Vancouver, WA — Today, the Carolyn Long for Congress campaign announced that Carolyn Long raised more than $1.24 million during the third quarter of 2020 — bringing the total raised for the cycle to $3.5 million.
The Long campaign emphasized they continue to raise significant resources without taking corporate PAC money. This quarter, the campaign was able to raise money from thousands of contributions — over 72 percent of which were local — reflecting a “strong, sustained grassroots support for Carolyn’s candidacy and her campaign to represent Southwest Washington in Congress.”
“Another impressive fundraising quarter continues to show the incredible grassroots support for Carolyn Long in Washington’s 3rd Congressional District. The district is ready for a fresh start and Carolyn is ready to deliver for the people of Southwest Washington,” said Abby Olmstead, Campaign Manager.
“In these incredibly difficult times, politics-as-usual in D.C. just won’t cut it anymore—and folks in Southwest Washington recognize that,” said Long. “Washington’s Third Congressional District needs a leader who will put people over politics. Unlike my opponent, I will never take a dime of corporate PAC money. And the people of Southwest Washington will never have to wait in line behind a corporate lobbyist to talk to me.”
Carolyn Long is running for Congress in Southwest Washington (WA-03) for the 2020 election. She previously was the Democratic nominee for Washington’s 3rd District in 2018. She resides in Vancouver with her family and teaches at WSU-Vancouver. Long has served Southwest Washington for more than 25 years, as a WSU college professor and community leader. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/06193003/60566DB0-4EE9-4EFF-8548-AF20E89367F3.jpeg470850Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-10-06 19:39:522020-10-06 19:39:59POLITICS 2020: Long Campaign Raises More Than $1.24 Million in Third Quarter
OLYMPIA — Gov. Jay Inslee Tuesday loosened restrictions on many activities, from movie theaters to restaurants, sports, and real estate, under his four-part coronavirus reopening plan.
This is the biggest movement forward after Inslee this summer stopped all counties from advancing to further stages of reopening. Inslee told reporters today he wasn’t resuming those county-by-county reopenings, but said Tuesday’s measures are “targeted things to show how we can do this in a safe way” as businesses continue to suffer financial losses amid the pandemic.
Clark County, and Washington state in general have seen COVID-19 case spikes like many states across the United States. Inslee addressed that concern by saying he would make another push to encourage face mask use statewide, and said the new measures were a way safely open up a little further.
“We believe that if we continue to increase our use of masks, and we hope that we’re heading in that direction, that will allow us to make these shifts to allow more social interactions,” said Inslee.
Tuesday’s announcement loosens many restrictions, including on restaurants, which have been hard hit by Inslee’s mandates. Counties in the second-phase — including Clark — or in the third phase can now serve alcohol up to 11 pm.
Restaurants may also boost their table size to six in the second phase, and to eight in the third phase. The restriction on tables being limited to members of one household is lifted, which Inslee acknowledged was difficult to enforce, pitting restaurant workers against customers on a regular basis.
Clark County can now have movie theaters operating at 25 percent capacity, according to the new guidelines. For counties in the third phase, those theaters can open at 50 percent capacity. Facial coverings and six feet of distance between households will be required.
“Hoping to open on Friday night but still have a few things to confirm, I’ll have a plan in place by mid day tomorrow,” said Rand Thornsley, owner of the Liberty Theatre in Downtown Camas.
The new sports guidelines will align school related and non-school related sports guidance. Tournaments and crowds are prohibited in counties that aren’t in the low-risk category, but these guidelines will allow more school and non-school sports, both indoor and outdoor, according to a combination of local metrics. These metrics are aligned with state metrics for school opening recommendations. It also provides specific protocols for transportation, group size and facial coverings.
Youth team sports and adult team sport guidance greatly expanded:
Youth team sports now includes both school and non-school sports, both indoor and outdoor
Adult recreational sports now includes both indoor and outdoor
Sports are now divided into risk categories
Counties are now categorized by COVID-19 activity level measured by new cases per 100,000 residents in the previous two weeks and the percentage of positive tests.
