Hello Oakers,
The administrative team met this morning to plan for the rest of our week. In order to give you some context for air quality AIQ: below 50 is considered healthy and anything over 200 is significantly unhealthy. It is predicted for the next two days that this is unlikely to change. We are currently at 237 which is much better than 500+ previously. You can use the following sites for updates: Oregon Air and Air Now.
Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 16 and 17
- Grades K-3: No in person school. Teachers will reach out to contact each of their students and check on their wellbeing.
- Grades 4-12: Teachers will implement distance learning.
- No meal deliveries the rest of the week.
It is our intent to reopen to in person learning at OES on Monday, Sept. 21 with grades 1-2. On Tuesdsay, Sept. 22, in person learning at OES with grades K and 3. All grades K-3 return to in person learning at OES Wednesday and Thursday next week. All other grades 4-12 will continue on distance learning online.
When may we anticipate schools reopening to in person learning for grades 4-12?
The state has met its test positivity for three consecutive weeks until this last week after Labor Day. Of course, Douglas County has met the county metric for weeks. I am uncertain what the current fire and evacuation needs across the state will do to the state positivity metrics over the next few weeks. As a school district it is important for us to be confident in our online learning management system for a couple of weeks in case we are asked to return to distance learning later in the year. It is my hope that we may consider returning students to in person learning as soon as the last week in September or the first week in October.
I have been listening to a state superintendent zoom meeting. Many superintendents in the most devastated areas across the state are sharing their experiences. Many school districts are in very serious circumstances across our state. We certainly can empathize because it could have been so much worse for us. We shall see how the wildfires and the evacuations will impact schools ability to reopen to in person learning for the state metrics. Please continue to lift up our state and our communities in this time of need.
With a humble heart of gratitude for our families and staff,
Patti
