Camas School District Superintendent, Dr. Jeff Snell, sent out an update today regarding the following issues as the district deals with life during the COVID-19 outbreak:
Meals
Childcare
Graduation Requirements
Learning
Stories from Camas
Meals for children
We are providing free breakfast and lunch grab-and-go meals for all children, even if they are not yet school age, in our community. Here are the locations:
From 9-11 AM (it was 9-10 AM, but we’ve expanded it) at Liberty and Skyridge middle schools;
At our AM elementary school bus stops; and
Starting tomorrow morning, buses will be parked at Dorothy Fox, Prune Hill, Grass Valley, and Woodburn from 7:45 – 8:30 AM in order to provide service to students who live in walk zones and don’t have a bus stop.
Providing childcare, especially for families of healthcare workers or first responders
We are working to accommodate requests for emergency childcare in the questionnaire that went out Friday. We are also trying to plan for additional requests as healthcare workers and first responders continue their vital services in our community.
Graduation requirements
High school students, especially seniors, have the additional pressure of meeting graduation requirements and other related activities. OSPI and the State Board of Education are working to provide statewide guidance. We’ll share information as soon as we receive it. We want to make sure we support high school students with their concerns throughout the closure and will be sending a message to them directly later this evening. High School Student Message, 3/17: (http://bit.ly/2UcEQRm)
During these weeks prior to spring break, teachers will be communicating with students/families with the goal of assessing student access and needs. That information will be helpful in our planning for learning after spring break. Teachers may also be continuing any learning that was going on prior to the closure when appropriate.
Our Story
We are launching a site that I hope can become a place to connect called Stories from Camas (http://bit.ly/39XdAx2). Stories can create opportunities for us to come together. They allow us to share experiences, discover common ground, be curious and interested in learning more about each other. We are in the midst of a very unusual time where we don’t get to interact with each other in the typical ways. Perhaps coming together around stories can help us all. During our school closure, this will be a hub for our collective stories. Check it out and send me any ideas at [email protected].
Camas Mayor Pro Tem (and City Councilperson) Greg Anderson answers several questions regarding the city’s mitigation plans as the COVID-19 outbreak expands. Anderson and city department heads are running the city in Mayor Barry McDonnell’s absence while he is on vacation (and likely quarantined) in Spain.
What is going on with the Camas mitigation plan as the city prepare for the COVID-19? What needs to be finished at Monday’s council meeting?
It’s in place, but there is still work to do. At Monday’s workshop we will have a discussion about council meetings and workshops. There’s a provision in the code that we can have virtual council meetings. We can cancel some and still have some. There are many options. We can consider minimizing public attendance and implement social distancing. The Multnomah County Library is closing all facilities. Camas has not closed our library and we are needing to work our way through this. We will also discuss our upcoming town halls. The mayor has asked that we do this, but we are considering postponing them. One is scheduled for later this month. They are usually smaller affairs with 20-30 people. Those are the big ones we’re sorting through. Certain services are being changed.
We are trying to improve our ability to communicate.
How long did it take to draft the Camas coronavirus response that was unveiled Friday?
It took two meetings with department heads and myself, and we put out our ideas and framed them, then we summarized them over two days. People need to be smart and use common sense. We didn’t want to cancel First Friday and the Easter Egg Hunt, but we thought it was necessary. It’s hard to find a balance. We’re trying to do the right thing. We all have different points of view.
Mayor Pro Tem Greg Anderson.
Based on what we know now, we will continue looking for new data — good and bad. Nothing is locked in stone other than those things we already set. We are very sensitive to the fact that businesses require people.
With Mayor McDonnell gone, who is running the city?
I am, along with senior staff. There are several department heads. Public Works, Parks and Recreation, Community Development, Finance, Police, Fire & EMS, HR and Admin, and Information Technology. We still don’t have a city administrator, but we do have an acting City Administrator. Her name is Jennifer Gorsuch.
How long has Mayor McDonnell been on vacation? Lacamas Magazine reached out to him on Monday, March 9 and we haven’t gotten an email reply from him.
He got on a plane March 6 and left the country March 7 (on a planned trip to Spain) and planned to be back in the United States on March 23. He may come back early, but he hasn’t given me any solid dates.
