October 2, 2020
Dear Ridgefield Families,
\r\nWe are wrapping up one of the most spectacular final weeks of September that I can remember. The sun has been out with temperatures hovering in the low 80’s nearly every day. I hope you found a moment to breathe in the fresh air and take in the early fall colors. If not, there is still time this weekend. The forecast is calling for cooler temperatures and the possibility of rain late next week.\r\n
\r\nEarlier this week, Clark County Public Health (CCPH) released the newest 14-day COVID activity level, 86.18 cases per 100,000 people. This number is trending the wrong way and continues to put our region in the “high” range, thereby delaying the transition to hybrid in-person learning. \r\n
\r\nAs we have shared previously, CCPH recommends that COVID activity rates remain below 75 cases per 100,000 people for at least three consecutive weeks. We will continue to coordinate with CCPH and communicate with you the District’s transition plan as we learn more. \r\n
\r\nKnowing that we are going to be in Ridgefield Remote for at least three more weeks, now may be a great time to review your at-home learning space. The following seven tips are from a recent article published by the Khan Academy linked here. \r\n
\r\n- Choose a location based on your child’s learning preferences.\r\n
- Eliminate distractions.\r\n
- Make it comfortable - but not too comfortable.\r\n
- Ensure the learning space has good lighting.\r\n
- Have all your child’s supplies - pencils, paper, calculator, for example - easily accessible in their learning space.\r\n
- Encourage your child to personalize their learning space by adding decorations, artwork, or anything else that might help them to stay motivated and be inspired.\r\n
- If possible, the learning space should only be used for learning; this includes attending classes, doing homework, studying, for example.\r\n
Birdfest and Bluegrass Home Edition begins this weekend. The Friends of the Refuge have worked very hard to make this a memorable and engaging virtual experience. I encourage you to spend some time exploring and learning more about the culture and history of our area.\r\n
\r\nThis coming Tuesday, October 6th is National Night Out. This year the City of Ridgefield is asking community members to celebrate in their neighborhoods, as we are still under large group gathering restrictions. \r\n
Great news...the Fort Vancouver Regional Library District has received 90 hotspots through the State of Washington. These are items that families can put a hold on and check out like they would a book or DVD. To find them through the library's catalog system, simply type in "hotspot". Just like the RSD Hotspots, these devices need a cell signal to be used. \r\n
\r\nSincerely,\r\n
\r\n
Dr. Nathan McCann
\r\nSuperintendent\r\n