The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

PRESCOTT—The Prescott School Board met on January 21 for a regularly scheduled meeting. Superintendent Justin Bradford shared COVID-19 vaccination updates, including information on a clinic held at the Walla Walla Fairgrounds over the weekend. He is encouraging school staff to get vaccinated, and he hopes to host a clinic at the school if the Health Department would be willing to allow it. The school’s nurse has agreed to participate, according to Bradford.

He said that they are three weeks into the HOPE 2.0 model of hybrid learning after they moved back to HOPE 1.0 in November, and things are going well.

Bradford that the newly-formed Associated Student Body (ASB) would be hosting a mid-year celebration for students the week of January 25. With approval from the local fire district, they will be lighting a large burn pile on the school property. He said that there are safety protocols to prevent gathering in close groups, and only a limited number of kids will be allowed at any time around the fire.

He joked that if more than 60 kids attend the celebration, he and a handful of staff have agreed to shave the kids’ hair into blue mohawks.

“I’m looking forward to them meeting their goal,” Bradford said, with a laugh. “So I can get a mohawk!”

The district received a new school bus this month, equipped with built-in seats for preschoolers and small students. They are planning on listing an older bus for sale as a surplus piece of equipment. The Districct also purchased a newer Chrysler Pacifica van to replace an aging Suburban. Bradford reported that many staff members were not comfortable driving the large Suburban, and the new van was a comfortable, affordable compromise.

Superintendent Bradford said it is imperative board members use their school-specific email for all school communication. If a board member needs a dedicated device for their email, one can be provided.

Bradford read a proclamation from the Governor declaring January as School Board Recognition Month.

Thomas Palumbo gave a brief Fiscal and Enrollment update. The district has transitioned to the Qmlative program, which replaced the Skyward program. He and Natasha Rudnick are still going through training to learn the program. The transition began over winter break.

A brief athletics update was given, following announcements from the Washington Interscholastic Athletics Association. The district is planning to begin soccer and volleyball practice on February 1, 2021. Games cannot be played until the district reaches Phase Two of the WIAA plan. Palumbo said specific information on the plan would be available soon. He noted that it is important to remember that sports are subject to change.

The board received a set of policies for first readings and approved two policies following their second readings.