Middle Schoolers are returning to classes at Orcas Island School

||| FROM ERIC WEBB, ORCAS SCHOOLS SUPERINTENDENT |||

Over the past two months, we have welcomed our K-5 students back to campus following health and safety guidance provided by numerous federal and state agencies. Today, we welcomed our 6th grade students to campus for their first in-person day in the middle school. We also provided transportation for the first time since last April. All of our students have been phenomenal in adjusting to the new safety protocols, and you can see that they are quickly settling into a routine. Parents have been just as amazing with their flexibility and patience with health screenings at morning drop-off and longer pick-up lines in the afternoon. You are appreciated!

Now that middle school students are gradually returning to campus via the hybrid model and the health and safety procedures are dialed in, we can turn our attention to the return of our high school students. Initially planned for late March, we feel we are ready to plan for their safe return on Monday, March 15 starting with our 12th graders. Details of the return to campus for middle school and high school students can be reviewed on the Orcas MS HS website.

Throughout the pandemic, the district has become increasingly aware of the social and emotional toll that the isolation and stress have had on our students, families, and staff. The faculty and staff of the district have implemented numerous activities and strategies ranging from Second Step to Mindfulness. While the district has invested in opportunities ranging from Camp Days at Orkila to athletic pod practices to allow our students to be with their peer pods and engage in learning with our staff, these events could not have taken place without the financial support from OIEF, OICF and the greater Orcas Island Community.

Now, let’s address athletics. It is important to note that at no point did the district cancel athletic practices or games scheduled to commence on March 22. With the recent approval of off-island travel and competitions for outdoor sports for the spring season, OISD will start participating in spring athletic competitions on Saturday, March 13 in conjunction with the return of high school students to in-person learning on campus. This approval does not extend to fall or winter sports at this time, as the San Juan County Public Health Officer has made it very clear that he is not inclined to support indoor sports or contact sports until we know more about the impacts of the new variants in the state. More information and guidelines about safely participating in spring athletic competitions will be released later this week.

As a district and a community we have worked hard, relied on one another, and have been there to lend a helping hand when needed. This, we can all be proud of.