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Breakfast/Lunch Menu 9/21-9/25

 Hello Okanogan families,

The district is thrilled to bring some good news! Today school buses left the bus garage to transport a very small group of students to in-person learning. Through an exemption approved by our County Health Officer, Dr. John McCarthy we have begun the first steps in bringing students back into buildings for in-person learning. Dr. McCarthy continues to work with the district to monitor the opportunity to open schools while providing guidance to do so safely.

Currently, the incidence rate in Okanogan County has been below 75 cases/100,000 residents/14 days for a bit over a week. These metrics must remain in place for two weeks before in-person learning can begin. However, the district continues to monitor this number daily and is in the planning phases for our first week of in-person learning to take place starting October 5^th.

Many may be wondering, what will the first week of in-person learning look like? While there are many details that remain we do know this:

• Re-opening will be an incremental methodical process centered on student and staff safety and well-being.
• Each school district may look different. Dates may differ, plans may differ, but we all have the same goal in mind—bringing students back to in-person learning.
• Students will be screened daily by school staff for fever and COVID symptoms. If either are present, the student will not be allowed to board the bus or enter the school.
• Accelerate Education will continue to be used in-person and in remote learning with support from teachers. If schools have to close again, students will transition back to Accelerate Education for 100% remote learning.
• Okanogan School District’s Re-opening Plan allows for up to 20% of each buildings student population, based off of enrollment from 3/1/2020, to return face-to-face October 5^th. There are up to three weeks in between each groups return.
• Those furthest from educational justice, as directed by OSPI, will be given the opportunity to return to in-person learning first. Building principals and staff will be grouping students according to their needs (students on an IEP, EL learners, insufficient/no internet access, Title I students, etc.).
• Students will attend four days/week in-person. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. K-5 students will attend all day while Middle School and High School students will attend half days. As we are able to bring more students to in-person learning, as dictated by the health metrics and guidance from health officials, all grades will transition to full days. Wednesdays will be used for deep cleaning throughout buildings and all students will attend remotely.
• Face masks are required to be worn by all students and staff in class and while moving around the building.
• Families will have the choice to remain in the 100% remote learning model, continuing to work through Accelerate Education on their own. School staff will be contacting families next week if their student has been identified to return to in-person. If they choose no, another student will fill the spot.

Okanogan School District will enforce protocols and processes to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 therefore, reducing the risk of closing school again. There have been too many schools across the nation rushing to re-open only to be shut down again due to an outbreak within the school. While the district understands families desire to return to school right away, opening slowly while monitoring our successes and making necessary adjustments is the most responsible method.

Thank you for your continued support as we continue to adjust our plans. We are working to bring students back as quickly and as safely as possible.

Respectfully,

Ashley Goetz, Superintendent