Whatcom districts reacting to coronavirus forcing state to close schools for spring
After Monday’s announcement by Gov. Jay Inslee and state Schools Superintendent Chris Reykdall that all schools in Washington will remain physically closed for the remainder of the school year due to the coronavirus pandemic, Bellingham Public Schools Superintendent Greg Baker said it is alright to grieve.
Baker even encouraged taking a moment to think about what is lost in a letter to students, staff, families and community.
“Many of us are feeling this grief because of what we’re losing, from in-person teaching and learning to significant milestones, including big games, dances and other events,” Baker wrote. “Many of us are experiencing grief around small but important everyday happenings like lunch and recess connecting with friends.
“It is critical to remember why we’re doing this — we’re making sacrifices because we’re saving lives.”
After Monday’s announcement, Baker wrote that the Bellingham district will continue to follow its four primary goals, laid out when Inslee first ordered schools closed March 17:
▪ “Protect life, promote safety and minimize the spread of the virus.
▪ “Provide food to the young people in our community.
▪ “Work with community partners in supporting child care options for our first responders, medical employees and families in greatest need.
▪ “Develop innovative ways to support ongoing student learning.”
Whatcom County’s other public school district have set similar goals for themselves and have worked to fulfill them the past three-plus weeks through innovation in providing food, support and learning to their students.
“Right now, we want all families to know that our staff are pushing forward with learning plans and on transitioning to this new way of instruction,” Superintendent Linda Quinn wrote in a statement posted to the Ferndale School District website. “Beginning April 13, new learning is planned at every level.”
The closing announced Monday is forcing districts to pivot from a “review and reinforce” model of online learning during an expected temporary closing to “continued learning” plan for the rest of the spring, Lynden School District Superintendent Jim Frey said in a Facebook post.
“Our challenge and commitment, as we enter this new phase will be to put into place a more rigorous and accountable student learning plan for all students under these new conditions,” Frey wrote.
One of the biggest hurdles all area districts will have to clear is planning for seniors who need to complete credits in order to graduate and move on to the next chapters in their lives.
“Please be patient as we work with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, the State Board of Education and other agencies to determine the best steps to take while addressing grades, credits and graduation requirements,” Meridian School Superintendent James Everett said in a statement. “Information will be coming soon with further guidance. In particular, for our seniors, please know if you were on-track when we closed our school buildings, be assured you will have the opportunity to graduate this June.”
Schools have been shut statewide since March 17 due to COVID-19 and were initially scheduled to reopen April 27. That was extended Monday until June 19 — when the spring term ends — and schools were encouraged to continue distance learning.
The order also asks schools to start planning for a potential expansion of the closures into the summer and fall, though Inslee said officials would explore whether it was possible to bring students back for graduation later in the year.
Reykdall said the decision was tough, but the risks of returning students to school too soon were high due to the pandemic.
“A rush back to school puts significant risk in learning continuity that at this time would not be better than the model we are developing and advancing at a distance,” he said. “We do not want that curve to suddenly spike up because we acted too quickly to come back.”
The closure of schools creates challenges in the area of equity for some students, Inslee said, explaining there will be limited on-site options in certain circumstances, such as students learning English as a second language, and for students with disabilities, as long as social distancing and proper hygiene practices are followed.
“We know that distance learning could never replace the learning and other benefits that students get from attending school in person,” Inslee said. “But this unprecedented health emergency demands that we take this step, both for the sake of our children and for our community.”
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREWhat you should know about the coronavirus
COVID-19, the new coronavirus, is a disease caused by a virus named SARS-CoV-2.
The disease is spread through contact between people within six feet of each other, especially through coughing and sneezing that expels respiratory droplets that land in the mouths or noses of people nearby.
Although most of the cases have been mild, the disease is especially dangerous for the elderly and others with weaker immune systems.
Click the drop-down icon in the upper right of this card for more information on symptoms and how to stop its spread.
What you can do
Here’s what you can do to protect yourself and others from COVID-19, according to the Whatcom County Health Department.
▪ Keep six feet between yourself and others when in public.
▪ Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
▪ Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth with hands that haven’t been washed.
▪ Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, throw the tissue in the trash and then wash your hands.
▪ Stay home if you feel sick. Avoid others who are sick.
▪ If your symptoms are severe and require medical care, call your doctor first.