He is likely to be put in self-quarantine when he returns home. Everybody flying into the US is subject to medical screening and potential quarantine, regardless of citizenship, so he could be quarantined in Spain. I spoke to Mayor McDonnell yesterday (Friday, March 13) on the phone and he didn’t provide a return date. He could be quarantined in the US, as well at the port of entry city. There’s a high likelihood he will be quarantined, we just don’t know where.
Editor’s Note: While this story was being written, Spain went on a nationwide lockdown.
Is it prudent for a new mayor to leave on an extended vacation so early in his term, especially given he had no prior public service experience? Especially knowing that coronavirus at that time was already a growing problem.
He had this trip planned prior to him running for office. It’s a family reunion and vacation and it’s been in the works for a while. It’s not usual for a mayor to come in and take time off so quickly. He still cares. He’s not running away. It was one of those moments where he couldn’t do this without disappointing a lot of people, a lot of family members.
We have good staff. They are very experienced and very well rounded. They all have a long time being part of this community so they are relatively experienced and seasoned. So, they work well together as a team, which makes my job easier as Mayor Pro Tem. I am able to rely on them and have them provide me recommendations.
It’s a growing point for any mayor to respond to media and I’m sorry he didn’t respond to media requests. He has been emailing staff and checking in with staff while he’s been in Spain. It’s an awkward question for me to answer. I think he’s made a mistake but it’s one he can correct going forward. He should have left a forwarding email and not left you hanging, to direct you to staff to answer specific questions in his absence. That’s unfortunate. It’s a rookie mistake.
What does Mayor Pro Tem mean? What is the function of this position?
In the absence of the mayor or when he goes out of the country, which makes him unable to sign documents, I become the acting mayor on his behalf and that gives me in general terms the same power the mayor has. I can’t launch big projects, but I can sign documents on his behalf. I can hire people if there was an active process in place. I retain my full role as a council member, as well. I can still make motions and vote on motions. I run city council meetings. If something happens to Mayor Pro Tem the next most senior council member assumes the Mayor Pro Tem role, based on state law. The council also decided who that would be. For 2020, we appointed an alternate Mayor Pro Tem (Don Chaney).
I’m glad we did that in hindsight.
With the news Friday, there’s a lot to process right now. With the shooting, until the investigation is completed, no more news is coming out.
If Camas has an outbreak of COVID-19, will you have to declare a state of emergency?
RCW 38.52.070 (state law) is about declaring an emergency and allows us to bypass established regulations and processes and laws temporarily. We are likely not to do this. Governor Inslee’s declaration allowed the cities to piggy back on that.
In my role as Pro Tem to declare an emergency I need council to confirm it. Not sure if there are state mandated provisions to help out businesses, but I know President Trump’s declaration does help small businesses.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/07074031/FDDA688B-6016-42D1-87CB-8F6EBD7E5713.jpeg7531467Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-03-14 14:31:122020-03-14 14:54:40Camas Mayor Pro Tem, Dept. Heads Running City While Mayor Remains in Spain
As part of the statewide and regional efforts to address COVID-19, the City of Camas is enacting the following temporary operational changes to minimize transmission:
All Camas Public Library programs are cancelled through March 31 and select programs through April.
All City of Camas Parks and Recreation INDOOR programs are cancelled through the month of April.
The Annual Crown Park Easter Egg Hunt scheduled for April 12 is cancelled.
Effective immediately, no new meeting room reservations are being accepted through April for any City facility (Police Community Room, Fire Station 42 Community Room, Library Meeting Rooms, Community Center, Lacamas Lake Lodge, Scout Hall).
Those with scheduled reservations to use a City facility are strongly encouraged to reschedule their events for a later date. Reservation fees and payments will be refunded, if applicable.
For the remainder of March, all City board and commission meetings are cancelled.
City Council workshops and meetings will continue.
Mayor Pro Tem Greg Anderson is working with City Council and department leaders to establish a mitigation plan as they deal with this crisis, said Councilperson Ellen Burton. Anderson is running the city while Camas Mayor Barry McDonnell is on vacation in Spain.
The City will continue to monitor newly released information to determine closures and cancellations going forward. The public is encouraged to access City services online at www.cityofcamas.us, by phone at 360-834-6864, or through the CamasConnect app rather than in person.
Here are other ways the City is responding to the virus:
Following regional and state efforts to combat the virus.
Implementing enhanced cleaning and sanitation protocols at all City facilities.
