I sincerely hope you are all able to enjoy some well-earned relaxing time with family over this Christmas break.  I wanted to share some exciting news as it relates to the education of our students.

Over the break we received some more information from Governor Kate Brown. The communication expresses hope for schools to transition to in-person instruction by February 15 or sooner and outlines key actions influencing our work together in 2021.

1) Beginning January 1, 2021, the Health Metrics for Returning to In-Person Instruction (RSSL, Section 0) will transition from mandatory requirements in the guidance to advisory recommendations.  This change will mean that decisions about what instructional model to operate in will move through a local process, with guidance from ODE and OHA on how districts and schools should consider the county metrics and local conditions. It is critical that this shift is not confused with any release from other requirements of schools and districts in Ready Schools, Safe Learners (RSSL) guidance. The health and safety protocols, expectations for maintaining an operational blueprint, and all other guidance remains active and is required.

2) By January 1, ODE will update the Ready Schools Safe Learners (RSSL) Guidance, and associated documents, to reflect this change as well as:

-Updates to Safe Harbor noted in a December 16 communication to school leaders,
-Alignment to the CDC’s new recommendations on quarantining, and
-A few other minor clarifications.

3) Governor Brown’s letter calls for other additional actions including,

-A prioritization for school leaders and educators to work together to resume in-person instruction,
-Vaccine prioritization for educators and school staff,
-Additional access to COVID-19 testing for students and school staff,
-Alignment between OSHA and RSSL guidance, and
-Importantly, a review and possible update to the advisory Health Metrics for Returning to In-Person Instruction to be published on or before January 19, 2021.

There is still a lot of information we don’t have but we wanted to solicit feedback from our parents so we can make a well-informed decision about how will operate for 2021.  We appreciate your feedback on this short three question survey.