Message from Dr. Saltzman:

Good afternoon Everett Public School Families:

As you have likely heard, today Governor Inslee announced the closure all school buildings in our state through the end of this school year. It is hard for all of us, because we miss having our students in school, but we know this is the right decision for the health of our community. Although we will not be back in the classroom this year, we are confident we will be able to continue learning and student engagement through June. Please continue to enjoy your spring break. When we are back and reengaged next week, we will be able to share more details about what the rest of the year will look like. Please continue to stay home and stay safe.

Take care,

Dr. Ian Saltzman
Everett Public Schools Superintendent

Message from Dr. Saltzman:

Tomorrow is the start of Spring Break 2020. It is probably going to look a little different than what you imagined your Spring Break would look like this year. But I hope you are still able to make it something memorable with your family and take time to take care of yourselves. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected everyone in different ways, but the anxiety and uncertainty we all feel can be weighty. I encourage you to take this time to do what you and your family need to unwind, regroup and recharge.

Our educators will also be taking the week off to be with their families and to rest. There will not be student engagement and learning over Spring Break. We will, however, continue to serve emergency meals next week.

Last night Governor Inslee extended the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” mandate through May 4. To comply, we are now keeping schools closed until that time. We will continue to keep students engaged in learning remotely, as well as providing emergency meals.

We will keep you updated with any major news related to school and COVID-19 over the break, and plan on reengaging with all of you on Monday, April 13. In the meantime, take care of yourself and your loved ones. These are difficult times for our community and for our nation, but we will get through this together. 

Stay home and stay healthy

Dr. Ian Salzman
Everett Public Schools Superintendent

 

Emergency Meals during Spring Break:

Emergency meals will be served during Spring Break (using the current schedule). Please visit our Food & Nutrition page for details.

AP Exams Information:

The AP College Board has made adjustments to the regular AP testing process and schedule in order to adhere to the “Stay home stay healthy” mandate and while schools are closed. The AP exams will be taken at home with a different format. Visit our AP Exams page for more information.

---

 

Student learning packets for spring break:  There is now a pre-K through 5th grade spring break optional “packet” comprised of math, English Language Arts and science activities available. The math and science activities are in both English and Spanish.  The packet has been posted to the district website under “pre-K to 5th grade packets” tile on student engagement web page. There will be a reduced number of packets intended for students with limited internet access, which will be made available at meal distribution sites on Friday. Packets are not being mailed. 

For seniors: If you are a parent of a senior, please check your email for a separate communication on how the district is supporting our seniors to ensure graduation requirements are met during the school closure period, or visit Class of 2020 Supports. 

Wi-Fi hotspots: We are experiencing a community-wide shortage of internet hot-spots.  As a result, during our deployment tomorrow of Chromebooks and hot-spots, we may not be able to accommodate all requests. Another option is two months of free internet through Comcast. All new customers will receive a free self-install kit that includes a cable modem and Wi-Fi router. It is a no term contract. To sign up call: 1-855-846-8376 or go to: https://www.internetessentials.com/covid19. 

Thank you and we hope you and your family are safe and healthy.

Emergency meals will be served during spring break (using the current schedule). Click link for more information on locations and times.

 

Our technology staff is preparing additional Chromebooks and Wi-Fi hotspots for distribution to elementary school families. If your child still needs either a chromebook (1 per family) and/or Wi-Fi hotspot (if you have no internet access), please contact your child’s principal no later than 2 p.m. tomorrow, Tuesday, March 31. Click for your school principal's email address. 

This information will be passed along to our technology team so they can prepare for distribution at all elementary school sites on Thursday, April 2 from 4-6 p.m. 

NOTE: We are experiencing a community-wide shortage of internet hot-spots. As a result, during our deployment tomorrow of Chromebooks and hot-spots, we may not be able to accommodate all requests. 

Aligning with Governor Inslee's proclamation, we want to add some specific detail regarding field and track use. Use of our ballfields for group activities such as soccer, baseball, softball, football or other formal or informal games or practices are not allowed. Our outdoor playgrounds, covered play areas, and tennis courts are all closed to all community use. 

Thank you for your continued active participation in physically distancing yourselves 6-feet apart! We care about you and hope you stay safe and well.

