Back to school in Southwest Washington: What your district's plan looks like

Battle Ground Public Schools Superintendent Mark Ross sent out the following statement on July 29, after recommending that the school year begin with full-time remote learning:

It is with great confliction that I write this message. Every year of my 38 years as a history teacher, principal and district administrator, I have spent the first day of school in a building full of students. Last night at a work session, I recommended to the school board that we join with other Clark County districts and begin this school year on Sept. 2 with full-time remote learning for all students.

My recommendation includes a plan to transition to in-person learning based on the phase that Clark County is in. In this plan, the district would begin to plan for hybrid learning in Phase 3; and transition to hybrid learning in Phase 4. In-building support could be provided in earlier phases to small groups of students, such as those with special needs, who need additional assistance. As the situation is evolving, we will be flexible; we could use other health metrics to determine the return to in-person learning if the state recommends. The board will consider the plan at its meeting on Aug. 10.

As you are aware, community transmission of COVID-19 is prevalent in Clark County. The daily numbers of confirmed positive cases in Clark County have kept us in Phase 2 of the Washington Safe Start plan for nearly two months, and yesterday Gov. Inslee announced a statewide, indefinite pause on county applications to advance phases.

While we know how important in-person learning is to building the relationships that make learning more fun and engaging, we also recognize that having staff and students together in classrooms during this time of high transmission puts their health and safety at greater risk for contracting the virus.

The safety of our staff, students, and families is a top priority, and I am not willing to take a chance that our staff and families could be exposed to COVID-19 when alternative options are available to us. Remote learning would also eliminate the likely burden of continual and unpredictable classroom and/or school closures due to exposures to the virus.

According to our local health authorities and the most recent data, the safest option for all staff, students and families is comprehensive remote learning. Our district has been preparing over the summer to develop high-quality remote learning that will ensure students make progress on their academic goals and provide support for students and families. Students and families who choose comprehensive remote learning can expect

• Reliable schedules that could include live instruction, pre-recorded video lessons, teacher office hours, and small group supports.
• Accountability through graded assignments and attendance.
• A robust and consistent learning platform (Google Classroom for middle and high school, SeeSaw for K-2, and a transition between the two for older primary students) for content delivery.
• Streamlined communication.
• Support for students with special needs, English language learners, homeless students, social-emotional needs, and parents and families.

The district also has invested in professional development opportunities for staff and online curricula and materials and technology infrastructure to support remote learning. We are also exploring options for childcare and providing meals to students.

Get the latest updates from Battle Ground Public Schools 

According to Clark County's Education Service District 112, the Camas School District is joining seven other districts in the county and reopening with only remote learning in the fall:

The superintendents of eight Clark County school districts are recommending to their school boards that a return to school this fall should happen through an improved version of remote/distance learning. The recommendation is based on reviews of the latest health and science data on the Covid-19 virus, discussions with health department leaders and input from staff and families.

These are the eight school districts recommending remote/distance learning:

1. Battle Ground
2. Camas
3. Evergreen
4. Hockinson
5. La Center
6. Ridgefield
7. Vancouver
8. Washougal

According to state guidance, school boards must approve a district reopening plan two weeks prior to the official start of the school year and before any plan can be implemented.

A peer-reviewed study recently released by Seattle-area researchers for the Institute for Disease Modeling (IDM) concluded that the relationships between reopening community, workplace and schools are intertwined—as community activity rises, so does the level of infection within a community. Further, the study estimated that if community activity were to rise above 70 percent of pre-COVID activity, no amount of intervention in schools (masks, physical distancing and hand washing) would prevent the virus from spreading rapidly in the community. Additionally, recent data collected since the report was drafted indicates that levels of disease activity following counties moving to Phase II are too high to support the reopening of schools at this time.

In preparation for the possibility of remote/distance learning, Clark County school districts have enhanced their remote/distance learning 2.0 plans. After receiving feedback from families and educators, districts have made the following improvements:

• Streamlining education apps and tools for more seamless content delivery,
• Investments in remote learning infrastructure that support internet connections, updated devices and online-friendly curriculum for students,
• Providing additional training on best practices for remote instruction to educators.

