January 2021
Dear Sheridan Parents and Families,
Welcome to 2021! I hope everyone enjoyed a safe and healthy holiday season.
As you have likely heard by now, Governor Brown announced new guidance for schools on December 23rd in a letter to Patrick Allen, Director of Oregon Health Authority (OHA), and Colt Gill, Director of Education in Oregon (ODE). The Governor’s announcement asks schools to work towards reopening for in-person instruction as soon as is safely possible, hopefully by February 15, 2021.
Key Messages from the Governor
The Governor’s announcement directs that beginning January 1, 2021, the Health Metrics for returning to in-person instruction transitions from mandatory requirements to advisory recommendations. This change means that decisions about when and how to reopen will move through a more local process, with guidance from local public health authorities and the Oregon Department of Education (ODE). School districts will make their own determinations about reopening following local health official’s advice and using updated guidance from ODE, due to be released around January 19th. Districts will still be required to follow all health and safety measures in place for on-site learning.
What this means for Sheridan School District
In the next few weeks we will create a plan to safely increase the number of students entering the schools, gradually moving towards a hybrid model for instruction. Students will continue with Comprehensive Distance Learning while we work with our local health authorities and follow the updated Ready School Safe Learners guidance from ODE. The process of transitioning includes several key components:
- Consultation with Yamhill and Polk County Public Health Departments to ensure our transition plan meets all required ODE and OHA guidelines.
- Create plans for reopening by grade level that allow for a safe and smooth transition.
- Provide health and safety protocol training for staff including: symptom screening, cleaning routines, social distance and face covering protocols, student traffic flow in buildings, adjusted learning spaces, and newly designed arrival and dismissal processes.
- Planning for transportation and meal service.
Getting students back in school safely and in person remains our priority. I know many families and students are anxious to start right away and we will once again need your patience and support as we work through the elements mentioned above. Thank you in advance for understanding.
With great appreciation,
Dorie Vickery
