Coronavirus

Read this message about communicating with students and families, sent jointly from Highline Public Schools and the Highline Education Association. 

The school closure has brought a lot of change for all of us working in Highline. Some Highline staff continue to work on-site, others are adjusting to working from home, but all are working in new ways. That means we have to pay special attention to maintaining relationships with each other, our students and our families. Here are some reminders about how our conduct while working at home impacts the community in which we work--and where many of us live. 

Times of crisis, particularly when people are in close quarters, can lead to an increase in domestic abuse. Resources are available 24/7, and domestic violence programs across our state are working tirelessly to help people plan for their safety. You are not alone. Help is a call or chat away.

To support our ability to deal with these changes in a positive manner, and to continue making progress on our goals during this time, we will be sharing a few brief wellness strategies each week.

OSPI has changed its position on educational services during this school closure. The new guidance is that education must continue during the closure. Our Teaching, Learning & Leadership team is working on a plan for distance learning. More information is coming next week. 

Many of you have asked how you can support our students and families during the school closure. Here are some opportunities for staff. 

Governor Inslee announced an order for Washingtonians to stay at home, except for essential activities, effective immediately. Read a message from Superintendent Susan Enfield sent to all staff on March 23, 2020.

The Highline Schools Foundation is accepting monetary donations to purchase supplies for the childcare centers we are opening during the school closure.

Review these instructions to block or unblock caller ID when using your personal cell phone. 

Here is an update for staff about team collaboration platforms and expectations to return phone calls. 

Wondering why our district is offering childcare when schools have been closed? Like a lot of things in this public health crisis, it doesn't seem to make sense on the surface.

Employees who are at higher risk for severe illness, according to CDC guidelines (see list at bottom) are not expected to physically report to a worksite in order to perform the following tasks. 

As we move into this new phase of operating our system remotely as much as possible, I am mindful of the essential staff members who are still on the job. I recognize that these individuals have the same concerns about their families and their own health as we all do, yet they continue to show up and serve.

As we work to navigate the ever-changing and challenging circumstances created by the Coronavirus, we rely on our social and emotional learning strategies and skills to support ourselves and each other.

Beginning at noon, March 17, all sites will be closed to the public for the remainder of the week. Essential business operations will, to the extent possible, be completed remotely. This memo outlines our staff expectations beginning March 23, 2020. 

During the closure, staff are expected to check voicemails. Messages left on your phone line will appear as emails in your inbox, or you can check your voicemail remotely by phone (see the link support page below.) Here suggested scripts for your voicemail greeting. 

Please read this memo for special education staff sent March 17.

Comcast is offering its Internet Essentials program free to new customers for 60 days. All new customers will receive a free self-install kit that includes a cable modem and WiFi router. There is no term contract.

Please take a quick survey that will provide us with information on how we can best support teacher navigation and use of digital tools for planning and support of student learning.

Get your daily update about coronavirus including staff hub resources, instructions on accessing buildings and out of office replies. 

As we transition to staff working remotely, please provide feedback on what support you need, and review resources to log into email, access your desktop remotely and using Global Protect. 

The long-term school closure will impact our assessments this spring.

OSPI has stated that all staff will be paid during the closure. The expectation is that staff will continue to work, though specific duties and worksites may vary over the next few weeks.  This memo outlines our expectations through March 20, 2020. 

Governor Inslee issued an executive order closing all schools in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties until at least April 24. All Highline schools will close to students, effective Monday, March 16.