|
|
Oct. 23, 2020
Dear NWRESD Families -
We are several weeks into the school year and—as we can all attest to—this fall has been incredibly challenging and completely unique from any other in our lifetimes. We have now been at the mercy of the COVID-19 pandemic for more than seven months…it’s been so long that it’s easy to forget this is simply not normal!
While our region’s educators have been working incredibly hard to be their very best in this digital schooling environment, I know I speak for our entire staff in sharing that we miss being with your children in our schools and on our playgrounds. Before reading on, please rest assured that our staff are here to serve you and your family—please let your child’s service coordinator, teacher and/or principal know if you need support.
We have been closely monitoring the public health data and metrics to determine when it will be safe for us to reopen our programs and services. In short, current COVID-19 infection rates across our region are not trending in a desirable direction.
Therefore, we will need to extend comprehensive distance learning through at least the end of the first semester—Feb. 5, 2021.
As you will see below, we have not reduced the spread of COVID-19 enough in our communities to be able to provide in-person instruction. The following county-specific graphs show the target number for cases per 100,000 people and for test positivity set by the State of Oregon. As a reminder, in order for us to consider large scale in-person instruction for PK-3, we need to maintain three consecutive weeks of data in the blue zone (case rates at or below 30/100,000 residents). For all grade levels, we need to maintain three consecutive weeks in the green zone (at or below 10/100,000 residents).
    It is important to note that the State is considering possible changes to the metrics that are used to determine when K-12 schools can reopen in-person. We will share any changes as more information becomes available.
We recognize that distance learning is difficult for some students and families to access. Our teachers and specialists are working to identify children who will most benefit from receiving limited in-person instruction this fall and winter. A member of our team will follow up with you in the next few weeks if we determine that your child is eligible for these types of services. Your child will not be required to participate as we will continue to provide distance educational services.
While not the message I had hoped to write, with COVID-19 infection rates being what they are, we must redouble our commitment to you and your children that will deliver the very best, distance-based education possible. Please do your part in combating the continued spread of COVID-19 by following the CDC recommendations.
 |
|
Thank you for your continued support-
Dan Goldman
Superintendent
|
|
|
|
|
