After hearing recommendations from Clark County Public Health about the continued COVID-19 concerns in the community, and in consultation with school district staff, the Evergreen School Board of Directors said on August 11 they will officially adopt the Remote Learning 2.0 model for the beginning of the 2020-21 school year on September 1. With the continued rise in COVID-19 cases, the school district joins other districts in Clark County in preferring the remote learning model after considering three possible options: in-person learning, remote learning, or a hybrid model of the two.

“As we explored how we could offer the best learning opportunities for students, while ensuring a safe environment for students and staff under current conditions, the only option that satisfied this criteria was to remain in remote learning,” said Superintendent Mike Merlino. “However, we are making vast improvements in how we deliver remote instruction over how we initially began last spring.”

Last March, as schools across Washington state were closed, school districts, including Evergreen, had very little time to transition to a remote learning model. However, based on the experience and feedback of students, staff and families over the three-and-a-half month period, the district developed a template for making improvements. Over the summer, curriculum and instruction, IT and support staff have streamlined platforms, made online learning options more robust and fixed technical and access issues. Teaching staff will receive additional training and support during the month of August, and schools will provide students and families with much clearer guidance and expectations.

In addition to improving the online learning experience, Evergreen is committed to ensure students with specialized needs have specific options that best meet their instructional requirements. Staff at schools will also directly contact students who do not initially engage, or appear to struggle with, remote learning.  The district will also continue to provide meals to students, and work with community partners to provide childcare options for working families.

In choosing the Remote Learning 2.0 model, School Board President Julie Bocanegra said, ”We appreciate the cooperation and support of our public health officials, as well as our staff, and neighboring school districts, in ensuring a community-wide response. We are doing what is best for our students, staff and community, with the goal to open our schools for in-person learning as soon as it is safe to do so.”

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Attachment: https://youtu.be/qFEr7keLFTc

Evergreen Public Schools Superintendent Mike Merlino - video statement -may be excerpted or used in entirety. Also posted on www.evergreenps.org