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District Prepares for Continuation of Student Learning

Parents and Stakeholders,

It is a difficult time for our community as parents, staff and students grapple with the impacts of temporary school campus closures. During these unsettled times, Walla Walla Public Schools and our dedicated and caring staff will do everything in our power to provide stability and service to our students and families.

As outlined in yesterday’s announcement, WWPS has been working tirelessly over recent weeks preparing for the possibility of the unfortunate decision that we would be forced to close our physical campuses. Plans for the continuation of education for all students, preschool through high school, have been drafted, and are being reviewed and finalized. Additionally, access to critical services such as student meals, daycare for targeted groups, and other measures, have also been developed and will be shared in the coming days.

Late last night we received guidance from OSPI that affirmed our preliminary plans aimed to be finalized over the coming days as we work collectively with our dedicated staff. Families and students should plan for the following activities and announcements in the coming few days:

Sunday, March 15:

  • Information release regarding times and locations across our community where students can access free “grab and go” breakfast and lunch services for ALL students (regardless of income level). This service will begin on Tuesday, March 17, and continue until school campuses are allowed to re-open.
  • Information release regarding on-site childcare services for vulnerable students and specific students/families will be announced. In accordance with the Governor's proclamation, this service is also expected to begin on Tuesday, March 17, and continue until schools can re-open.

Monday, March 16:

  • Normal school day for staff and students. We look forward to serving your students!
  • School-sponsored programs will meet as regularly scheduled after school where coaches/advisers will share important information with student participants (e.g. athletics, clubs, 21st Century Program)

Tuesday, March 17:

  • Non-school day for students.
  • All facilities and campuses will be closed for students and community except for “grab and go” breakfast/lunch service pick-up and childcare services for select families.
  • WWPS faculty continue meeting and planning for continuity of learning for all students, preschool through 12th grade.

Wednesday, March 18:

  • Information release, in video and written format, announcing educational programming and services for students and families throughout the temporary campus closure.

Thank you again for your patience and support as we finalize and communicate our plans to serve the educational needs of all of our students. There is no doubt things will look different for all of us throughout the next two months. It won’t be easy. However, I am confident and comforted by the fact that I am blessed to work with over 800 of the most caring, passionate, and dedicated employees a superintendent could ask for.

Adversity has struck our community and school system before when Pioneer caught fire years ago. Our faculty and families came together in record speed, double-shifting our entire junior high population at Garrison. Although certainly not the same conditions, I have every confidence in our school community that we will rise to meet this temporary challenge as well.

As always, I am here to answer any questions you may have.


Respectfully,

Signature 2015

Wade Smith, Ed.D.
Superintendent

WALLA WALLA PUBLIC SCHOOLS • 364 South Park St. • Walla Walla, WA 99362 • Phone: 509-527-3000 • Fax: 509.529.7713

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