Update 2.5.21

 Lewis County Metrics

Metrics are updated every two weeks now under the Healthy Washington plan. Next update will come on Feb. 12, 2021 and will let us know whether we get to continue in phase 2 or go back to phase 1. Keep your masks on, your hands washed and stay away from each other.

School Operations

THS began full operations in-person on Monday. Attendance will be Monday through Thursday for all schools. Until we're given authority to return to regular order- meaning no longer needing to maintain 6 feet of separation- there is no additional relaxation of schedule planned. All students and staff should expect to maintain this schedule for the foreseeable future.

THS remains a construction zone with the exception of the new classroom wing. All visitors are reminded to check in at the main office in the old portion of the school prior to entering the new wing. This is for security and screening purposes. Unless people have business to conduct, we ask that visitors not come to the building so that we can maintain safety and health protocols and not crowd parking and the construction zone.

Transportation

Families should be aware that, while we have had only one driver required to quarantine as a close contact, if we have two or more drivers required to quarantine, the District will need to implement reduced routing and may not be able to transport all students. Just as we have snow and flood routes, we are working to develop driver shortage routes should those become necessary.

The driver shortage is having an impact on our ability to continue to serve all of the families in our district. We ask that you consider driving if you are looking for part time work that pays $20+/hour and includes benefits. We need at least 3 more drivers in order to be able to return to a single  start time for all schools without lengthy routes and overcrowded busses.

Levy

Tuesday is election day and we remind you that Toledo School District is asking voters whether to continue local support for programs and operations at the same level as in 2015. For a full description of what is on the measure, go to this link. This levy pays for staff, athletics, maintenance and repairs. It also makes sure that the district can respond to unexpected situations (like pandemics).

Update 1.29.21 Phase Two!

 Lewis County Metrics

The state no longer reports metrics by county. The "Healthy Washington" reopening plan places our county into the "West" region along with Thurston, Gray's Harbor and Pacific counties. The metrics chart will look different as a result.

Since the West and Puget Sound regions have attained 3 out of 4 of the target metrics, the Governor moved us to phase 2 on 1/28/21. While it isn't all four goal metrics as we initially understood, we're not complaining since it means that athletic contests will be allowed in our region and restaurants and other businesses can begin to operate more regularly. We aren't out of the woods yet and a return to phase 1 is possible if our metrics go the other way, so continue to mask up, wash your hands and stay away from each other. Thank you Lewis County for turning the tide.

THS Return

On Monday, we will welcome all of our high school students back to the high school for regular schedule Monday-Thursday. Classes will begin at 9:25 and will occupy the new classroom space and locker rooms. We are so excited to begin to use the facilities that the community has funded. Students who have toured the space walk around with big grins and say they'll have trouble going to classes in the old part of the building now.

We anticipate that the administration hall, commons, kitchen, science labs and CTE wing will be ready for occupancy by April. The project will be completed in time for school to start in September.

Athletics

Now that we're in phase 2, our athletic season can have contests and not just practices. Cross Country, Girls Soccer, Volleyball and Football will all begin their seasons on Monday 2/1. Each contest is limited to a total of 200 people (outdoors) or 25% capacity (indoors). This includes all players, coaches, officials, workers, scorers, supervisors, band, cheer and spectators. For football, this means that there will likely only be room for 50 spectators. For this reason, the league is limiting spectators to home fans only. We plan to issue special tickets to the athletes for them to distribute for each contest. Senior athletes will be given priority for tickets. All those attending contests will turn in a ticket which will be their attestation that they are symptom free. Everyone will also be temperature checked upon entry and required to wear a mask at all times. Seating will be  by household and separate from others. 

Schedules are below. While these are the most current, everyone should remain vigilant for changes.

For up-to-date information, stay tuned to our website. www.toledoschools.us

School Hours

In order to keep route times below 1 hour and also to keep riders spread out on the bus, we instituted a two-tiered system for schools this year. The elementary gets the first route and starts school at 8:25. TMS and THS have the second route and they begin at 9:25. Beyond needing to do this for health safety, we, like all districts in the country, have a shortage of school bus drivers. At this time, we estimate it would take an additional 3 drivers to allow us to return to an 8:25 start time for all schools. 

