Ridgefield School District

May 13, 2020

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Dear Ridgefield Families,\r\n

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This past weekend was beautiful.  I hope you were able to get out and enjoy the sunshine while honoring all the moms in our community.  As I look out the window, it seems our more typical spring weather has returned.  I’m looking forward to enjoying the warm summer afternoons.\r\n

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Last night the School Board spent significant time considering the vast array of unknowns and potential obstacles we face as we look forward to the 2020-2021 school year. I mentioned last week that the Governor has established a path for our return...Safe Start.  I am grateful for the state guidance as it, along with the extensive work being done internally here in the District, will aid us in decision-making.   \r\n

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As we mentioned in our most recent ThoughtExchange, the District wants to use the COVID closure to positively shape the future of education in Ridgefield.  Last week we asked you to share with us the best aspects of the Continuity of Learning Plan.  Below is the word cloud that summarizes the 145 individual Thoughts that were shared with us.  

Earlier this week we launched additional temporary WiFi hotspot locations to expand connectivity options for our families.  Additional WiFi Hotspots in the region can be located using the Washington State Drive-In WiFi Hotspots Location Finder from the Washington State Department of Commerce.  The Ridgefield Community Center is identified on this site. 

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https://www.commerce.wa.gov/building-infrastructure/washington-state-drive-in-wifi-hotspots-location-finder/  \r\n

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If you are looking for connectivity a little closer to home, below is a link to free and low-cost Internet Plans from NDIA (National Digital Inclusion Alliance)\r\n

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https://www.digitalinclusion.org/free-low-cost-internet-plans/\r\n

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More than 28,000 meals have been served by our Food Service partner, Chartwells since the COVID-19 closure.  We have been monitoring meal service daily to make adjustments as needed to maximize our resources.  Based on the data collected, we are going to be making some changes to our weekend meal service.  Beginning May 23, we will no longer be hosting drive-up or in-person meal service sites on Saturdays and Sundays.  Rather, we will be providing weekend meals during Friday meal service.  We believe this will expand the number of meals we serve, as we average nearly 250 more children on Fridays than the weekend combined.    \r\n

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Thank you for your continued support.  Stay well and remain #RidgefieldResilient.\r\n

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Sincerely,

Dr. Nathan McCann

Superintendent