EPSD9 Community Newsletter
News & Updates that impact our community, January 2022
1/13/22
Dear Eagle Point School District 9 staff, students, and families,
Thank you for your support during these challenging times. Our priority is to keep our schools open to maintain in-person learning as long as we have the staff available to do so safely.
The rapid rise in COVID-19 cases driven by the Omicron variant has contributed to a dramatic increase in absences for students and staff across our district. Today we had 16% of our staff and 12% of our students absent.
We are reviewing our status daily to determine our ability to keep individual schools open for our students. Key data points are :
staff testing positive
students testing positive
staff in isolation/quarantine
students in isolation/quarantine
transportation staffing vacancies
teacher vacancies in any given building
staffing vacancies that are not covered by a substitute
EPSD9's primary focus is to keep our schools open for in-person learning. We consider all of the above data daily to determine whether we can safely and effectively keep schools open. In the event that a school moves to an alternative such as a pause in instruction, hybrid learning or distance learning, we want to be transparent on how the decision was made.
Immediate Changes
In an effort to mitigate the additional spread and maintain in-person learning, we will be making the following changes across our district:
We are pausing all staff training and conferences that require a substitute to ensure adequate staffing at each of our schools.This pause does not apply to athletics.
We are limiting in-person meetings. Meetings will be held virtually whenever possible.
Updated EPSD9 COVID-19 Management Procedures
Protocol for Transition to a Pause in Instruction, Hybrid Learning or Distance Learning
In the event that your school community has to transition to a pause in instruction, hybrid learning or distance learning, families will be contacted via robocall just as we do for a snow day. Postings will also be made on our website and social media. Teachers will continue to update their materials and assignments in Canvas so all students can access learning.
You can be prepared by helping your student remember to take their iPads home daily. Please help them with ensuring that the device is charged and ready for use.
Again, keeping our schools open is our priority. We are aware of the significant impact that comes with school closures and we want to keep as many of our students in school as possible. When we cannot provide sufficient staffing to continue in-person learning in a safe environment, we will implement a pause in instruction, hybrid learning or distance learning until we are able.
Keeping our schools open for learning requires teamwork. We appreciate the valuable role each of you takes to ensure you are doing all that you can at home and at school.
Respectfully,
Andy Kovach
How does online learning work?
Each course is led by an URCEO teacher who guides students through the curriculum. URCEO courses provide a highly-personalized learning path that aims at empowering students to manage their time. URCEO provides the structure needed to keep our students motivated and on-track to complete the coursework.
140 E. Main Street, Eagle Point, OR 97524
School Office Hours: 7:45am - 3:45am
Office Phone (541) 830-6660
urceo.eaglepnt.k12.or.us
Eagle Point High School Boys' Basketball Off to a Great Start!
The Eagle Point High School Boys' Varsity Basketball team has started the season with a 9-1 record. The basketball team is currently 3-0 in the conference.
In previous years, the team's reputation was known as an easy win and they often struggled to have a competitive season. Alex, a senior player interviewed for this article, said the team has come a long way since then. Alex has played for the EPSD9 basketball team since 7th grade.
Adan, a junior player, believes the team commitment is higher than what has been present in the past. "We play well as a team and keep each other motivated," Adan added.
One of the tools the team uses to stay focused and motivated is a goal board. The team's season goals are posted in the locker room for all the players to see. The team reflects on these goals before and after games. 40 below is a defensive goal the team strives for each game. The focus of the goal is to keep their opponent below 40 points. When the team achieves their goal, they print out the opponent's logo and post it next to the 40 below goal.
Alex and Adan said the team has some tough games coming up on their schedule. The winning start to the season is helping the team persevere to overcome challenges. The support from the community and fellow students is encouraging and the varsity basketball team is looking forward to finishing the season strong.
Matt Stone - Director
Josh Graves - Director
Chery Stritenberg - Director
Parent Volunteers
In the upcoming weeks, parent volunteers will be present in EPSD9 schools. Volunteers are required to complete a background application. Once approved by the Human Resources Department volunteers will follow specific rules and regulations related to policies and COVID-19 safety measures.
What is a school volunteer?
A school volunteer is a person who contributes his or her services in an educational program without monetary compensation. School volunteers serve at the request of and under the supervision of school staff members.
Here is the district volunteer information sheet.
If you know someone who would like to become a volunteer, they can apply online by clicking here.
Every Student, Every Class, Every Day!
Email: macinnisd@eaglepnt.k12.or.us
Website: eaglepnt.k12.or.us
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EPSD9