Dear Methow Valley Students, Parents, and Community Members,
The MVSD is currently in the process of updating its COVID Protocols. Similar to last year, we anticipate this will be an ever-evolving process with changes to our protocols taking place throughout the school year. As they change, we will make changes to our COVID Updates page located on our district website and alert you via Skyward Messenger.
On Thursday, August 12th, MVSD School Nurse Adriana Vanbianchi and I will be meeting with local and state health officials to review the newly established guidance provided by the WA DOH, per the Governor’s proclamation and executive order.
Immediately following our meeting, we will begin the process of updating and communicating our protocols with students, parents, staff, and the community.
Based upon what has been shared with us thus far, it appears as though it will look very similar to last spring:
- COVID vaccinations are not currently required of students, staff, or volunteers at this time. This may change for staff, per an anticipated proclamation by the Governor as early as today.
- All other vaccinations required of school-age children remain in effect.
- Masking remains in effect for “all” students, staff, and volunteers when indoors and on buses.
- It’s anticipated that exemptions will be made available for those who are deaf or cannot wear a mask based upon medical reasons as determined by a physician.
- In addition to wearing masks indoors, the implementation of the many other mitigating strategies – outdoor education, ventilation, spacing “as much as possible”, and proper hygiene are all still in effect.
- The daily “parent screening” will be strongly encouraged, but they are not required to report to the school, except for when their children are sick. When their child is sick, parents are asked to keep them home.
You can anticipate more detailed information in the coming days.
Sincerely,
Tom Venable
Superintendent, Methow Valley School District