Next Phase of Continuous Learning

Governor Jay Inslee, by executive order, closed schools for the reminder of the year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Though our buildings may be closed, learning will continue.  It has to continue for students to grow, learn new things and get ready for the next step in their lives; whether that is the next grade, the next challenge, or just life in general. That is why students must continue to engage in their learning, despite the challenges of it being online and the lack of face-to-face interaction with their teacher(s).

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I know that this creates many hardships for parents and families as learning moves into your living rooms, kitchens, and wherever else in your homes.  We are here to help. Please lean on us for support by emailing teachers, calling, or joining in on some of the upcoming help sessions that some teachers will be offering online for you and students.

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Our 2019-2020 school year was to end on June 11, 2020. However, due to state requirements of how many days and hours school districts must attend for a year, College Place Public Schools’ last day will officially be Friday, June 19, 2020.  Per state law, graduating Seniors may be released sooner than this and this date will be determined in the weeks ahead.

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From now until the end of the school year, we will continue online distance learning. While we are doing a great job with this, we need to increase the expectations in the time students will need to work daily, the amount of virtual face-to-face time with teachers, and the quality of our online learning through the end of the school year. Our goal is to minimize the learning slide that occurs when students are not in school and not engaged in learning. 

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During the closure, students will still be assessed and graded on their work.  Students in grades K-8 are earning marks to prepare them to move to the next grade level successfully.  Students at the high school are working on successfully earning credits that will prepare them for graduation and beyond.  It is essential that students understand that everything counts towards the next step in their academic journey and that they don’t let up.

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This will take great effort from our teachers, our students and you, our parents and families to ensure that students receive the quality education they deserve even in these uncertain times. We ask for your patience and grace as we continue to refine how we “do school” online. 

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We have had several questions about key events and what the start of school looks like for the 2020-2021 school year. We hope this information will provide more light and guidance for you and your family.  

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Free Internet Access: We understand that some families do not have internet access in their homes, making online learning difficult for their children. CPPS has partnered with PocketiNet to provide "Community Hot Spots" in the Davis Elementary upper parking lot and the CPHS Southside parking lot (Near the football stadium).  The name of the wireless hotspot is "Pocketinet-cpps". This is open to anyone in the community who needs to access it. Also, Charter Communications is offering free WI-FI internet access for 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students who do not already have a spectrum broadband subscription and at any service up to 100 MBPS. Families may enroll by calling 1-844-488-8395.

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\r\nChromebook Check-In: June -15 -June 19, 2020, parents will need to return the Chromebook or laptop that was checked out to your student(s). More specific information will be sent out closer to the dates. Please be sure to return these devices in the excellent condition they were checked out to you.  If students will be attending summer school, they will be allowed to keep the Chromebooks/laptop through that time. 

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Summer School: Due to COVID-19, all Summer School programs will be delivered online. Your student’s teacher will reach out to you directly with details about summer school opportunities for your student(s). 

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Free Meal Service: Meal services will continue until June 19th at CPHS/Sager and Davis.  CPPS is working out the details of continuing meal services for the entire summer.  More information will be coming the weeks ahead. 

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Health Care Professionals and First Responder Childcare: On June 19th the free childcare for healthcare professionals and first responders is scheduled to end. There is a remote possibility that this may continue, but if not, there are 3rd party organizations that may offer summer childcare such as the YMCA and Campfire. Parents will need to contact these organizations directly. 

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Kindergarten Registration: If you have an incoming Kindergartner for next school year, please visit http://www.cpps.org/o/elementary/page/kindergarten-enrollment--3 to register your student. We are excited to have your child become a Davis Dragon! 

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2020-2021 School Registration: On June 1, you will receive an email and a letter with instructions on how to register your student(s) for the 2020-2021 school year. Students will not receive a schedule or teacher assignment until their registration is complete. All registration is done online on Skyward Family Access. If you have forgotten your username or password, please call (509) 525-4827 (and leave a message if necessary due to the closure).  There are also some new state laws with respect to immunizations. Students cannot start school unless they are up to date with immunizations. Learn more HERE. 

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If you have school specific questions, please reach out to your student(s) principal. They are happy to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have. 

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Despite our current circumstances and the suffering it is causing across the globe, we are blessed in College Place Public Schools to work with you and your child(ren) every day.  We look forward to a return to school in the fall when our classrooms can be filled with the sound of learning and our halls filled with laughter. Thank you for teaming with us through these unprecedented times.

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Sincerely,

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Jim Fry 

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Superintendent