Good afternoon Everett Public School Families,

Everett Public Schools remains committed to providing your child learning supports and engagement during these challenging times. We are keeping students and families at the center of our efforts by planning for learning and staying connected to you.

Thanks to the generosity of our voters that passed the 2016 technology levy, for the past several years our district has invested in getting devices in the hands of students and in training teachers how to best teach in the digital environment.

Since school closures began March 16, we launched learning resources and explored ways to connect with students and families. We continue to prepare educational materials, build out a Student Engagement Materials Overview on our website, and offer educators learning opportunities to better serve the needs of our students remotely.

Our next phase of student engagement and learning support development will include delivering flexible instruction using technology. In addition to posting content on teachers’ webpages (or other platforms like Google Classroom or Canvas), teachers will be checking students’ work, providing feedback, and collaborating with students and families using digital tools (like Zoom conferencing). While there will be exchanges of academic work between teachers and students with feedback, please know the emphasis will not be on letter grading at this time. Again, the goal is to provide meaningful feedback on work submitted by students.

You can expect educators to engage your student(s) in a learning range, by:

• Building out learning resources and standards-based content
• Developing a suggested weekly plan and schedule
• Providing content platform(s) like teacher websites, Google Classroom, Canvas, etc.
• Using tools like email, phone calls, Zoom conferencing, Google Classroom, or Canvas to collaborate
• Providing feedback on work submitted

With schools closed at least through April 24, our goal is to support all learners. We understand there are challenges associated with teaching and learning in this environment, and that shift will not happen immediately.  We appreciate the opportunity to move thoughtfully together with you toward better leveraging our technology tools in serving our students.

For the Class of 2020 (current seniors): With guidance from the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction and State Board of Education, we are developing a plan to address seniors in the Class of 2020 as a select group of students who may have specific needs to meet graduation and college-entrance deadlines.

For families of students receiving Special Services: The Special Services department will also be publishing complementary guidelines to the strategies mentioned above.

Teachers calling your child(ren): It is likely when a teacher calls to talk to you or your child, the number will appear as blocked, or private. Please consider answering these calls, or check your voicemail afterwards, as the call won’t be from a school district number when staff are working from home.

Do you have questions?

• For technology support: help is available on our technology web page.
• For instructional questions: please contact your child’s teacher.
• For other COVID-19 school related questions, visit our FAQ page. If your question is not answered there, you can submit a question for the school district and we will respond within one working day.

Thank you and be well,

 

Dr. Ian Saltzman

Everett Public Schools Superintendent

March 24, 2020 | 3 p.m.

Good afternoon Everett Public School Families,

We hope you are all adjusting well to our “new normal” of staying at home. Here are a few school district updates for you:

Chromebook distribution: Last week we were able to loan out more than 1,000 Chromebooks to our elementary and middle school families who needed access to a student computer at home to help stay engaged in learning during the school closure. All high school students and 3 of our 5 middle school students already have take-home devices checked out to them as part of the 1:1 program. We now have the next round of devices and hot spots ready to pick up for families in need. 

If you were unable to pick up a Chromebook during our last deployment and need computer access in your home, the next pick up day is Thursday, March 26.

• One Chromebook per family
• Hot spots available if family does not have internet at home
• Must be a student in Everett Public Schools, and provide student ID number

Chromebooks will be available for curbside pick-up in conjunction with meal distribution on Thursday March 26 from 11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. at:

• Evergreen Middle School 
• Cedar Wood Elementary School
• Garfield Elementary School
• Hawthorne Elementary School
• Jefferson Elementary School
• Lowell Elementary School 
• Silver Lake Elementary School 

Parents/guardians will need to provide their student(s) ID number and sign a Usage Agreement Form, which you can do beforehand online, or hard copy when you pick up the device. Internet Hotspots will also be available to check out for those who do not have internet access at home. Support and information about Wi-Fi hotspots are also available on the technology webpage. Please click here for the Student Technology Use Handbook.

