May 8, 2020
Greetings to ALL the White Pass School District Teachers, Support Staff, Meal Crew Delivery Teams, Parents/Guardians and Students
Today our school buildings have been closed for 58 days - imposed by the governor and OSPI in response to the COVID-19 pandemic for the safety and health of our communities. Distance and continuous learning have commenced in a number of models and our students are progressing forward, anticipating the end of this school year and looking forward to the beginning of our next school year come fall.
In this unprecedented and ever evolving time we have all been stretched, asked to do things outside our comfort zone and definitely out of normal with one goal in mind…. the teaching and learning of our White Pass Students. My hat goes off in appreciation to each of you who have supported your student/s through school building closures.
THESE THINGS WE KNOW
School buildings are closed but school continues in session.
Teachers have shown incredible effort and creativity in providing remote learning services.
Elementary grades remotely connect with teachers Monday and Wednesday. Jr/Sr High classes remotely connect with teachers Tuesday and Thursday. Gear Up tutoring for Jr/Sr High students is available remotely by appointment.
Support Staff are appreciated with their “can do” attitudes.
These wonderful helpers prepare work papers, support teacher preparations and fill-in in a variety of capacities.
Meal Crew efficiently works daily to prepare a variety of nutritious meals for students.
More than 14,000 excellent Grab’n Go breakfast and lunches for students under 18 have been provided.
Delivery Teams
Tuesday and Friday Routes for meal pick up are established in Glenoma, Randle, Cascade Peaks RV, Packwood and HV Packwood. Teams safely greet students and distribute student meal bags.
Parents/Guardians have partnered with teachers and students in new and amazing ways.
We recognize that student learning and engagement is happening with great effort and support from our families. This partnership is marvelous!
Students are engaging and learning in their various remote learning environments with teachers.
Our students are navigating this distance learning environment with great strides. They log on, complete paper packets, zoom, google classroom, write notes, do homework. Our students continue to learn and are moving forward to their next grade come fall in the new school year.
Graduation will happen-the actual graduation date will be determined within several weeks.
Seniors are the fruit of years of teaching and learning in our schools and their futures are important to us as well as their graduation experience. Virtual senior class meeting sessions are occurring delivering information to seniors and families. Teachers and counselors are working to support each student individually toward a successful 2020 graduation.
Last day of school has been extended by OSPI and will be Friday, June 19, 2020.
This additional week of learning will provide additional teaching and learning to our students.
Most importantly I want to thank Our Students - the ones most impacted by COVID school building closures. Students, you have accepted this different learning environment and are navigating your continuous learning with your teachers and amazing support from your home and family unit. I encourage you to continue your efforts to learn.
Together we will make a difference for our students each and all. Thank you!
Dr. Paul Farris, White Pass School District Superintendent