Providing up-to-date information and messaging.
Enacting additional personal protective equipment protocols for first responders.
Engaging in ongoing communication with staff on the issue.
Following the recommendation of the Department of Health and the Governor’s Office, all Camas residents are encouraged to practice social distancing and limiting interactions in group settings.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/07074034/585CF357-2F01-4BC1-A609-AA6B674D9542.jpeg307800Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-03-13 16:10:332020-03-13 16:25:40City of Camas Alters, Cancels Many Programs In Response to COVID-19
This is the statement today from Camas School District Superintendent, Dr. Jeff Snell:
Dear Camas Community,
Thank you all for your continued patience regarding this evolving situation. We will be closing schools startingMonday, March 16, through Friday, April 24. All after school activities, athletics, and facility use are postponed effective today, March 13, at 3:45 PM. We understand the challenge this presents to our community and the reality of the pandemic we face.
Although we recognize we cannot replicate the school setting or services we normally provide, we will be providing ways to keep students engaged in learning during the closure. Through every challenge, there are opportunities to learn and we want to take advantage of the opportunity.
Students in grades 6 – 12 have Chromebooks checked out to them. Our elementary schools use class sets of Chromebooks. Because of the closure announcement, we distributed the class sets of Chromebooks to students in grades 3 – 5 today for access. It will take us a few days to solidify learning engagement plans for all K12 students. Details will be shared through updates and on our website. We will be receiving guidance from state leaders about all of the detailed questions that may come to mind. As we receive that guidance, we will share it with you.
On Monday, we will begin to provide food services for families for students who need it at Liberty Middle School and Skyridge Middle school. The food will be available for pick up from 9 – 10 AM. To help us better prepare, please let us know if you need breakfast and/or lunch for your students using this form.
The Governor has asked school districts to provide emergency childcare services for our community. We are working to ensure the services meet COVID-19 guidelines. Information about emergency childcare is posted here.
We will be utilizing our website to keep you informed. Updates will be regularly posted athttp://www.camas.wednet.edu/about-csd/news/covid-19/ and shared via email. This is a challenging time for everyone. We care about our community and will be a hub for services in the coming weeks. If you have a specific need and are unsure where to go or who to ask, please utilize this link to reach out. We will do our best to support you and/or connect you to other service providers.
I am proud to be the superintendent of this wonderful learning community. There will be many opportunities in the near future to come together and support each other. Let’s take advantage of those opportunities!
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/07074036/FB68198F-4F43-47D4-A917-778D1025B56A-e1584135669374.jpeg421803Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-03-13 14:50:572020-03-13 14:51:08Following Governor Inslee’s Mandate, Camas School District Shuts Down
Washougal WA — Washougal School District, along with other Clark County school districts, are closing all schools Monday, March 16 through April 24, to help our state and nation combat the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
“We take any decision to close schools very seriously, recognizing that closures can pose difficulties for families, disrupt children’s education and create hardships in our community. However, these measures will reduce exposure to COVID-19 by limiting the number of people gathering in our buildings,” said Dr. Mary Templeton, WSD Superintendent, in a letter to parents.
The letter shared the following information:
Effective immediately and throughout the closure, athletics and afternoon/evening school activities will be canceled.
For those with a need, WSD will provide food to distribution centers. The district will inform families on Monday about the locations and distribution times.
Nine of the ten missed school days will be made up using the planned snow day and additional days at the end of the school year. The make-up days will be:
The district will apply with the state to waive additional days.
Updates to families will be sent via the following channels: E-mail, phone calls, WSD website updates and social media.
“We appreciate the understanding and patience from families as we address this unprecedented situation,” Templeton said. “We are committed to the safety and well-being of our students, their families, our staff members, volunteers and community. Please continue to take care of yourselves and one another. We are a resilient community, and I know that we will get through this challenging time together.”
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/07074039/FD4176F2-CF1C-4749-9240-50CBA2982512.jpeg8321200Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-03-13 13:52:222020-03-13 13:52:30Washougal School District Shuts Down From March 16 Through April 24
Juxtaposition, a new home furnishings store in downtown Camas, is having their Open House & Ribbon Cutting Celebration today from 5-6 pm. The public is invited to attend.
The ribbon cutting, officiated by the Downtown Camas Association, the Camas-Washougal Chamber of Commerce, and the City of Camas, begins promptly at 5:30. The address is 425 NE 4th Avenue, Camas, in the former Post-Record building.
