Tonight, Governor Inslee announced an order for Washingtonians to stay at home, except for essential activities, effective immediately. We are truly in unprecedented times, and all of us are being called upon to live and work in new ways that we could not have imagined a few weeks ago.
Superintendent's All-staff Messages
Dr. Susan Enfield communicates with staff periodically and those messages are archived here.
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.
This will be the first of several communications over the coming days based on the rapidly evolving coronavirus situation. This morning, Governor Inslee and Public Health Seattle & King County asked school districts in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties to prepare for potential school closures that could last weeks or months. We are anticipating an order to close soon.
Today and every day I am grateful for our support staff--our behind-the-scenes heroes--bus drivers, paraeducators, kitchen helpers, recess monitors, office staff, custodians, and more. In the past week, our classified staff have stepped up in more ways than I can count. In honor of Education Support Professionals Week, I want to highlight how these staff members have expended extraordinary efforts to help us navigate the coronavirus outbreak in our region.
I am sure that many of you have been following news about the spread of the novel coronavirus, as I have. I know there is a growing concern in our community, particularly with the new developments close to home over the weekend. I want to share how Highline Public Schools is responding to prevent the spread of illness in our schools, keep students and staff safe and healthy, and minimize the impact on student learning.
Our annual Employee Giving Campaign is underway, which means we have the opportunity to give back through a payroll deduction or one-time donation.
In November, the school board adopted a revised policy on Equity, Race and Identity (0010), as well as a new policy on Workplace Environment and Culture. These policies work hand-in-hand to ensure that we deliver on our commitment to disrupt institutional biases and end inequitable practices in our schools and worksites. This work is critical if we are to deliver on our Highline Promise.
As we reflect on what we are thankful for this week, I want you to know how thankful I am for each of you. Whatever your role in Highline, you are making a difference in the lives of our students.
As you know, we have been planning for a transition to a 5-period trimester schedule in our high schools. Our plan has been to start the new schedule in September 2020.
Our Rising Graduation Rate