2.12.21 Update

 Lewis County Metrics

Good news continues as the West region remains in phase 2. The trend in case rates is declining and we  have solid phase 2 statistics. This means that athletics and other events can continue with precautions. By continuing to mask, wash and stay away from each other, we're making good progress. Next step is to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

School Operations

With a few minor exceptions, the way that our schools are operating is what families can expect through the remainder of this school year. We continue to welcome students back to the classroom from full remote instruction as families become more comfortable with our operations and precautions. As work continues on the new high school, students and staff will begin to occupy more of the new spaces. This will allow additional distancing as well as improved ventilation. Access to the remainder of the new spaces is expected to continue through April 12.

ACT Days (Late Start Mondays)

Given the current state of school operations, I determined that ACT days were not practical for families or staff. As a result, we are discontinuing ACT days for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year. These days will be included in the 2021-22 school calendar as they are important blocks of time for staff to train, collaborate and prepare.

We have arranged for a self-care seminar for all of our employees and will be doing that work on two remote learning Fridays. The first of these will be on February 26. We are arranging for the second session and will announce it later. This is time for our staff to develop plans to take care of their personal health and well-being. Just as those who work in the woods stop from time to time to sharpen their chainsaws, educators need to stop from time to time to sharpen themselves. These are some of those times.

Updates

There will be less to report in this blog as the year progresses. Beginning this week, I will be updating this as changes occur. For up-to-date information, please see our Facebook page or website or contact your school or the district office at 360.864.6325.