Ridgefield School District

March 19, 2021\r\n

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Dear Ridgefield Families,

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Earlier today, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) updated their K-12 school guidance to “reflect the latest science on physical distance between students in classrooms.”  CDC now recommends, assuming universal masking, students remain three-feet (rather than the prior six-feet guidance) apart in classrooms.  The guidance document notes the “...crucial services schools offer...” and states, “Schools should be the last settings to close because of COVID-19 and the first to reopen when they can do so safely.”  I am so proud of our dedicated team of educators and support staff.  Our work is essential!  I encourage you to learn more about the specifics of the updated CDC recommendations here. 

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Please know, CDC is not a policy enforcement agency.  Ridgefield School District continues to follow the public health guidance from the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) and Clark County Public Health (CCPH).  It is possible that DOH and CCPH will modify their guidance as well.  As of now, nothing has changed with respect to Washington State specific guidance. 

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As I have stated previously, our goal remains to return to a traditional school week as soon as possible in a safe and sensible manner.  Should guidance change, we will respond as quickly as possible.  I wish to reassure all families participating in Ridgefield Remote that this option will remain in place for the duration of the school year, regardless of any change to in-person instruction.   

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I am more appreciative of our health care workers every day, as vaccines are being administered at record rates resulting in our community COVID-19 Activity Rate continuing to drop.  The state of Washington continues advancing vaccination efforts, qualifying more individuals for vaccine administration.  Below is an infographic of the current phases along with estimated implementation dates.  The DOH is updating this currently, and you can view the updated version by clicking here once it is available.  I was reminded today in a regional superintendent meeting about the importance of the vaccine, not just for the individual receiving it, but for the overall health of the community.  We can all do our part to help keep Ridgefield healthy and vibrant.   

As you know, the Ridgefield School District is now offering in-person instruction for all students in grades PreK - 12.  We have students on all our campuses, accessing our facilities for learning.  I would like to remind the community that District facilities are closed for use during school hours to allow for staff and students access.  This includes the fields, tracks, tennis courts, and playgrounds.  Thank you for your understanding.  \r\n

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I want to thank each and every family for your continued support and efforts in regards to the daily attestations.  Due to your diligence, we have limited the spread of COVID-19 through school attendance.  Daily attestation forms completed at home (complete with temperature checks) continue to be required for every student in attendance.  \r\n

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Saturday is officially the first day of Spring...so this week I’d like to challenge you to capture a Spring-themed photo.  Please share those photos via the email address: student.photos@ridgefieldsd.org.\r\n

Stay well and remain #RidgefieldResilient. 

Sincerely,

Dr. Nathan McCann

Superintendent