There is both an option for full online instruction (Oregon Online) and an option for phasing into in-person learning (Oregon Phased Restart) when it is safe.

Our goal is to get all students back to school as soon as it is safe. We currently offer a full online model (Oregon Online) and a Phased Restart model, which will phase into in-person learning. The timing of phasing into in-person learning aligns with public health guidance.

It is not possible to offer 3 models simultaneously for two main reasons:

1. Safety:
   • We must abide by the physical distance order, which requires 6-feet of physical distance between individuals wherever possible.
   • Public health guidance currently allows for in-person instruction in grades 4K-2.
2. Resources: there are not enough staff to simultaneously support three instructional models. 

Support hubs are designed to offer assistance to students identified by administrators who have specific needs (e.g., internet access, technology support, a quiet environment, mental health support).  Hubs are designed to accommodate a very small number of students, who are spaced 6 feet apart, with one supervisor.

This is very different from offering an in-person model to a large number of students, which is not currently possible due to safety requirements (must maintain 6 ft. distance) and staffing resources.

Health and safety is our top priority and we have strong procedures in our schools that align with public health guidance. Examples include maintaining physical distance (6-ft). wherever possible, wearing face coverings, hand washing protcolos and enhanced cleaning procedures.  

See Board Policy 566 for more details. 

When a case of COVID-19 is reported, we begin by having a conversation with the person who tested positive (or a parent/guardian if it is a student).  During that conversation we talk about when their symptoms started or when they tested positive if they aren’t showing symptoms. 

Next, we talk about who they may have had close contact with at school (we are required to notify any close contacts with the person who tested positive that occurred at school or on the school bus).   

Once we have identified close contacts from school, we call those people and let them know they may have been exposed to COVID-19. This does not mean that the close contact has COVID-19 or will get it; however, PHMDC advises that close contacts must self-quarantine for at least 14-days after the last contact with the person and continue to monitor themselves for symptoms. 

See Board Policy 565 for additional details.

A close contact is defined by the CDC and PHMDC as:

• Being within 6 feet of an infected person for a prolonged period (15 minutes or more) starting from 48 hours before illness onset (or if no symptoms, 48 hours before the date of the test).   
• Direct physical contact with a positive COVID-19 case (for example, a hug, kiss, or handshake);
• Contact with a positive COVID-19 case respiratory secretions (for example, coughed or sneezed on; contact with a dirty tissue; shared a drinking glass, food, towels, or other personal items; or
• Live with a positive COVID-19 case or stayed overnight for at least one night in a household with them.

When a case of COVID-19 occurs, we are required to notify any close contacts with the person who tested positive that occurred at school or on the school bus.

To be as transparent as possible while also providing relevant information to those who need it:

1. Close Contact Notification - If your child is identified to have been in close contact with an individual (student or staff member) who has tested positive for COVID-19, parents will be notified by the school nurse. If you do not receive this Close Contact Notification, your child has not been in close contact with the individual who has tested positive.
2. Classroom Notification - a classroom notification will be sent if there is a positive case in your student’s classroom and the individual was present in the classroom within the period as defined by the CDC and PHMDC (48 hours before illness onset - or if no symptoms, 48 hours before the date of the test). If the individual testing positive was not present during this time, a notification will not be sent to the classroom.   
3. School / Bus Notification - we will send a general notification when there is a positive COVID-19 case in your student’s school building or on their school bus. General school notification letters are posted on the Messages for Families portion of our website.
4. District Dashboard - we will publish an overall District data dashboard.The dashboard shows current active cases and is updated each Friday.