This creates difficulties for families and students alike. High school students with after school jobs have their hours reduced. Athletics practices go later and cut into family and homework time. Younger siblings arrive home earlier than older siblings creating a childcare gap. 

We've recently heard from our high school students that they would prefer to start school at 7:25. We are in the process of analyzing the impacts of that change. We are also interested in hearing from parents regarding your opinions.

Finally, if you or someone you know is interested in driving a school bus, we would love to talk with them. School bus drivers need to be patient and calm and very safety conscious. They need good humor and attention to detail. Drivers start at $20.69/hr and are eligible for healthcare benefits and to contribute to the state retirement program. Drivers work about 20 hours per week. Toledo SD is a great place to work and driving is a way for retirees to augment their pension. Give us a call!

Weekly Update 1.22.21

 Lewis County Metrics

The new Healthy Washington plan places our region (Lewis, Gray's Harbor, Pacific and Thurston counties) in phase 1. To move to phase 2, the region must meet four metrics. At this point, our region does not meet any of those metrics. Current case rates remain high as does percent positive testing. Hospitalization numbers are promising as are acute care bed metrics. At this point though, TSD is staying with our current plans and protocols until numbers improve.

Reopening Plans

The table below shows how we are delivering instruction to students in our district. In February, we will bring all high school students back to the building for in-person instruction on a daily basis Monday through Thursday. Fridays will remain a remote learning day for all students to allow teachers to prepare remote lessons for those students continuing full remote learning and to allow our custodial staff to do thorough cleaning and disinfecting of the buildings.

Over the course of this month, we've noticed that more students who have been learning remotely are choosing to return to in-person instruction. We've also welcomed back some students who had enrolled with other online learning programs. 

Athletics

We are grateful that the state and WIAA have allowed us to start athletic practices again. Most sports are practicing now and season 1 (football, cross-country, volleyball and girls soccer) will begin  preparing in case we're allowed to have contests (phase 2 only). Even if we're not able to have contests, being able to come together for athletic activity is an important improvement for our students. Being able to exercise and work on skills improves mood and outlook and provides many of our kids with hope that we'll be returning to regular order.

When we're able to have contests, we will be limiting spectators to home fans only and a very limited number. We are only allowed to have a maximum of 200 people at the event. This includes all players, coaches, officials, scorekeepers, media, band and cheer. We predict that there will be as few as 30 tickets available to fans for any given home game. In order to allow everyone who wants to to watch, we will be live streaming our games.

THS Associated Student Body has chosen to waive all fees for athletics this year. As a result, there will be no charge for ASB cards, no athletic fees and no admission fees for any games this year. It is our hope that this will encourage more students to participate and more families to watch games- even if it is from home.

Weekly Update 1.15.21

 Lewis County Metrics

Case rates took a turn for the better this week. We're still well above what is necessary to move to phase 2 of the Healthy Washington plan, but this is the right trajectory.

Reopening Update

Cowlitz Prairie Academy continues to serve more students in the way that they have been since September with no reported COVID+ cases or close contacts. TES serves all students on a half-day in-person/half-day remote system. There have been three COVID+ cases reported and four close contacts. TMS is serving all students on an alternate day format. There have been three COVID+ cases and 11 close contacts. There have been no cases of COVID transmission in any of our school buildings. 

THS has been serving the Class of 2021 in the old classroom wing. On February 1, we'll bring all THS students back to the building and begin instruction in the new classrooms. All students will attend Monday through Thursday with Fridays as a remote learning day for all. There have been no COVID+ cases or close contacts at THS.

Our thanks go out to the families who have kept sick children home and who have cooperated with quarantine restrictions. By not having any transmission in our schools, we are able to continue operating in-person.

Athletics

The Department of Health, the Governor's Office, and WIAA have issued new athletic regulations for practice and contests. Season 1 will begin on February 1 and end on March 15. Indoor and outdoor practicing can begin immediately for all sports until Feb 1. On that day, only Football, Volleyball, Girls Soccer and Cross Country will be able to continue practicing and competing. We will be using all of our athletic venues beginning today. There are restrictions on what we can do, but the good news is that all of our athletes can start playing. For questions, contact Grady Fallon at THS. The most recent WIAA guidance is here.

