Due to school board concerns with the rising number of active COVID-19 cases in Walla Walla County, Waitsburg School District will switch to distance learning starting Monday, November 23rd and continue in this learning mode to Wednesday, November 25th. While this was not an easy decision and may not be well received by everyone, the consensus of the board is that this is the right decision for the circumstances at this time. It is important to note that currently, there are no confirmed cases of the COVID-19 virus in any of our school buildings with students or staff.

The distance learning schedule is as follows:

Monday, November 23 – Distance Learning Group A

Tuesday, November 24 – Distance Learning Group B

Wednesday, November 25 – Distance Learning/Make up Day (early release at 12:10 pm)

Thursday, November 26 – No School, Thanksgiving

Friday, November 27 – No School, Thanksgiving break

The Waitsburg School Board of Directors and Superintendent Mark Pickel will continue to monitor the situation in the county and in our community. This is a proactive measure to keep students and staff safe and healthy. As you make plans for this week, please be mindful of Governor Inslee’s guidelines for social gatherings.

The tentative plan for Waitsburg School District is to have students return to in person learning on Monday, November 30th. Please know we are working closely with the Walla Walla Community Health Department over the next few days to monitor the data. It is of utmost importance to keep students, parents, and community members informed as we work towards bringing students back in adherence with a safe and cautious timeline. The decision to close Waitsburg School District this week was done with an abundance of caution, knowing that it is the best safeguard for our community under the current circumstances.

Teachers will be connecting with all of their students about schedules, online classes, and attendance for the week. If students need materials, they will be able to pick them up at the school. Meal deliveries and pick-ups will continue as planned.

Please contact the school if you have questions, concerns or need any assistance. We are here to help. We ask for your patience and flexibility this week. Students need to connect with their teachers every day and complete all of their assignments.

Any questions or concerns, please contact Superintendent/Elementary Principal Mark Pickel.

Tel: 509-337-6301, ext. 1104 / Email: mpickel@waitsburgsd.org