This is the plan that has been submitted to the Cascade County Health Department and we are awaiting approval. All current mandates from local, state, and federal governments, put the responsibility of ensuring our schools are operating in a safe manner during the pandemic, to the county health departments.
The response to the pandemic and COVID-19 has been very difficult for the district. We have tried to give all stakeholders an opportunity to provide the district with their input as the board of trustees moved through the decision process. The board held two working sessions in which the community could provide input into the discussions concerning the reentry plan. The district also conducted staff and parent/guardian surveys to gather additional information and listened to concerned parents/guardians when they called, emailed, or spoke with them on the street.
The most effective way to protect our students, staff, and community will be to stay home if you are sick with a fever.
The district's plan is based on all of the recommendations and requirements placed on the district by federal, state, and local governments. As you read through the plan, you will notice that the school will practice proper hygiene, proper disinfection, and temperature checks throughout the day.
The district will rely on social distancing and pods or cohorts to protect our students and staff. Social distancing is keeping a distance of 3 to 6 feet between students. Pods or cohorts will be isolated from interactions with other groups as much as possible to provide extra protection for students. When social distancing isn’t possible, masks or shields will be required. This will eliminate the need to wear masks all day, particularly in the elementary. Of course, anyone who wants to wear a mask will be allowed to.
Families may also elect to enroll in distance learning. We hope that families refrain from enrolling in distance learning unless the student or a member of the household is classified as high risk and has consulted a doctor.
Please understand that our teachers will not be able to conduct distance learning the way we did during the school closure. That would require the teachers to prepare two different lessons for each class and our teachers do not have the time to accomplish this. Students who enroll in distance learning will have to attend class virtually at the scheduled time and attendance will be taken for each class. This will require families who elect to enroll in distance learning to have internet available.
If you have any questions, please contact your student’s principal. Thank you for your understanding during this difficult time. This is a very busy time as we prepare for the new school year, please be patient.
Lastly, the district understands that opinions on the pandemic and responses to the pandemic vary widely. We are sure that there will be areas of the plan you will disagree with, and we understand that. Instead of letting the pandemic be a divisive subject, let’s pull together and support the school, staff, and our students as we work to meet these challenging times.