Weekly Update 12.18.20

 Lewis County Metrics

Cases spiked this week making Lewis County the 10th highest rate of infection in the state and the highest in Western Washington. "Hands, Face and Space" remains the best weapon against spread of the virus. This week, 975 dosed of the Pfizer vaccine were allocated to Lewis County. In a county with over 79,000 residents, this will only be enough for healthcare providers, first responders and those in elder care facilities. Vaccines are not expected to make a difference in the spread of COVID until spring.

New Dept. of Health Guidelines

On Wednesday, Governor Inslee, Superintendent Reykdal and representatives of the DOH and others held a press conference. The Governor introduced new school opening guidelines. He also made it clear that while he has the authority to close schools, he does not have the authority to open them. That authority rests with local school boards. The Governor indicated that those districts that were successfully operating in-person should continue even though the guidelines might indicate otherwise. Toledo, for example, is serving students in person in all schools even though case rates are well above the thresholds indicated in the new guidelines.

Here are the guidelines: 

At 630 cases per 100,000, we are well above the top of the "High Activity" category. Nevertheless, we continue to safely serve students in-person. As of this writing, Toledo Schools have had a total of 5 COVID-positive cases and 3 close-contacts. No staff members have tested positive at this time. We have had many students and families quarantining due to close contacts, but no exposures at school that we know of. We believe that school is one of the safest places for students and staff right now. Very few other places are doing daily wellness screening, disinfecting, 100% masking, regular handwashing and watching distances. We believe- and the data on schools supports this- that we can remain safely open in our current configuration.

Note that when cases are below 50/100,000 the guidelines indicate that it will be safe to return to in-person instruction. I read this to mean regular order when we're able to get our case rates down below 50. We can do this!

THS Reopening

The high school construction project has been delayed due to COVID. Several employees of subcontractors have tested positive and are quarantined. In addition, important materials and equipment have been delayed by COVID in the supply chain. This means that we will not be able to bring students to the new classrooms at THS on January 4. We are working with our contractor and architect to identify firm dates for occupancy of the new spaces. In the meantime, the team at THS is working on a schedule that might accommodate more students than we currently have. Due to construction, many areas of the existing school are not available. In ordinary circumstances, we would be cramped. Crowding isn't an option right now, so we're working on other options. Watch this blog for weekly updates on progress or contact Mr. Huffman at THS.

Weekly Briefing 12.11.20

 Lewis County Metrics

Cases continue to rise in Lewis County. While this is of concern, the good news is that it is beginning to appear that schools are among the safest places for children right now. During this school year, we have had only two COVID+ cases among students and staff. There are a number of families who have been close contacts and are isolating at home, but only two COVID+ cases associated with school. This is because everyone has been so diligent and responsible in using all of the tools available to slow the spread of the virus. 

We're asking that everyone keep up the good work and help us by doing the daily attestations and temperature checks, wearing masks, distancing and washing hands. Together, we're making this work out in our favor. Thank you for helping us keep our schools operating on campus. This has been a gamechanger for our students.

THS Return

COVID has impacted our subcontractors. Several of the crewmembers have tested positive and will be quarantined. As a result, important portions of the project will be delayed and will impact our ability to bring students into the new classrooms in January as we'd hoped. The team at THS is currently working on a plan for hybrid instruction using the old classroom wing. We are working on scheduling to see when a move will be possible.

It is important for us to have our high school students return and we plan to do that in a way that is safe and allows for social distancing. This will likely be a hybrid schedule of some sort. More as it becomes available.

Self-Care

Many of us recently participated in a training from Dr. Mona Johnson* on self-care during a disaster. The pandemic is a natural disaster like hurricanes, floods, fires and earthquakes. Unlike those other natural disasters, this one has a much longer duration.

In the chart above, you can see  how people respond in disasters. At the beginning, everyone is on board and working hard to survive and solve problems. This is the "honeymoon" phase that we saw in March and April.

