December 17, 2020\r\n
\r\nDear Ridgefield Families,
\r\nI want to start by wishing you all Happy Holidays! This week has provided me with renewed hope and optimism for 2021. The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is already in distribution to our heroic health care workers, with more doses on the way. Additionally, just yesterday, Governor Jay Inslee, State Superintendent Chris Reykdal, and state health officials provided new guidance for a return to in-person instruction.
\r\nLocal COVID-19 activity rates remain high and have for much of the late fall. Fortunately, the weekly increase in our local COVID-19 activity rate may finally be slowing down. As you already know, kindergarten students begin in-person instruction on January 5th. In the weeks following, the District will return additional elementary grades to in-person learning through a phase-in approach that aligns with our on-going commitment to a safe and sensible return. Start dates for each grade level are below. The Ridgefield School District would not be here without the ongoing support and resilience each of you has shown. Thank you!
\r\n- Kindergarten starts Tuesday, January 5
- 1st grade starts Tuesday, January 19\r\n
- 2nd grade starts Monday, January 25\r\n
- 3rd grade starts Monday, February 1\r\n
- 4th grade starts Monday, February 8 (tentative - pending limited transmission at school sites)
The Ridgefield School District will continue to monitor the many variables to assist us in future planning and the expansion of in-person learning.
While this modified return to in-person instruction for our youngest learners (K-4) is exciting, we know that many families have found that Ridgefield Remote best meets their needs during the pandemic and wish to continue this learning model. In order for the District to effectively allocate staff, we will be asking all parents of 1st - 4th grade students to complete a Learning Model Registration for the remainder of second trimester when we return in January. Ridgefield Remote will continue to be a choice for families. Please be on the lookout for the survey on Monday, January 4th.
I hope each of you had a chance to see the new RHS mascot around town this week. I can tell you the staff here at the Ridgefield Administrative & Civic Center (RACC) enjoyed seeing the Spud! Be sure to tag and share your pictures with #SpotTheSpud.
All students that entered the Superintendent’s Holiday Greeting Card Contest, your entries will be available for pick-up at the RACC starting next week.
I appreciate all the families that have shared a small window into their homes and traditions with the District. The holidays are a time to celebrate and connect with those closest to you. I would love to celebrate and share the diversity within our community in an upcoming newsletter, but need your help. Please submit a picture of your family celebrating meaningful traditions in your household. You can email them to student.photos@ridgefieldsd.org. With some luck, you may find your family picture in the next Community Update.
Stay well and remain #RidgefieldResilient. \r\n
\r\nSincerely,
Dr. Nathan McCann
\r\nSuperintendent\r\n