Dear PPCS Families,
I’m writing to share information about Board deliberations and decisions related to the second semester, which begins on January 26.
The board has decided to continue with our Remote Yet Connected model until Covid-19 is no longer spreading in our community. This model prioritizes student, family, and teacher safety by emphasizing high-quality remote learning and reserving in-person learning space for our youngest learners (K-3rd) and students receiving special education services. It also features outdoor “meet-ups” on Wednesdays, which enhance learning and connection.
At the same time, we will make some changes to enhance connections and provide students in all grades with more opportunity for face-to-face engagement. School space will continue to be prioritized for K-3 and special education. Teachers in 4th - 8th grade will work closely with Ms. Branen to determine ways to increase safe opportunities for face-to-face learning and connection, especially for students who are struggling with isolation and online learning. You will receive more specific information about these changes - many of which are already underway - from your students’ classroom teacher.
To enable continuation of this model, the board authorized the use of PPCS’s funding reserves as needed to retain the support staff who have been with us during the first semester. This is essential because the additional Covid-relief funds we received from the federal government will run out at the end of this calendar year. The board has also authorized a teacher work day (no school for students) on January 4 for some of the additional planning time needed.
The board’s decision closely follows a recommendation made by a task force composed of board members and teachers. That group reviewed data from surveys of PPCS families and teachers as well as data related to Covid-19 in our region and information about transmission and risk in school environments. We have also been informed by your helpful public comments, which have given important insight into the different perspectives and experiences of specific families and teachers.
In making this decision, we are aware that we will not satisfy everyone. We know that some of you are ready for in-person learning for all grades, and some of you feel that we should return to a fully remote model. Palouse Prairie’s small size and highly trained teaching staff allow us to be extremely flexible and nimble in meeting student needs. These same factors mean that we weigh each decision in light of how it will affect our dedicated community. We believe that the continued and enhanced Remote Yet Connected model will strike the right balance.
We are heartened that a vaccine has now been approved and will (one day) be widely available. We are also encouraged by signs that in-school spread is low when careful precautions (masks, social distancing, etc.) are followed. At the same time, we are sobered by the distance we still need to travel. Our country has passed the grim milestone of 300,000 deaths from Covid, and the spread of the virus is increasing in Idaho as a whole and locally. We will come out the other side of this pandemic, and we want our community to emerge intact, with healthy students, families, and teachers, a love of learning, and strong connections. With your help, we know we can do this.
Thank you for your support and dedication. We wish you a restful break, happy holidays, and a bright new year!
Sincerely,
Jessica Bearman
PPCS Board Chair, on behalf of the PPCS Board of Directors
PS. Find information about Board meetings here. https://palouseprairieschool.org/school-board/
