Educators and families across the state were excited to hear the Governor’s March 25^th update to school guidelines. The new guidance includes the reduction in distancing between elementary students from 6’ to 3’. This reduction would also be allowed for middle and high school ages if a cohorting model were being used. A cohort is defined as a group of students who spend their entire school day together, there is no mixing of groups. Unfortunately, Okanogan and most other districts, do not cohort secondary students because of the multiple subject credits they must earn for graduation.

The difficulty with districts immediately implementing the new 3’ rule is that the 6’ requirement remains for distancing between adults, between students when they eat, when students are in large groups, and during transition times. In Okanogan, the lack of physical space and large classes sizes in places throughout the district prohibit the reduction to 3’ at this time.

In addition, the distancing change concerns public health officials due to our community metrics rising, new virus variants and their unknown effects to our community, and students not yet being able to receive the vaccine.

Carefully evaluating at all of the associated benefits and risks of fully reopening prior to the school year’s end and the potential of jeopardizing what we know works, Okanogan School District will remain in their hybrid learning model for the remainder of the 2020-2021 school year.

The administrative team is already planning for a full reopening of schools in the fall with all students back to in-person learning 5 days a week, and on a regular schedule. In addition, those students who have been identified for additional support will have an opportunity to attend summer programming. There will be more information to come as the spring progresses regarding summer learning opportunities.

This year has been, and remains to be difficult for everyone involved. We look forward to fall and thank the Bulldog family for their continued support of our schools.

Sincerely,

Ashley Goetz
Superintendent

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Welcome back Bulldogs! All buildings are open for in-person learning. Protocols for masking, distancing, and washing are still in effect.