Meal Pick Up: Meals can be picked up Monday – Friday, from 11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. at: 

• Evergreen Middle School 
• Cedar Wood Elementary School
• Garfield Elementary School
• Hawthorne Elementary School
• Jefferson Elementary School
• Lowell Elementary School 
• Silver Lake Elementary School 

ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS JUST ADDED - (note, meals only at these sites, Chromebooks will not be available for pick up at the locations below):

• District Apartments: 10:30-10:50 a.m.
• Family Tree: 10:30-10:50 a.m.
• Shoreside Apartments: 10:30-10:50 a.m.
• Canyon Creek Estates (Royal Coachman): 11-11:30 a.m.
• Heatherwood Apartments: 11-11:30 a.m.
• Mirabella: 11-11:30 a.m.

i-Ready information: Would you like to learn more about i-Ready reading and math? Join Dr. Matthews for an i-Ready Parent Information Webinar:

• Tuesday, March 31 at 9 a.m., or
• Wednesday, April 1 at 1 p.m.

https://everettsd.zoom.us/j/8320043792 Meeting ID: 832 004 3792

If you have questions, contact cmatthews@everettsd.org

 

School fields and tracks open: We are doing our best in these uncertain times to continue to allow our outdoor facilities to be enjoyed by our community in ways consistent with the directives of our governmental agencies. Governor Inslee's recent proclamation states one of the allowed essential activities includes: "Engaging in outdoor exercise activities, such as walking, hiking, running or biking, but only if appropriate physical distancing practices are used." In response, we are closing our outdoor playgrounds and covered play areas to community use but are still allowing our community to use our fields and tracks. Please remember the physical distancing requirement is very important and should be followed by every member of our community.

Please remember to follow the governmental mandates and stay at home except when necessary and remember to physically distance 6-feet apart! We care about you and hope you stay safe and well.

 

Ian Saltzman

Everett Public Schools Superintendent

March 24, 2020 | 9 a.m.

School fields & tracks are open; playgrounds & covered play areas are closed.

We are doing our best in these uncertain times to continue to allow our outdoor facilities to be enjoyed by our community in ways consistent with the directives of our governmental agencies. Governor Inslee's recent proclamation states one of the allowed essential activities includes: "Engaging in outdoor exercise activities, such as walking, hiking, running or biking, but only if appropriate physical distancing practices are used." In response, we are closing our outdoor playgrounds and covered play areas to community use but are still allowing our community to use our fields and tracks. Please remember the physical distancing requirement is very important and should be followed by every member of our community

March 23, 2020 | 11:30 a.m.

Physical distancing is crucial at this time. Playgrounds and fields at the elementary level are now closed and fields/tracks at middle and high schools remain open for community.

Please make sure you are not in groups and staying at least 6' apart. We all need to work together to take care of each other.

March 22, 2020 | 6 p.m.

Emergency meal schedule update 

Monday, March 23 our free meal service will be limited while we rearrange our program to better practice physical distancing. Our goal is to make sure all children receive the nutrition they need, but we also want to make sure we are doing it in a safe manner.

Preordering meals is no longer available. Meals will be available for pick up at:

· Evergreen Middle School | 11:15-11:45 a.m.

· Silver Lake Elementary School | 12-12:30 p.m.

· Hawthorne Elementary School | 11:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

Starting Tuesday, March 24, meals will be provided at curbside at Hawthorne, Garfield, Lowell, Jefferson, Silver Lake and Cedar Wood elementaries and Evergreen Middle. Times will be updated Monday evening.

Due to physical distancing standards, and for the safety of our staff, meals will no longer be delivered directly to homes.

Thank you for your understanding as we make these necessary changes to keep everyone safe.

 

March 18, 2020 | 3:00 p.m.

Dear Families:

We were able to hand out over 1,000 Chromebooks to our students today! Distribution for Monday, March 23 is delayed. We will be preparing the next set of computers for distribution and will communicate the distribution date next week. Thank you for your patience.

Last week we committed to send you updates daily as things were changing so rapidly. This will be our last district-wide communication until next week unless there is a major announcement. The Community Resource Center will be closed tomorrow through next Monday, opening Tuesday, March 24.

Please stay up to date by visiting our web site and social media sites.

Thank you and take care.

 

March 17, 2020 | 4:15 p.m.

Dear Families:

Today’s update has some important information on how to keep your child(ren) engaged in learning during this extended school closure, including checking out a devise for home use! Thank you for your partnership and support as we want to keep every student engaged. 

Learning while away from the classroom: Everett Public Schools educators have and will continue to create learning engagement materials while schools are closed. The materials do not replace the experience of being in school but can help students maintain the learning that has taken place this school year.

