December 18, 2020
In-Person Learning Update
We are continuing our planning to welcome back studentsfor in-person learning in the new year. On Wednesday afternoon, Governor Inslee and OSPI Superintendent Reykdal announced their expectation for schools to begin reopening and they shared updated guidance and a new K-12 Metrics and Toolkit to support that work. Fortunately, our current plans already align with the updated guidance, and we are well prepared to safely begin in person learning on January 11 as planned. We are also prepared to welcome back our High School athletes for limited outdoor conditioning on January 11.
In accordance with state guidance, we will follow a phased approach as we bring back students for in-person learning. We will start by having our youngest learners (PreK-2nd grade students) back on campus in our hybrid half-day model on January 11. We will continue to add additional grades slowly over time in the following weeks and months.
In the meantime, we will continue to monitor and analyze COVID-19 case trend activity in our local community, the county, and across the state. We are also staying in close contact with KPHD to monitor transmission rates and receive guidance on responses to emerging cases in our community. During the first week of January, we will update you regarding our plans to bring our PreK-2nd grade students back to school for in-person learning beginning on January 11. At that time, we will also share information regarding any updates or changes for athletics conditioning and/or practices for high school athletes.
Special Education Update
Our special education staff have been providing in-person learning for our most impacted elementary students since November. We continue to plan for expanding in-person services and welcoming all preschool and elementary special education students in January and our secondary Life Skills students in second semester. We monitor and analyze COVID-19 case trend activity in our local community, the county, and across the state daily and will use the data as part of our planning. Please continue checking in with your child’s special education teacher for support and information moving forward.
Secondary Schools Update
Our secondary students (middle and high school) will remain in full distance learning through at least the end of the semester, January 29. We are currently working with principals and staff for what second semester may look like. We will keep you informed of the plans as we move forward.
Resources and Tools
There has been a lot of information sent to families over the past few months as we have prepared for in-person learning. To help navigate the information, we are providing links below to several tools and resources.
NK FIRST – Health and Safety
Return to In-Person Learning Playbook – updated 12/11/2020
Elementary AM/PM in-person schedule
Daily Wellness Attestations
Family E-Learning Guide
Student Tech Help
Return to Learn Website – for all other information