April 7, 2020
\r\nDear Ridgefield Families,
\r\nYesterday afternoon Governor Jay Inslee ordered all public and\r\nprivate schools in the state of Washington to remain closed through the end of\r\nthe school year. As painful as this may\r\nbe, this is the right call. While our\r\nschools will remain closed, learning will continue! As you know, our “Continuity of Learning” Plan\r\nis already in place and we shared the plan with you last week. This week, students are engaging in SEL\r\n(social-emotional learning) review lessons to prepare for core academic\r\nlearning starting next week. To\r\nfacilitate online learning, the District has distributed nearly 600 Chromebooks\r\nto families and an additional 150 Chromebooks are ready for disbursement this\r\nFriday.
\r\nMany defining moments occur during our lives. One of the most monumental is high school\r\ngraduation. Please know that the Ridgefield School District is committed to a\r\nlive, in-person graduation ceremony. Ultimately, when and where it takes place,\r\nand what the event explicitly looks like, remain to be determined. Our goal is to hold a ceremony that\r\nprioritizes health and safety and maximizes connectedness to the fullest extent\r\npossible.
\r\nOther defining moments occur through academic and athletic\r\ncompetitions. In keeping with the\r\nGovernor’s directive, the WIAA has canceled the spring sports season. This means many of our students will not have\r\nan opportunity to showcase their talents and create lasting memories. Gone too are our spring musical and theatrical\r\nperformances. Please know our hearts go\r\nout to all students and families.
\r\nSince the onset of the pandemic, the District has remained\r\nresolute in its commitment to continue meal service to students. Last week alone, we served 3412 meals to\r\nchildren. Meal service through the end\r\nof the year will continue as scheduled Mondays - Fridays. Please click on the link for pick up locations and\r\ntimes.
\r\nWe are relaunching student meal service on the weekends,\r\nbeginning this Saturday, April 11. All\r\nchildren 0-18 may pick up breakfast and lunch from 11:00 am - noon at Union\r\nRidge Elementary School on Saturdays and Sundays.
\r\nWhile I am sure you have questions, know we will do our best to\r\nkeep you informed as we move forward. The Governor’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy”\r\norder is in place until May 4. Our goal is that once the order is lifted, we\r\nwill slowly open the buildings to allow students to gather their personal\r\nbelongings.
\r\nAs always, thank you for your continued support. Stay well and\r\nremain #RidgefieldResilient.
\r\nSincerely,
\r\n
Dr. Nathan McCann
\r\nSuperintendent
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