Ridgefield School District

June 3, 2020\r\n

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Dear Ridgefield Families,\r\n

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The District values the opinions and ideas of the Ridgefield community.  We received nearly 1,000 responses to last week's survey on how remote learning has impacted students' education.  I am grateful for the grace and patience that families and students have displayed through this challenging time.  Many respondents shared that the District's Continuity of Learning Plan was a tremendous undertaking and effective for the short-term.  However, results have also made clear that it will not meet the educational needs of our students in the fall, should remote learning return, in part or whole. 

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 I want a traditional 2020-2021 school year more than anything, and that is the District's goal. Work has been underway for weeks towards this end.  Like you, I am incredibly concerned about the learning loss, unmet social-emotional needs, and the many additional services our students depend on that cannot be delivered with fidelity via the current distance-learning model.  Despite our desires, we need to be prepared to follow the guidelines and requirements provided by other state governing bodies, including Governor Inslee, OSPI, and local and state health officials.

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Using your feedback, the District will continue our work with stakeholders, including our valued bargaining units, to accomplish the following goals in preparation for the opening of school in September:\r\n

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• Review and select a consistent set of remote learning applications (i.e., Zoom) and learning platforms (i.e., Google Classroom);\r\n
• Address families' desires for regular live video learning opportunities for students to meet with their teacher(s) in both large and small groups;\r\n
• Create consistent schedules and expectations to support our students, families, and staff as we engage in daily remote learning.  \r\n

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I'll conclude with a shout-out to the Class of 2020.  Your accomplishments make us all proud, and we are excited about the unlimited possibilities that await you. Go Spuds!  \r\n

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For those wishing to celebrate our seniors, be sure to tune in to the graduation ceremony, live-streamed on the District Facebook page on Friday, June 5, starting at 5:00 pm.  The virtual graduation ceremony will also be made available on our Facebook page.  The virtual ceremony includes graduate speeches, the recognition of seniors receiving awards and scholarships, the honoring of our military-bound seniors, and the celebration of senior participation in athletics and activities, as well as remarks from Principal Christen Palmer.\r\n

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As always, thank you for your continued support.  Stay well and remain #RidgefieldResilient.  \r\n

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Sincerely,\r\n

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Dr. Nathan McCann\r\n

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Superintendent\r\n