• Web-based materials: A comprehensive set of learning engagement materials has been posted to the main page of the district website at org and on your specific school’s homepage as well. These materials are aligned to each grade band and standards-based content area, as well as support for special programs. Students and their families can select materials to explore while at home. This set of materials also includes resources to help guide students and families to have discussions about the Coronavirus and how it is impacting their lives. 
• Print materials: For families that do not have consistent access to the internet, a set of preschool through grade 5 materials have been printed as “packets.” These packets will be distributed with our meal delivery (see schedule), and schools have identified students to whom the packets will be mailed directly.
  
  
• Continued development of learning engagement materials: To prepare teachers to support students during the closure, all teachers participated in a day-long training yesterday to enhance their knowledge and skills for using digital tools for creating and making available learning engagement materials. While each teacher may communicate with families differently, you should expect to receive communication from your student’s teacher weekly, and you will be able to access updated learning engagement materials on your teacher’s website by March 23.
  
  
• Student engagement materials: These include standards-aligned student engagement and learning activities to reinforce or extend current learning, guidance for families to support engagement and online resources most students will recognize. They do not include replication of classroom instruction, assignments that will be collected, assessed and graded during school closure, monitoring students’ access of online tools or resources, or providing an exhaustive list of options.

Computer for use at home: In order to better engage in learning while at home, it is vital for students to have a computer and internet access. All high school students and most middle school students already have a 1:1 device, thanks to the 2016 Technology Levy. If any student does not have access to a computer at home, Wednesday, March 18 they can pick up a device from Everett Public Schools to use at home while the school closure is in effect.

You can pick up a device at two locations:

March 18, 2020 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Community Resource Center 3900 Broadway, Everett WA
• Jackson High School 1508 136^th SE, Mill Creek WA

Parents/guardians will need to provide their student(s) ID number and sign a Usage Agreement Form, which you can do beforehand online, or hard copy when you pick up the device. Internet Hotspots will also be available to check out for those who do not have internet access at home. Support and information about Wi-Fi hotspots are also available on the technology webpage. Please click here for the Student Technology Use Handbook. 

Childcare: We are working closely with our community partners regarding child care. If you are looking for emergency childcare options: 

• The YMCA has opened up emergency care registration. They currently are operating at Cedar Wood, Penny Creek and Whittier elementaries, Mon. – Fri. 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• The Boys & Girls Club have open registrations
• Everett Club: 425-259-5147
• Cascade Club: 425-267-9526

Meals: Remember Everett Public Schools Food and Nutrition Department will be providing free meals to those who need them during the school closure. Find out more information on how to order a meal and where they will be served on the meals during emergency closure page. 

Thank you for working with us to keep your student engaged in learning. Read a good book today. Readers are leaders! 

Stay well, 

Ian Saltzman
Superintendent

 

March 16, 2020 | 4:40 p.m.

Dear Families:

Thank you all for your flexibility and patience as we work through hour by hour changes as directed by the governor.

Here are some important updates for today:

• Athletics: In light of further state restrictions on social distancing, all athletic practices are cancelled through March 31 and there will be no competition through April 24.

• Call Center: The Emergency Call Center will be activated starting Wednesday March 18, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. If you have questions about the school closures and implications, call 425-385-5555. The number of days the Call Center is open will depend upon demand and will be revisited daily.

• Spring Break: Spring Break is still scheduled for April 6-10 as planned.

• Information in various languages:

• Did you know our district website can be translated to multiple languages?
• There are more than 100 languages available in the drop-down menu at the top of the page. This is true of the district website and all school websites. Simply select “translate this page” and a Google translate window will open where you can select the language needed.
• Communications will be posting frequent updates to our website during school closures, so this will be the best place for families to access the most up to date information.

 • April 2020 Bond: As we continue to work with local and state health officials to monitor and respond to the COVID-19 coronavirus, Everett Public Schools made the decision to postpone our April 28 bond. This decision was made after consultation with the Snohomish County Auditor’s Office and new social distancing guidance from the governor. District officials are looking at later dates this year based on the evolving healthcare situation.

The need to build more schools, enhance safety, improve STEM opportunities and add space for students remains. However, our top priority is the health of our community. We will focus on ensuring our students have access to meals during this extended emergency district wide closure, and providing guidance for student engagement and learning support.

