All schools across the state of Washington, including those in Kalama, have been closed for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year. This closure, announced by Governor Inslee during a press conference on Monday afternoon (April 6), is part of an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 and keep our region safe and healthy.
This extended closure presents many challenges for students and families. It also raises many questions. The information outlined below is what we know now, and has been shared with families throughout the district.
Distance Learning: Distance learning will continue using many of the same resources that students have been introduced to over the last couple of weeks. However, the district will be adding a tool to make these resources work together and to reduce confusion. More information on that to come. Teachers will continue to call or email to check in with parents and/or students on a weekly basis.
Technology: The district has disassembled all the Chromebook carts in order to get technology into the hands of the students who need it. If you or your student run into any technical problems with your district device, please email helpdesk@kalama.k12.wa.us.
Nutrition Services: KSD will continue to provide meals to students that need them, Monday through Friday between 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. at the parent pick-up area in the gym parking lot on campus.
Child Care: The district will continue to provide child care for children of first responders, health care workers and other essential employees.
High School Seniors: KHS Seniors will receive support from a high school team focusing specifically on supporting helping our graduating Seniors and preparing them for post-secondary transitions. We are working closely with the state’s college system to ensure smooth transitions.
Graduation Ceremonies: The ability to hold in-person graduation ceremonies will depend on the progress of our state’s social distancing efforts. Ultimately, these ceremonies may change to virtual ceremonies and/or be delayed. A final decision related to this will be shared at a later date.
School Activities: All school events, including sporting practices and matches, field trips, dances, etc. will be canceled during the extended school closure. We are engaging with students to come up with creative alternatives to celebrate milestones such as prom and field day. We will keep students and families updated on these decisions so that you can plan your participation in advance.
Summer School: We are awaiting information from Governor Inslee on whether school facilities will be open to provide school over the summer.
The district will continue to keep families updated as new information becomes available. In the meantime, parents and students are encouraged to reach out to their teacher or school’s principal with questions.
High School – guy.strot@kalama.k12.wa.us
Middle School – Jennifer.mccallum@kalama.k12.wa.us
Elementary School – kala.lougheed@kalama.k12.wa.us
"Please continue to take good care of yourselves and your families," said KSD Superintendent Eric Nerison in a letter to families. "This is a difficult time for all of us, but we will get through it together."