COVID Update & January Calendar

Dear SGS Community,

 

Happy Holidays!  Break has officially begun. Congratulations on the accomplishment of completing 80 school days of the 2020-21 school year!!

 

Wednesday was a fairly noteworthy day in terms of COVID and schools at the local and state level as SRHD and the Governor announced new guidance for student return to schools.  The bottom line is they are trying to get students back in school and involved in activities.

 

We are still waiting for more details around the guidance locally and often see clarifying points at the state level after the initial announcements.  Our planning is now focused on the January return.  Our multi-week plan is based on county activity and clarity in guidance by SRHD and subject to change if needed.  

 

The week of January 4, we will begin with the same schedule we have had in place for the last several weeks. 

 

The week of January 11, our K-8 schedule will remain the same, but we will “target” grades 9-12 to a 4-day week (T-F) of hybrid instruction.

 

 

Timing Rationale:

- There is an ongoing concern related to mental health and engagement while students are out of school.

- Data continues to show low transmission in schools when safety precautions (masks, physical distancing, cleaning, etc.) are in use.

- This “target” date is dependent upon county COVID Disease Activity, Hospital Bed Capacity, and other relevant metrics.

- This will provide a 10-day period from New Year’s Day to when grades 9-12 would be together.  This would be a buffer of sorts with disease activity and potential symptomatic individuals being identified during that time.  

- Monday, January 18 is MLK, Jr. Holiday and an extended weekend after the pilot week of “4x4” in the high school. This would be a 4-day week for all students.

 

Our next meeting with the SRHD is scheduled for December 30.  I will send out the next bulletin to families the first week of January to update our plans.  Ryan Peplinski will continue contact tracing any reported cases during the break.  Reach out to him if needed so we are prepared for the return to school on January 4.

 

FYI – SGS will be closed over break!

 

Regulatory Oversight Update: 

Spokane Regional Health District: The SRHD announced they will be updating their guidelines and processes related to “opening” schools.  We hope to receive the updated guidelines during a meeting on December 30th.  This could reflect new guidance from the Governor and the Washington DOH.

Governor Update:  The Governor held a press conference on Wednesday as well as announcing new guidance on re-opening schools.  https://www.governor.wa.gov/news-media/inslee-announces-updated-school-guidance-person-instruction .  We will continue to review and comply with the guidance provided.

Operational Issues Update:

Since the school year began, Ryan Peplinski, COVID-19 Coordinator, has been communicating with families that have been impacted by COVID-19 in their family and then working with the SRHD team to assist with contact tracing.  The SGS families have been very cooperative and proactive in notifying the school if they have come in close contact or if a family member has tested positive.  This community effort strengthens our risk mitigation protocols in reducing the spread of COVID-19 if we have a case on campus.  During break we ask you to continue to email with Ryan Peplinski if there are COVID-related illnesses to report! 

 

Thank you and take care of yourselves over the Holidays!  

 

Jamie Tender

Head of School