Good evening students, staff, families and community,
This week’s bright, sunny skies reflect the positive work we are doing in anticipation of great things ahead.
Pending New Mandates from the Governor
In a briefing today, Governor Inslee addressed new mandates that will be part of an emergency proclamation to address the current mental health crisis in our state resulting from school closures. These new mandates are intended to ensure that all districts across the state offer students the opportunity to attend school in person on a hybrid schedule. Governor Inslee made many references to districts across the state that are already providing this option to students, and we are proud to include Blaine as one of those districts. While students in other areas of the state are still only offered online instruction, we have been successfully providing in-person instruction to K-5 students since last fall and to all students K-12 since January. The support and cooperation of our staff, students, and families has made it possible for us to model for other districts how a hybrid program can be offered that protects the health and safety of everyone in the buildings. We feel confident that our current schedule will align with the governor’s new proclamation, and we will communicate with families if any adjustments are needed.
Planning for 2021-2022
We are continuing to plan for the return of all students to full-time instruction every day in the 2021-2022 school year. It has been encouraging to hear that consideration will be given at the state level to the mandate for six-foot social distancing in the classroom which is a barrier for Blaine students to be able to attend all day every day in the fall. However, we must also be prepared for the possibility that the six-foot social distancing rule will continue to be in effect. In order to plan for that possibility, we are asking parents to provide their input in a Planning Feedback Survey. If you have not already done so, please take some time this weekend to answer the survey questions so that your input can be considered. The survey deadline is March 14.
Season 2 of BHS Athletics
The second season of high school athletics gets underway on March 22 and will include baseball, fastpitch softball, track and field, golf, boys soccer and girls tennis. Visit the BHS Athletics web page for details about online athletic registration.
Upcoming Middle School Athletics
We are excited to announce that students in 7th and 8th grade will also have an opportunity to play sports this spring! The first season of middle school athletics will begin on April 12 and will include baseball, track and field, and girls soccer. Watch for information about this opportunity from Blaine Middle School in the coming weeks.
Primary School Pictures & MS/HS Retakes
- March 16: Primary School Picture Day - Group B
- March 23: Primary School Picture Day - Group A
- March 29: Middle School & High School Picture Retakes - Group B
- April 12: Middle School & High School Picture Retakes - Group A
I continue to be grateful for the partnership and support of our community and families as we navigate through these unusual times. As always, it’s a great night to be a Borderite and a great night to be your superintendent.
Sincerely,
Dr. Christopher Granger
Every Student. Every Day. In a New Way!