February 10, 2021 Community Update to Families from Superintendent McCann

rsd

February 11, 2021

February 10, 2021

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Dear Ridgefield Families,

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At last night’s board meeting, Director Zenia Bringhurst challenged us to select a word to focus on for the year.  Her family chose gratitude.  She expressed her appreciation for the hard work and dedication shown by so many throughout the pandemic.  I’m grateful for the fantastic team members I get to work with daily.  Not only are they talented and trusted colleagues, they are dear friends.\r\n

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Yesterday, Clark County Public Health released the weekly COVID Activity rate at 262.2 per 100,000.  That allows the District to move forward with our plan to open our classrooms up for in-person learning options for our 6-8th grade students.  Please see below for our current phased return schedule.\r\n

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  • Thursday, February 11th \r\n
    • 6th grade Group A\r\n
  • Friday, February 12th \r\n
    • 6th grade Group B\r\n
  • Tuesday, February 16th \r\n
    • 7th grade Group B \r\n
  • Thursday, February 18th \r\n
    • 7th grade Group A*\r\n
  • Friday, February 19th \r\n
    • 8th grade Group B*\r\n
  • Monday, February 22nd\r\n
    • 8th grade Group A*\r\n
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(* Subject to weekly COVID Activity rate number released on Tuesday, February 16th) \r\n

The District has undertaken the daunting challenge of providing our families with the option of in-person instruction.  To date, we have opened in-person instruction for students in grades kindergarten through fifth grade.  Approximately 1000 students are receiving instruction within the buildings daily right now.  Our counter-measures and protocols are working, which is the direct result of all our students, staff, and families’ hard work and intentionality.  Thank you!    \r\n

As a parent of two Ridgefield students myself, I am reminded that the decision and choices Amanda and I make impact far more people than the four members of our immediate family.  Now more than ever, it is vital that we all do our part to prevent community spread.  A Smokey the Bear COVID campaign might sound like, “Only you can prevent COVID spread.”  If you are not feeling well or have symptoms...please...PLEASE...keep your child home to rest and recover until they are symptom-free.  Our ability to limit community spread depends on each of us to err on the side of caution.

Many of you may be wondering about what to do should the forecasted snow arrive.  Below is the current plan.  Please look for an announcement through the local news outlets, our website, and district social media channels.  \r\n

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  • 2 Hour Late Start\r\n
    • K-5 AM in-person and remote classes will be canceled\r\n
    • K-5 PM in-person & remote classes will continue as normal\r\n
    • 6-12 in-person & remote will start two hours late\r\n
      • School sites will be sending out modified schedules shortly\r\n
  • School Closure
    • All in-person & remote classes will be canceled
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**March 19 and April 26 are established make-up days should we cancel school\r\n

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Should the district close school on Friday, February 12th, due to inclement weather, we will shift the start dates for several grades outlined above to allow middle school staff members time to prepare their rooms and review safety protocols.  Below are adjusted restart dates.

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  • Tuesday, February 16th \r\n
    • 6th grade Group B
  • Thursday, February 18th \r\n
    • 7th grade Group A*  \r\n
  • Friday, February 19th \r\n
    • 7th grade Group B*\r\n
  • Monday, February 22nd \r\n
    • 8th grade Group A*\r\n
  • Tuesday, February 23rd\r\n
    • 8th grade Group B*\r\n
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(* Subject to weekly COVID Activity rate number released on Tuesday, February 16th) 

Our student.photos@ridgefieldsd.org email account is starting to slow down.  If you have some pictures of your little one’s first day, funny shots of them learning remotely, or family celebrations and traditions. 

Stay well and remain #RidgefieldResilient.

Sincerely,

Dr. Nathan McCann

Superintendent


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