Dear Parents and Guardians,
This message is to share the disappointing news that we will not be able to return to in-person learning on the timeline we had planned. We have been preparing for the safe re-opening of all students grades 4-12. We know that in-person learning is ideal, but we do not meet the metrics required to return on November 2, 2020. The next planned date to return to in-person school for our high school and middle school will be February 1, 2021 and for grade four is January 4, 2021 for hybrid in-person learning.
In order to return to in-person learning, we are required by the Oregon Department of Education, ODE and the Oregon Health Authority, OHA to meet the county metrics for three consecutive weeks PRIOR to opening for in-person learning.
- The number of cases of COVID-19 and the percentage of test positivity in Linn County is the highest ever since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and above the state-mandated metrics to return to in-person learning.
- These metrics have been increasing for the last four weeks and we will continue to monitor the weekly rates.
We are communicating this information and the February 1, 2021 date now to provide families with accurate information and to support a consistent routine for student health, wellness, and educational success. While our hope is that there will be advancements in fighting the pandemic, we also need to anticipate the virus will be with us for quite some time. Families and staff deserve a realistic outlook on where we are with COVID-19 as a community, state, and nation.
Currently, under ODE guidance we meet the exceptions and have kindergarten on a hybrid in-person model and grades 1-3 are in-person full day. In addition, we can bring students in grades 5-12 onto our campuses for limited instruction for two hours each day and in only two different cohorts. Our middle and high school students who are struggling with distance learning may contact the main office of their school and sign up for limited instruction. Our shop students at the high school, EL students, and other students who are struggling are coming in for in-person limited instruction. If you have questions please contact your building principal or you may contact Bryan Starr at 541-995-6626.