July 23, 2020

Dear OC Education Families,

This is a summer like no other we have experienced as an educational community. I am sure you have had to adjust vacation plans, family gatherings and recreational activities just as your child’s teachers and principal have. Maybe you know someone who has battled COVID-19 or whose business or livelihood has been impacted by it. Even the ways we relate to one another have had to change.

As summer began, we all wondered if we’d be able to offer on-site instruction this coming fall. We were pleased when the governors of Oregon and Washington released guidance to that effect, and our Office of Education staff, principals, and teachers have been making the necessary preparations. Your principals have been working especially hard on Safety Plans for your children as we plan for this coming school year. For our schools located in Oregon your principal has been working on the Operational Blueprint for Reentry 2020-21 that all schools in the State of Oregon are required to submit to the Oregon Department of Education by mid-August if they plan to have on-site instruction. For our schools located in Washington your Principal has been working to meet the guidelines from the State of Washington to have their school be as safe as possible. All of our schools have been following the guidelines of the CDC and working closely with their local Health officials.

Many things will look different. We are proud to make schools as safe as possible for the return of your child this fall. Our schools are working hard to provide safe environments for your children to learn. Our principals are also creating procedures that will help students feel that they are returning to their same welcoming and loving environments. We believe that fostering the development of the whole child — spiritual, physical, intellectual, and social-emotional is vital during this time period more than ever before. That philosophical approach means your child’s entire wellbeing is our top priority.

We have held several online and regional meetings designed to assist our principals in creating their plans for reopening. Each one of our schools is unique, and the plans they are creating will be designed to meet the needs of your child and the other students in your school community. The Oregon Department of Education and Washington State Office of Superintendent periodically release updated or new guidance based on the latest information from the CDC and Oregon and Washington Health Departments. We will continue to adjust our plans based on the best and most reliable information we have available to us.

Please know that we are praying for you and your children daily and we would ask that you pray for your child’s teachers and principal as well. They are working extremely hard to prepare for your child’s safe return to school this fall.

On behalf of our entire Education Team, I sincerely thank you for the privilege and honor of working with you to educate your children to become more like Jesus each and every day.

Blessings on you and your family,

Gale Crosby

Vice-President of Education
Oregon Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

March 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 is in charge.

Gale Crosby

VP Education 

Oregon Conference of SDA 

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November brings an introduction of the Wampanoag people. Some hands on activities included cooking journey cake for tasting and making wetus to put in our village.

Bringing in the new were the 5th-8th graders demonstrating their robotic building skills. The whole student body was invited to watch the robots compete by picking up as many blocks as able. Then…everyone had a turn operating the remote controls. So much buzzing fun!

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