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Survey on Transition to Full-Time, In-Person Learning

District seeks input as it prepares to return students to full-time, in-person learning following updated state guidelines

Walla Walla Public Schools is seeking feedback from parents and secondary students via a survey released today as it prepares to return students to full-time, in-person learning under the Blue Stage of its Safely Reopening Schools plan.

Yesterday Governor Jay Inslee announced Washington State is adopting the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) revised physical distancing guidelines for students, paving the way for districts across the state to safely return most students back to full time in-person learning. This new state guidance, which reflects at least 3 feet between students in classrooms rather than the previous 6ft standard, was the key adjustment needed from the state to return most students to a full-day, in-person experience. Parents and secondary students are encouraged to complete the survey by April 1.

• English Survey Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DXWKB7W
• Spanish Survey Link: https://es.surveymonkey.com/r/SB2YPQC

The district’s latest survey focuses on what considerations these key stakeholders want the school district to consider and plan for during this transition. Superintendent Dr. Wade Smith said there is a considerable amount of planning, engagement and communication to take place before a successful transition can be implemented and the district wants to ensure stakeholders have input into the process.

“Similar to when we returned to campus from distance learning this winter, we want to make sure we take the time to engage with all stakeholders to ensure an informed transition that is safe and well-planned,” said Dr. Smith. “Extensive research from schools across the nation have conclusively demonstrated their ability to keep students and faculty safe when implementing slightly less restrictive distances due to the enhanced cleaning, screening, and masking required in school settings. We have been extremely successful with our COVID safety protocols during the AM/PM hybrid schedule and we plan to keep all of these safety protocols in place when students return full time.”

The district anticipates a target date of mid-to-late April for a transition back to full-time learning for current 1/2 day students. The School Board has scheduled a special meeting Tuesday, March 30 to review planning considerations and to provide guidance on how the district moves forward with its transition to Blue Stage.

School Board Meeting
• Tuesday, March 30
• 5:30 p.m.
• Meeting Open to the Public (Virtual Zoom meeting)
• Meeting log-in details:
• Watch: https://wwps-org.zoom.us/j/95539982197
• Listen: Dial 1-253-215-8782 and enter the Webinar ID: 955 3998 2197
• Subtítulos en español: https://wwps-org.zoom.us/j/95539982197 (Seleccione "Live Translation" en el menú inferior).
• Agenda española: https://www.wwps.org/district/information/school-board/board-meeting-schedule

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

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