Battle Ground Public Schools

Superintendent message: State guidance for reopening schools

June 11, 2020

Dear families of Battle Ground Public Schools,

On Thursday, the state Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) released its Planning Guide for reopening schools in the fall. The recommendations were developed in close collaboration with the state Department of Health and Governor Inslee’s office. Battle Ground Public Schools is in the process of reviewing the guidance and will let families know more about reopening schools as soon as plans are finalized.

General principles in the guidance are that school will resume in the fall, either via in-person instruction or through a hybrid learning model. Each school district can decide which model is within its ability to implement as long as health department guidelines are followed. While Battle Ground’s goal is to provide in-person instruction, the district is considering a hybrid model that combines classroom learning with remote learning and would allow for social distancing.  

The OSPI guidance instructs districts to promote social distancing and screen for illness, and requires all staff and students to wear face coverings in the educational setting in order to prevent the spread of the virus. The guide also recommends cancelling or modifying activities that call for large group gatherings. You can view the OSPI Planning Guide online. 

In preparation for the release of OSPI’s guidance, Battle Ground Public Schools engaged parents and staff in reopening schools surveys. The district received more than 4,800 family responses to its Remote Learning and Reopening Schools survey. Building and district leadership will use this feedback and input from the school board to make plans that comply with OSPI requirements for the fall. The district will poll families again after a decision has been made on how schools will reopen.

Please know that our number one priority is always the health and safety of our students and staff. This priority will be at the center of every decision we make. This is uncharted territory, and some elements of the plan will need to be worked out or modified along the way. We appreciate your patience as we review the state guidelines and the input families and staff provided on our surveys and make plans for the fall. We will provide more information as soon as it is available.

Thank you,

Mark Ross, Superintendent
Battle Ground Public Schools