The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revised its guidelines for schools Friday, declaring three feet of distance between students is sufficient for all elementary and many middle and high schools.
This announcement lays the groundwork for districts to reopen full-time for in-person classes.
The CDC published new research that found limited coronavirus transmission in schools that require masks but not always six feet of distance, which had been the standard used to reopen schools around the nation. That was true even in areas with high community spread of the virus.
CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said that the issue is urgent.
“Indeed, because six feet has been such a challenge there, science has leaned in and there are now emerging studies on the question between three feet and six feet,” Walensky told Sen. Susan Collins during a hearing of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.
As always, masks are recommended. At times when it’s not possible to accommodate masks, like when eating, CDC says six feet of distance should be maintained.
The agency recommends keeping student and teachers in distinct groups, or cohorts, throughout the day and maintaining 6 feet of distance between those groups, when possible. In middle schools and high schools where community transmission is high, CDC advises students to stay 6 feet apart, if cohorting is not possible.
CDC also recommends 6 feet of distance in common areas, like lobbies and auditoriums, and during activities like singing, shouting, band or sport practices. They say it’s better to move those kinds of activities, where increased exhalation occurs, outdoors or to well-ventilated spaces.
In classrooms, CDC says layout changes, like removing nonessential furniture and facing desks in the same direction, can help maximize distance between students. On school buses, the agency recommends seating students one child per row, skipping rows and opening windows to increase ventilation.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/19171357/BE882D81-B9B9-4118-9465-D15D4684D8FD.jpeg7201280Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2021-03-19 17:48:002021-03-19 17:48:18CDC Revises Social Distance Guidelines For Schools — Now 3 Feet
The Camas-Washougal Community Chest is celebrating its 75th anniversary by announcing the award of 28 grants totaling a record $127,671 to local non-profit organizations delivering services, exclusively, to children and families in Camas and Washougal. CWCC is also excited to announce a partnership with the Camas-Washougal Rotary Foundation to help fund additional grants each year.
“We are pleased to join forces with the Community Chest. Together we can do more good in Camas and Washougal. The Rotary commitment to Service above Self will also add volunteers to the mix as we work to make a difference for many families,” said Rotary Foundation President Kathy Bussman.
The grants will fund such diverse services as emergency food assistance, aid to families in crisis or needing emergency services, safe temporary shelter for at-risk youth, a severe weather shelter program at the Washougal Senior Center, a homeless family day center located at Saint Thomas Aquinas in Camas or enhancing the habitat of Gibbons Creek in the Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge. New organizations receiving grants for the first time are offering services such as financial support for low-income cancer survivors, helping low-income families pay for their pet’s veterinary bills and scholarships for children in need to use a local indoor skatepark.
Some of the non-profit organizations being funded in 2021 include Inter- Faith Treasure House, Children Home Society’s East County Family Resource Center, Janus Youth Program, Pink Lemonade, Family Promise of Clark County and Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership. For a complete listing of the grant awards see the grant summary below.
Thanks to CWRF and to major donations from the GP Foundation, GP employees, Camas School District employees, City of Camas employees, Port of Camas-Washougal employees, Windermere Foundation, Columbia Technology Manufacturing Center and Watercare Industrial Services. CWCC is well on the way to funding these grants. To reach its 2021 fundraising goal of $127,671, however, the CWCC needs additional donations from individuals and businesses in Camas and Washougal. More information and donation forms can be found on the CWCC’s website at www.CamasWashougalCommunityChest.org.
The CWCC and CWRF are registered 501 (c) (3) non-profit organizations for federal charitable tax deduction purposes. Says CWCC Co-President Joelle Scheldorf, “we are excited that our partnership with the Rotary Foundation will help more local charities thrive by supporting much-needed programs and services for residents of Camas and Washougal financially and with volunteers”.
2021 Grant Program Summary
Total number of grants awarded – 28
Total value of grants awarded – $127,671
Estimated number of individual services funded by grants – more than 19,500
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/18210723/257A3091-F429-4ACA-86D3-9F4765705154-e1616127061639.jpeg11541955Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2021-03-18 21:23:092021-03-18 21:23:19CW Community Chest, CW Rotary Foundation Announce 2021 Grant Awards
Vancouver, WA — Clark County Public Health announced today that the county’s COVID-19 activity rate dropped again to 88.8 cases per 100,000, which is down from 103.5 cases per 100,000 last week.
