January 2, 2022 Update

Dear Staff, Students and Families, 

Happy New Year!!!

I hope everyone has had fun in the snow with opportunities to sled, build snow people, snow angels, and/ or snowballs. Check out some of the school farm snow photos below.  I have spent years in the snow and understand the challenges it brings. With the weather and evolving situation regarding COVID-19, we wanted to provide you with some information as we return from winter break.

• BUS ROUTES AND INFORMATION - Our transportation team will be continuing to evaluate roadways and bus routes. We will provide you with the most up-to-date information (as it is available to us) by 6 a.m. on Monday, January 3, so that you can plan your return to school. As a reminder, limited transportation routes/schedules are available on our website at: https://www.sw.wednet.edu/about_us/departments/transportation/limited_transportation_routes/.

• SCHOOLS, BUILDINGS AND PARKING LOTS - Our maintenance and custodial crews are working throughout the weekend to clear parking lots and sidewalks and make sure our schools and buildings are ready for Monday, January 3. Please note our parking lots are gated closed for safety reasons and so our crews can do their snow and ice removal work.

• SCHOOL RESUMES IN PERSON - School and classes will resume on Monday, January 3. All instruction is in-person. We are aware of some community discussion that has occurred over the break and want you to know there are no plans for our district to pivot to remote learning at this time. We will continue to evaluate our situation to ensure we are responding to any needed changes. 

We understand that every student/family living circumstance is different. For some the roads are cleared and getting to school will be very easy.  For others, the trees prevent the sun from melting the snow, causing the snow and/or ice to make traveling a challenge.  Please consider your safety and the safety of your child first and foremost. Remember to call/email your attendance secretary if your student will be absent. Attendance information is available here: https://www.sw.wednet.edu/students/attendance/.

• QUARANTINE AND ISOLATION TIMELINES - The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) and OSPI have submitted their press release on updating the COVID-19 isolation and quarantine timelines in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) changed guidelines.  Please see the press release below. As a reminder our school district offers the DOH Test to Stay Program. Test to Stay allows a student who is identified as a close contact at school to remain at school after exposure, if they meet specified criteria. 

• TESTED POSITIVE - If a student, staff member or a member of your immediate household has tested positive for COVID-19, please make sure our district nurse or principal are aware so that appropriate health and safety precautions can be taken. Our district nurse is Emmy Atwood and can be reached by email at eatwood@sw.wednet.edu.

Please remember that we are all in this together and your precautions and acts of prevention make all the difference.  If your student is displaying any of the COVID symptoms (which includes cold and flu symptoms), please keep your child home to prevent transmission of any virus. We know that for many schedules have been laxed, and students have stayed up much later than normal. Please encourage your student to have a restful sleep tonight in preparation for their return to school. We look forward to seeing each of our students and finishing the last days of the Fall Semester. 

May we all be our best in 2022!

Sincerely,

Jo Moccia, Superintendent