Be Positive, Be Grateful, Be Involved, Be Flexible

Schools are starting to wrap up MAP testing to see where our students are in terms of learning loss from our remote learning program in the spring and fall. So far, the data is showing that our learning losses are no greater and sometimes less than in a typical summer learning loss. It is great to see that our learning gaps have not significantly increased during this time.

• Veterans Day is observed annually on November 11. In “normal” years, the law requires that all Washington public schools observe Veterans Day by providing educational activities during the school week preceding the eleventh day of November of each year. The law also dictates that activities be at least sixty minutes total throughout the week and will embrace topics tending to instill loyalty and devotion to the institutions and laws of this state and nation. OSPI will soon be providing guidance and ideas on how schools can observe Veterans Day this year.
  Congress passed a resolution in 1926 for an annual observance, and November 11 became a national holiday beginning in 1938. Unlike Memorial Day, Veterans Day pays tribute to all American veterans—living or dead—but especially gives thanks to living veterans who served their country honorably during war or peacetime.

• This coming Sunday and Monday, I will be in Spokane at the Rural Alliance Superintendent meeting. This meeting will be focused on helping rural schools teach effectively in our new COVID environment.
  
  
• Ballots are out for the November 3 election. It’s our civic duty to vote in elections, so please send in your ballots. Voters can still vote in-person at the auditor’s office and by mail. The dropoff box is by the city hall building next to the city library.

• Supt’s On Community Conversation will be next Wednesday, November 4, starting at 5:30 with the English session and 6:30 with the Spanish session. Spread the word around to your community member friends who would like to visit or even listen in to our monthly conversations about school topics. I find this is a great way to connect with parents and community members. Staff is always welcome to join in.
  
  
• This is an announcement from the Community Foundation of NCW:
  
  
Supporting Students and their Families

We are so grateful to everyone who donated to the Back to Basics campaign to support struggling students and their families. Over $106,000 has been disbursed to ALL school districts across North Central Washington.





Earlier this spring, when schools shut down, we heard stories about students having a hard time staying engaged in remote learning because they were having to care for their younger siblings or their parents lost jobs and were struggling to put food on the table. We knew we had to do something about it and help provide some basic needs so they could focus on their education as much as possible.




The foundation's Board of Trustees approved $55,000 to kick-start the campaign. Each district received a portion of these funds based on their district’s population and number of low-income students. Donations from the public were directed to the districts of their choice.




When we reached out to the family advocates and counselors about the campaign, they were so grateful for the added support. They see first-hand the challenges many students and their families face, especially during this year with the pandemic and wildfire.




Those who work closely with students will identify and distribute the funds, which will be used for food, clothing, school supplies, health and personal hygiene needs, and sanitation items.



• Tonasket School District - $4,590
  
  

While the campaign is complete, donations can always be made to school districts or PTAs to support students who really need our help.




This year has been challenging in so many ways, but people like you who continue to help our neighbors in need across the region are truly changing lives in our communities! THANK YOU!