"Update" on Closure/End of Year

HRBA

From the Archdiocese of Seattle's Office for Catholic Schools

Hi, Folks. It is not a lot of info, but here is the latest from our Superintendent's office since we are all hearing a lot of rumors about the school closures:



After numerous conference calls with State Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), the State Board of Education (SBE), and Washington Federation of Independent Schools (WFIS). No one is venturing a position of whether schools will return as stated on April 27, will be out until June or will be out into the Fall of next year.


The State Board of Education (SBE) stated clearly that for private schools, the rules on hours and days are lifted. Our schools do NOT have to go to school through June 19, 2020. A school’s annual calendar dates remain the same as prior to the Governor’s mandate to close schools. Online learning makes extending the year a non-issue. Hours and days are deemed met with online education."


So, here is the re-cap:

  • No make-up days for school in June
  • No update on whether the school will return as planned on April 27th or will have to extend the closure.
  • We are scheduled to go through June 11th for 8th grade, June 17th for Pre-K and K, and June 18th for grades 1 - 7.
  • Our school will be providing education through distance learning as long as we are away from the school. There are a lot of rumors that this may extend into the end of the year. We remain committed to your child's educational needs, even if our school campus is required to remain closed through June (though we hope this is NOT the case).


We will let you know if we get any additional updates. I am on a weekly conference call with the Archdiocese of Seattle's Office for Catholic Schools Superintendent, as well as webinars with the OSPI's Mr. Reykdal to get the most accurate information and for planning purposes.


If you are "connected" with any entities that have good info on this and would be willing to pass it on, please let me know. We are all interested in having the most accurate information so that we can continue to do our best to meet our students' instructional needs. Thank you for your support and the amazing work that you are all doing in partnership with our teaching staff.


Stay safe...stay healthy.


Blessings,

Katie Dempsey

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