Good morning Skamania families,
It is our last week of school before the end of 2020. I hope that you and your family have a safe and wonderful holiday season.
Last night, the Skamania school board approved our next steps. Due to the dramatic increases in COVID-19 cases we are seeing, and in anticipation of additional cases from holiday gatherings, we believe it is safest to decrease our student and staff in-person time in the building until cases go back down to a more reasonable level.
When we return from Winter Break on January 4, our 3rd – 8th grade students will move to 5 days a week of fully remote learning until at least January 26. At this date, and with board and health department approval, they may go back to two days a week in-person on the AA/BB schedule. This is dependent on seeing a significant decrease in case numbers.
TK – 2nd grade will remain in their current schedule of four days a week in-person with Wednesdays remote. Students in special education and select students will continue to receive in-person instruction on Wednesdays by appointment only.
We know that each family situation is different, so if you wish at any time to keep your child or children home and participate in full time remote learning please let Amber, in the office, know.
We continue to see little transmission of the virus within the school setting. Community spread through small gatherings and within families, accounts for most of the new cases. Unfortunately, this spread will impact our ability to keep school open if we cannot cover staff who are out due to illness or potential exposure and testing.
Please be mindful as you plan your family activities and holiday celebrations.The more we all limit our time with those outside our immediate household, wear our masks, maintain physical distance and wash our hands, the faster we will see a decrease in cases.
Feel free to reach out to me if you have questions at rpruitt@skamania.k12.wa.us.
Thank you,
Dr. Ralph Pruitt, Superintendent
Skamania School District