Whether or not a sport is allowed, and to what degree it is allowed depends on a combination of the risk category for the sport and the COVID risk category for the county in which the sport is to take place.
Tournaments and spectators are prohibited in any county that is not in the low-risk COVID-19 category.
Low risk sports: tennis, swimming, pickleball, golf, cross country, track and field, sideline/no-contact cheer and dance, disc golf.
Moderate risk sports: softball, baseball, t-ball, soccer, futsal, volleyball, lacrosse, flag football, ultimate frisbee, ice hockey, cricket, gymnastics, crew, field hockey, school bowling competitions.
High risk sports: football, rugby, wrestling, cheerleading with contact, dance with contact, basketball, water polo, martial arts competitions, roller derby.
Nearly all of Washington’s 39 counties are in the second or third phase of the governor’s reopening plan. No county is in the fourth phase.
As part of Tuesday’s announcement, the real estate sector can hold open houses with numbers allowable for each county’s size-limit for gatherings. Meanwhile, other guidelines will allow libraries to offer some more services.
Registering to vote in Clark County is pretty simple, and there are several ways to do it. The Clark County Elections Office provides many options. To register to vote in Clark County, you must:
Be a U.S. citizen
Be 18 years old by the day of the next election
Be a resident of Clark County
Not be disqualified from voting due to a court order
Not be under Department of Corrections supervision for a Washington felony conviction
There are three ways to register to vote:
Online if you have a Washington State ID or Driver’s License
In Person at the Clark County Elections Office at 1408 Franklin Street, Vancouver, WA (map)
By Mail with a voter registration form available by mail or download from the Office of the Secretary of State, or you may find them at the following locations:
Library branches
Public schools
City and town halls
Auto licensing subagencies
Driver licensing offices – register to vote when you apply for your driver license
You must provide all of the following information when you register to vote:
Legal name
Date of birth
Residential address in Clark County
Mailing address, if not the same as residential address
Washington driver license number, ID card number or the last four digits of your Social Security number
Signature
Registration deadlines during an election
If you are currently registered to vote in Washington state and would like to register to vote in Clark County: You may register to vote online, in person, or by mail up to 8 days before Election Day. If you miss the 8-day cutoff, you must come in person to our office at 1408 Franklin Street in Vancouver to register. You have until 8 pm on election night to register to vote or update your address for the current election.
If you are not currently registered to vote in Washington state: You may register to vote online, in, or by mail up to 8 days before Election Day. If you miss the 8-day cutoff, you may register to vote up to 8 pm on Election Day as long as you fill out and submit your registration form in person at the Clark County Elections Office.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/05202200/CDFF796F-E080-451D-B724-AA9991B96768.png484860Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-10-05 20:33:182020-10-05 20:33:27Clark County Residents: Here’s How to Register to Vote
Bricks & Clicks Grants Offer Up to $1,000 for Downtown Stevenson Businesses to Upgrade Facades or E-Commerce Platforms
Stevenson, Wash. — The Stevenson Downtown Association (SDA) announced earlier this week the launch of its Bricks & Clicks Grant Program to support local businesses in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications are available at stevensonmainstreet.org.
“The new Bricks & Clicks Grant Program encourages business expansion — and more importantly business retention — by providing resources to downtown merchants for facade improvements or e-commerce solutions,” said Executive Director Kelly O’Malley-McKee, who was hired in March as the SDA’s first employee. “We are thrilled to be able to award up to $1,000 per approved project in hopes of taking some of the sting our local businesses are experiencing right now.”
Due to the economic impact of COVID-19 since the spring, projects underway or already completed may be considered for work that began on/after April 1, 2020.
“While any approved applicant will be responsible for remaining costs above $1,000, this is a reimbursement grant,” said O’Malley-McKee. “So, in an effort to further support local, SDA will provide 100% reimbursement for approved project expenses that utilize Skamania County vendors and 75% reimbursement for any other vendors.”
