Dear Methow Valley Students and Parents,
Welcome back and Happy New Year! I hope each of you enjoyed a festive and joyful holiday season. Speaking on behalf of our entire staff, as we attempt to place 2021 in the rearview mirror and look forward toward 2022 with a renewed sense of hope and optimism, this begins with the return of your students on Monday, January 3rd.
Like many of you, we have received numerous reports involving school districts and universities across the country who are choosing to delay their reopening date and/or are transitioning back to a hybrid or remote schedule. With no intention to do so at this time, we will continue to follow the guidance provided by the WA DOH and the Okanogan County Public Health Department and double down on our COVID-19 testing efforts.
MVSD COVID-19 Testing
In addition to the many mitigating strategies currently outlined in the DOH K-12 Guidelines (masking, social distancing, COVID-19 vaccinations, boosters, and hygiene), the MVSD will continue to offer free, voluntary, on-site, COVID-19 rapid-cycle testing, to all students and staff, Monday through Friday, prior to the start of each school day. The COVID-19 testing center is located at the western entrance to Liberty Bell High School.
Aero Methow COVID-19 Testing
Aero Methow will be providing free, voluntary, rapid cycle COVID-19 testing, Sunday, January 2nd through Friday, January 7th from 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. They ask that you pull into a parking space in the parking lot behind Aero Methow on Marble Street and stay in your vehicle. Once parked, a staff member will be out to assist you.
Changes to the WA DOH K-12 Guidelines
As previously mentioned, the MVSD will continue to follow the current DOH K-12 guidelines. However, there has been some mention of possible changes to the current guidelines, specifically with regard to quarantine procedures. You can be assured that we will be working with our local public health officials to closely monitor any changes to the current guidelines and keep you apprised as we learn more.
Weather-related events
If COVID wasn’t enough… With the current forecast calling for several inches of snowfall in advance of the Monday morning commute, we will be out early, assessing the driving conditions. We will communicate any changes to our regular schedule prior to 6 a.m.
Happy New Year!
Tom Venable
Superintendent, Methow Valley School District