“Distance Learning 2.0 is an improved and more accountable model than the version experienced by families and students this past spring,” said Washougal School District Superintendent Mary Templeton. “Clark County educators are committed to ensuring students continue to make progress in their learning during the pandemic, and Distance Learning 2.0 reflects that commitment.”

School superintendents recommend using the Washington State Safe Start Phases as a framework for returning to in-person instruction. Phase III would enable districts to begin transitioning to limited, in-person instruction (a hybrid model of some in-person and some remote/distance learning). Phase IV would enable districts to adjust this hybrid model to include more students. 

Get the latest updates from the Camas School District

Based on Clark County Public Health information about continued COVID-19 concerns in the community, Evergreen Public Schools staff and school board announced on July 29 they will officially adopt "Remote Learning 2.0" for the beginning of the 2020-21 school year on Sept.1.

The district sent out the following announcement:

With the continued rise in COVID-19 cases, the school district joins other districts in Clark County in preferring the remote learning model after considering three possible options: in-person learning, remote learning, or a hybrid model of the two.

“As we explored how we could offer the best learning opportunities for students, while ensuring a safe environment for students and staff under current conditions, the only option that satisfied this criteria was to remain in remote learning,” said Superintendent Mike Merlino. “However, we are making vast improvements in how we deliver remote instruction over how we initially began last spring.”

Last March, as schools across Washington state were closed, school districts, including Evergreen, had very little time to transition to a remote learning model. However, based on the experience and feedback of students, staff and families over the three-and-a-half month period, the district developed a template for making improvements. Over the summer, curriculum and instruction, IT and support staff have streamlined platforms, made online learning options more robust and fixed technical and access issues. Teaching staff will receive additional training and support during the month of August, and schools will provide students and families with much clearer guidance and expectations.
In addition to improving the online learning experience, Evergreen is committed to ensure students with specialized needs have specific options that best meet their instructional requirements. Staff at schools will also directly contact students who do not initially engage, or appear to struggle with, remote learning. The district will also continue to provide meals to students, and work with community partners to provide childcare options for working families.

In choosing the Remote Learning 2.0 model, School Board President Julie Bocanegra said, ”We appreciate the cooperation and support of our public health officials, as well as our staff, and neighboring school districts, in ensuring a community-wide response. We are doing what is best for our students, staff and community, with the goal to open our schools for in-person learning as soon as it is safe to do so.”

Get the latest updates from Evergreen Public Schools

The Green Mountain School Board posted the following letter to parents and students on July 17:

The Board of Directors wishes to acknowledge the positive responses received from the GMSD parents and community during the COVID-19 shutdown of schools. We recognize and thank you for your support and commitment to our students. 

The GMS staff worked through extremely difficult and unprecedented circumstances to provide our students with a quality and continuing education. In return for their commitment to provide ongoing instruction, you, the parents and community members have stepped forward to do what needed to be done. 

The 2019-20 school year has ended and everyone is looking forward to the 2020-21 year. We are waiting to hear from the state agencies governing health and education to present us with clear and concise directions on how we will be allowed to reopen the school this fall. 

We don’t know how the 2020-21 school year will look. However, we are confident that no matter how it may look, the professionalism and dedication of our staff and the commitment of our parents and community will continue to provide our students with the best education possible. 

As a Board of Directors, it is our responsibility and privilege to represent our parents and community in the oversight of our school district. Please know that we value your ideas and input and always welcome you to attend and participate in our meetings. 

Get the latest updates from the Green Mountain School District

According to Clark County's Education Service District 112, the Hockinson School District is joining seven other districts in the county and reopening with only remote learning in the fall:

The superintendents of eight Clark County school districts are recommending to their school boards that a return to school this fall should happen through an improved version of remote/distance learning. The recommendation is based on reviews of the latest health and science data on the Covid-19 virus, discussions with health department leaders and input from staff and families.

These are the eight school districts recommending remote/distance learning:

1. Battle Ground
2. Camas
3. Evergreen
4. Hockinson
5. La Center
6. Ridgefield
7. Vancouver
8. Washougal

According to state guidance, school boards must approve a district reopening plan two weeks prior to the official start of the school year and before any plan can be implemented.