Examples of acceptable “Bricks” projects could include exterior building remodeling and improvements, business signage and exterior paint that’s within the recommended city palette, as well as awnings, windows, doors, landscaping and more.
Examples of acceptable “Clicks” projects could include website hosting or domain fees for new sites, PayPal/ Venmo/ Square set-up for web-based software, or point of sale systems that integrate with online shopping, or shopping cart software like Shopify and others.
“Any software or e-commerce programs should support brick and mortar operations, as we will not fund applications that move a mode of business strictly online,” added O’Malley-McKee. “Remember, the goal is to retain businesses in our downtown district.”
Applications are accepted by mail or online on a rolling basis through the end of 2020. All of the guidelines, requirements and grant application are available at stevensonmainstreet.org.
The SDA will likely continue the Bricks & Clicks Grant Program beyond 2020 if it proves helpful to the community and additional funding can be secured. The local non-profit plans to announce a non-grant program in November to provide additional support to downtown restaurants and retailers during the shoulder season.
The Stevenson Downtown Association is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, affiliated with both Washington Main Street and Main Street America. This coalition of local business owners, public officials and community leaders work to promote and revitalize downtown Stevenson to support our local economy and small businesses.
As a Main Street America AffiliateTM, the Stevenson Downtown Association is part of a national network of more than 1,200 neighborhoods and communities who share both a commitment to creating high-quality places and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/04175818/AF950885-F4AD-40BA-9C07-E620BA1511AB.jpeg8451435Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-10-04 18:12:002020-10-04 18:12:09Stevenson Downtown Association Launches First-Ever Grant Program
Washougal, WA — 2 Rivers Bar and Grill is launching a fantastic, delicious and well thought Sunday Brunch menu featuring many new dishes beginning October 4.
Tim Fuhrman, a classically French trained chef joined 2 Rivers just two months ago, and he’s making a bold statement with these new offerings, which are only available — for now — on Sundays from 10 am- 2 pm.
Here’s a summary of nine dishes:
Chorizo Jalepeno Scramble
Pepper jack cheeese, green onions, avocado, eggs, House potatoes and choice of bread.
“The scramble has some Southwest influence,” Fuhrman said. “We use brioche bread for the French toast and the raspberry purée is cooked raspberry. Made from scratch. You always want a wow factor with the French toast. It’s very visual.”
Croque Madame
Brioche bread, honey baked ham, bechamel sauce, cheese and topped up with fried egg and a chef’s choice seasoned vegetable.
“As a classically French trained chef most of my dishes are French,” said Fuhrman. “Classically country style French food. My French influence is why I introduced a couple dishes like that.”
Biscuits and Gravy
Housemade buttermilk biscuits with country white sausage gravy and house potatoes.
Brisket Ranchero
Slow cooked smoked beef brisket, black beans, avocado, enchilada sauce, screambled eggs, pico de gallo, creme fresh and cilantro.
Brisket Ranchero
Smoked Canadian Bacon Benedict
Includes English muffin, poached eggs, Chef’s lemon hollandaise and House potatoes.
“The Benedict is inspired by mother who passed away from cancer,” said Fuhrman. “That was the last meal I prepared for her. The Hollandaise is thicker.”
Florentine
Braised baby spinach, grilled tomatoes, fresh basil, avocados, toasted English muffin, poached eggs, Chef’s Lemon hollandaise and house potatoes
Corned Beef Hash
Peppers, mushrooms, green onions, house potatoes, poached eggs topped with Hollandaise sauce.
Smoked Wild Salmon Omlette
Wild salmon, green onions, capers, Brie cheese, creme fresh, eggs, house potatoes and choice of bread.
Strawberry and Chantilly Cream French Toast
Dipped in vanilla custard with raspberry compote, toasted almonds, pure maple syrup, candied lemon zest, topped with fresh raspberry and chantilly cream.
