Dear Wapato School District Families,
The start of the 2021-2022 school year is fast approaching. The first day of school is September 2nd, which is the Thursday before the Labor Day weekend. I, along with the entire staff, am looking forward to seeing students return and partnering with our families for another successful year of learning.
The plan, at this point, is to start the year with all grades, in person, five days a week. The District is aware of the recent spike in positive COVID cases in the region. We are monitoring the situation and continue to regularly communicate with the Yakima Health District. If there is a need to revise our start of school plans we will communicate with our families as soon as possible.
That being said, I am sure many of you have questions about what COVID safety protocols will be in place at your student’s school when school does start. At this time the protocols will be similar to those that were in place at the end of last school year.
- All students and staff will be required to wear a face covering regardless of vaccination status
- A minimum of 3-feet of physical distancing will be required in the classroom.
- Enhanced cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting of buildings
- Emphasis on hand washing
- COVID vaccinations will NOT be required for students to attend school
- COVID vaccinations will be required for all district personnel as of October 18th. (Exemptions will be considered for medical or religious purposes.)
One of the changes in the protocol this year, families will NOT be required to fill out a daily health attestation form for each of your students. However, I strongly encourage you to do a daily health assessment of your children each morning at home and if they are not feeling well or if they are clearly sick, please DO NOT send them to school.
Like last year, when a positive COVID case is identified in a student or staff member the District will determine if there are any individuals considered close contacts based on Yakima Department of Health guidance. Families of students identified as a close contact will be notified and proper procedures will be followed in regards to needed quarantines.
As we get closer to the start of school you can expect to receive more back-to-school communication from your student’s school. That information will likely include details regarding back to school open houses, building specific safety protocols and other procedures to help you and your students get off to a smooth start.
Enjoy the rest of the summer season and I look forward to welcoming you to the 2021-2022 school year when school starts on September 2nd.
Kelly Garza, SuperintendentEl plan, a este punto, es comenzar el año en persona, con todos los grados, cinco días a la semana. El Distrito está al tanto del reciente aumento de casos positivos de COVID en la región. Estamos vigilando la situación y continuamos comunicándonos regularmente con el Distrito de Salud de Yakima. Si es necesario cambiar nuestros planes del comienzo de clases, nos comunicaremos con nuestras familias lo antes posible.Dicho esto, estoy seguro de que muchos de ustedes tienen preguntas sobre los protocolos de seguridad de COVID que se implementarán en la escuela de su estudiante cuando empiecen las clases. En este momento, los protocolos serán similares a los que estaban presentes al final del año escolar pasado.
- Se requerirá que todos los estudiantes y el personal se cubran la cara independientemente del estado de vacunación.
- Se requerirá un mínimo de 3 pies de distancia física en el salón de clases.
- Limpieza, saneamiento y desinfección mejorados en los edificios.
- Énfasis en el lavado de manos.
- NO se requerirán vacunas COVID para que los estudiantes asistan a la escuela.
- SI se requerirán vacunas COVID para todo el personal del distrito a partir del 18 de octubre. (Se consideraran excepciones por razones religiosos o médicos.)