Update from Superintendent Greene
Monday, April 6, 2020
Yakima School District Community,
I’m writing to share some important news. In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 and keep our community safe and healthy, Governor Inslee has made the decision to close schools for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year. During this extension, all schools in the District will remain closed.
We understand that the continued closure of schools presents many challenges for students and families. It also raises many questions. The information outlined below is what we currently know; however, we will continue to share further guidance as decisions are made and as information becomes available.
Distance Learning: Distance learning will continue in the same format through the remainder of the school year. We have created an online resource page to support distance learning, located under this link www.YakimaSchools.org/COVID-19/learning. Teachers will connect with students and learning opportunities will continue.
Technology: Laptops are available to students in middle school and high school. They are being distributed one grade at a time for safe social distancing. Please check our website for information under this link www.YakimaSchools.org/COVID-19
Nutrition Services: We will continue to provide meals to students who need them. The next meal distribution is on Wednesday, April 15 at 10:30 am at the following locations: Washington Middle School, Eisenhower High School, and Davis High School. This distribution will contain five lunches and five breakfasts. www.YakimaSchools.org/COVID-19/food
Child Care: The District will continue to provide child care for children of first responders and health care workers. If your child is already enrolled in child care during school closures, you do not need to take further action to keep your slot. To apply for childcare, please go online to www.YakimaSchools.org/COVID-19/childcare
High School Seniors: High school seniors will receive support from counselors and teachers on opportunities to earn credits needed for post-secondary transitions. We are working closely with the state’s college system to advocate for smooth transitions.
Graduation Ceremonies: In-person graduation ceremonies will change to virtual ceremonies and/or be delayed. A final decision related to graduation ceremonies will be shared on or before May 1, 2020.
School Activities: All school events, including sporting practices and matches, field trips, dances, etc. will be canceled during the extended school closure. We are engaging with students to come up with creative alternatives to celebrate milestones such as prom and field day. In some cases, special events may be postponed until summer. We will keep students and families updated on these decisions so that you can plan your participation in advance.
Summer School: We are awaiting information from Governor Inslee on whether school facilities will be open to provide school over the summer.
More information can be found on the district website at www.YakimaSchools.org. If you have questions or feedback, please engage with our Let’s Talk platform at https://www.yakimaschools.org/letstalk, Please continue to take good care of yourselves and your families. This is a difficult time for all of us, but we will get through it together.
Sincerely,
Trevor Greene
Superintendent
Yakima School District
Email: yakimaschools.wa@k12-lets-talk.com
Website: https://www.yakimaschools.org/letstalk
Location: 104 North 4th Avenue, Yakima, WA, USA
Phone: 509-581-5250
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/yakimasd
Twitter: @yakimaschools