Today’s COVID-19 update:
30 new cases
18,843 cases to date
1 new confirmed death
232 total deaths to date (208 confirmed, 24 suspect)
259 active cases (in isolation period)
Clark County COVID-19 activity rate is 88.8 cases per 100,000 (down from 103.4 cases per 100,000 last week)
19 COVID-19 patients hospitalized
3 people hospitalized awaiting COVID-19 test results
Deaths are reported once the death record is finalized in the state database. On average, deaths are reported 10-12 days after they occur. A confirmed death means COVID is listed as cause of death or contributing factor on the death certificate and the case has a positive COVID test.
COVID-19 activity is determined by calculating the number of new cases per 100,000 residents in the county over 14 days. Public Health calculates the current COVID-19 activity level in Clark County once a week and posts the updated rate on the website every Tuesday.
Recent COVID-19 activity levels (rate is calculated weekly):
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/31201647/17E2C573-2D33-496A-9317-F8509455FBED.jpeg12801920Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2021-03-16 18:02:292021-03-16 18:02:37Clark County COVID-19 Activity Rate Drops to 88.8 Cases Per 100,000
Camas, WA — Several days ago, Dr. Jeff Snell, Superintendent of Camas School District, announced he accepted an offer to lead Vancouver Schools. Snell answered several questions about his tenure and what to expect going forward.
Question: When will you start your new job as Vancouver Schools Superintendent?
Question: What appeals to you about Vancouver Schools?
Answer: I started my career there, and spent 15 years and when you’re in a relationship business and you spend that much time with people those relationships don’t go away. There’s work that I still want to be a part of. There are things we can do better on behalf of students. I’ve been very fortunate in Camas to learn about all aspects of an organization and that happens when you’re in a smaller district so I’m excited to apply that learning. People reached out and said I’d be a good fit there in Vancouver and I’m humbled to have this opportunity. It was the right time to consider something, and it’s been a whirlwind and also bittersweet. I love Camas and I love this community.
Question: What are some of the challenges you will face at Vancouver Schools?
Answer: Similar challenges as we deal with the pandemic. The way we’ve served students has had to change so dramatically and there have been challenges for kids, staff, and families. All schools want every kid to be successful so the challenges are similar to what we face in Camas. How do we empower staff to create conditions for students to be excited about learning and be their best? So pandemic response is priority number one.
Some other priorities I identified in the selection process and what they shared with me is they want a more collaborative culture and a focus on student equity.
Question: What do you mean by student equity?
Student equity means that we shouldn’t be able to predict a student’s success based on their race, gender or economic/social status. It’s about the opportunities we create. Our society needs every child ready to contribute as young adults.
For me, I really try to start and stop with student voice. Ask students what is working for them, what’s not working for them. In Camas, we’ve done a lot of that. That empowers a community so I’d like to continue that practice moving forward.
Question: When did you begin your tenure as Camas Superintendent?
Answer: 2016.
Question: How long were you Assistant Superintendent?
Answer: 2011.
Question: You’ve dealt with heavy issues like the teacher’s strike, the Liza Sejkora situation, and a yearlong pandemic. What’s been your legacy at CSD? What have you learned?
Answer: I learned that you need a great school board that’s really committed to the community, that doesn’t have an ego, and wants the best for the children and families they serve. We are blessed in Camas to have a school board that has consistently been that way. They focus on how we best raise our children in this community. We have gone through many crises. This last year has been significant for everyone. Consistent leadership from a school board is critical and we’ve been fortunate to have it in Camas for a long time. I know this year has been hard for people. I really challenge people to appreciate their school board; they really want what is best for everyone and volunteer as leaders.
We have a really talented staff in Camas and I have been so fortunate to work with these amazing people for 10 years. They’ve done so many great things for kids. I am grateful to a community that supports its schools and rallies around each other. I’m grateful to our amazing students. I learn something from them every day. I’m proud of being able to be a part of this district.
Question: What’s it been like to work with parents and all their concerns?
Answer: Why are people passionate about this issue about our pandemic response? They love their family. They want what’s best for their students. They care about each other. They want to be safe. These core values have sometimes come in conflict during the pandemic because we can’t adequately address them all at the same time. I’ve had to sacrifice some relationships with people because my family wellbeing has been a priority, and I know others have had to make these really difficult decisions in working through their core values of safety, friendship, and family. Regarding stakeholders that are frustrated or upset about the decisions our district has made, I’m grateful they trust me enough to be honest with me and share their concerns. I think about why the reason for why they share with me and it is because they love their kids; they love their spouse and want their spouse to be safe at work. They want the best for their kids and their families. When you are genuine about that people know. The majority of people are appreciative of that. We may not always agree on whatever the next step is, but we do have common ground about the care we have for our families, community and hopefully each other.
