BSD Family Updates
Thursday, April 1, 2021
Greetings, Bremerton School District Families:
It has been an exciting week in the District with sixth grade and freshman orientations at Mountain View Middle School (MVMS) and Bremerton High School (BHS). We are excited to welcome our MVMS and BHS hybrid learning students back to the classroom today and Friday, and our Renaissance High School hybrid learning students back on April 12!
Updated school guidance on physical distancing
Last week Governor Inslee announced that our state’s school guidelines will align with the new CDC social distancing guidelines for schools that reduce the social distancing requirement from six to three feet in some--but not all--school settings.
Six-feet of distancing is still required in middle and high school settings if the community is experiencing a high COVID transmission rate.* In addition, six feet of social distancing is required at all grade levels:
While students are eating and drinking or participating in activities with increased exhalation (singing, band practice, or physical education).
In common areas such as auditoriums and the Commons.
Between staff in the buildings and between staff and students.
With just 2.5 months of the school year remaining, we have made the decision to continue with our current AA/BB hybrid learning model, with hybrid learning students attending classes in-person two days per week.
We need time to plan for how we can meet the 6-foot social distancing requirements with all students in the building (For example, with limited lunch room and classroom space, how do we provide space for students to eat lunch while remaining six-feet apart). Additionally, changing models now would have significant impacts to students’ schedules and potentially separate students from their current teachers.
*CDC defines high community transmission as COVID-19 case rate of greater than 200 cases per 100,000 population over 14 days or test positivity is greater than 10%. Community case rates and test positivity are available by county on the Governor’s Risk Assessment Dashboard and DOH Data Dashboard
Planning for fall 2021
We are planning for Fall 2021 using the updated guidelines. However, it is important to note that the guidelines may change again before fall, and things definitely won’t be “back to normal.”
COVID-19 mitigation strategies will continue during the 2021-22 school year, which we anticipate will include mask-wearing, daily attestation practices and increased ventilation, cleaning and hand hygiene. We will also have plans in place to quickly pivot from in-person to Connected Learning (online) if necessary.
We will continue to communicate with families as our plans for fall 2021 progress and we want to thank you for your continued patience and support!
Important update on quarantine after travel
This week, the governor announced an update on quarantine requirements after international travel. Per requirements from the CDC, any staff member or student will be required to quarantine after traveling internationally and returning to Washington and for anyone who is traveling to any of the locations identified with COVID-19 Variants of Concern.” (Note: International travel includes travel to US territories and British Columbia, Canada.)
Before returning to school, students who have traveled internationally must, per the CDC:
Get tested (with a viral test) 3-5 days after travel AND stay home and self-quarantine for 7 days after travel.
Even if the test is negative, stay home and self-quarantine for the full 7 days.
If your student has international travel plans during spring break, please view the updated guidance on the CDC website, contact your student’s principal to make arrangements for your student to continue with Connected Learning (100% online) upon their return.
The governor is recommending quarantine for domestic travel outside of Washington. BSD is not enforcing that recommendation.
It is not too late to take our Spring 2021 Family-School Relationship Survey
Direct Family-School Relationship Survey links
West Sound Technical Skills Center to hold practice SWAT exercise Friday, April 2
School meals reminders
Click any graphic below to access information!
Haga clic aquí para obtener información en español.
Photo: Sixth Grade students gather in the gym at Mountain View Middle School during 6th grade orientation on March 30.
Bremerton School District
Email: communications@bremertonschools.org
Website: www.BremertonSchools.org
Location: 134 Marion Avenue North, Bremerton, WA, USA
Phone: 360-473-1000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BremertonSchools