This past week has been filled with a number of informational meetings that have provided us guidance for the opening of our schools. State level meetings, a meeting with Pierce County Public Health, guidance from the WIAA, and the completion of our parent and staff surveys about return to school have all been very helpful.

With the most recent information, our team is now working on the specifics of a voluntary in- person Jump Start Summer School Program running August 3-14 and for the return of all students to school for our regularly scheduled school year.

We recently provided an online survey to the parents of our District. We received 785 completed surveys representing 1393 (87%) of our student population. Below are some key results of the survey: 90.1 % of survey preferred in-person instruction for the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year while 9.9% preferred virtual instruction.

95% of families reported having internet service at home through a provider or hotspot.

The largest barrier to learning at home reported was that the child did not respond well to online learning and requires social/emotional support. This was followed closely by parent inability to supervise due to childcare or work issues.

The survey provided us with a general view of people’s wishes for the fall. We know that there are many concerns regarding social distancing, how we will provide education for those choosing an online option, building cleaning practices, busing procedures, food service procedures, face covering policies, etc that all need to be addressed prior to any return to school. In the coming weeks we will continue to develop specific procedures and work closely with the public health to finalize our summer school operation and general school opening. We will be providing information in many ways to best inform the public.

Other Topic Updates Include: Our newly expanded use of school grounds starting July 1st is now posted on our Facebook page and website. These guidelines are also posted in a number of areas on our grounds. This includes the opening of the playground equipment with specific hours noted.

The Panther’s Kids Club daycare program starts July 1st.

The “Grab and Go” food service program has been continued through July 31st to provide breakfast and lunch meals to families.

Fall athletes are now signing up for weight room slots starting July 6th. There is a limit of nine athletes per hour in the weight room to promote social distancing due to the size of the facility.

Guidelines for coaches having their traditional five days of contact in July have been released by the WIAA. Coaches are now establishing their five days of contact with athletes to follow these guidelines.

by Ellsworth School District Superintendent Barry Cain