Clarkston schools closed on Tuesday

clarkston-school-district
Clarkston schools will be closed starting Tuesday.
Superintendent Thaynan Knowlton’s letter is below:
March 13, 2020
 
Dear Families:
 
Today, in response to Governor Inslee’s March 13th emergency proclamation, the Clarkston School District (CSD) will be closed March 17th through April 24, 2020, in an effort to aggressively slow the spread of COVID-19. We are committed to keeping you updated with information as soon as it becomes available.
We recognize the significant impact this extended closure will have on our entire community, students, families, and staff. Closing the school for a minimum of six weeks mid-year is unprecedented. We acknowledge the anxiety this may cause our students, especially our seniors who are focused on graduation and those children who depend on our school for critical services. We also recognize the burden this will place on our staff and working families.
The Clarkston School District is in regular contact with local and state officials to ensure we address the needs of our school communities and we will be working in partnership with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) on what this extended closure means for the school year calendar. As soon as we have more information, we will share it with you.
Student Meal Support
Beginning Tuesday, March 17, our food service department will be providing meals (times and locations to be determined) every weekday. Additional information will be shared with families as it becomes available.
Closure Reminders
As of March 17, all classroom instruction, athletics, club sports, enrichment programs, etc. are closed. We know that child care is a top concern for families. The Clarkston District will be providing child care for all medical personnel, first responders and those who are documented as homeless. Please notify the office manager of your child’s school as soon as possible if you will be requesting this service.
In the meantime, if you are able, please offer help to friends and neighbors. Most of us have never experienced this level of life disruption. We will get through it but only if we support each other. Small moments of grace and support will go a long way as we navigate our collective response to COVID-19. Our children will follow our lead as we all remain calm and patient with the current situation.
While our classrooms are empty, our work on behalf of children continues. Teachers will be working with their classes to continue the educational process in alternate formats to be communicated at a later date.
 
Classified staff members will be on-site as they are critical to the continued operations of the district. They are working to get meals ready for students, complete payroll for our staff, provide updates to our families, keep our buildings clean and enroll students for the next school year.
 
This extended closure will affect every aspect of our district. Please know that we are working to get you up-to-date information and will continue to be in regular contact, Monday through Friday.
Sincerely,
 
Thaynan Knowlton
Superintendent