School superintendent checks in as end of first quarter rapidly approaching

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

The weeks have passed quickly since the start of school, and it is hard to believe that student conferences and the end of the First Quarter will soon be upon us. With the ongoing support and dedication of our students, parents, and staff, OISD has managed to implement a much improved and refined version of the Distance Learning Model from that of this last spring. It has been wonderful to be part of the process and to witness the “forward thinking” of those involved. This is truly an example of what can be accomplished by a group of dedicated individuals with a clear vision. I have had the pleasure of witnessing our students rise to the occasion; safely participating in academic support on campus, taking part in the creative lessons of the Distance Learning Model, training in athletic pod workouts, and enjoying the educational adventures at Camp Orkila.

As the end of the First Quarter rapidly approaches, the district, as promised, launched and has since reviewed parent surveys on preferred models of instruction going forward, transportation needs, and concerns regarding returning to campus. I continue to participate in weekly conversations with San Juan County Public Health Officer, Dr. Frank James, San Juan County public school superintendents, Education Service District #189 administration and area superintendents, public school superintendents across the state, and the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction as we work together to establish the safest learning environment for Washington students and their families.

You may recall from my last correspondence that, when it is determined safe to do so, we will start bringing our younger students back to campus in an effort to gradually transition students to our In-Person Instructional Model. That said, we will continue to work diligently to provide all of our students with the best education possible under these challenging circumstances as we have demonstrated these last weeks, while bringing K-2 and Montessori Public students back to campus first. I plan to make a recommendation at our school board meeting this Thursday, October 22, that our K-2 and Montessori Public students return to campus on November 2. Ideally, I would like to have grades 3-5 back on campus prior to Winter Break, but we do not plan to bring our middle school and high school students back to campus for some time. Please note that all of these plans would be subject to change in the event of a spike in cases or changes in county or state guidance.

The district has worked to prepare for the day when we can have at least some of our students on campus daily. At the district level, work has taken place to create guidelines for health, safety, meals, and communication, all of which are based on best practices and guidance from many state and federal agencies. At the building level, principals have been working with all staff and OISD departments to plan and organize all of the details necessary to prepare a campus that is safe for learning. One can only imagine the sheer number of items that must be addressed prior to having students return to an in-person model of instruction on campus. These details are being documented in the form of a parent handbook, and will be also be shared via Q&A sessions hosted by building principals.

Through the support of the community, OIEF, and OICF, the district has hired additional staff to facilitate student cohort groups consisting of no greater than 12 students in kindergarten through second grade and Montessori Public. This will allow the district to follow all health and safety guidance and to take full advantage of the low staff-to-student ratio in an effort to mitigate academic loss or regression due to the pandemic.

You may recall, OISD’s In-Person Instructional Model (which for now will only apply to K-2 and Montessori Public students and their families) allows parents to select the best in-person instruction that currently fits their needs. Options will range from attending in-person two, three, four, or five days each week (including Camp Orkila days for grades K-8).

As we move closer to having our students return to an In-Person Instructional Model for learning, rest assured we will move cautiously and thoughtfully with the safety of our students, families, staff, and community as our top priority.