Staff Report

Mercer Island School District Superintendent Donna Colosky released a second letter regarding the school opening plan on Sept. 29.

She informed the school community via the district’s web site that the Washington Department of Health Decision Tree number for COVID-19 transmission has moved into the moderate range, allowing the district to plan for more in-person, or Orange Learning, instruction for students.

Colosky said the district’s timeline to transition to Orange Learning is currently: Kindergarten, Oct. 19; if all the health data stays consistent, and staffing requirements can be met, first grade will follow within three weeks; grades 2-12 will phase in throughout late November and December. Students with individualized education programs will receive information on their schedules from the Special Services Department.

“Public Health – Seattle & King County has recommended that districts move forward cautiously with in-person learning, which aligns with our Orange Learning plan,” she wrote, adding that the district will continue to prioritize its youngest learners and its students with the most significant needs.

As defined by the school board in August, Orange Learning is student access to in-person learning for two to three days a week. Under the district’s current plan, it is not a “hybrid” model that brings in 50 percent of students for in-person learning, while the other 50 percent are working independently from home with some asynchronous learning.

Public health regulations for students participating in Orange Learning includes: Face coverings or appropriate personal protective equipment must be worn by everyone in the buildings; daily health attestation for anyone entering the building for more than 15 minutes; six-foot physical distancing between desks and all desks facing the same way; no more than 14-16 students at a time may be in most MISD classrooms for more than 15 minutes.

“In the weeks to come, we will continue to work with staff and labor leaders on how to transition from remote to in-person learning. We will follow the guidelines from the governor, the state Department of Health, Public Health – Seattle & King County, the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association, as well as other state and federal organizations that also have provided reopening guidance for schools,” she said.

Colosky noted that the first month of remote learning has been positive despite its challenges.

“We continue to learn and grow in how best to provide engaging and safe learning environments in this remote setting. Dedicated parents and staff are working collaboratively to support the teaching and learning of our children. Now more than ever, our students benefit from the tremendous home and school partnership,” she said.

The full letter is available at https://tinyurl.com/y2n9k6nl . She posted her first letter on Sept. 14.