Update from the Superintendent
Gladstone District • Growing Great People • 4.15.21
School Update from Superintendent Bob Stewart
We are excited to see our elementary hybrid students back in classrooms, and next week we look forward to welcoming our hybrid students at Kraxberger Middle School and Gladstone High. Seeing classmates come together with their teachers has been a joy, and it has boosted the spirits of both students and staff.
As we continue to navigate change and look ahead to the next school year, I want to update you on some important details.
2021-22 School Year Calendar
As we decided and announced last year, I want to remind you that the next school year will begin before Labor Day. The first day of school will be August 30 for grades K-6 and grade 9. August 31 will be the first day for grades 7-8 and 10-12. I fully anticipate students will return to school buildings full time this fall.
Update on In-person Learning
In-person learning is off to a smooth start for hybrid students in grades K-5, and schools are eagerly preparing to welcome hybrid students in grades 6-12 to classrooms next week. Meanwhile, the district continues to offer two distance learning programs for families who choose that option.
Current enrollment:
Grades K-5 64% Hybrid 36% Distance Learning Only
Grades 6-8. 63% Hybrid 37% Distance Learning Only
Grades 9-12. 62% Hybrid 38% Distance Learning Only
COVID-19 Metrics
Over the past five weeks, Clackamas County has seen steadily rising case numbers of COVID-19. Since March 8, the numbers have shifted from 85 cases per 100,000 population to 171 cases per 100,000 last week. However, we remain on track to launch hybrid learning for grades 6-12 on Monday, April 19. We plan to remain open for on-site learning unless advised otherwise by the Clackamas County Health Department or the state..
2021-22 School Year
Looking ahead to the 2021-22 school year, I expect that we will open schools on a full daily schedule this fall. We do not yet have a decision on whether distance learning will remain an option,but we’ll keep you informed. We will release the full school calendar for 2021-22 later this spring after it is approved by the Board.
Use of State and Federal COVID-19 Funds for Schools
Thanks to Federal ESSER funds and state COVID-19 assistance funds for schools, the Gladstone District has had the resources to prepare for the safe return to in-person learning as well as the unique needs of distance learning.
The majority of these funds were invested in Chromebooks, hot spots, and software for distance learning, as well as HVAC upgrades, air purifiers, hand sanitizer, and masks to enable a safe return to classrooms. This is how the Gladstone District has spent these funds as of March 31, 2021:
State Assessments
This year, SBAC state assessments will be provided to students whose parents request testing. We will share more information about how to sign your student up for testing in the weeks ahead. Those who do not wish their child to participate in testing need not complete any paperwork.
The change in state testing procedures was made to minimize disruptions to in-person learning and because 37% of students prefer to remain off campus this spring. The district will use different assessments this fall to determine student needs.
In-person Learning
With the launch of on-site learning for grades 6-12 next week, we will track participation levels over the next few weeks. An increase in on-site learning time this spring is unlikely due to:
• Transportation space limitations due to COVID-19 protocols.
• Rising COVID-19 metrics.
• Six foot spacing requirement during meals.
• The lack of available job applicants to increase staffing to maintain COVID-19 health protocols while providing three different learning models.
Summer School
The Gladstone District will offer Summer School for students at all levels. This is an opportunity to reinforce and develop the skills students have built during the past year and to prepare for the coming school year. More details about this will be provided in May.
We have a lot to be grateful for this spring: the increasing availability of vaccines, warmer weather that allows some events to move outdoors, and most of all, the return of our students to classrooms! I’m proud to say that our teachers have done an amazing job teaching students the school safety protocols, and our students have done an incredible job keeping everyone safe.
Thank you for all you do to help Gladstone students,
Bob Stewart, Superintendent
Gladstone Schools