Friday Update April 3 4 p.m.

Saturday Meals

Our Saturday meal service is in jeopardy. When we began this service, we believed that TSD would be reimbursed through federal programs for the cost of these meals. We learned last week that federal programs will only reimburse for meals Monday through Friday. Tomorrow's meals will be delivered today, but they will be the last Saturday meals unless we can find sponsors to help. 320 meals will cost $928 each Saturday. Not including tomorrow, there are 10 Saturdays remaining in the school year. This means we need $9,280 to fund these meals. If you can help, make your donation to the Katie's Kids fund at Timberland Bank. I'm reaching out to other organizations to find support. TSD will cover the cost of the Saturday meals so far-including tomorrow. Without needed support, today's delivery will be the last Saturday meals delivered. Mon-Fri meals will continue next week without interruption.

Instruction

With the extension of the requirement to stay home, it doesn't appear that we'll be returning to face-to-face school until after May 4. Our Response Team has a plan that we'll implement when the Governor allows us to return. In the meantime, our teachers and paraeducators continue to provide educational support and instruction through the internet and in packets. We believe that every family with students in our system has been contacted. If we missed you, please call me at 509.770.0067 so that I can get you connected with your teachers.

I have encouraged all of our instructional employees that are not involved in food service, deliveries or maintenance and grounds to observe Spring Break and rest this coming week. I encourage you and your family to do the same. This is beginning to look less like a sprint and more like a marathon, so we need to pace ourselves for the duration. Everyone has been working so hard to find a new normal. This is a good opportunity to pause, reflect, restore and recommit to our families and community.

Food Service

With the exception of Saturdays, food service and deliveries will continue through Spring Break. We enjoyed seeing everyone during Thursday's Food Parade. Even though it looked like cars were getting stacked up behind the bus, those were all TSD teachers, staff and friends coming to say hi to our students and families. We'll let you know when we plan to do it again.

We're beginning to find a new rhythm to our work and hope that you're doing the same. We'll be back at it on April 13th and look forward to seeing you. I'm committed to this blog every Friday and when there are changes to report. If there isn't anything to report, that's what I'll report. Until next time, be well.