Spokane Public Schools is moving through a long checklist of issues related to the COVID-19 outbreak, including remote learning, graduation and ways the community can help their schools.
However, questions can no longer be answered at the district’s downtown offices, which closed to the public Wednesday afternoon.
Teachers are now available via phone, email and other platforms to connect with students and parents, answer questions, share materials, clarify directions and assist with access to digital resources.
The district also has begun discussing the details of high school graduation, including ceremonies, proms, credits and diplomas, and hopes to provide details in the next few days.
Those who wish to support students by donating resources or time should call the SPS Office of Family and Community Engagement at (609) 354-7882.
How to help: If you or your organization would like to support SPS students, families or staff by donating resources or time, please call the SPS Office of Family and Community Engagement at (509) 354-7882.
All districts in the area continue to issue regular updates during the closures, via their websites, social media or direct emails to families.
Here is a district-by-district rundown of plans as of Wednesday afternoon:
- The Central Valley School District is expanding its free food program, adding four additional sites beginning Wednesday. The district also is moving ahead with plans for child care and academic support. The next priority is to create last-resort child care for health care workers and first responders. On Monday, the district opened school buildings to provide child care for health care workers and first responders. Information and a registration form are posted on the district website, along with details and locations. The district is providing meals to students at sites around the district.
- In the Mead School District, a second round of Chromebook distributions will be scheduled. Those who need a Chromebook but did not complete the Family Needs Survey may still request a device by calling (509) 465-6014. Food distribution began Monday at selected sites. For families of health service workers and first responders, day care was in place Monday. Next week, the district will make a determination on whether or not it has the capacity and available staff to expand childcare for other families.
- In the Coeur d’Alene School District, online learning materials have been posted and food pickup for school-age children is available, with distribution via buses from 11 to 11:30 a.m. at the following locations: Fernan STEM Academy, Bryan and Skyway elementary schools, Lakes Middle School (front parking lot) and Ramsey Magnet School of Science (west parking lot). Emergency K-5 child care is available at Ramsey Magnet School and will be limited to district students whose parents or guardians work in health care or emergency services. The hours are 6:45 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays.
- The West Valley School District child care began Wednesday for students who attend district schools and are children of first responders, medical field employees, grocery store and pharmacy employees and active military families. Those who have not contacted the district should call Heather Awbery at (509) 340-7191. YMCA child care at Pasadena or Seth Woodard elementary schools will continue for those already enrolled. Grab-and-go breakfasts and lunches are available at Pasadena Park, Seth Woodard, Ness and Orchard Center elementary schools. Children must be present to receive meals. The district also has released online learning resources.
- The East Valley School District finalized details for food distribution at sites throughout the district, beginning immediately. To receive child care, families of first responders and medical workers must fill out an online form. Child care began Monday, as did the provision of educational resources for parents.
- Tthe Medical Lake School District has announced that Chromebook distribution and packet pick up will be held Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. outside the front offices at each school building. Students should go to the nearest school. Meal distribution began Monday. These will be grab-and-go lunches that include provisions for the following day’s breakfast, and will be delivered by bus. The district has created a survey with distribution locations to identify the number of meals needed. The district is still working on a plan to provide child care.
- The Deer Park School District plans to offer child care for children, ages 3-13, of health services personnel and first responders, but a questionnaire must be completed first. Free grab-and-go lunches are being provided from 11 a.m. to noon, the district said. Academic options are still being weighed, the district said Saturday.
- In the Riverside School District, free child care is being provided for preschool through fifth-graders in families of medical field workers and first responders. Sack breakfasts and lunches are available at off-school sites.
- The Freeman School District is offering free sack breakfasts and lunches but requires applicants to fill out a form.
- In the Nine Mile Falls School District, learning enrichment packets will be available Wednesday at the front entry of each school building. Lakeside High School students who do not have access to technology should contact the high school. Packets for elementary and middle school students will also be available for delivery during the Free Meals for Kids lunch delivery.
Cheney Public Schools finalized plans for breakfast and lunch, which began Wednesday. The district also has posted at-home learning materials. The District is partnering with Cheney Parks & Recreation to provide Drop-in Services to students between the ages of 4 years and fifth-grade who are children of first responders and healthcare workers. For those unable to complete the Childcare survey, indicating a need for childcare, or if your circumstances have changed, please call the parent/community COVID-19 question line at 509-559-4580.