A peer-reviewed study recently released by Seattle-area researchers for the Institute for Disease Modeling (IDM) concluded that the relationships between reopening community, workplace and schools are intertwined—as community activity rises, so does the level of infection within a community. Further, the study estimated that if community activity were to rise above 70 percent of pre-COVID activity, no amount of intervention in schools (masks, physical distancing and hand washing) would prevent the virus from spreading rapidly in the community. Additionally, recent data collected since the report was drafted indicates that levels of disease activity following counties moving to Phase II are too high to support the reopening of schools at this time.

In preparation for the possibility of remote/distance learning, Clark County school districts have enhanced their remote/distance learning 2.0 plans. After receiving feedback from families and educators, districts have made the following improvements:

• Streamlining education apps and tools for more seamless content delivery,
• Investments in remote learning infrastructure that support internet connections, updated devices and online-friendly curriculum for students,
• Providing additional training on best practices for remote instruction to educators.

“Distance Learning 2.0 is an improved and more accountable model than the version experienced by families and students this past spring,” said Washougal School District Superintendent Mary Templeton. “Clark County educators are committed to ensuring students continue to make progress in their learning during the pandemic, and Distance Learning 2.0 reflects that commitment.”

School superintendents recommend using the Washington State Safe Start Phases as a framework for returning to in-person instruction. Phase III would enable districts to begin transitioning to limited, in-person instruction (a hybrid model of some in-person and some remote/distance learning). Phase IV would enable districts to adjust this hybrid model to include more students. 

Get the latest updates the Hockinson School District

According to Clark County's Education Service District 112, the La Center School District is joining seven other districts in the county and reopening with only remote learning in the fall:

The superintendents of eight Clark County school districts are recommending to their school boards that a return to school this fall should happen through an improved version of remote/distance learning. The recommendation is based on reviews of the latest health and science data on the Covid-19 virus, discussions with health department leaders and input from staff and families.

These are the eight school districts recommending remote/distance learning:

1. Battle Ground
2. Camas
3. Evergreen
4. Hockinson
5. La Center
6. Ridgefield
7. Vancouver
8. Washougal

According to state guidance, school boards must approve a district reopening plan two weeks prior to the official start of the school year and before any plan can be implemented.

A peer-reviewed study recently released by Seattle-area researchers for the Institute for Disease Modeling (IDM) concluded that the relationships between reopening community, workplace and schools are intertwined—as community activity rises, so does the level of infection within a community. Further, the study estimated that if community activity were to rise above 70 percent of pre-COVID activity, no amount of intervention in schools (masks, physical distancing and hand washing) would prevent the virus from spreading rapidly in the community. Additionally, recent data collected since the report was drafted indicates that levels of disease activity following counties moving to Phase II are too high to support the reopening of schools at this time.

In preparation for the possibility of remote/distance learning, Clark County school districts have enhanced their remote/distance learning 2.0 plans. After receiving feedback from families and educators, districts have made the following improvements:

• Streamlining education apps and tools for more seamless content delivery,
• Investments in remote learning infrastructure that support internet connections, updated devices and online-friendly curriculum for students,
• Providing additional training on best practices for remote instruction to educators.

“Distance Learning 2.0 is an improved and more accountable model than the version experienced by families and students this past spring,” said Washougal School District Superintendent Mary Templeton. “Clark County educators are committed to ensuring students continue to make progress in their learning during the pandemic, and Distance Learning 2.0 reflects that commitment.”

School superintendents recommend using the Washington State Safe Start Phases as a framework for returning to in-person instruction. Phase III would enable districts to begin transitioning to limited, in-person instruction (a hybrid model of some in-person and some remote/distance learning). Phase IV would enable districts to adjust this hybrid model to include more students. 

Get the latest updates from La Center School District

The Ridgefield School District Superintendent Dr. Nathan McCann announced on July 29 that the district would be starting the year with distance-only "Ridgefield Remote" learning.

He sent out the following letter to Ridgefield families:

Community spread of COVID-19 in Clark County and Southwest Washington continues, and given the current conditions, Ridgefield School District will begin the 2020-2021 school year in full distance-learning mode.

As promised, our distance-only learning model, “Ridgefield Remote,” will be more robust and predictable.  A talented team of administrators and teachers are working collaboratively, having dedicated countless hours this summer, to develop a distance-learning model that leverages small-group instruction and learning experiences that are engaging, rigorous, and relevant.  The design team is now attending to the final details, and we look forward to sharing “Ridgefield Remote” with the community very soon.