Question: What’s happening with getting vaccines to Camas teachers?
Answer: It’s a really good situation now, as the Governor’s proclamation is making this a priority and community health providers have been amazing. We think we will have everyone who wants to be vaccinated, vaccinated by spring break.
Question: Given the decreased enrollment, issues parents have with so many teachers, and the curricula, is public education in a free fall? Or is this a bump in the road?
Answer: Our student enrollment has been very consistent over a long period of time (Enrollment data). With that consistency in mind, what might be causes for a drop in enrollment this year? I think the natural conclusion is the impact of the pandemic. Our world has changed pretty dramatically in a lot of different ways including public education. Bumpy moments like navigating pandemics create great opportunities to innovate for the future. I believe public education will be stronger on the other side of the pandemic.
Question: What are the priorities of the next CSD administration? How will the next Superintendent be selected?
Answer: Those are questions that our school board will be working towards in the coming months. We have been working towards a strategic plan for 2025 which the Citizen Advisory Committee spent the last several years drafting and the board has reviewed several times this year. There is still some fine tuning needed as the district moves forward.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/07075612/EA08E00D-D7C3-4429-9C29-204DB314C4C9.jpeg11802267Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2021-03-16 17:43:252021-03-16 17:43:36EDUCATION: Q&A With Camas Schools Superintendent, Dr. Jeff Snell
Camas, WA — Camas High School Principal Tom Morris announced today that CHS will continue remote learning through March 16. On Wednesday, CHS closed its doors just days ahead of its one-year anniversary of closing due to the pandemic because of an outbreak stemming from an on-campus social gathering.
“Thank you for your support as we continue to work with Clark County Health Services to complete our COVID-19 case investigation and contact tracing,” Morris said.
He continued:
“At the time of this release, there are 16 known positive cases and 34 close contacts among youth who attend Camas High School. To date, all confirmed cases are tied to a non-school, off-site event that occurred over the weekend involving CHS students.
“Although Cohort A students attended school in-person Monday and Tuesday last week, we are relieved to report no current confirmed spread of the virus at school. Safety protocols and excellent adherence to mask-wearing and social-distancing by students and staff at school are likely to thank for the lack of spread in our school or classrooms.
“That said, with the growing number of cases, and to prevent the spread of the virus that can occur before a person knows they are sick or if they have the virus without feeling symptoms, we will continue teaching and learning through Remote Learning through Tuesday, March 16.”
At this time, CHS plans to return to in-person learning starting Thursday, March 18.
Cohort B will return to Thursday/Friday in-person learning on Thursday, March 18.
Cohort A will return to Monday/Tuesday in-person learning on Monday, March 22.
In-person athletics and activities will resume on Wednesday, March 17. This decision is made collaboratively with District leadership and in consultation with Clark County Public Health.
At this time, those who were not at the event, and/or not in contact with someone who was at the event, and/or are COVID-19 symptom-free are considered low risk for COVID-19 exposure.
Students and families, please wear a mask and practice physical distancing, avoid group settings and stay at least 6-feet from other people.
Additionally, please be aware of the following:
Monitor for fever, cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, or new loss of taste or smell. *Please seek out COVID-19 testing and notify CHS if your student develops symptoms.
If your student’s temperature is above 100.4°F at any time, or you get a cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, or new loss of taste or smell
Have them avoid direct contact with household members and others and wear a mask any time you are in a shared space.
Contact your primary care provider or urgent care clinic and tell them you were exposed to someone with COVID-19 and have symptoms.
If you can’t contact your provider and are very ill, call 911, and tell them that you are at risk for COVID-19 and have developed symptoms.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/12213620/69849423-BC10-4699-A050-4F464D40EC51-scaled.jpeg19202560Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2021-03-12 21:39:412021-03-12 21:39:48Camas High School Classes To Continue Remote Learning Through March 16
Washougal, WA — Students are filling the classrooms, hallways, and playgrounds of Washougal schools after nearly a year away. However, approximately 200 students were already meeting in school buildings in small groups one to four days a week since September 2020 for personalized education.
