|
To: Superintendents, Communicable Disease Preparedness Liaisons, Charter School Leaders, Principals, Oregon School Nurses, K-12 Public Information Officers
From: Kati Moseley, Administrator, Health in Education
Date: January 12, 2024
Re: When to Go to School Resource
Dear Colleagues,
As students and staff return from winter break and settle back into the routines of school, January is an important time to support school health and attendance. As we prepare for and respond to increased respiratory illnesses at this time of year, students and families often wonder when it is safe to send students to school, since school attendance is so closely related to student success.
The Oregon Department of Education, in collaboration with the Oregon Health Authority, is pleased to release additional guidance for schools and families on “When to Go to School”. This guidance document supports families in making decisions about when it is safe to send a student to school. It also helps schools promote attendance while aligning with state guidance around communicable disease. The resource can be found under the "Families" column of the Every Day Matters Tool Kits webpage in English and in eight additional languages.
Every day in school matters for students and missed days can add up quickly. Missing school has a detrimental impact on students’ learning, as well as their ability to access other necessary supports, such as nutrition, care, safety, and belonging. ODE appreciates the importance of health in supporting equitable and well-rounded education for every student in Oregon.
For more resources on supporting attendance or questions, please visit ODE's Every Day Matters webpage for additional tips and tools for educators and families or contact ODE.EII@ode.oregon.gov. For additional resources and information on communicable disease planning and support, please visit ODE’s Communicable Disease Planning webpage or reach out to ODE.HealthySchools@ode.oregon.gov.
|
