BREWSTER SCHOOL DISTRICT

School Closure Frequently Asked Questions

(Newest on top)

 

We recognize the significant impact this extended closure will have on our entire community, students, families, and staff. Closing Brewster School District (BSD) for a minimum of six weeks mid-year is unprecedented. We acknowledge the anxiety this may cause our students, especially our seniors who are focused on graduation and those students who depend on BSD for critical services. We also recognize the burden this will place on our staff and working families.

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BSD is in regular contact with local and state officials to ensure we address the needs of our school communities and we will be working in partnership with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) on what this extended closure means for the school year calendar. As soon as we have more information, we will share it with you both here on our FAQ page and through other methods.

 

Are there new developments from the WIAA?  March 18

Washington Interscholastic Activities Association

Expectations for Return to Spring Sports

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In this time of uncertainty, we at the WIAA wanted to do our best to keep you informed of our intentions and expectations regarding the spring sports season. What’s important to keep in mind is that, at the end of the day, the mission of the WIAA has always been to provide opportunities for students around the state to engage in a safe and enjoyable environment. That mission has never been more important than it is right now.

It’s a well-known and often-used phrase that all coaches try to instill in their athletes – “Control what you can control.” With schools currently scheduled to reopen after April 24, the WIAA will hold State Championship events as scheduled. Any further delays could put State Championships in jeopardy as no championships will be held after May 30 to avoid conflicts with graduation.

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The blanket waiver to WIAA practice restrictions will allow for student-athletes to achieve 10 practices within five days. As an example, administrators could hold a schoolwide conditioning practice before classes and sport-specific practices in the afternoon as a way to reach 10 practices efficiently and safely. No matter the outcome of the following weeks, there will be no reduction to the minimum number of practices required to compete.

As part of that creative solution, we do recommend that schools and leagues organize a continuation of the regular season for schools that do not advance to State Championships. These games may be played through the end of State Championships on May 30. While nothing will be able to replace the time taken away from these students, especially seniors, providing more avenues to create lifelong memories with their teammates should be the ultimate goal.

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In the meantime, the instruction from Governor Inslee and the OSPI has been to discontinue all organized contests and practices. The WIAA supports that mandate and no member schools should be competing or practicing at this time in an effort to keep everyone in our communities safe. We thank you all for not only keeping students safe but ensuring an equitable playing field for when we can return to action

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Have spring sports been cancelled?  March 16

Spring sports have been postponed, maybe cancelled depending on the WIAA ruling. At a minimum, spring sports are cancelled for the next six weeks.

Below is the OSPI ruling that schools are being held to:

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OSPI ALLOWABLE BUILDING ACTIVITIES

During mandatory closures, school districts will be prohibited from providing in-person educational, recreational, and other K–12 school programs using their school buildings and facilities.

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Districts will not be prevented from providing instruction through online learning models (so long as those can be provided equitably) or from using their facilities to provide childcare, professional development, staff meetings, Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, direct services to individual students, or other activities deemed appropriate by the district administration.

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Any gatherings within school facilities should comply with applicable social distancing directives and health and safety recommendations. We will share future guidance from health officials.

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Will there be access to wireless Internet through the school?  March 16

The district is providing guest access to wireless.  Look for BSD_Student on your device beginning March 16, 2020.

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Are schools closed?  March 15

Following Governor Inslee’s emergency proclamation to close all schools in Washington State, Brewster Public Schools will be closed starting Tuesday, March 17 through Friday, April 24. Students will attend school with a normal late-start schedule Monday, March 16. Beginning Tuesday, March 17, all school building activities including school day instruction, athletics/sports, and after-school programs are canceled.

 

How will meals be served during the extended closure?

Beginning Tuesday, March 17, Brewster School District will be distributing breakfast and lunch from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. every weekday. Any K-12 students, regardless of family income, can pick up a meal at the Middle School near the basketball court or at the Boys and Girls Club. Meals delivered by bus routes can be arranged by contacting 509-689-2581, 509-689-3440, or 509-689-3418.