“These learners needed specialized instruction that could not be offered effectively with distance learning,” said Penny Andrews, WSD Director of Special Education. “Some students had formal Individual Education Plans (IEP), while others either were not able to connect to the internet or not successfully learn online. Our staff worked hard to bring in as many students as possible to support them with their learning goals, their assignments and even some tutoring thrown in there.”
Noah Dentler, a six-grade student at Canyon Creek Middle School, is an example of the significant progress these students were able to make during the pandemic. “He is a student that has really blossomed in small groups with in-person-learning,” said CCMS teacher Katherine Baxter. “The small group offered him a lot of one-on-one support. Now that we are in hybrid, he is flourishing. He is loving school and has a great attitude. He is more focused than he was at the beginning of the year.”
“It was hard with everything online,” Noah explained. “Now I feel more confident in my regular classes and I am working hard to keep up on all of my work.”
“The end of last year was rough… really rough, with the sudden move to online learning,” said his mother, Anni Dentler. “It was so stressful for him that I took him out of the school. The start of this year was also difficult, with the change to a middle school schedule with more teachers teaching different subjects.” But thanks to the improved communication between parents and teachers, development of a plan and small group instruction, Noah is doing much better now.”
“Noah started out in the small groups as quiet and shy,” said Baxter. “He would appear alert, focused and on task, but he was struggling and never let anyone know. His missing work was growing, but now we have a plan in place to work with the paras that helped him get caught up and keep him caught up.”
“He now only has five missing assignments,” said Anni Dentler. “And that is such an improvement. I’m proud of him.”
The small groups allowed Baxter and the para educators to really get to know the students like Noah. “With the first two hours of study hall and Asynch learning, we were able to see what they know and how they learn,” she explained. “The paras and I were able to see them in all their classes and how they focus and teach them how to start on assignments, to ask questions and advocate for themselves.”
With the move to hybrid learning, Noah and others continue the small group instruction two or three days a week as well as attend school on their regular days with peers.
“This 1:1 teacher support is important to providing them a focus on their learning goals to prevent them from losing ground,” said Andrews. “We have also had an increase of communication with families as teachers develop support plans to meet the needs of each individual student and family.”
“The communications between me and Noah’s teachers have tremendously improved,” Anni Dentler said. “We have created a bond as we work together to help him.”
“Just the time of letting Noah know how much we all care for him and for him to be successful plus coaching from home, he began advocating for himself and asking clarifying questions,” Baxter said. “He has such a great support system at home that keeps us updated on things there or how he was doing.”
“We have a number of ways our teachers are working to support students with special needs or IEPs at this time,” said Andrews. Those supports include: joining students in their class Zoom sessions, zooming with them to offer tutoring on assignments and learning goals, advocating for more time in person when students were struggling, request home visits from school personnel when students struggle with attendance, holding group sessions for students to work on collaboration and social goals, helping students access their classroom zoom meetings and assignments while at school, helping students stay organized and working proactively with families to offer assistance. I am proud of our entire special education staff in Washougal. And, by watching the work that Katherine is doing, and how she advocates for students, I can see she feels strongly that students do best when there is a human connection and when the students know that they have an adult who is cheering them on and supporting them.”
“It is nice to see a child come out of their shell and go out of their way to learn all they can and to be successful,” said Baxter. “Noah is that student. He is a hard worker and has managed to persevere through this time to stay on track.”
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/09151033/89EA7099-2F9A-4923-8DA6-41F751643FA7-scaled-e1615331646309.jpeg11712560Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2021-03-09 15:19:582021-03-09 15:20:12Education: Washougal Students Find Success In Smaller Learning Groups
Camas, WA — Go Green is the theme for Camas First Friday! Art shows, after-hours shopping, activities, prizes, and more will all be a part of the First Friday event in Downtown Camas tonight beginning at 5 pm.
Virtual activities started on Monday, March 1st and in-person First Friday activities kick in this evening. Downtown businesses will be open and have special offerings, as well.
The “Find the Leprechaun” in-person passport has been happening all week and continues during First Friday. When you find the leprechaun in the shops, you get entered to win a great “green” prize from that location.
Plus, participants may post completed in-person passports by on the Downtown Camas First Friday page post by Saturday, March 6 at noon and be entered to win a fabulous “green” prize basket from downtown. The more locations you visit, the more chances you have to win.
Passport lists will be available here and in stores on First Friday. Go Green with us!
