8/14/2020
We are looking forward to starting school on September 8th! We are still working out the details on exactly what that will look like for our students, and should have some answers for you very soon! In the meantime, we've been required to submit an Operational Blueprint for School Re-entry (please click here to view this document) as well as a Communicable Disease School Management Plan (click here to view).
3/24/2020
Warmest greetings to our Oregon Conference School Families,
My heart is heavy for each one of you as you face unprecedented challenges. Our precious students are foremost and constantly on our minds. We believe this is such an important time for us to lean in to the personal needs of each of our students and families and provide the best support possible for their learning and growth.
I can’t tell you how proud I am of our principals and teachers as they have worked tirelessly and creatively to respond to this crisis with such large hearts for their students. It has been said that within every crisis is an opportunity, and we are hearing story after story of how our teachers and principals are taking this opportunity to meet not only the academic needs of their students, but the spiritual, physical, and emotional needs of the families as well. They are providing continued learning opportunities and expanding the education environment as quickly as possible. They are praying for the peace, wisdom, needed discernment, health and safety of your children and your family. We value a continued collaboration to learn and grow as a school community both now and as we navigate the future challenges.
It is our desire to serve your family in whatever way we can. Attached to this letter you will find a list of resources that we have gathered for you. The list is just optional ways to provide additional spiritual, academic, physical, and emotional resources to support your family as they are isolated from their usual routine.
I claim God‘s promises over each of you…That He will not give us more than we can bear… That the students who we work with daily are indeed God’s sons and daughters and He cares for them because they are His own...That He will always be with us and never leave or forsake us. May we go to Him with all of our cares and fears: “For the Lord is full of mercy and compassion.” (James 5:11) I pray for the promise of God’s mighty power over each of you.
I want to thank you for your continued support of Christian education. When we all get to heaven we’re going to look back at this trying time in earth’s history and see how God‘s hand was leading through it all. I thank each of you for grounding yourself in the love of Jesus and for sharing His love with all of those around you.
It is an honor and privilege to minister to you, our students and families. May you receive unexpected and timely blessings as you see God at work in these difficult times!
Gale Crosby
Vice-President for Education
Oregon Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
3/12/2020
Dear Oregon Conference School Families and Staff,
With the number of confirmed COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Oregon increasing, Governor Brown announced new guidance last night regarding group gatherings and social distancing. This follows a recent similar statement given by Washington State Governor Jay Inslee. We remain committed to keeping our schools open and safe. In accordance with these announcements and in order to minimize potential opportunities for the virus to spread, we have decided to proactively begin suspending events that bring large groups of students, adults, and community members together as well as canceling all field trips including our mission trips. This action is not related to a presumptive case. At this time, there are no presumptive cases in our schools.
Suspension of non-essential school-based activities begins immediately, effective Thursday, March 12, and will remain in effect for 30 days. This includes the suspension of all school-based assemblies and events, off-campus field trips, and professional development meetings and events. With regard to athletics, we are following new state guidance denying audience admission at all school-based events, with the exception of essential personnel and credentialed media. The list of affected activities will grow as we work with partners and stakeholders over the coming days. We will update you as we make those decisions.
To be clear, we are taking every step possible so that we can continue to provide high-quality education for all of our students and keep our schools open.
We realize that this decision will impact every school community, and we know that many of the events, student performances, and other gatherings that we are suspending are those that schools, students, and families look forward to all year long. Suspending these events is consistent with guidance from health authorities, and we believe it is a prudent and responsible step to take at this time. We will be working with trip planners, event organizers, and others who are responsible for the affected activities.
The safety, health, and well-being of our students and staff is our highest priority. We will continue to work in close partnership with public health authorities to minimize both the spread of coronavirus and disruption to schools and students. We will continue emphasizing the importance of handwashing at school. We will continue to prioritize the cleaning of high-touch surfaces in classrooms and common areas. And we are making sure schools have adequate cleaning supplies.
Students, families, and everyone in our community can best support our efforts by washing hands frequently, covering mouths when coughing or sneezing, and using hand sanitizer. Those experiencing symptoms of the cold or flu should stay at home, only returning to school or work when symptom-free for 24 hours. If you are concerned about symptoms, please consult with a doctor.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding during this difficult time. We all collectively share the utmost concern for the health and safety of our students, employees, and communities. Please know we all are in the hands of Jesus and it is reassuring to know that He in charge.
Gale Crosby
VP Education
Oregon Conference of SDA