“We are so excited to officially open the store,” said Suzanne Ferguson, owner. “There’s a lot to see here with so many beautiful things. Juxtaposition is about transitional to modern home furnishings, and we already feel so welcome here in historic downtown Camas.”
“We understand some may desire to stay home due to the coronavirus, and we totally respect that. We look forward to seeing you when this all passes.”
The evening will include live music from the Opus School of Music with food being catered by Natalia’s, with wine from the Birch Street Lounge, beer from Caps and Taps, live art by Elida Field, and flowers from Acorn and the Oak. Juxtaposition will also be giving away small prizes throughout the evening.
To learn more, visit www.artfuljuxtaposition.com or follow their Facebook (@juxtaspositioncamas) and Instagram (@juxtapositioncamas)
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/07074041/DF287B6B-5FDF-440F-8B3C-9A38D359278B.jpeg8501280Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-03-13 13:08:442020-03-13 13:09:02Juxtaposition Open House + Ribbon Cutting Event Starts at 5 Today
According to local authorities, on March 12, 2020 at approximately 9:16 pm, members of the Camas Police Department and Washougal Police Department responded to a disturbance call involving a weapon in the area of NE 2nd Avenue and Joy Street in Camas (near Louis Bloch Park).
Upon arrival, officers made verbal contact with an male adult. The subject was initially non-compliant and was observed to have a handgun. During the incident, a Camas Police officer fired his weapon at the suspect. Medical attention was given a the scene and the suspect was transported to PeaceHealth Southwest, where he was pronounced dead.
The investigation is being conducted by members of the Regional Major Crimes Team. No further information will be released at this time.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/07074042/25297C63-7BEA-4B0E-9D29-3F33CE5203C5.jpeg421600Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-03-13 04:46:042020-03-13 05:03:10Camas Crime Scene: Man Dead Following Disturbance Call Response
Camas School District Superintendent, Dr. Jeff Snell, said there are no new reported COVID-19 cases in Clark County and that the district’s absentee rate is 1% higher than a year ago. He made the following statement today:
Dear Camas Community,
Thank you for your patience over the past few weeks. Things continue to rapidly evolve as we receive new information and direction from state leaders. Today, Governor Inslee issued another proclamation closing schools in King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties effective March 17 through April 24. The criteria shared for the Governor’s decision was the amount of community transmission of the virus. Clark County has not met that threshold with one confirmed case (Clark County Public Health). I understand that there are a lot of different perspectives about closing or not closing schools and appreciate the responsibility.
As a region, we are meeting frequently to review any new information and discuss ways to best support our community. As of this evening, we are suspending any school-related travel beyond Clark County. We are also postponing public events in our schools that could exceed more than 250 people. This will include concerts, informational nights, etc. (Canceled/postponed events). The CEF gala scheduled for this Saturday has also been postponed.
In the event that schools are closed, we want to assure you that we are committed to still providing services such as food for students in need, emergency child care and learning opportunities in some form. We will not be able to replicate our current programming with teachers and students in schools. Our support staff members are prioritizing their time and energy in contingency plans.
We understand there are multitudes of questions that are out there. Know that we are paying attention to each one and doing our best to address them. We will continue to provide regular updates to you.
Camas School District Superintendent Dr. Jeff Snell provided an update today about the the school district’s coronavirus plan. This is his statement, with some information from Friday, as well:
While there are no cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) associated with any Camas School District schools, the Clark County Health Department announced the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Clark County over the weekend. The confirmed coronavirus case is a male in his 70s. He has been in isolation, pending test results, and remains in isolation. The health department will release additional information as it becomes available.
The health department is not recommending any changes to the steps we are already taking to prevent the spread of illness. We are closely monitoring the evolving situation and in regular communication with state and local health department officials and with other districts in the region. We will rely on public health guidance/recommendations to make the best decisions for the health of students and families.
Steps the district is taking to keep students and staff healthy and safe:
We are evaluating student and staff participation in events that require travel outside of the district on a daily and case by case basis. In general, the district follows the lead of the host organization, and any additional guidance from public health officials regarding the cancelation of events. Parents and guardians always make the final decision on whether their students will attend events outside of our district.
