10/05/20 MLSD Update

Hello Medical Lake School District Families,

I am Tim Ames the superintendent. This past week we have been in the planning stages to bring more students back for in-person instruction based on the new guidance from Dr. Lutz at the Spokane Regional Health District. This new guidance specifically allows local school districts to start bringing back our youngest learners who represent preschool through second-grade students. Consideration for grades 3rd through 5th grade and grades 6th through 12th will follow after a successful return of grades preschool through 2nd grade.

At this time preschool through kindergarten students from Michael Anderson and kindergarten students from Hallett who registered to return to school will begin in-person instruction on Monday, October 12th. Those preschool and kindergarten parents who are currently in the Connect Plus Program will have the opportunity to return to in-person instruction or choose to stay in the program. School personnel will be contacting parents in the next few days to see what your preference is for your student.

I want to reemphasize that we will evaluate the progress and success of students returning to school on a weekly basis and phase in additional grades as soon as possible. We look forward to welcoming back our youngest students. Please review the plans listed below and if you have any questions or concerns call your child’s school or email us at covid19@mlsd.org.

Thank you for your continued support and patience during this unprecedented time. We are truly excited to begin the process of phasing students back into our schools.

• Developmental preschool already in session

• Initiate with kindergarten (Hallett) on October 12th

• ----5 days per week, all day

• Evaluate phasing of additional grade levels monitoring weekly

• ----Phasing will advance starting with the youngest grades and advancing to older students

• ----Determination of full return (5 days/week) vs. a hybrid model (half students on A/B schedule) will be made based on capacity to meet social distancing requirements

• Provide one week of notice regarding phasing of additional grade level(s)
  

• Developmental preschool already in session

• Initiate early childhood typical preschool on Oct 12th

• ----M/W am/pm half days

• ----T/Th am/pm half days

• Initiate kindergarten (MAE) on October 12th.

• ----5 days per week, all day

• Evaluate phasing of additional grade levels monitoring weekly

• ----Phasing will advance starting with the youngest grades and advancing to older students

• ----Determination of full return (5 days/week) vs. a hybrid model (half students on A/B schedule) will be made based on capacity to meet social distancing requirements

• Provide one week of notice regarding phasing of additional grade level(s)

• Grades 6-12 will initiate reopening hybrid schedule (A/B half students) based upon weekly evaluation and DOH updates

Should you find that someone in your family would benefit from free mental health services (in-person or telehealth) in the weeks to come, please connect with one or all of the resources noted below:

• Email your school counselor

• Check out our MIND Your Health page

• Connect with a therapist @ mindyourhealth@mlsd.org

• Email Suzanne Greenhall, MLSD Family Therapist & Mental Health Coordinator @ sgreenhall@mlsd.org
  

• Email Tawni Barlow, Director of Student Services @ tbarlow@mlsd.org

On behalf of the entire MLSD Wellness Team, we wish you, your loved ones and friends, good health!

If you have questions, feedback or concerns please do not hesitate to reach out to us at our district email covid19@mlsd.org or contact your office staff within the school building your child attends.

Very best regards,

Tim Ames

Superintendent

Every Student, Every Day

Website: mlsd.org
Location: 116 3rd Street, Medical Lake, WA, USA
Phone: (509) 565-3100

As a reference, and should you find yourself, family member or friend in need of assistance as a result of extreme distress, please contact one of the community services noted below.

• 911

• Inland NW Behavioral Health 509.992.1888

• Sacred Heart ER – Psych Triage: 509.474.3131

• Suicide Prevention Helpline: 1.877.266.1818

• First Call for Help (Frontier Behavioral Health): 509.838.4428

• Washington Recovery Hotline: 866.789.1511