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Waitsburg School District secondary students stay home for virtual learning

Secondary students returned to the virtual learning model when they returned from Thanksgiving Break

WAITSBURG—The Waitsburg School District announced over the weekend that secondary students would continue learning from home through December 18, as COVID-19 cases continue to rise in the area.

Shortly before students departed for Thanksgiving Break, the school district announced that students would temporarily return to the virtual learning model out of an abundance of caution as COVID-19 cases surged in Walla Walla County.

That temporary return has been extended for Preston Hall Middle School and Waitsburg High School, and students will follow the virtual learning model that they began the school year with. An updated schedule for secondary students has been posted to the district’s website.

Preschool and elementary students returned to in-person instruction on Monday, November 30, following the original hybrid schedule. “Group A” students will attend class on Monday and Tuesday, and “Group B” students will attend class on Thursday and Friday. Wednesday is still reserved for small group targeted assistance.

School superintendent Mark Pickel, along with the Waitsburg School Board, will review the schedule and discuss how to return to school following Holiday Break on December 17.

“We are working closely with the Walla Walla Community Health Department as we navigate these next few weeks before the winter break. 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 district announced on their website. “The decision to switch the secondary students to distance learning was done with an abundance of caution, knowing that it is the best safeguard for our community under the current circumstances.”

The school district continues to offer meal delivery and pickup services for students. If any secondary students are in need of additional meals during this time, please contact Food Services Supervisor Susan Wildey at swildey@waitsburgsd.org.

 

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