UPDATED Wednesday, March 11, 2020
Dear Puyallup Staff, Families, and Community,
This morning, Governor Inslee held a press conference to alert the public on the severity of the COVID-19 virus and announce steps that will be taken to slow the rate of this global pandemic. Governor Inslee invoked emergency measures including a prohibition of gatherings greater than 250 people in Pierce, King and Snohomish counties starting today. He also directed all Washington state school districts to begin the process of creating contingency plans for possible mandated school closures. We believe Governor Inslee will update the State in the next few days regarding the closing of schools.
This message is to update you of important decisions 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 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 are in effect immediately until further notice. There are two important updates from yesterday’s message regarding SAT/ACT testing and High School Athletics. We will continue to provide updates whenever we have new information to share.
The following measures are in effect, 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 – Cancelled
The College Board has cancelled all testing in areas that are impacted by COVID-19.
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 Competitions and Events - Suspended
Governor Inslee invoked emergency measures including a prohibition of gatherings greater than 250 people in Pierce, King and Snohomish counties starting today. Based on this information from the Governor, the District is suspending all athletics 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?
In the event of an all school closure that is mandated by the Governor, the Puyallup School District is not moving to a district-wide online learning model. The district will work to provide resources and activities for families to use at home with their children.
Where can I learn more?
As new information develops, we will update you.