UPDATED Tuesday, March 10, 2020

This message is to inform you of an important decision the Puyallup School District has made to enact several safety measures in response to the Governor’s recommendations of preparation and planning related to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). We recognize that these new safety measures will likely create hardships in our community. However, these measures will reduce exposure to COVID-19 by limiting the number of people coming in and out of our buildings, and conserve vital resources.

The following measures will be in effect beginning March 11, 2020, until further notice.

1. Face-to Face Parent/Teacher Conferences – March 11, 12 and 13 – Suspended
Although face-to-face parent teacher conferences are suspended, families are encouraged to participate in phone conferences with their student’s teacher (scheduled through the teacher). The district will still observe the early release school schedules planned for these three days.
2. SAT/ACT Testing – Saturday, March 14 – Will Continue
3. IEP Meetings – Will Continue
Individual IEP meetings will continue to be held as scheduled.
4. Professional Learning – Some will continue, some will be suspended
All Karshner Center professional learning activities will be suspended. Small groups of in-district staff may continue to gather for professional learning.
5. Indoor Facility Use by External Groups – Suspended
In order to maximize our resources toward the cleaning of our schools and to support the Governor’s recommendation of social distancing, we will be canceling external rentals and use of our indoor district facilities. At this time, outside facility use will continue. It is important for our custodians to focus on the daily strategic cleaning and disinfecting required of them and to conserve cleaning supplies. We greatly appreciate our custodians!
6. All Field Trips – Suspended 
This includes day trips as well as local and out-of-state travel and in-house field trips with guest speakers.
7. Travel by PSD Staff – Suspended 
All out-of-district, work-related trips by PSD staff will be suspended until further notice unless authorized as essential by executive administration.
8. School Volunteers – Suspended 
We appreciate our volunteers! However, to limit the number of people coming in and out of our buildings we need to suspend volunteering in our schools.
9. All Evening/Weekend Events (Concerts, Dances, Plays, etc.) – Canceled or Postponed 
We know how much our community loves to enjoy our students’ many talents. However, in an effort to support the Governor’s recommendation of social distancing to reduce possible exposure of COVID-19, we feel this is an important precaution.
10. Junior High Athletic Events – Suspended
In an effort to support the Governor’s recommendation of social distancing to reduce possible exposure of COVID-19, we feel this is an important precaution.
11. High School Athletic Events - Will Continue 
Because High School athletics are inter-connected across the state, we are working with the Washington Interscholastic Athletics Association to monitor the status of PSD spring sports. Current practices and games will continue as scheduled, until further notice.
12. After School Student Clubs and Activities – Suspended 
This only applies to clubs and activities occurring outside of the school day.
13. Right At School: Will continue and follow their normal schedule

Will online learning be available district-wide for all students?
At this time, the Puyallup School District is not moving to a district-wide online learning model. The district will support students who are out of school for extended absences due to an illness or quarantine. School administrators and teachers will work with students and families regarding coursework in accordance with our attendance policies and procedures.

Where can I learn more?
• Tacoma Pierce County Health Department
• Washington State Department of Health
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

As new information develops, we will update you.