Dear Families,
This is the time of year when we typically reflect and give thanks for the many good things for which we are grateful. While there’s nothing typical about 2020, I remain thankful. I am thankful for our staff, who have supported ongoing learning in both remote and in-person settings. I am thankful for all of you and your resilience and flexibility in uncertain times. This year has brought with its tremendous challenges for staff, students and families. We have essentially re-invented education overnight, and this team has done our very best to support students and families, despite numerous challenges.
COVID-19 Activity Spike & State Restrictions
In addition to expressing my thanks, I am also asking you for your help on behalf of our staff and students. As you likely already know, Governor Inslee has implemented statewide restrictions in response to a recent spike in COVID cases in Washington. The CDC has also asked people to forego their travel plans and spend the holidays at home to limit the spread of the virus.
While Skamania County Public Health indicates that in-person instruction continues to be safe with appropriate precautionary measures, indoor gatherings with people outside of your household have been prohibited unless people quarantine for the fourteen days prior to the social gathering. In addition to the ban on indoor gatherings, Governor Inslee has also issued a travel advisory, asking residents to stay close to home. If you do travel, he is recommending a 14-day quarantine following interstate and international travel.
Safety Measures
Here’s where my request to you comes in. We take safety measures very seriously and ask that families do the same. We have only a small margin of flexibility if our teachers and other staff get sick. A few absences could dramatically impact our school district’s ability to stay open, for either online or in-person instruction.
In the interest of continuing school, we ask that you avoid social gathering and limit travel plans this Thanksgiving. If your family does travel for the holidays, we ask that families comply with Governor Inslee’s advisory and have your family quarantine at home for two weeks from the date of your return. Students may continue to participate in class remotely and without taking the risk of potentially spreading illness.
Thank you in advance for doing your part to get us through the holiday season safely. Please let me know if you have questions.
Warmly,
Dr. Ralph Pruitt, Superintendent/Principal