Now is the time to focus on coming together to help each other in responding to this worldwide health risk. We will determine the next steps for our bond and keep you posted. Thank you to all the staff and community members who have already put in a lot of time to helping determine our facility funding priorities. We look forward to revisiting these plans in the future.

Take care of yourself and each other.

Be well,

Ian Saltzman
Superintendent

 

Dear Families:

Thank you for your partnership and understanding as our response to the coronavirus and closing schools unfolds.

A few quick updates for today:

• Athletics: Everett Public Schools is suspending all practices through March 22, and there will be no competition through April 24. Coaches will not organize activities or meetings with athletes on or off campus during that time. All trips are canceled as most, if not all, schools in our area are not competing. Cancellations include all track and field invites and golf invites. Our position will be reexamined weekly and adjusted as necessary.
• Building Closures: Starting Tuesday, March 17, all school buildings will be closed for community use, except the Community Resource Center. Outdoor fields are still available for community groups of less than 50, and are scheduled through Community Resources. Lincoln Field and Everett Memorial Stadium are also available for groups under 50, scheduled through athletics.
  
  
• Meals: Everett Public Schools Food and Nutrition Department will be providing free meals to those who need them during the school closure. Find out more information on how to order a meal and where they will be served on the meals during emergency closure
  
  
•  Child Care:
  • If you currently participate in before or after school care at one of our schools, your care provider will be contacting you shortly with information and options.
  • If you are a first responder or health care worker needing child care and have not filled out this form, please do so as soon as possible. We are assessing the needs and available resources and will have more information early next week on options.

We anticipate another district communication early next week with information on how to check out a Chromebook for families that don’t have a computer at home, more details on student engagement and learning support, child care and more.

Ian Saltzman

Superintendent

Starting, March 16 Everett Public Schools will be closed through Friday, April 24. Read full message sent to school families below.

Dear Families:

Thank you for your flexibility and patience as we respond daily to changes related to the Coronavirus. It is important to remember through these turbulent times, as always, we are in the business of people. It is important to take care of yourself, your families and each other. Have extra grace and patience as we work through ongoing changes.

We have a few more details following yesterday’s announcement. Not every question will be answered here, but there will be additional information sent tomorrow and in the following days as details are worked out. Information will be sent to you via email, phone and/or text, depending on what alerts you have signed up for through your school. We will also keep our web site updated daily, and our social media sites also have regular posts.

One big change occurred today in our school cancellation plan. Today Governor Inslee announced a mandate that schools close next week through April 24. Therefore, Starting Monday, March 16, Everett Public Schools will be closed through Friday, April 24. School will resume on Monday, April 27.

Family needs

To help us in assessing needs throughout the district, please take a moment to fill out this survey. Everett Public Schools works closely with community partners and this survey will help assess capacity gaps for childcare and other resource issues families might have. 

Everett Public Schools Food and Nutrition Department will be providing free meals to those who need them during the school closure. Find out more information and how to pre-order a meal here.

If you have a child who receives any type of special education services, you will be receiving a letter from Special Services detailing what to expect in terms of student support during the school closure. You will receive that letter in the next couple of days.

Learning while away from the classroom

Alongside the community, Everett Public Schools shares core values of equity and learning. District staff are preparing for ways to provide your students a continuity of student engagement and learning support while schools are closed.

It is important we first define what we mean by student engagement and support. The resources the district will make available do not replace the experience of being in school but can help students maintain the learning that has taken place this school year. Our plan takes into account current curriculum resources, technology, and staff training in determining our capacity to engage and support students while schools are closed.

This will take the form of digital, web-based learning resources, hard copies of learning packets, and previously built digital content accessed through tools like Google Classroom and Canvas. 

It's important, too, that we define at this stage what these supports include, and do not include:

What the supports include

• Optional resources for families to use to keep students engaged
• Meaningful activities to reinforce or extend current learning
• Guidance for families to support engagement
• Online resources with which students have familiarity
• Providing a handful of options 

What the supports do not include

• Replication of classroom instruction
• Assignments that will be collected, assessed, and graded
• Monitoring students’ access of online tools / resources
• Providing an exhaustive list of options
   

There will be more information mid next week on how to access the various resources.

