Be Positive, Be Grateful, Be Involved, Be Flexible

• We began teaching basic computer classes for our migrant parents and community members during the last two weeks. Parents are learning how to use a computer, access the internet, get on Skyward, write letters in google docs, and participate in Google Meets. Parents are also getting an overview of Google Classroom and Seesaw so that they will be able to see what their students are doing in classes.



Currently, there are small classes of 5 parents each. A total of 19 parents have completed the class so far. Most of the parents that have taken the class do not have a computer at home. They have never searched the internet before, and almost all do not have an email address. We’re starting at the very beginning. We already have 21 parents on the waiting list for classes starting after winter break. Every parent who participates in the class receives an older surplus computer.




There will be more small group beginner classes, advanced classes, and Spanish classes after winter break. These classes will be open to all people who live in the Tonasket School District.




Thank you, Martha Wisdom, for your vision and for getting a grant for the computers! Thank you also to Maribel Pio and Lourdes Gonzalez for your great help during the classes. Thank you, Jordon Weddle, for teaching, being patient, and sharing the knowledge that you have. Each of the classes has been fun and is an excellent opportunity to connect with parents.

• The HS counseling staff has been delivering “goodies” to their community partners this week. This is their 2nd year doing this, and it is a highlight of their school year. They rely on these community partnerships to network and help them help our students. Just a small example of these partners is OBHC, fellow Okanogan County School Districts, Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office, NCESD, and many more.
  
  
• Our MS put together "Season Full of Sweetness'" snack boxes. This is their second year providing snack boxes for our families that experience food insecurity. It’s especially helpful when our students are out of school and can’t access our free breakfast and lunch meals. We are very thankful for donations from Molina Health Care and a large food donation from Beyers Market.

• At the December 9 board meeting, the school board re-elected Sharron Cox as the school board chair and Lois Rhoads as the vice-chair. Joyce Fancher will continue as the legislative representative.
  
  
• On Wednesday, we learned that the positive cases in the elementary were reported to the school incorrectly, and we did not have two positive cases in the elementary last week. This incorrect information led to the quarantine of staff and students, but we brought those staff and students back on Thursday and Friday.