“I’ve been here at 2 Rivers two months,” Fuhrman said. “I opened a restaurant on Hawthorne. Before that I had been consulting nationally, and now I just want a nice spot to showcase my 30 years of experience. I’m more old school, I don’t need 13 things to make it beautiful. It’s not super fancy, but you will have great flavor and you can have a really good meal.”
2 Rivers Bar and Grill is located at 1700 Main Street, Suite 110, Washougal, WA 98671
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/03125034/D8E3BD68-9EB8-4AF0-94A1-8AF0BA04621C.jpeg9601280Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-10-03 13:14:402020-10-03 13:14:522 Rivers Bar & Grill Launches New Brunch Menu — Beginning October 4
BREAKING NEWS: President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump tested positive for coronavirus, the President announced early Friday morning Eastern Daylight Time.
“Tonight, @FLOTUS and I tested positive for COVID-19. We will begin our quarantine and recovery process immediately. We will get through this TOGETHER!” Trump tweeted shortly before 1 am Friday.
The President had said earlier in the night that he planned to quarantine.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/01223732/3EBAA811-E89C-4D05-AA8B-8B8A7156CA60-e1601617224347.jpeg4721219Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-10-01 22:41:042020-10-01 22:41:11BREAKING NEWS: President Trump, First Lady Test Positive for COVID-19
It is official now — Boeing will consolidate its 787 manufacturing in South Carolina. This news has many implications for the state including a direct impact on the state’s budget outlook. Although the September revenue forecast didn’t make an assumption about what Boeing would decide, a downside risk to the forecast was if South Carolina was picked.
“The potential consolidation of Boeing 787 production in South Carolina and resulting decline in Washington aerospace employment is also a major concern.”
Responding to the news that Boeing would likely pick South Carolina, the Governor said earlier this week:
“If this report is true, it would force a review of that partnership, including a hard look at the company’s favorable tax treatment.”
At Boeing’s request the legislature earlier this year repealed the preferential aerospace B&O tax rate responding to a World Trade Organization complaint. From the bill report:
“Beginning April 1, 2020, the preferential B&O tax rate for the manufacturing, wholesaling, and retailing of commercial airplanes, airplane components, and tooling is eliminated.”
“It became clear that consolidating to a single 787 production location in South Carolina will make us more competitive and efficient, better positioning Boeing to weather these challenging times and win new business.”
Although the September revenue forecast made no assumption about the decision Boeing would make, a deficit was already projected for this budget and a shortfall in the next budget.
“Forecasted Near GF-S revenue for the 2019-21 biennium is now $50.022 billion, 8.6% higher than 2017-19 biennial revenue, and forecasted Near GF-S revenue for the 2021-23 biennium is $53.737 billion, an increase of 7.4% over expected 2019-21 biennial revenue.”
The bad news of course, this revenue growth is less than what lawmakers assumed when adopting the 2020 supplemental budget resulting in a projected budget deficit. Though more manageable than the original deficit estimate back in June, today’s details still should trigger the requirement in state law for the Governor or lawmakers to act now to balance the budget.
From the last week’s state revenue forecast:
“The September GF-S revenue forecast has been increased by $2.1 billion in the current biennium and $2.2 billion in the next. The forecast of GF-S revenue for the 2023-25 biennium has increased by $2.5 billion. This still leaves the GF-S forecast $2.4 billion lower than the February 2020 forecast for the current biennium, $2.1 billion for the next biennium and $2.0 billion for the 2023-25 biennium.”
As of today, the Office of Financial Management (OFM) does not currently have an updated GFS cash forecast for each month through the end of the budget (Sept-June) reflecting today’s revenue forecast. According to the state Treasurer, the GFS has run a cash deficit almost every day in September.
As a reminder, the Governor has a legal obligation to order budget cuts unless the legislature acts if a cash deficit is forecasted. It is clear that a special session is still warranted.