A few other important facts:

·         Parent teacher conferences are cancelled.

·         March 18 World Language Assessments will be rescheduled.

·         The standardized SBA testing is suspended. 

Watch for more information from the district tomorrow. Thank you again for your support as we all work together to do what is best for our students, staff and families.

Sincerely,

Dr. Ian Saltzman

Everett Public Schools

March 11, 2020 | 5:45 p.m.

Beginning Monday, March 16 Everett Public Schools will be closed through at least March 27. We will reevaluate further at that time. Read full message sent to school families below.
Dear Families:

We appreciate your partnership and support as together we navigate this unprecedented health crisis in our community. In our response to the Coronavirus – COVID-19, we have been following the guidance of Snohomish Health District and the Department of Health and implementing preventive and responsive strategies. As we have shared many times, our goal has been to keep our students in the classroom learning as long as possible. Our incredible school staff, school leaders and central support staff have been unwavering in this commitment. We appreciate their service to our community, children and families.

In light of Governor Inslee’s and County Executive Somers request that all citizens practice measures to slow the spread of COVID-19, it is now time to plan for alternative ways to serve our community and families.

Starting Monday, March 16, Everett Public Schools will close schools for a minimum of 14 days. 

Beginning Monday, March 16, all school building activities including school day instruction, childcare, preschool, health services, enrichment, etc. are canceled until further notice. Students will be in school tomorrow and Friday, March 12 and 13. Friday is a LIF. This will allow students to collect learning materials they might need and bring home any personal items they might want while schools are closed. High School athletic competitions will be cancelled until March 22, but practices will continue. Middle School wrestling has been cancelled.

Over the next several days you will receive further information from the school district on what this means for your child, including learning opportunities, meal provision, and other necessities.

The decision to close the district was extremely difficult. We know closing our schools will impact our most vulnerable families and we recognize that working families depend on the consistency and predictability of support and services our schools offer. We are finalizing plans to support our families during the closure and will communicate those in the next several days.

More information will be provided daily into the near future, and you can always find updates at everettsd.org/covid-19 and on our district social media sites.

Thank you again for your support as we all work together to do what is best for our students, staff and families.

Sincerely,

Dr. Ian Saltzman

Everett Public Schools

  

March 11, 2020 | 1 p.m. Post Governor press conference

Everett Public Schools continues to follow the recommendations of the Snohomish Health District and the Department of Health as we respond the recent events and serious concerns regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). We as a school district recognize, and take very seriously, our responsibility to be as informed as possible, and as prepared as possible, as this circumstance evolves. Of our many commitments and priorities, the health, safety and well-being of our students and staff are paramount.

In light of the Governor’s message to cancel gatherings of 250 or more, Everett Public Schools has already cancelled:

• School assemblies
• After school and weekend events, concerts and performances
• School field trips

At this time, our government and public health officials have not recommended closing schools, although we understand that may be a possibility in the near future. As a result, the school district is finalizing contingency plans for what that may look like for our school families and community.

Please see below for some facts related to the Governor’s message today regarding groups of 250 or more in order to reduce the spread of the coronavirus.

Question: There are more than 250 students in my school. How can we continue school if there are not to be more than 250 people together?

Answer: Because classrooms have under 30 people, they are not being considered as a required cancellation, per government and health authority guidance.

Question: What about lunches?

Answer: Lunches are an essential part of the school day and we are looking at adequate distancing requirements and additional spaces for lunch time.

Question: What about elementary recess?

Answer: Recess is a time where there may be over 50 students but they are spread out, often outdoors, where “social distancing” naturally occurs.

Question: What about high school athletics?

Answer: We are consulting with neighboring school districts to ensure decisions that impact other school districts are coordinated. At this time high school athletics are continuing as scheduled.

Question: Will my student’s absence be excused if they need to stay home related to Coronavirus safety concerns?

Yes, your student’s absence will be excused because of your Coronavirus safety concerns. As with every absence, you will need to contact the school and send a note within 30 days of returning to school.

If your student's teacher uses their website to post classroom assignments, please check there first, or if you need more information, please contact them directly and they will communicate with you individually about classroom assignments to allow your student to stay engaged while they are physically out. 

