April 24, 2020

Hello CCSD #1 Parents/Guardians, Staff and Students,

On Thursday, April 23^rd, Governor Mark Gordon announced the recommendation for school closures across the state set to expire on April 30 will not be extended.  He further announced the decision about whether to extend closures would now lie with individual school districts working in conjunction with their County Public Health Officer who will in turn work with the State Public Health Officer.

In order for an individual school district to re-open, whether that be to some limited degree this school year, during summer school, or for the 20-21 school year, it would first need to develop a re-entry plan and have it approved by their local Public Health Officer and the State Public Health Officer.  We will begin the process of working with our local Public Health Office to determine components of a transitional re-entry plan. 

After preliminary conversations with our local Public Health Office and with our local School Board Members, I want to share that there is no plan for a return to school on a large scale basis this school year.  We will continue with our present approach of providing educational services to students for the foreseeable future.  There is a chance we will be able to invite a very small number of intentionally targeted groups of students to school on a limited basis. 

The District would like to thank the staff, parents, students, and communities for coming together to make this as positive as possible.  A lot of change has occurred in a very short time for everyone. 

While we are excited about the possibility of returning to school, it is important that we continue to meet the public health guidance and ensure everyone’s safety.   The threat of the COVID virus continues and we will continue to be cautious in how we ease back into utilizing our facilities.

I would also like to share our appreciation with everyone’s efforts during this time.   This has been a very trying and stressful time for everyone involved and we continue to learn as we go.  I know the parents, staff, students, and our communities have all responded with patience and understanding and it is appreciated.

Parents, please continue to work with your students in helping make sure they are staying engaged with their educational activities.  As stated earlier, we are operating remotely and in session, if your student is falling behind, please be in contact with your building and teachers to get them where they need to be to move on successfully.  

Students, please commit to finishing the school year in a strong manner by continuing to attend and participate in your classes. 

Staff, please plan on finishing the school year under our current delivery model knowing there may be a very limited number of you that may be expected to work in buildings with a small number of students on a limited basis.

We will continue to keep the health and safety of our students, staff and community as a top priority.  We will continue to work with our local Public Health Office in order to ensure any plans to return students and staff to school will be designed in such a way as to protect the health and safety of all involved.  As always, if there is anything we can do to help your situation, please do not hesitate to reach out. 

Further communications will be forthcoming as more details are available.

Sincerely,

Mark Broderson

Superintendent

Crook County School District #1