By Jason Mercier Director, Center for Government Reform
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/01193414/D090857B-796A-4DA9-9BD6-37C9462E0392.jpeg483724Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-10-01 19:42:022020-10-01 19:42:13Boeing’s 787 Manufacturing Move Has Implications for WA State Budget
Vancouver, WA — The I-5 Interstate Bridge Trunnion Replacement Project is in its final phase, which is good news for commuters, many of whom changed their travel habits during the project. The lane re-opened early Thursday as the bridge project winds down
Crews reopened the southbound right lane over the Interstate Bridge early Thursday. It closed late last Friday night when the northbound span re-opened for crews to reconnect the median barrier
Traffic impacts continue and travelers should expect:
Nighttime single and double lane closures in both directions of I-5 as well as nighttime ramp closures between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. into October. In addition, intermittent short-term nighttime bridge closures may be needed while crews remove falsework.
The sidewalk on the northbound span will remain closed through Sunday, Oct. 4. Bike and pedestrian travelers crossing the bridge in both directions will share the sidewalk on the southbound span.
The speed limit will be restored to 50 mph Thursday but the area is still a work zone. Drive safely and remember, fines in work zones double whether workers are present or not.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/01114133/2B241C00-708A-48F1-970D-C54F49F7AD49.jpeg344570Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-10-01 17:35:582020-10-01 17:36:09SB Interstate Bridge left lane re-opens; night traffic impacts continue
The Camas-Washougal Community Chest launches its annual fundraising drive October 1, 2020 with a goal of raising $100,000 for the 2021 campaign. The money raised is used to fund grants to local non-profit organizations that serve Camas and Washougal residents in need, at-risk youth programs and address natural resource conservation and education. Beginning this year, the Community Chest will also support non-profit organizations whose programs strive to enhance diversity, equity and inclusivity in Camas and Washougal. Since 1946 the CWCC has been all about helping local charities thrive. In this year of the COVID-19 pandemic, local needs are greater than ever – please help if you can.
The CWCC just wrapped up a successful 2020 campaign which saw it fund 20 grants for a total of $113,850. Programs and projects funded in 2020 included support of the local food bank run by Inter-Faith Treasure House, funding for family support programs run by Children’s Home Society of Washington, funding to help homeless families find permanent housing run by Family Promise of Clark County, funding habitat improvements in the Gibbons Creek watershed conducted by the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership and funding for food and food service supplies for the local Meals on Wheels People program.
Other grants provided funding for meals for veterans, funding for several local reading programs, funding computer upgrades for the local pregnancy clinic and for temporarily housing at-risk youth in a secure facility. A full list of the grants awarded is listed below.
Major support for the 2020 fundraising campaign came from Georgia Pacific employees and the Georgia Pacific Foundation. Other major donors in 2020 included HP employees and the HP Corporation, Camas School District employees, City of Camas employees, Port of Camas-Washougal employees, Waste Connections and Your Party Center. The following foundations provided major support: Windermere Foundation, The Jean Vollum Fund. The Fontenette Family Charitable Fund, the Tidland Christian Development Fund and the Hinds Charitable Fund.
To reach its $100,000 goal for the 2021 campaign, the CWCC needs 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. Individuals and businesses can also donate by participating in Fred Meyer’s Community Rewards program and Amazon’s Smile program. Details and electronic links to the two community support programs can be found at the Website listed above.
The CWCC is a registered 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization for federal charitable tax deduction purposes. Says CWCC Co – President Joelle Scheldorf, “giving to the Community Chest is an easy and efficient way to help people in need in our hometown.”
CWCC provided funds to the local arts.
Local non-profit organizations planning to apply for a grant can download the 2021 application form from CWCC’s website after October 15, 2020. Applications for 2021 grants are due by no later than December 15, 2020. Applicants will be informed during March 2021 as to whether their project or program is funded and at what level. Grant payments are made quarterly beginning with initial payments in March 2021.
To be eligible for a grant, applicants must provide services in Camas and/or Washougal, be a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization and provide service in one or more of the following areas: education, youth activities, aid to people with special needs, natural resource conservation, health and welfare programs, crisis and emergency services. Beginning this year, programs to enhance diversity, equity and inclusivity in Camas and Washougal will also be eligible to apply for a grant.