Your student may also keep up in school by using existing learning tools they have been using at school this year.  For example, elementary students have been using i-Ready, Prodigy and Khan Academy and secondary students have been using Google Classroom, Teacher Website, OpenUp Math and Canvas. You can find various instructional tools on our web site. If you have any questions about online educational resources you can contact the LMS (Learning Management Services) team at LMS@everettsd.org.

We appreciate your patience as we work to fully understand today’s announcements and how they impact our district and community. Watch for daily updates on this webpage and our school district social media sites.

 

 

March 8, 2020 | 5 p.m. 

The Snohomish Health District informed us today of a student at Woodside Elementary School who is exhibiting symptoms of coronavirus and has a parent who tested positive for the virus. The student has been tested, and results are pending. The student did not attend school for the last week. Due to the close contact with a positively tested parent, and the fact the child also has symptoms, Woodside Elementary will be closed Monday and Tuesday, March 9 and 10. At that time, we hope pending test results will help inform the decision of any further action needed, but the plan is to return to school on Wednesday, March 11.

Woodside did receive extra disinfecting on Tuesday night, March 3, as part of the district’s disinfecting rotation. During the closure on March 9 and 10 the school will receive an additional intense disinfecting, as well as the buses feeding that school. Click link for March 8 message sent to Woodside Elementary school families, updates and resources.

March 7, 2020 | 8 p.m. 

The Snohomish Health District informed us today of a student at Woodside Elementary School who is exhibiting symptoms of coronavirus and has a parent who tested positive for the virus. The student has been tested, and results are pending. The student did not attend school for the last week. Due to the close contact with a positively tested parent, and the fact the child also has symptoms, Woodside Elementary will be closed Monday and Tuesday, March 9 and 10. At that time, we hope pending test results will help inform the decision of any further action needed, but the plan is to return to school on Wednesday, March 11. Woodside did receive extra disinfecting on Tuesday night, March 3, as part of the district’s disinfecting rotation. During the closure on March 9 and 10 the school will receive an additional intense disinfecting, as well as the buses feeding that school.     

Other announcements the district has made in the last 24 hours is the Snohomish Health District and Washington State Department of Health have recommended avoiding gatherings of 50 or more people in order to reduce your risk of contracting the coronavirus. Following this recommendation, Everett Public Schools has decided to limit non-academic after school and weekend events for the month of March. We have also cancelled school assemblies and field trips for the upcoming week. Because the situation is changing very rapidly, the district will be reevaluating all school activities and updating this communication every Friday.   

If you have questions about events or field trips at your school, please contact your school directly for information.  

As was communicated earlier in the week, if you choose to keep your child home due to concerns about the coronavirus, the absence will be excused. As with every absence, you will need to contact the school and send a note within 30 days of returning to school. You may contact your student’s teacher who will communicate with you individually about classroom assignments to allow your student to keep up with their schoolwork while they are physically out.  

Thank you for partnering with us as we navigate this challenging time.  

Q: Why is Woodside closed for two days and Jackson High was only closed for one? 

A: The student at Woodside will not have test results back in time to make the decision about school closures on Monday. Both closures allow for three days of cleaning, but the extra day at Woodside will hopefully allow for test results to help inform next steps. 

Q: Any questions about specifics of the student ... 

A: Patient privacy laws require information about the student be kept confidential.  

Q: How will I know if my student or I have been exposed? 

A: If the student test results are positive for coronavirus, the Snohomish Health Department will determine who may have been exposed and communicate directly with anyone who may be affected (or the parent of the student who may be affected).  

Please click link for updates, FAQs, prevention tips and resources. 

March 7, 2020 | 11 a.m. 

Thank you for partnering with us as we navigate this challenging and rapidly changing time. We are committed to accurate and timely messages to our families and community. We have a few updates to the communication sent yesterday. 

Following the Snohomish Health District recommendation on social distancing to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus, in addition to the school events cancelled yesterday, we are also cancelling all field trips and school assemblies.  

All restrictions and cancellations will start Monday, March 9 (to the extent possible) through at least Monday, March 16. We will re-evaluate next week and communicate every Friday for field trips, assemblies, and other affected events scheduled for the following week. Please contact your school for specific questions about your school’s activities. 

Please click link for updates, FAQs, prevention tips and resources. 

March 6, 2020 | 9:30 a.m. 