Please know that the District intends to transition to a “hybrid” model (where students spend a portion of their week at school and a portion at home) when it is safe to do so for students and staff.  When that time comes, we will give families ample time to decide whether to attend school in the “hybrid” model or remain in the distance-only model.

Now that we know that we will officially be opening the school year in distance-learning, the most pressing question for many is when we will transition to a “hybrid” model.  Collectively, Clark County school district superintendents are recommending using the Washington State Safe Start Phases as our regional guidepost.  In Phase 3, we hope to begin transitioning to some in-person learning and supports for students where the distance-learning model provides the most significant challenges.  In Phase 4, this graduated transition plan will see increased in-person experiences.  As we have done since the pandemic began, we will continue to heed our public health officials’ advice and guidance. 

Ultimately, our goal is to bring students back for in-person learning as quickly as conditions allow.  Together, I believe we can collectively improve conditions so that a safe return to school is possible. 

I hope this helps alleviate some of the anxiety around the unknowns for the opening of the upcoming school year.  Thank you for your continued support of the Ridgefield School District.  As always, stay well and remain #RidgefieldResilient.

Get the latest updates from the Ridgefield School District

Skamania School District Superintendent Dr. Ralph Pruitt announced on July 28 that the district, due to is small size, is still planning to offer hybrid lessons to students as the fall term begins.

He sent the following update to parents:

Dear Skamania School District Families,

I hope you have had a wonderful summer! It’s hard to believe we are already preparing for back to school. During the COVID-19 pandemic, our fall return to education looks different than in the past, just like most things these days.

The health and safety of our students and staff is always our top priority, along with providing a quality education. With those priorities in mind, I am writing to share an update on our plans to deliver education this fall.

The Skamania School District has been considering several options based on guidance we received from the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) and the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). In addition, we received feedback from parents, staff, and the local health department who have helped us design our options.

Using all this information, our school board approved the following options for our return to school, which is scheduled to begin on September 2. Our ability to reopen for in-person education is dependent on the progression of the virus. Currently, the virus is spreading at a dangerous level in Skamania County. It is our hope that infection rates decrease in the next few weeks so that we can make a final decision. We will present our final recommendation for back-to-school to our board of directors on August 10 and will notify staff and families of the board’s decision by August 11.

• Option 1 – ALL students at school: All students (TK- 8th grade) are physically present in school, which includes full-time, in-person learning with physical distancing and masks.
• Option 2 – Some Students at School and Some Remote (Hybrid Model): Some of our students are physically present in school at any given time using modified in-person learning. The others will be engaged in remote learning. This hybrid model will be offered if physical distancing guidelines cannot be met for full in-person learning. In this option, we would like our transitional kindergarten and kindergarten students to come full time, given their age.
• Option 3 – ALL students learn remotely: No students are physically present in school. This enhanced learning model will be an improved remote learning 2.0. This will be an option for any families who do not feel safe sending their children to school. It may also be used in the time of intermittent closure/absence due to sickness. The model will be more robust than the spring 2020 model and is being designed with the feedback from families, staff and current research on best practices in remote learning environments. Depending on the progression of the virus, we may remain in this model or transition to some in-person instruction.
• On-line virtual academy:An entirely remote online learning option will be available to families even if some in-person instruction is offered. This remote instruction will be taught by our teachers. Each student will have a personalized plan, based on learning standards, and will be supported by school mentors.

We are fortunate to have a small school with just 70 students and approximately 15 staff. This gives us more options to physically distance and stay safe. In addition, we have four portable classrooms that can be used to further distance students and divide classes into smaller sizes to reduce risks. Finally, each of our inside classrooms have two doors that can be used for designated entrances and exits for classrooms.

I wish that I could give you a clear-cut answer as to which model will be chosen. Unfortunately, as we all know, with the progression of the virus, plans and information change rapidly. It is my pledge to keep you informed as we move forward together. Thank you for your patience as we navigate this unprecedented time together.

Get the latest updates from the Skamania School District

Vancouver Public Schools announced on July 29 that school would begin with remote learning only in the fall:

Vancouver Public Schools Superintendent Steve Webb is joining with seven other school district superintendents in Clark County to recommend that schools start the 2020-21 school year with full remote learning for all students.

