Good evening students, staff, families and community,
Much planning is happening at the school district as we look ahead into the 2021-2022 school year. As is always the case for school districts, we are operating with one foot in the current school year and one in the upcoming school year. Our goal is to have all of our students in class, all day, five days a week in the 2021-2022 school year, and we are planning for that. In order for that to be possible however, the six foot social distancing regulations would have to change, and since we can’t be sure that will happen, we must also plan for a hybrid learning model with an online only option.
We will be seeking the help of our families to successfully plan for a hybrid/online model. In March you will see a planning survey from us asking for your feedback about this school year and your plans for next year, should a hybrid model still be required. We will make plans based on your input, and then, in May, we will ask you to attest to your learning model choice for the 2021-2022 school year. (If full time school is available those attestations will be moot.)
Although this may feel like an early timeline for families, it is critical for us to have time to plan while both staff and students are still on campus. Much of our staff does not work year round, and everyone needs to be present for the planning that will have to occur. In addition, we want our school counselors in the 6-12 grades to be able to communicate with students about their schedules for the next year.
I want to assure you we have all the appropriate safety measures in place and a solid COVID-19 response plan. We believe the processes we have in place provide for a safe educational environment for staff and students, and we believe the absolute best place for kids is in our buildings, interacting with our amazing teachers and staff, every day. We are committed to working to make that happen for the 2021-2022 school year, and we are advocating for a social distancing rule that would make it possible. Without a change in the social distancing guidance, full school days for all students, every day, will be logistically impossible. We encourage you to join us in advocating for this safe change by reaching out to Governor Inslee, your state legislators and the Washington State Department of Health.
This Monday evening, March 1, 2021, I will host a virtual Community Q&A at 6:00 P.M. Although we cannot yet hold our Supper with the Superintendent and share a meal together, I will, as always, offer a gift card and treat one random participant to dinner at a local Blaine establishment. I hope you will join us.
Finally this evening, I would like to say thank you to our students, families, staff and community for all their efforts and support of a successful return of Borderite student athletes to the field and court this week. While the scoreboard may not always reflect our desired outcome, the sportsmanship and class we display on the field and in the stands is part of what makes Blaine a great place to be. Thank you for supporting and cheering on the Borderites in challenging times in the stands and at home through our Borderite Sports YouTube channel.
It is a great night to be a Borderite, and, as always, a great night to be your superintendent.
Sincerely,
Dr. Christopher Granger
Every student. Every Day. In a New Way!