Whatcom school districts begin answering questions after governor’s statewide closure

Gov. Jay Inslee on Friday, March 13, ordered a nearly six-week closure of public and private schools across Washington state between March 17 and April 24 in an effort to slow the spread of coronavirus.

The Whatcom County Health Department said in a press release Friday that it supports the governor’s decision to close schools.

“Community measures, such as cancellation of events and other large gatherings, are most effective at reducing the spread of COVID-19 when implemented early in an outbreak or epidemic,” the Health Department stated in the release. “They are also more restrictive and disruptive than individual actions that are also critical to slowing spread.”

Though contingency planning had already begun, Bellingham Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Greg Baker said in an online statement Saturday, March 14, that the governor’s mandate meant Whatcom County school districts had to begin in earnest making decisions about how to best:

▪ Provide nutrition for young people in their communities during the closure.

▪ Work with communities to support the childcare needs of first responders, medical employees and families in greatest need.

▪ Develop ways to support ongoing student learning at home.

Here is how the area districts are beginning to answer those questions:

Ferndale schools open Monday

While the Bellingham, Blaine, Lynden, Meridian, Mount Baker and Nooksack Valley school districts decided to close to students after classes ended Friday, March 13, the Ferndale School District remained open on Monday, March 16.

“Our planned closure aligns with Governor Inslee’s Executive Order for all schools in Washington State,” Superintendent Dr. Linda Quinn wrote in a message posted on the district website Sunday, March 14. Holding school on Monday, March 16, will give students a chance to say good-bye to friends and teachers and gather belongings, medicine and other materials they may need during the closure. It will also give families one more day for making their own plans.”

Quinn also pointed out that there have been no positive cases in the Ferndale School District and that student absences on Monday would be excused.

Quinn, who wrote that the district would communicate plans with families through Friday March 20, said students would not be receiving assignments or learning materials to work on during the closure.

Quinn reported that the district hoped to have food service and childcare answers during the week of March 23.

Meridian meals for students

The Meridian School District announced in a online post by Superintendent Dr. James Everett Saturday, March 14, that young people 18 and younger can receive a free breakfast and lunch, whether they are a student or not.

The plan, Everett wrote, is to have lunches and breakfasts ready for pick up between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, March 16-17, at the Meridian Middle School cafeteria.

Everett reported the district also is looking at a system to deliver meals to central locations, while still allowing for pickup at the middle school, for Wednesday, March 18, and beyond.

This story was originally published March 16, 2020 at 10:50 AM.