Read this message from Superintendent Enfield has we head into Spring Break. She reminds us to take a moment for ourselves to relax and rejuvenate as we have endured many changes and challenges this year.
Superintendent's All-staff Messages
Dr. Susan Enfield communicates with staff periodically and those messages are archived here.
In recent weeks, we have seen reports of escalating hate crimes against people of Asian descent in our state and across the nation. Yesterday’s shooting in Atlanta that killed eight people--six of them Asian women--is another disturbing reminder of the increasing number of acts targeting Asian Americans and immigrants.
In a year full of challenges, one of the biggest challenges has been preparing to bring students back to school for in-person learning.
As we head into the long holiday weekend I want to take a moment to thank you for your continued dedication and optimism. I continue to be inspired by the work you are all doing to ensure that our students, staff and families are supported during these challenging times.
As I continue to hear your concerns about our plans to return elementary students to schools, I want to acknowledge the fear and anxiety many are feeling.
Since announcing the March 1 start date for phasing in in-person learning, we have heard a number of staff express concerns about returning to buildings. I want to acknowledge those concerns and the anxiety you are feeling. I understand your hesitancy to return to buildings when infection rates are high.
The events unfolding in our nation’s capital are leaving us all reeling. Personally, I am feeling sad, angry, disgusted and deeply concerned for how students are experiencing this as well. As educators, we must not only make sense of this for ourselves, but also for them. I know this is difficult and ask that you take care of yourselves and those around you and reach out for support if you need it.
As you may know, yesterday Governor Inslee announced updated guidance for in-person instruction. Under the updated guidance, in-person learning should be phased in counties where COVID cases are “moderate” (fewer than 350 per 100,000 residents in a 14-day period.)
Today is Election Day, and it may feel as though all the turmoil of 2020 is coming to a head on this one day. I know that many of us are feeling anxious about the outcome of the election, the likelihood of a period of uncertainty following Election Day, and the possibility of civil unrest. Our children pick up on our anxiety and feel it too, even if they do not fully understand the circumstances.
Last Friday afternoon, I announced that Highline would continue in distance learning through first semester, which ends January 28. I recognize that some districts in our region are beginning to reopen for students in small groups. I want to share in more detail how the school board and I came to our decision.