July 30, 2020

Fall Reopening Update: July 30, 2020

Dear families,

On Tuesday, July 28, Governor Brown released metrics to guide the county-by-county reopening of schools. These metrics apply to both public and private schools, and differ slightly by age group. There is one set of metrics that apply to our Kinder through 3rd grade classes and another that apply to our 4th and 5th grade classes.  These metrics do not apply to PreK and LowK. The Oregon Early Learning Division has set separate guidelines for this group.

We plan to open for students, either in-person or remotely, on September 1. If the metrics are met for both the state and county (Multnomah), we will open with in-person learning.  If the metrics specific to any age group are not met, we will open with Continuous Learning for those grades only.

Our goal is to provide a safe and robust in-person experience for our students and teachers, as well as an improved Continuous Learning program in the event that we cannot be in person. We are actively working on plans for both of these situations. The attached document reviews what learning might look like for your child. We ask you to please review the link below and complete the enclosed BRIEF survey by Tuesday, August 4.  Your input is crucial for planning for the beginning of the school year.

Metrics and Key Information By Age Group:

 

EARLY CHILDHOOD

At this time, we plan to open in-person for students in PreK and LowK on September 1.

  • Please note that the state metrics above only apply to Kindergarten through 5th grade.
  • This age group is considered lowest risk for both infection spread and symptom severity.
  • We are adhering to the strict state requirements and guidelines established by the Oregon Early Learning Division for this age group. Please see attached for more information.
  • Updated guidelines for Early Childhood will be released on August 14; we plan to review and provide you with any additional information as soon as we can.

 

KINDERGARTEN – 3RD GRADE  (metrics must be met for three weeks in a row)

The state is prioritizing opening in-person classes for students up through 3rd grade. The current infection rate for Multnomah County is 50 cases per 100,000 and a test positivity rate of 4.9%  Based upon the metrics below, we will know whether we can start in-person classes for this age group by mid-August.

COUNTY METRICS (MULTNOMAH) for K – 3rd:

  • 30 or fewer cases per 100,000 people over 7 days
  • Test positivity of 5% or less over 7 days
  • COVID-19 is not actively spreading in the school community
  • School is in compliance with Ready Schools, Safe Learners Guidance

STATE METRICS • Test positivity of 5% or less over 7 days

 

4 & 5TH GRADES  (metrics must be met for three weeks in a row)

At this time, there is a high likelihood that our 4th and 5h graders will need to start the year with Continuous Learning. The current infection rate for Multnomah County is 50 cases per 100,000 and a test positivity rate of 4.9%

COUNTY METRICS (MULTNOMAH) for grades 4 – 12

  • 10 or fewer cases per 100,000 people over 7 days
  • Test positivity of 5% or less over 7 days

STATE METRICS • Test positivity of 5% or less over 7 days

 

>>Please click on this link for information about what learning might look like for your child, as well as a BRIEF parent survey<< For parents who are opting to return to in-person learning, this survey also includes some information and questions about our after school program.

We will be hosting a Town Hall on Thursday, August 6 to answer your questions about these plans.

Thank you so much for your continued patience and support during these difficult times.

Stay well,

Robert

Robert Woods

Head of School