The planning process is well underway for schools to reopen safely in the fall of 2020. Immediately after school let out, we went to work on the daunting task of preparing for the fall reopening. We want to share with you an update on the work happening at the school and district levels.
Teams across the District are digesting the guidance released by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and the Oregon Department of Education (ODE), which was updated yesterday, and forming the first phase of our plans. We surveyed students, staff, and families to get their feedback on Distance Learning this spring, and earlier this week emailed families a second survey regarding reopening safely next fall. If you have not yet completed the most recent survey, please click here to do so now. You may also submit feedback and questions via email at fall2020feedback@sherwood.k12.or.us. Your input is critical to developing our models for next year. We plan to further engage all stakeholders in the upcoming weeks to continue gathering feedback throughout the planning process.
At the district level, we have two teams assembled -- one is focusing on the operational components of opening (transportation, nutrition, sanitation, etc.) and the other, focusing on the instructional components. In addition, there are separate planning teams for each of our school levels. Each school team is committed to an inclusive process that incorporates the input of all staff members via direct participation in the process, association representation on planning teams, and an ongoing process to reach out to our community, all along the way.
At the school levels, teams consisting of teachers, administrators, counselors, special education staff, classified staff, and others have been formed to work collaboratively on creating school-specific plans for reopening. This work includes a thorough review of all ODE and OHA guidance, as well as researching models being used around the nation to seek possibilities for delivering education to students during the reality of a pandemic. For all of our school teams, their vision is founded on innovation and improved outcomes for all students, especially students who have been historically underserved.
Once each week, all administrators meet for two hours on Wednesday to discuss issues common to all levels, and to make sure our work and thinking are in alignment across all teams. This work will continue throughout the summer, and will be informed by our stakeholder feedback as we continue to engage our families and community. Please stay tuned for opportunities to provide input on our fall planning process.
