Camas School District Responds to Inslee’s School Closure Order

Camas School District responds to Governor Inslee’s order to keep schools closed for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year. Here is the statement from Dr. Jeff Snell, Superintendent of Camas School District:

Dear Camas Community:

I’m writing to share some important news. Governor Inslee made the decision to close schools for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year this evening in a press conference. The extended closure is an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 and keep our community safe and healthy. During this closure extension, all school facilities will remain closed, however, student learning will continue, albeit in the new remote learning world.

I hoped that we would be able to welcome students back to school this year. Our staff members love seeing and serving your children at school! Instead, we will be focusing all of our effort on making remote learning the best it can be. 

We understand that the continued closure of schools presents many challenges for students and families. It also raises many questions. The information outlined below is what we know now. We will continue to share further guidance as decisions are made and as information becomes available. 

• Remote Learning: Remote learning will continue through the remainder of the school year. We have created a remote Learning Website as a resource to support distance learning: (https://bit.ly/2Vb8EhX).  This week, teachers will connect with students regarding learning plans and recorded lessons. If you have concerns about access please let us know. School administrators are tracking all concerns, and we’re doing our best to address them quickly. Email your teacher or principal if you need additional support.  We are currently exploring ways to do live video conferencing lessons. As we previously shared, this is still a work in progress.  We will continue to update you on all of the questions that naturally come up with this new announcement including grading, graduation, etc…
• Technology: Devices have been deployed for all students grades 3-12. If your child needs internet access, wifi is available near our school buildings and near strategically placed buses from 9 AM to 4 PM on weekdays. Visit this map for exact locations (https://bit.ly/2wg2g0a). If you have technical difficulty, please contact our technology department at Chromebook-help@camas.wednet.edu or call the Chromebook helpline and leave a voicemail at (360) 833-5432.
• Nutrition Services: We will continue to provide meals to students that need them during weekdays for select routes (https://bit.ly/2XdG3er) and for onsite pick-up from 9 – 11 AM at Liberty and Skyridge middle schools, and Woodburn, Lacamas Lake, Dorothy Fox, Prune Hill, and Grass Valley elementary schools. 
• Child Care: We will continue to provide child care for children of first responders and health care workers. To arrange for childcare, please contact Mary Weishaar at weishaar@camas.wednet.edu.

• Medications: If your student has medication at school, please watch for additional information related to pick-up arrangements. For immediate questions or concerns, please contact Carol Bruce, Health Services and Nursing Supervisor at 360-335-3000, ext 75746 or bruce@camas.wednet.edu.  
• Personal belongings:  If your student has essential belongings at school that need to be picked up, we will be developing a process that ensures safety and allows for pick up.  We will share more with you about that process in the coming weeks.
• High School Seniors: High school seniors will receive support from their school administrators and counselors on opportunities to earn credits needed for post-secondary transitions. We are working closely with the state’s college system to ensure smooth transitions.
• Graduation Ceremonies: In-person graduation ceremonies will change to virtual ceremonies and/or be delayed. A final decision related to graduation ceremonies will be shared by the end of April.  We want to do our best to create meaningful culminating activities for our seniors given the circumstances.
• School Activities: All school events, including sporting practices and matches, field trips, dances, etc. will be canceled during the extended school closure. We are engaging with students to come up with creative alternatives to celebrate milestones such as prom and field day. In some cases, special events may be postponed until later dates. We will keep students and families updated on these decisions so that you can plan your participation in advance.

More information can be found on the district website: www.camas.wednet.edu. Please continue to take good care of yourselves and your families. This is a difficult time for all of us, and we will get through it together. 

Sincerely,

Jeff Snell, Superintendent
Camas School District