As time moves on, we become fatigued and begin to feel the impact of the disaster more acutely. Community cooperation begins to decrease. As people try to cope, there is an increase in substance abuse, domestic violence and stress responses such as angry outbursts and overeating. We're seeing this now in protests and angry posts on social media. The holidays only serve to make this worse as people struggle with finances, missing family that they've lost or can't see and those who may be facing eviction.

Knowing that we're still in some of the darkest moments of this disaster, it is important that we all do what we can to take care of ourselves and encourage those we love to do the same. You can see more about what can be predicted by looking at the chart below.  Notice the holiday season and how this is particularly troublesome during a disaster. 

Taking care of ourselves is how we build the resilience needed to get through to the "other side" of this disaster.

Our personal mental health determines our ability to cope with the stress of this disaster. Maintaining that mental health involves taking care of ourselves. Dr. Johnson proposes that this self-care falls into 8 categories:

Take a moment and think about the ways that you're already coping in each of these areas. Are you going for walks? Do you contact friends by phone, read a book, meditate or pray? By paying attention to doing things in these areas, you build resilience to deal with the stresses that are part of surviving a disaster. You also make it possible to help others. 

On an airplane flight, the flight attendant always tells us, "When the masks drop, put your mask on first and then help others." Making sure that you have plenty of oxygen allows you to be helpful to others. If you don't have enough for yourself, you become one more person who requires assistance. You can't help others if you succumb to the disaster. This is why self-care is so important.

It isn't "weak" to do this and there is no shame in asking for help. We are all navigating difficult waters right now. Just as we always do in our community, helping one another is the way we get through and strengthen our community. It's part of Toledo Pride. Be well. Take care of yourself and one another.

*My thanks to Dr. Mona Johnson for her instruction and graphics.

Weekly Briefing 12.4.20

 Lewis County Metrics

Cases in Lewis County continue to increase. Thanks to students, families, and staff, we have been able to continue to serve students on campus without needing to close. This is only possible because our families have been responsible and cautious when children have been exposed to someone who is infected and self-isolate. In addition, students have been very good about wearing masks and washing hands. (We are still working with them to stay 6' apart.) Research from schools indicates that schools aren't a significant source of community spread as long as these protocols are followed. We plan to continue serving students on campus unless otherwise directed. 

Our final group to return to on-campus instruction will be 9th-11th grade students who will come back to new classrooms at THS. We're still planning to move into the new classrooms during the holiday break and be ready for students on January 4.

Community Letter

It used to be that more people smoked cigarettes than do so now and smoking was common on airplanes, in restaurants and in office environments. In spite of people knowing that smoking was a health hazard, many felt it was their right and their choice to be able to smoke and to do so wherever they chose. There were protests, arguments and angry letters to the editor and people who were asked to leave when they chose to light up in public spaces after a long legislative battle to make that illegal. No one likes to be told to do things, even if those things might improve their health. The same was true for seatbelts, airbags, child labor, 40 hour work weeks and other things we now take for granted.

Today, we're all being asked to stay 6' apart, wear masks and be diligent about washing our hands in order to reduce the spread of the virus. These requests are for the health and safety of our communities and everyone is free to choose whether to do those things or not. While many folks choose to participate in this effort, many are opposed to it for a variety of reasons.

I serve on a workgroup that advises Lewis County Public Health on decisions related to school opening. Our work has been focused on returning students to on-campus instruction quickly and safely. We have been concerned about the effect of isolation on our children and the risks that remote instruction pose for the mental health of our kids. Lewis County is one of the most aggressive counties in our state in the return of students to on-campus instruction. Other counties and schools with lower infection rates are still fully remote in instruction. We're proud of this effort and others are beginning to observe that it is possible to do this well.

In order to continue this on-campus instruction, we need as many people as possible to participate in slowing the spread of the virus. If we can do this, I believe that we can continue to safely educate students on-campus and reduce the impact of the restrictions on the mental health of our kids. Our workgroup is asking everyone in the county to participate in this effort. This letter, endorsed by pediatricians, elected officials, pastors, and county and city officials will go out to the media. Whatever your opinions are about the Governor's mandates and national politics, I encourage you to participate in making sure that we can continue to safely educate students on campus. We're not asking that you agree with the Governor or his proclamations. We're only requesting that you do everything you can to reduce the spread of the virus.