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/05134255/997C9886-6DAD-44B1-B301-B04902712F20.jpeg314600Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2021-03-05 13:53:362021-03-05 13:53:43Go Green! This Is The Theme For Tonight’s Downtown Camas First Friday
Washougal, WA – Putting books into the hands of young children to enhance their school readiness skills is a focus of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs Camas-Washougal. Since 2017, their Reach for the Stars through Books program has provided backpacks filled with books and learning materials as an incentive to children and families to attend the ESD 112 1,2,3 Grow & Learn pre-kindy program at Hathaway Elementary in Washougal.
GFWC Camas-Washougal Club leaders and Washougal volunteers Susan Bennett and Pat Suggs were honored in late 2020 for their work to spearhead this impactful project. They received recognition and an award from the Learn Here Program which showcases remarkable educational leaders and volunteers in SW Washington.
“We were humbled by this recognition,” said Bennett. “We are proud of our work through the Reaching for The Stars through Books program. It has truly sparked the imagination of children and has started their journey of loving books that we hope will last a lifetime.”
Thanks to increased funding through area grants, their free book distribution has grown to all pre-schoolers in Washougal and will be growing to include all Camas pre-schoolers in 2021.
“We know books and reading help build a strong foundation in the early learning process,” said Suggs. “We are excited to see the work of the GFWC to support childhood literacy growing.”
“We applaud Susan, Pat and the GFCW Camas-Washougal for their important work to challenge our youngest learners to rise,” said Mary Templeton, WSD Superintendent.
Bennett and Suggs were celebrated in December 2020 at a 20-minute virtual presentation celebrating 31 staff and volunteers.
“We are so appreciative by those who work so diligently in preparing our students,” said Chad Sessions of Real Living, The Real Estate Group. “Through their hard work and creativity, they are helping prepare our next generation of citizens, workers and leaders, which in turn, helps us grow our economy and community.”
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/04204408/406E6C4C-9549-479C-A4E5-BBBB6BC73B51.jpeg10781789Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2021-03-04 21:55:212021-03-04 21:55:29Washougal Volunteers Honored For Work In Local Children’s Book Program
According to Clark County Public Health, Governor Inslee and Washington State Department of Health today announced updates to the Phase 1b vaccination tiers and provided a tentative timeline for advancing to the next tiers.
“We are not yet advancing to the next tier,” the health department said. “Washington state remains in Phase 1b Tier 1.”
Here are the changes and tentative timeline announced today:
Phase 1b Tier 2 – opening March 22
All critical workers in certain congregate settings (change: no longer tiered by age; list of qualifying congregate settings has been expanded)
People age 16 or older who are pregnant (new qualification)
People age 16 or older who have a disability that puts them at higher risk (change: moved up from a later tier)
Phase 1b Tier 3
Opening April 12: People with 2 or more comorbidities age 50 or older
Opening April 26: People with 2 or more comorbidities age 16 or older
Phase 1b Tier 4 – opening April 26
People who live in congregate housing
Staff and volunteers who work in congregate settings not covered in 1B tier 2
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/04213900/4E226A13-1DF5-4FD6-89A3-FB239BC94ED6.jpeg10691593Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2021-03-04 21:43:382021-03-05 13:20:30COVID-19: Clark County Not Advancing To Next Vaccination Tier
Olympia, WA — The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) released this statement in response to President Biden’s directive to get all teachers nationwide at least one shot of COVID-19 vaccine during the month of March.
This is the DOH Statement:
“As you heard today, President Biden announced a directive to all states to get every pre-K educator, K-12 teacher, and licensed childcare worker at least one shot of COVID-19 vaccine in the month of March.
“The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) recognizes the importance of vaccinating educators, school staff, and childcare workers. School staff and childcare workers were already in the next group to become eligible for vaccines, and our state was moving to vaccinate them in a matter of weeks. This announcement represents a faster timeline than originally planned, and the department is engaging partners on a robust plan to support this directive.
“DOH is working quickly to get clarity from the Biden Administration to ensure roll-out in our state will result in ample vaccine supply through various providers and equitable access for education and childcare workers. Vaccine supply will likely primarily be delivered through the federal pharmacy program, and the directive indicates all vaccine providers should prioritize these workers.
“DOH remains committed to continued vaccination for older adults and others who are currently prioritized for vaccinations under the current plan. DOH also remains committed to vaccinating all Washingtonians as quickly and equitably as possible.
“DOH acknowledges these announcements may cause a mix of excitement, concern, and confusion for different communities. The department will share more information in the days ahead as DOH learns more from our federal partners.“
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