January 22, 2021
Greetings,
I hope this finds you and your family well. This is an update on the latest state guidance regarding schools, where we are now and where we are headed with in-person learning in North Wasco County School District.
First, we have received the updated guidance from the Oregon Department of Education and Oregon Health Authority and are working to implement these updates in our plans and school blueprints. With the newest guidance, the advisory metrics have shifted. Distance learning is now advised when two-week county COVID case count is greater than 90. With case counts between 30 and 89, on-site and hybrid instruction is advised with a careful phasing in of elementary in-person learning. With a count below 30, on-site or hybrid instruction is advised. Currently our county case rate for the past two weeks is 143. This is well above the count of 90 where distance learning is advised.
Two factors remain critical when considering a move to in-person instruction. First, community case rates need to be low enough that we are not regularly introducing new COVID-19 cases into schools. For this reason, the advisory metrics remain the best tool for determining when cases are down enough in our community to return to in-person learning. Second, our ability to implement safety procedures and protocols in schools with fidelity is important. To ensure we have implemented all required safety protocols, we are meeting with local health department staff to review health and safety procedures, and making changes as suggested. When deciding to move toward in-person learning we will follow the advisory metrics, and when metrics allow, we will begin a careful phasing in of in-person learning starting at the early elementary grades and adding grade levels incrementally. This measured approach will allow us to move forward with in-person learning, while implementing safety systems and procedures with consistency.
Given our current case count of 143 we will remain in comprehensive distance learning, and continue updating our building blueprint plans to reflect the most recent changes and requirements. We will continue working with our local health department to ensure all safety protocols are at each building, and continue monitoring the weekly metrics and the virus’ transmission within our community. We have shared prioritized lists of educators to be vaccinated with the local health department, to facilitate vaccines for our staff. Once the county case count is below 90, and we have all safety protocols in place, a two-week notice will be given to allow staff planning, family communication, and a gradual opening with one grade at a time, starting at the kindergarten level.
Currently extra-curricular sports conditioning and strength training activities continue for high school students and will begin February 1 for middle school students. We are beginning individual evaluations for specific students and are preparing for some individual student testing at the high school to begin in February. We may implement limited in person instruction (very small groups of students for no more than 2 hours per day) at the middle school as we begin in-person learning at the elementary level.
The next update will be the week of February 15th, with additional updates at least every two weeks. In the meantime, please continue to do your part to lower our county COVID-19 case rate and limit the spread of COVID- 19 within our community by wearing a face covering, watching your social distancing and washing your hands.
Take care,
Theresa Peters
Interim Superintendent