Superintendent's Message December 17, 2021

Dear students, staff, families and community,

Winter break has arrived and we want to thank everyone for their hard work. This first stretch of the school year has had its challenges, and I know many have been counting down to this break. We will be looking forward to welcoming back our students and staff on Monday January 3, 2022. 

COVID Update:

As we move into the holidays, health officials are warning about the rapidly spreading COVID-19 variant Omicron. Earlier today the Washington State Department of Health issued an update of the health and safety requirements for high contact indoor sports in the wake of a multi-school, multi-county outbreak related to interscholastic wrestling competitions. The update requires screening testing for all athletes, coaches, trainers and supporting personnel, regardless of vaccination status. The testing frequency has increased to 3 times weekly. Our district’s COVID response team met today to determine how we can best support our athletic department in implementing these changes. 

Along with the new guidance, State Superintendent Chris Reykdal also issued a message to superintendents emphasizing the importance of masking indoors. He stated, in part, “As a reminder, all spectators are required to wear masks at all indoor events (sports, performing arts, other events). Our ability to continue allowing spectators at events depends on our adherence to the mitigation measures.” We as a district believe strongly in the importance of extracurricular activities and their positive impact on our students. We ask that you help us keep these activities available to our students by wearing your masks at all of our indoor events. 

Blaine Gives Back: 

This month we launched our 2nd Annual Blaine Gives Back campaign to support our friends and neighbors who are experiencing food insecurity. Blaine Food Bank is serving many more families than in years past, and their volunteers are working to keep up with demand. They are currently serving over 400 individuals and families each week. In addition, they provide 3 meals a day for the weekend to over 160 Blaine School District students. Fulfilling the basic need of food security is essential to the educational success of every student. We are so grateful for their role in supporting our students and are proud to be partnering with them once again. 

The need in our community is so great, that we are extending our efforts through January 15th. There is still time to donate online at www.blainefoodbank.org (please put school in the comments) or mail a donation to the district office at 765 H St. Blaine Food Bank can stretch a single $1 into 10 meals. Your dollars can go such a long way with that kind of buying power, and we hope you’ll join us in giving back. 

I hope you are able to enjoy this time of year and can take some time to rest and recharge. It’s 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!