Dear Northshore Community:
On behalf of the Northshore School District Board of Directors, I am writing to address the District’s continued commitment to bring students back into our schoolhouses. Since the Governor closed schools in March 2020 in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Board remains focused on following the evolution of the Governor’s and DOH requirements and guidelines with a commitment to the well-being of our students, families, and educators. The Governor’s reduction of physical distancing between students in the classroom from 6 feet to 3 feet is an example of changing guidance we might expect to continue over the spring and into the summer. The Board supports our district’s continued work in being thoughtfully responsive to these changes, as we remain resolutely committed to sustaining and strengthening equitable educational experiences and outcomes for all students.
Regarding next fall, when we begin the school year of 2021-2022, we want the public to know clearly that we anticipate that all students will be allowed to attend school in-person, full-time, 5 days per week. This is our goal and aspiration for all students, unless we are required to do otherwise by the Governor and DOH. We have been working with state officials to advocate for a full fall in-person return, and we will continue to do so.
Finally, I want to express our appreciation to all of you for your assistance, very diverse input and opinions, difficult questions, patience, and sharing of your trials and resilience in the face of extreme adversity. This journey together has been nothing less than frustrating, confusing, and just outright painful in so many ways. However, it is our hope that when we get through the other side of this long and dark tunnel, we will look back and know that we got through this with our combined efforts and with continued respect for one another.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Bob Swain
President
Northshore School Board