2020 Grant Program Summary
Total number of grants awarded – 20 Total value of grants awarded – $113,850 Estimated number of individual services funded by grants – more than 18,000
Community Programs/Projects Funded in 2020
Family Promise of Clark County Helps cover a portion of the cost for a part-time Resource Manager to be located at a Day Center hosted by St. Thomas Aquinas parish in Camas. The Resource Manager will offer life skills classes to the clients. Helps cover the cost of temporary housing, food and hygiene supplies.
Children’s Home Society of Washington – East County Family Resource Center Helps fund staff at Resource Center. Helps fund parent education groups, youth support groups, emergency basic assistance, behavioral health services and health care services.
Inter-Faith Treasure House Helps fund emergency and daily food needs, school backpack food program, emergency utility assistance and person-in-crisis outreach activities.
Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership Provides classroom lessons and outdoor applied learning programs for youth, including habitat enhancement projects adjacent to Gibbons Creek in the Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge.
REACH Community Development Funds supplies and materials for Kids Club programs and community building events at REACH’s Gateway Gardens and Town Square Apartment neighborhoods in Washougal. Also funds rent and utility assistance, food, school supply and gift giveaways programs.
Clark County Veterans Assistance Center Helps buy food for daily breakfast or lunch meals at Center and for monthly food box program to assist veterans and their families.
Janus Youth Programs Provides funding for outreach efforts and overnight facility stays for Camas and Washougal runaway youth at risk for abuse and neglect. Re-introduces kids to safe housing.
Meals on Wheels Purchases food and food service supplies for Camas and Washougal Meals on Wheels People program.
ReFuel Washougal Buys 25 waterproof sleeping bags, a refrigerator/freezer, C-Tran bus passes and a Food Service License to serve Friday and severe weather meals at the Washougal Senior center.
Camas Farmers Market Helps cover the general operating costs of the Camas Farmers Market so quality local food can made available to local residents, as well as, supporting local farmers.
Impact CW – St. Matthews Lutheran Church Helps purchase $50 local grocery (Safeway, Grocery Outlet and Costco) gift cards that will be distributed to families in need in Camas and Washougal.
Camas School District – Principal’s Checkbook Helps Camas school principals provide for basic student needs to give low income or homeless students equal opportunities at school.
Washougal School District – Principal’s Checkbook Helps Washougal school principals provide for basic student needs to give low income or homeless students equal opportunities at school.
Kiwanis Camp Wa-Ri-Ki Helps fund a climbing wall at the gymnasium and make repairs to an existing walking bridge.
Friends and Foundation of the Camas Library Supports the Camas Library’s summer reading program for kids and teens.
Dance Evolution Helps pay for free dance lessons for toddlers 0 to 5 and young girls ages 9 to 15. Future plans call for adding free programs for boys and students with developmental disabilities.
TreeSong Nature Awareness and Retreat Center Helps pay for an outdoor sink and covered structure for outdoor programs so they can continue to offer children’s nature education groups and family nature adventures in the rainy season.
Pathways Clinic Purchases tablet computers to streamline client intake process. Buys software upgrades for the existing “Earn While You Learn” curriculum.
Police Activities League of Southwest Washington Buys books and pays for police staff time to present five literacy events for 2 Camas and Washougal School Districts.
General Federation of Women’s Clubs Helps buy age appropriate books, backpacks and other learning tools for a Reach for the Stars with Books program at Hathaway Elementary School. Program aimed at youth from birth through age 5 to grow their school readiness skills and strengthen their social interaction skills.
Washougal, WA — Washougal School District (WSD) last week welcomed their first 200 students into the classroom at all grade levels and the experience is helping administrators and educators shape their next phases of a detailed reopening plan.
“Just like everybody else we are moving to the first reopening category even though we’re in a high infection rate countywide,” said Dr. Mary Templeton, Superintendent of Washougal School District. “We are bringing back small groups of students totaling 200 who are coming to our campuses for in-person learning.”
