Dear Skamania School Families,
Thank you for your continued support as we navigate the new school year. Children are happy to be back in the classroom, and we appreciate your help as we all work together to keep our buildings safe and open for learning in person.
Food Service Starts on Monday
I am excited to share that Serena Glaser, our new cook, is ready to resume daily Food Service at the school!
Starting on Monday, October 11, breakfast and lunch will be offered everyday to all students, free of charge. The monthly breakfast and lunch menus can be found on our website under About > School Information > Menus. Students will pick up their food and eat in the multi-purpose rooms rather than the cafeteria so they can be appropriately distanced with their masks off while eating.
Possible Future Staff Shortages
As you have probably heard on the local and national news, there are labor shortages in many industries. This labor shortage is also impacting school districts. So far, Skamania has been able to fill our open positions, but it has been difficult and additional changes in education could have an impact on staffing.
You may also know that schools across Washington State are working hard to comply with the state requirement that all K-12 staff be fully vaccinated or provide a qualified exemption by October 18. If staff members qualify for a vaccine accommodation, schools are requiring them to adhere to additional safety protocols, such as wearing KN-95 masks and undergoing weekly testing. These additional safety requirements are especially important to protect students and staff in areas with high levels of community transmission and low vaccination rates, as is the case in Skamania County.
To be fully vaccinated by the October 18 deadline, staff must have received their second dose of Moderna or Pfizer or the single dose of Johnson & Johnson by Monday, October 4. Most districts are seeing high levels of compliance, but, as with any major change, we expect there could be some staff leaving their positions ahead of or immediately after the October 18 deadline.
We will do everything in our power to keep these labor shortages from impacting your child’s education and access to services. This may include hiring substitutes and/or reassigning current staff members to fill roles. We plan to communicate more specific information as we know it, but we want to keep you informed about the situation. No action is needed from parents now.
Thank you again for your patience and understanding as we continue to do all we can to keep Skamania students and staff safe and healthy.
Sincerely,
Dr. Ralph Pruitt, Superintendent/Principal