The decision to recommend a full remote learning model is based on several factors:

• Status of the state’s phased reopening plan (paused indefinitely)
• Latest health and science data
• Discussions with health department officials
• Parent and staff survey results collected to date

Vancouver and the other seven districts plan to phase in a hybrid of remote and in-person learning when conditions related to the spread of the Covid-19 virus improve in the county and state. The health and safety of students and staff are top priorities, along with continuing our educational mission.

Remote learning this fall will be done differently than last spring. VPS is working together with Vancouver Education Association leaders and teachers on instructional delivery, grading practices, attendance accountability and other components.

Vancouver’s board of directors will review the recommendation and the district’s plan for remote learning at a special board session on Aug. 4.

Vancouver’s first day of school is Sept. 1.

Families will receive more details from their children’s schools in the coming weeks.

Get the latest updates from Vancouver Public Schools

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According to Clark County's Education Service District 112, the Washougal School District is joining seven other districts in the county and reopening with only remote learning in the fall:

The superintendents of eight Clark County school districts are recommending to their school boards that a return to school this fall should happen through an improved version of remote/distance learning. The recommendation is based on reviews of the latest health and science data on the Covid-19 virus, discussions with health department leaders and input from staff and families.

These are the eight school districts recommending remote/distance learning:

1. Battle Ground
2. Camas
3. Evergreen
4. Hockinson
5. La Center
6. Ridgefield
7. Vancouver
8. Washougal

According to state guidance, school boards must approve a district reopening plan two weeks prior to the official start of the school year and before any plan can be implemented.

A peer-reviewed study recently released by Seattle-area researchers for the Institute for Disease Modeling (IDM) concluded that the relationships between reopening community, workplace and schools are intertwined—as community activity rises, so does the level of infection within a community. Further, the study estimated that if community activity were to rise above 70 percent of pre-COVID activity, no amount of intervention in schools (masks, physical distancing and hand washing) would prevent the virus from spreading rapidly in the community. Additionally, recent data collected since the report was drafted indicates that levels of disease activity following counties moving to Phase II are too high to support the reopening of schools at this time.

In preparation for the possibility of remote/distance learning, Clark County school districts have enhanced their remote/distance learning 2.0 plans. After receiving feedback from families and educators, districts have made the following improvements:

• Streamlining education apps and tools for more seamless content delivery,
• Investments in remote learning infrastructure that support internet connections, updated devices and online-friendly curriculum for students,
• Providing additional training on best practices for remote instruction to educators.

“Distance Learning 2.0 is an improved and more accountable model than the version experienced by families and students this past spring,” said Washougal School District Superintendent Mary Templeton. “Clark County educators are committed to ensuring students continue to make progress in their learning during the pandemic, and Distance Learning 2.0 reflects that commitment.”

School superintendents recommend using the Washington State Safe Start Phases as a framework for returning to in-person instruction. Phase III would enable districts to begin transitioning to limited, in-person instruction (a hybrid model of some in-person and some remote/distance learning). Phase IV would enable districts to adjust this hybrid model to include more students. 

Get the latest updates from the Washougal School District

Woodland Public Schools sent out the following update to parents on July 29:

As you have likely heard, OSPI provided guidelines to all Washington State schools for a variety of reopening options this coming fall. 

Woodland Public Schools continues to closely monitor the state's health and safety guidance to assess the ability of our schools to meet the requirements and recommendations for the different possible reopening options. We understand the amount of anxiety our families feel right now as we, too, are feeling the same anxiety with our own families. 

While the situation continues to change, scientific data suggests the virus poses little risk to children. However, this same data also shows the virus load in children is the same as adults meaning that while the risk to our students could be low, the risk to their parents and our staff members could be high. Accordingly, our priority to open schools in September will be the safety of our students and our staff by providing the safest learning and working environment for everyone.

New information about the novel coronavirus Covid-19 and its impacts on our region, state, and nation continue to affect the way people think and feel about a return to in-person learning in the fall. As the 2020-21 school year approaches, we will continue to provide updates via both our Skyward Family Access email system as well as on our website at www.woodlandschools.org. 

School district officials: If your district is not on the list, or the information here needs to be updated, please let us know by sending us the updated info right here. 

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