We are excited to return to full-time, in-person learning five days a week this Fall!
Just a reminder: The first day of school for students in Grades 1-12 is Wednesday, August 25, 2021. The first full day for incoming Kindergarten students is Monday, August 30, 2021 (Kindergarten entry conferences will occur August 25-27 – schools will notify families of entry conference date and time).
There will not be a distance learning option provided. Currently there is not a mandate for school districts to require vaccinations for students. As a result, vaccinations for students will be recommended but not required. In addition, mandatory health and safety mitigation measures including face coverings, hand hygiene, ventilation, cleaning and disinfecting, and processes for responding to and reporting cases of COVID-19 will be required.
All staff, students, and visitors must wear face coverings/masks indoors regardless of vaccination status as mandated by the Washington State Department of Health. In rare circumstances when a face covering cannot be worn due to a medical condition, please contact your student’s school to discuss alternatives. There will be no religious or personal exemptions. Face coverings are currently not required outdoors but we will continue to recommend that students wear their face coverings outdoors. A mask free area will be established during recess so students have the opportunity to take a mask free break. These protocols will help to ensure the health and safety of all staff and students and prevent the transmission of COVID-19. School buildings will maintain physical distancing of three feet or more between students in classroom settings to the degree possible and reasonable. The district will also adhere to handwashing protocols as outlined in the video linked below.
We want to share our assurance with our families that we are ready to provide high quality education that meets our students where they are and we are prepared to adapt as conditions change. We want you to know that we are following and will continue to follow, Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) Guidelines and requirements from the Washington Department of Health (DOH), Whitman County Health Department, and Labor and Industry (L&I).
Please note that health and safety mitigation measures will continue to be adjusted as required, needed, or recommended. More information to come. Guidance is subject to change.
Washington State Department of Health K-12 COVID-19 Requirements for Summer 2021 and the 2021-2022 School Year (updated August 11, 2021)
For more information about face coverings please watch the following brief video:
Our school staff will require student to wash their hands several times throughout the school day. The following brief video will provide you with important information regarding our handwashing protocol.
The upcoming Elementary Back to School Night scheduled for August 23rd will be held virtually. Individual school buildings will send out additional information to families.
Click to view the 2021-2022 School Supply Lists
Please remember to stay safe and healthy by washing your hands, wearing a mask, and social distancing.
Sincerely,
Bob Maxwell, Superintendent