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Meals are free to every student K-12. Registration is not required and ID will not be asked for. There are no forms to fill out and no names are written down.

 

What about childcare?

The Boys and Girls Club will be open from 7:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Monday-Friday.

 

What about academic programming?

Remote Learning

A.  Child's/Teacher's New Week; BEGINNING MONDAY, MARCH 23

• Weekly work (packets/tech) - delivered via bus or school pickup and collected on Fridays via bus or pick up at school.

• Weekly check in with teacher via email, text, phone call, Skype, school visit, home visit.

• Calendar:

1.  March 23 - April 3 - Makeup work to improve grades

2.  April 6-10 - Spring Break

3.  April 13-17 - Grade Level Learning Packet

4.  April 20-24 - Grade Level Learning Packet

5.  April 28 - Return to School

 

Are field trips and staff travel cancelled?

All field trips, including in-town trips and staff travel are canceled through April 24.

 

When will the school year end?

Schools and districts that close in response to the COVID-19 outbreak should make every effort to make up missed time, including using scheduled vacation days and planned school closure days. However, OSPI will grant emergency waivers to allow districts to end the school year on Friday, June 19 at the latest. We will continue to look to OSPI for guidance as the situation unfolds.

 

What about student testing?

OSPI is cancelling all state testing for the 2019–20 school year. This includes the Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA), the Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS), the Washington Access to Instruction and Measurement (WA-AIM), and WIDA Alternate ACCESS for English learners. If schools are not impacted by closures, they are encouraged to continue administering the English Language Proficiency Assessment for the 21st Century (ELPA21) until the end of the testing window, March 27. This is subject to change based on additional closure announcements

 

Is In-district professional development cancelled?

In-district for current staff, using current staff to facilitate will continue.

 

Are visitors and parents allowed at school?

School volunteers, visitors and guest speakers are prohibited in district buildings through April 24. Parents will continue to be allowed to visit schools and the district office for essential business only.

 

What about proper nutrition for those who need it?

NUTRITION -- BEGINNING TUESDAY, MARCH 17

A.  Sack Breakfast/Lunch for K-12 students will be delivered to the Boys and Girls Club or can be picked up at the Middle School near the basketball court. Meals delivered by bus routes can be arranged by contacting the 509-689-2581, 509-689-3440, 509-689-3418.

 

B.  Meals will be available from 9:30-11:00 for Boys and Girls Club and parent pick up.  Meals delivered by buses will be delivered at specific spots along bus route based on arrangements made for these deliveries.

 

Who is at-risk for COVID-19 and who gets tested?

Students and staff at high risk for complications from COVID-19 are:

• People older than 60 years

• People with chronic medical conditions, such as heart disease, lung disease and diabetes

• People with weakened immune systems

• Pregnant people

 

Not everybody who feels ill needs to be tested for COVID-19, particularly if you have mild illness. Healthcare providers determine who should be tested, based on specific symptoms. While testing is becoming more available, there are still limitations in the ability to quickly collect and process tests.

 

What should staff do if they need to stay home?

Staff that feel ill should stay home and follow the normal protocol reporting an absence. Staff can use sick leave or leave without pay. If you are in a high-risk group and believe that you need to stay home you should obtain a doctor’s note and submit it to the human resources office.  Contact Kim Youngers for more information about extended absences and leave.

 

How do I protect myself and those around me?

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% isopropyl alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

• Avoid close contact with people who are coughing/sneezing.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

• Stay home when you are sick.

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

 

How do I know if I’m feeling symptoms consistent with COVID-19?

To ensure the health and safety of yourself as well as your community, if you are exhibiting symptoms you feel may be consistent with COVID-19, healthcare providers are asking that you DO NOT show up at your place of health care unannounced. Please contact your healthcare provider to determine the best course of care.

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If you are exhibiting symptoms that you feel require emergent medical attention, please call 9-1-1.