The Snohomish Health District and Washington State Department of Health have recommended avoiding gatherings of 50 or more people in order to reduce your risk of contracting the coronavirus. Following this recommendation, Everett Public Schools has decided to limit non-academic after school and weekend events for the month of March. 

• Attempts will made to reschedule as many as possible. 
• Athletics will continue with practice and competition. 
• If you are uncertain about the status of an event, please check with your school. 

Q: If you are cancelling events, why are you still having school?  
A: We are following the recommendations of the Snohomish Health District, who currently is recommending limiting public events, but is supporting keeping our students in school. 

Please click link  for updates, FAQs, prevention tips and resources.

March 5, 2020 | 2 p.m. 

FAQs have been updated: The Snohomish Health District just came out with a recommendation to not gather in groups of more than 50. Why, then are you still having after school activities like concerts and performances? Can students engage in remote or online learning? Will my student’s absence be excused if they need to stay home related to Coronavirus safety concerns? Click link for answers and also get resources, best practices for prevention of this virus.

March 5, 2020 | 11 a.m. 

Will my student’s absence be excused if they need to stay home related to Coronavirus safety concerns? 

Yes, your student’s absence will be excused because of your Coronavirus safety concerns. As with every absence, you will need to contact the school and send a note within 30 days of returning to school.  

You may contact your student’s teacher who will communicate with you individually about classroom assignments to allow your student to keep up with their schoolwork while they are physically out. Your student may also keep up in school by using existing learning tools they have been sing at school this year.  For example, elementary students have been using i-Ready, Prodigy and Khan Academy and secondary students have been using Google Classroom, Teacher Website, OpenUp Math and Canvas. 

Please click link for updated FAQs, resources and best practices for prevention of this virus/flu.

March 3, 2020 

We can’t emphasize enough the importance of remaining calm, being prepared, and informed. The same steps you take to reduce the spread of flu or other respiratory illnesses are key tools for reducing the spread of this virus. The Snohomish Health District is tracking COVID-19 carefully and making plans should it present a more significant threat to the health of our community. Thank you for your support. Please click link for updated FAQs, resources and best practices for prevention of this virus/flu.

March 2, 2020 | 7 p.m. 

FAQs have been updated: Can students engage in remote or online learning? What should I do if my student, or another family member, has an underlying health issue making them more vulnerable? I’ve read in most cases people who contract the COVID-19 virus have mild symptoms and take care of themselves as they would with any flu, is this true? Click link for answers and also get resources, best practices for prevention of this virus/flu, and link to messaging sent to school families and staff. REMINDER: Jackson HS on regular schedule Tuesday, March 3.

March 2, 2020 | 11 a.m. 

If you are concerned about symptoms or possible exposure, please stay home and contact your healthcare provider. As with all absences, you will need to contact the school and send a note within 30 days of returning to school. Go to your school's homepage for specific school attendance email address. Click link for updated FAQs, resources and best practices for prevention of this virus/flu.

March 1, 2020 | 7 p.m. 

Durham and District buses that service Jackson High School have been disinfected and are ready for use Monday, March 2 (they also serve S. Everett elementary and middle schools). Jackson High continues to be deep cleaned and disinfected and will be closed March 2. Crews will be finishing cleaning at Gateway and Heatherwood middle schools after-hours March 1 and ready for school tomorrow. Reminder, athletic tryouts and practices for Jackson High will NOT take place on Monday, March 2, but they will resume on Tuesday, March 3 when students and staff return to school. Click link for updated FAQs, resources and best practices for prevention of this virus/flu.

March 1, 2020 | 11 a.m. 

Bus drivers have been called in this morning, Sunday, March 1 to clean and disinfect buses feeding Jackson High School. It is an abundance of caution, Gateway and Heatherwood middle schools are being deep cleaned and disinfected this weekend. Activities will not be canceled and cleaning is being done after-hours. Click link for updated FAQs.

Feb. 29, 2020 | 8 p.m. 

In addition to information below, Heatherwood Middle School is also getting a deep cleaning and disinfecting through Sunday, March 1. Also, athletic tryouts and practices for Jackson High will NOT take place on Monday, March 2, but they will resume on Tuesday, March 3 when students and staff return to school. FAQs have been updated, click link.