We received word today from Gov. Inslee that all schools - public, private, and charter, are officially cancelled through the remainder of this school year (June 2020). While I can say this news was super disheartening to me, I will also say I was not surprised. The administrative team and I have been actively planning on this possibility for the last month. In some ways, we are poised for this situation much more so than other institutions because we have already had three weeks to work out the kinks.
With this said, we are continuing to research and test out different methods and tech tools that will make learning from a distance as effective as possible. We are also being mindful to NOT roll out too much at once (which we may have been guilty of the first week). For example, today all students in 7th-12th should have had 2-3 virtual classes with their peers and teachers. I'm told from my children and a few of my teachers that there are still some kinks that need to be worked out - some of them being internet bandwidth related. But this, in my opinion, is a huge step in the right direction. We are also researching ways to support elementary education during this unprecedented time.
I continue to be AMAZED by our teachers who - in some ways - have worked harder these past three weeks than they did the entire school year combined. I also continue to be AMAZED by all of you and your children who are making the most of this challenging time - and even finding ways to thrive in our "stay at home" world.
Now for a few practical updates:
1. To see my facebook live where I speak a little more to the announcement and how we are responding click here.
2. Tomorrow is the first Tuesday of the month - everyone wear your Be Kind T-shirts. Feel free to send pictures to kelly.walker@theriveracademy.org. Flood social media with our message of kindness.
3. Elementary school work pick up will be this Thursday (4/9) from 7:30-11am. (And just in case you were wondering - we have checked and this is an acceptable means of getting school work to students). This pickup applies to:
-KP
-K
-1st
-2nd
-3rd (for drop off of last week's school work only)
-4th
-5th
-6th
Don't forget to bring in last week's work if you have been asked by your child's teacher to do so.
4. In the midst of all this chaos, our Marketing/Advancement Director Shauna Cenotto was offered a job in the HR department at Douglas County PUD. Normally we like to give a proper send off to all our team members, sadly, her departure was rather void of a proper commissioning. We are excited for her new opportunity and are grateful she will still be connected to TRA through her children.
I think that covers it. I'll be back with you on Wednesday for more updates.
Blessings,
Eric
