Good evening students, staff, families and community,
It is hard to believe this week has marked the one year time when COVID began impacting schools across the country. Throughout the challenge, so many people have risen to the occasion and served our students in many ways. We thank all the staff as well as families for the sacrifice and commitment they have made to serving our students in this challenging time.
New CDC Guidance
As you may have seen, the CDC has put out some updated guidance this morning. Currently, we are aware that the Washington Department of Health is reviewing the new guidance, and at this immediate time, there is no change in Washington state’s current 6-foot social distancing requirement. Also, there has been no change in guidance around mandatory face coverings for all students, staff, and visitors, and we do not expect that to change.
I anticipate that in the coming days or weeks we will gain insight into how this new CDC guidance is interpreted by the local and statewide health authorities as well as by the Governor and all stakeholder groups in school settings. No matter what the guidance ultimately ends up being for schools in the State of Washington, it will take time for us to review the guidance and determine the implications to our operations. We commit to being thoughtful and thorough in this process, and we will communicate accordingly as information becomes more clear.
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. Thank you to those families who were able to complete the recent planning feedback survey. This was our first step in a data collection process to get to the level of detailed planning needed to communicate what you should expect for your students in the 2021-2022 school year.
Season 2 of BHS Athletics
The second season of high school athletics gets underway on March 22 and will include fastpitch softball, track and field, golf, boys soccer and girls tennis. The baseball athletes will begin their Season 2 activities on March 29. Visit the BHS Athletics web page for details about online athletic registration.
School Board Meeting Attendance
The next meeting of the Blaine School District Board of Directors will be on Monday, March 22, with a work session at 5:00 pm and the regular meeting at 7:00 pm. These meetings will continue to include the option for virtual attendance through Zoom which can be viewed from your home. In addition, an in-person component will be added which will incorporate social distancing guidelines. Due to space constraints and COVID restrictions, we are only able to admit 5 public observers to the meeting space in the boardroom at 770 Mitchell Avenue. There will be an overflow viewing area in the Blaine Middle School Cafeteria where the meeting will be televised for other in-person attendees. Any individuals who wish to attend the meeting in person will need to pre-register and provide contact information for the purpose of assisting public health authorities with contact tracing. To pre-register, contact Tina Padilla by phone at the Blaine School District Office (360-332-5881) before 4:00 pm on Monday, March 22. All attendees at both locations will be screened for symptoms, including a temperature check, prior to entry. Observers must sit 6 feet apart and wear masks. Click here for additional information.
Upcoming Events
March 29: Community Q&A
I would like to extend my appreciation for the collaboration, feedback and support of the Blaine community over the course of the last year. 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!