OISD spells out continuous learning status

— from Eric Webb, Orcas Schools Superintendent —

Dear Students, Parents, Staff, & Community,

On April 6, Governor Inslee extended his initial proclamation by declaring that all school buildings are to remain closed throughout the remainder of the 2019–20 school year. He also made it clear that learning is not to cease simply because campuses are closed.  

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Reykdal echoed the sentiments of Governor Inslee and shared how his office has worked over the past three weeks to establish strategies and plans to ensure all students in our state have access to high-quality, continuous learning throughout this school closure. “This is not to say that moving traditional, in-person instruction to an online model is what is best for every student or every district. However, this is an unprecedented time. This won’t be perfect. But we are a state full of dedicated, talented professionals who will continue running through walls to serve our students.”

This morning, the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction provided school districts with a detailed, 79-page framework for providing educational services during these unprecedented times, including tools and resources for overcoming inequities in access. I am pleased and proud to say that Orcas Island School District is already doing many of the items outlined in the framework and, in many ways, going above and beyond what is expected. This is achieved by faculty and staff who are dedicated beyond words, flexible in thoughts and actions, and willing to embrace the fear of change to best serve our students and families.

This doesn’t mean that as a district we are complacent with the learning that we are currently providing, however. It simply reaffirms that we are on the correct path and will continue to move forward putting the health and basic needs of our students first while providing social and emotional support and offering our students and families new and flexible learning opportunities over the next months.

In the next few days, increased guidance will be issued from state agencies, Educational Service Districts, and state organizations at which time the OISD Administrative Team and I will plan our next steps for Continuous Learning for the students of OISD. 

Take care of one another and be well.