WSVSD Family Update

White Salmon Valley School District

Dear WSVSD Families:  

Just before winter break, Governor Jay Inslee announced a revised set of guidelines for in-person learning. In consultation with Klickitat County Public Health, White Salmon Valley Schools is planning for the return of students for in-person learning in AA and BB cohort groups (along with continued supplemental remote learning) following safety protocols.

While we have welcomed small groups of K-12 students most in need of in-person services and support into our schools, this will allow significantly more students to return to our schools. We will continue to follow all of the needed protocols and procedures to ensure student and staff safety. We also understand that not all families will feel comfortable beginning in-person learning, so we will still offer a full-time remote option.

We are aware that families will want to know as many details about how and when their students can return to in-person school. We held a special school board meeting on Monday, January 11. The school board approved the return of students for in-person learning as soon as the new state guideline requirements are met. They also approved a phased in return as follows:

Week 1: Kindergarten, 1st, and 4th Grade Students

Week 2: 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 6th Grade Students

Week 3: 7th and 8th Grade Students

High School: To be Announced when the state guidelines are met

The district will notify families at the end of the first week when the new state guidelines are met. If this trend continues into the next week, the district will start phasing in students for in-person learning the following week. Specific attendance and schedule details, as well as remote options, will come directly from your child’s school.

Our K-12 schools will continue to provide small group support for students during our time in remote learning. As COVID rates drop in Klickitat County below 200 cases per 100,000, we will start the transition of our high school students for in-person learning. We will continue to provide updated communication for our high school families.

We anticipate having a shortened sports season for our students. More information will be provided as we work through the planning process under the new state and WIAA guidelines.

We are excited to be able to open our schools to more students to better support their educational needs. We remain committed to returning students and staff safely to our school buildings as quickly and appropriately as possible. Thank you for your continued support of your children and WSVSD schools.

Sincerely,

Dr. Jerry Lewis, Superintendent