Webb outlines steps being taken by public school to keep moving forward

— from Eric Webb for Orcas Island School District —

Dear Students, Parents, Staff, & Community,

Over the past week, Orcas Island School District has been working diligently to move all operations to remote status. Going forward, we will have a limited presence on campus as we continue to (1) clean, maintain, and fog our buildings and (2) prepare meals for students.

Although we will have a limited presence on campus, please know that we are still here for our students, families, and community.

Employees
During this time of economic uncertainty, OISD has been working in close partnership with its employees and employee unions. A Memorandum of Understanding with OISD Classified Staff has been reached, and we anticipate having an agreement with OISD Certificated Staff in the next few days. The MOUs will create a basic understanding of procedures going forward and throughout the remainder of the year.

I am very pleased to add that all OISD employees will continue to receive full pay and benefits without disruption as they continue to work via remote/closure status throughout the remainder of the school year, thus relieving any concerns they may have had and allowing them to continue to provide instruction to our students.

Student Social & Emotional
We at OISD continue to value the social and emotional well-being of our students just as we do academics. The district’s social and emotional support team is comprised of counselors, social workers, and safe advocates as well as a partnership with Compass Health counselors and Wise Wrap Services, all of whom will be available to our students throughout this time. Programs and activities are in the works for all OISD students to participate in via Google Meet to promote social and emotional health. Stay tuned……..

School’s Not Out…..It Just Looks Different
Teachers and paraeducators will continue to provide academic resources, lessons, and support to students and families during regular school hours via email, Google Classroom, and Google Meet. The Technology Department (Paul and Chris) have been checking out devices such as Chromebooks to students and training staff on these new platforms. As per guidelines identified by the State Superintendent of Instruction, we will not provide grades for participation. Participation in academic opportunities is paramount during this time however, as we prepare our students for their return to campus on April 27. OSPI is just starting to issue guidance regarding state testing (suspended for this year), services for students with special needs, and graduating seniors.

Grab & Go Meals
Grab & Go Meals continue to be a success with greater than 150 meals distributed on Friday and for the weekend, lovingly prepared by Madden, Zach, and Bing. Please spread the word that this program is intended for all children on the island, not exclusively for OISD students. We continue to be prepared to deliver meals to other locations around the island for pick-up. Please use this new meal order link.

The District is currently engaging in conversations with other community agencies about delivery of supplies and food items to families and community members throughout the island.

Take care of each other and be well.