Dear Families,
We’re down to one last week before the Christmas holidays really begin to occupy our attention. I have no idea where December has gone. What I do know is how thankful all of our teachers and staff are for your willingness to walk through these crazy last few months with us. Your patience has been a blessing. This has not been easy on anyone – students, parents, or teachers, but with the prospect of vaccines beginning to be administered in our state, hopefully it is just a matter of time until we can gain some semblance of normalcy. And feeling like we are a partner with you in the battle brings great comfort. Thank you!
As cases continue to climb, it seems that every day we get differing guidance on what is the best route to pursue in restarting in-person instruction. Since September, we have been following every safety protocol and are succeeding in maintaining a safe environment. We have not had a single positive case in a student or teacher, and I thank God for that. We need to keep it going!
Last week, after the meeting with the King County Dept. of Health, it was clear that they are supporting us in looking at different Covid metrics rather than just relying on the infection rate. And, they are in agreement that we should be bringing students back, following all safety measures (cohorts, masking, distancing, hand hygiene and ventilation) as soon as it is safe.
It is hard to predict what will happen over the holidays but unless there is a dramatic change or a directive from the governor to stay at home, we will begin the process of bringing our youngest learners back into the building in January. The governor’s ‘Decision Tree” identifies PreK-5th grade as “youngest learners”
The Dept. of Health advised the process to go slowly to mitigate any issues that should arise. So, the following table outlines our proposed timeline for return to the building:
- Monday January 4th – PK-2nd grade returns
- Monday January 11th – 3rd grade returns
- Tuesday January 19th – 4th grade returns
- Monday January 25th – 5th grade returns
Currently, there is no timeline for return of our 6th through 8th grades but we will be working on allowable activities to bring them together.
There are still many details to work out and I will keep you informed as we move forward. There may be a need to adjust our dismissal times once all PreK-5th grades are back in the building so that we can assure students stay at a distance.
Over the Christmas holidays, please stay vigilant in following all the safety guidelines for travel and gatherings. It will be so difficult to not get together with extended family, but it is for the health and safety of all that we do!
Though it will be different, I hope that your Christmas holidays are filled with peace, joy, and most importantly, health and safety!
Merry Christmas!
Mary