We are reviewing planned district events through the end of spring break. We have a lot of events each day in the district. Some of those events are very difficult to reschedule, other events can be moved. The district and individual schools will be providing updates on an ongoing basis, so please watch for changes. Our goal is to reduce opportunities for exposure while continuing to provide events for students. It’s a difficult balance. Currently, the recommendation from public health is not to cancel events. Postponing events when possible seems to be a prudent path forward.
We are creating contingency plans should the situation in Southwest Washington and in our district dramatically change. We will, of course, keep you informed about any developments. If the COVID-19 illness spreads more broadly, we will follow the guidance and recommendations of public health officials and share this information with staff and families as quickly as possible.
Determining these plans has not been easy. Our goal is to minimize exposure while still providing education for our students. There are no easy solutions, and the plans we make are fluid as information changes. I will frame our plans in a series of questions and answers.
What happens if one of our schools has a known exposure to the virus? Most likely the school would be closed for a minimum of two days while we do a deep cleaning and follow any additional guidance from health officials.
What about extra-curricular activities? We will continue student activities such as clubs and athletics as long as school is still in session. Activities that take place away from schools will be assessed. Individual student participation is a decision made by families.
What about events/competitions put on by other organizations? We will continue to follow the lead of the organization and any direction from health officials. Individual student participation is a decision made by families.
What about community events we host such as school carnivals or movie nights? Events that bring the community, students, and staff together and are not time-bound will be postponed, possibly until after spring break, when we will reassess the unfolding situation. We realize that this can be challenging; however, limiting exposure when we can is important. Specific information about events will be coming out from both school and district levels.
As we watch the world around us, it seems inevitable that the coronavirus will continue to impact our operations. There are opportunities for us all in these moments to demonstrate the care and compassion that make our community such a wonderful place to live. We will continue to update you as situations change.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/07074046/B4A1F284-E937-4001-AAD1-D5B19FE5A7FC.jpeg9001600Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-03-09 16:42:522020-03-09 16:42:58Camas School District Superintendent Lays Out Coronavirus Plan
Camas resident Heather DeVore loves to work hard, but she’d rather work outside — rain or shine — than sit at a cubicle or desk all day long. So, after a career commuting to Portland, DeVore has traded in the laptop for a dog leash, and she’s not looking back.
“Once the company I worked for closed down, I realized I should be taking care of pets all the time,” DeVore said. “So, I took an online first aid CPR course for cats and dogs. It’s been great! I now have several clients.”
Why pets?
“I love animals, especially dogs,” she said. “I rescued an older German Shepherd from the Humane Society. My son suggested we should adopt older dogs to give them a good ending. We had him four years, and he was just 10 when he passed away. He was a big dog! His name was Max. We called him Maximus Prime. His last days were great. We went to the park, he had steak and ice cream from Top Burger, played with all his best friends. He was so happy. I feel like he knew the end was there.”
Her service, which is called Heather’s Hounds Dog Walking & Pet Care, is about giving care to pets during the day while they’re cooped up in crates or kennels. DeVore said she feel so much better working outside.
“People have to work, and they don’t like leaving their dogs alone without exercise during the day, so that’s where I come in,” said DeVore. “We’re just having the best time. With most clients, I go over to their homes, let them out, and play with them in the backyard everyday. Some clients I take their dogs out on walks. It’s good for them.”
She also enjoys the different personalities. At one client’s house, Cash, a German Shepherd pup doesn’t want his sister, Adrienne, to have any attention.
Heather walking dogs as it begins to rain. She walks them rain or shine.
“Adrienne just stares at you. We’re working on being calm when he goes into the crate, and calm when I put him in. Each dog has their own personality. I have one dog at home, Miss Myla, who is a German Shepherd. I’ve also had another pup stay at my house for the weekend.”
DeVore usually starts her morning with her own dog, and then at 11 she tends to clients. There seems to be a growing demand.
She’s also an avid wood worker.
“I build shelves, shiplaps, tub trays, and lots of cool things. I just looked stuff up and decided to start making things.”
More on that next time.
Contact Information
Facebook: Heather’s Hounds Dog Walking and Pet Care
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/07074104/6E3DCF6D-01E6-4AC0-B409-23B8BFA1F86B.jpeg6541280Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-02-29 16:53:322020-02-29 16:53:42DeVore Sees Growing Demand For Dog Walking, Pet Care Services
;