The district is only serving special needs students in the classroom during this phase, who are dispersed through all Washougal schools. This is week two, and Templeton said WSD will likely roll in the second wave of students in mid-October — which includes students who are homeless or disadvantaged.
“We know which groups of students are not achieving at the rate we want them to,” said Templeton. “We want to level the playing field for them. Right now, all high school, middle school, elementary school students with special needs are in the classroom. We’ve identified them and that’s the breakout. We are busing, which is nice, it’s an indicator that we’re progressing. We had to temporarily lay off many employees, but we did keep a small group of transportation staff for this first phase.”
WSD has 40 staff members onsite operating in the classroom or working directly with children.
“I’ve been on campus several times and everybody is excited to be with the kids, and they tell me it’s going well,” said Templeton. “These are the comments I heard when I was out and about. I walked in and spoke with office staff who say it’s so great. I loved hearing the sound of children laughing and talking. The cafeteria had children laughing.”
Classrooms mostly consist of groups of five. There is no requirement for what small group means, but WSD is averaging five per class. Students and staff are following all the COVID-19 guidelines. Most tudents are not there for the entire day. They are having lunch and then busing them home.
Some students, however, are there five days a week, and some are attending hybrid and it’s based on student need.
“It’s one step in the right direction and it’s what is being recommended,” said Templeton. “We are fast-forwarding in our minds what will be the need, what do need to have ready to go in the next step, which we hope to be a hybrid elementary situation. Just like everybody we have community members and parents who would like us to go faster, and some would like us to go slower. We are taking a measured approach. We don’t want to move too quickly. We are trying to be respectful of everyone’s desire and to make sure we are prepared.”
Here are some of the things WSD is doing to get ready for the hybrid in-class phase:
Hygiene stations throughout the schools
Distance protocols
Staff training
Recommended PPE
Isolation rules and protocols
Quarantine process
Health screening at entrances
Signage and markers
Increased sanitation receptacles
Templeton said they are working with the health department on a regular basis.
“Everybody needs to mask up and social distance, which will make our schools open faster,” said Templeton. “The last thing is that we need to maintain our focus on our remote learning. We can’t lose our remote learning momentum. It’s going well, but it does have problems. We are working through those. We must maintain our focus on keeping the learning going and keeping those relationships strong.”
For the next wave, WSD will possible add another 200 students that would most benefit from onsite instruction.
“We are taking a thoughtful and measured approach,” Templeton said. “I don’t have teachers telling me they don’t want to be in the classroom, but several have asked us to have a choice of being in the classroom or to teach strictly remotely. Some are choosing to be onsite and some are choosing to be at home.”
There is a process for a staff member who requires an accommodation, and WSD is able to offer that to them. These accommodations may be for them to have a completely virtual classroom, based on parent and student requests.
Dr. Mary Templeton, Superintendent of Washougal Schools.
There might be teachers who may need to take a leave of absence.
“I think teachers miss students and they want to be in the classroom, and we’re making sure it’s a safe opening,” Templeton said. “What are things we need to shore up? We’ve been having this conversation for several months. Each building has a designated COVID safety coordinator.”
Templeton is in her third year as WSD Superintendent, entering the job at the height of the 2018 teacher’s strike. And, now these past six months she’s dealing with the pandemic.
“It’s all hands on deck, we have a good time,” she said. “We have accomplished much. We have successfully marketed the district with Washougal Rising. There’s a high self-esteem. We are now a destination district. It’s an indicator things are working. We’ve had three state recognized schools. Equity is very important to us. We have many students of color participating in accelerated programs. It’s unprecedented excellence. We are aggressively optimistic. If you can’t maintain your optimism it’s hard to move forward. We are all impacted by what is happening. We must have grace and patience with each other. I live here and those are the things we must maintain.”
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/29173350/B39E0609-0018-416C-9E6D-0B0F8D5AF87A.jpeg7241280Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-09-29 17:50:132020-09-29 17:51:24Washougal School District Welcomes First 200 Students Into Classrooms
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