Dear PSD Staff and Families, We hope this message finds you well. We are writing to share what work has been done in preparation for the 2020-21 school year due to COVID-19. Our goal is to open our schools as usual in the fall of 2020, with all students learning on-site every day.
However, we've received guidance from the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) noting that opening fully and normally in the fall is, at this time, “not a viable option without dramatic changes to community transmission or a vaccine” for COVID-19. While we will do all we can to open in the traditional manner, it is unlikely this can happen. A modified reopening
Thus, we have begun preparing for a model which would be a hybrid, combining on-site and remote learning. We know this is not ideal, and we would only open in this model if we are required to do so.
Preparing for a virus spike
A virus spike could require us to start the school year with all students learning remotely or moving to that schedule with very short notice at any time during the year. Full remote learning will only happen if we are required to do so by local and state authorities. However, we want to be clear that regardless of whether it is a hybrid or fully remote, it will be full school, with assignments and grading, not the modified emergency learning done this spring.
Planning is underway
Given what we know to date, district leaders organized the Peninsula School District Fall Reopening Advisory Team. Made up of more than 60 students, parents, community leaders, staff, union representatives, board members and administrators, the Fall Reopening Advisory Team met in large and small groups over the last three weeks to consider options for a modified school scheduling. This process started with developing Guiding Principles, which includes keeping equity in mind throughout. We have kept a sharp focus on what each and every student needs to be successful and achieve their dreams.
At the advisory team’s final meeting Tuesday night, participants shared ideas about possible school schedules and how each one impacts many areas of our district including teaching and learning, health/safety, transportation, technology, food service, early learning, systems of student support, athletics/extracurricular activities and more.
We need to hear from you
Today through Sunday evening there will be a period of open comment where staff, along with students and parents, can read through the possible examples for a modified reopening and provide input. If you are interested in commenting, please complete this feedback form. Moving forward
Your feedback along with the work of the advisory team will be included in the overall plan currently being prepared by district administrators to present to the school board on June 11. The district is also mindful of further guidance that is planning to come from OSPI on June 8, which could require a modification to the plan.
Thank you
We understand this is a difficult time for you and many other families in our community. We know that any revision to the traditional school schedule will be a further strain on everyone in our school community, and we are committed to do anything we can to ease this strain. Please watch this video address from Superintendent Art Jarvis about the work of preparing for the fall of 2020. |
