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  • Change to School Entry Procedures - From Eastmont Su...

    Good Afternoon, Given continuing concerns regarding local criminal gang activity, the Uvalde, Texas shooting, and a direct recommendation from the East Wenatchee Police Chief earlier today; I am directing the following to be put into place as of tomorrow, June 1, 2022 for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year. All exterior doors, to include front entrances to schools, will be locked once school starts and continue to be locked until dismissal.  Visiting students, parents and community members needing access to buildings while school is in session will be greeted by a staff member, use a bell/buzzer system, or be asked to call the front office with phone numbers clearly posted at each entrance to gain entry. All schools will provide supervision at primary entry and exit doors during arrival and dismissal times.  Interior classroom and office doors may be left open at an employee's discretion.  When students are outside (recess, lunch, health and fitness) supervisors will immediately report any unrecognized visitors to the office or direct them to leave campus. If the visitor ignores these directions, supervisors are to return students to the building and alert the office and law enforcement if necessary. The East Wenatchee Police Department and Douglas County Sheriff’s Department will be providing additional support to all Eastmont Schools during the remaining days of the 2021-22 school year. Officers will be visible both inside and outside of schools to provide students, staff and our families an additional level of assurance of safety. Once the year concludes, Eastmont Administrators will work with law enforcement to determine what safeguards to continue into 2022-23. Sincerely, Garn Christensen Superintendent

    Tuesday, May 31 2022

  • Eastmont Safety Activities = From Eastmont Superinte...

    May 26, 2022   Dear Parents, Employees, Students, and Community: Yesterday, I sent out a ParentSquare in response to the Robb Elementary tragedy. Since then, we have continued to receive questions regarding our current safety procedures. Regularly, I am asked if I can guarantee Eastmont Campuses are 100% safe and secure. The answer is no, I cannot. Even the most secure public and private schools and buildings have been subject to harmful intruders. Our highest priority in Eastmont is always the safety of our students and staff. Yesterday, our District Office administrators met and asked “Are we doing enough?” This was followed up with similar conversations with our Building Leaders. As with all safety questions, there will always be things that might be better. Included in the projects being recommended since early spring to our Board for a bond funding proposal are District safety improvements. Discussed were additional fencing and double entry lock out doors. We understand these will not stop the most determined individual, yet they may deter or slow down some people.   Please see below our list of the procedures and strategies currently in support of our work to offer a safe learning and working environment for both students and employees: Fingerprint and conduct criminal background checks on all employees. Conduct Washington State Patrol background checks on all volunteers. Use standard emergency procedures in all schools and offices. Practice both scheduled and surprise safety drills of all types.  Invite local law enforcement (including our campus based School Resource Officer (SRO) and other first responders to observe our drills, evacuations, lockdowns, reunification procedures, etc. and provide concerns and suggestions for improvement. Train employees and students to Run, Hide, or Fight an armed intruder.   Limit access at schools ideally to just one exterior door. (This is not possible at all campuses.)   Invite teachers to keep their classroom doors locked with an easily removed magnetic tool in place to quickly remove.     All websites, emails, and cloud stored documents are monitored and scanned for specific words. If a word on the alert list is found, the use is reviewed and an investigation initiated.  Safety for students, employees, and community members on our campus is at the top of every agenda for District Leadership Meetings.   Most supervisors are certified in Basic Incident Command. A team of supervisors participate in regular training for Advanced Incident Command for School Emergencies. Administrators meet regularly with lead supervisors from our local law enforcement and fire department to discuss emerging concerns and improvements.   All school and district supervisors carry emergency radios. All school and district supervisors carry cell phones with the capacity to monitor the District’s 400+ cameras, as well as lock or unlock some electronic doors. Law enforcement has been given key cards to school electronic locks, as well as web access to District cameras.  Employees receive annual training that focuses on student safety as a primary responsibility for all employees. A link ( https://www.eastmont206.org/departments/safety/index ) on the Eastmont website is provided to anonymously report any safety concern. All reports are monitored by school officials and any threats referred to local law enforcement.  Threatening Incidents are evaluated immediately by administrators for evaluation and further investigation. Any threats involving a student are reviewed using a threat assessment process originally recommended by the Secret Service. If we determine there is any evidence a credible threat exists, law enforcement is contacted and involved in the continuing investigation. Students whose misbehavior continues to increase in severity and intensity are referred to law enforcement.    We work with our local law enforcement to provide ongoing training to employees and supervisors on active shooters. We work with community agencies to connect families with support systems. Counselors work with families and local agencies to make mental health referrals for students when necessary. All certificated educators are trained as mandatory reporters in issues involving child abuse, neglect, or abandonment.  Local law enforcement is present when we search for any reported firearms.  The March 2021 Averting Targeted School Violence Analysis prepared by the US Department of Homeland Security and Secret Service was reviewed and distributed to all school administrators.  Do I feel safe working in schools for almost four decades as well as having my grandchildren in schools - I do. Not because I know a horrible thing may never happen, but because I balance the dangers in our world, with the benefits of living and working together to make our communities a safer and better place for those who follow behind us. My heart hurts for the parents, grandparents, families, and Uvalde community in Texas. Sincerely, Garn Christensen Superintendent

    Thursday, May 26 2022

  • Response to Robb Elementary Texas - From Eastmont Su...

    May 26, 2022 Dear Families, We are shocked and deeply saddened by the news of the shooting at Robb Elementary School in Texas on Tuesday. We share in the heartbreak for the families who have lost a loved one due to this senseless act of violence. Schools should and must be a place where students feel safe and secure. At Eastmont, the safety of our students and staff is always our top priority.  We have implemented best practices in student safety including secure buildings and practicing safety drills.  We recently took an additional step in safety with the hiring of our School Resource Officer.  We work regularly with our SRO and local law enforcement officials to investigate all threats and review our safety procedures. Please reinforce the importance of “see something, say something” with your child or teen and encourage families to report any suspicious observations using the District’s anonymous SAFE reporting system, or share your concerns with a school administrator. https://eastmont206-wa.safeschoolsalert.com/ We know that children and teens will process this news in different ways. Counselors are available at each of our school buildings to assist students and staff who may need some extra support. We strongly encourage any students to stop by the school counseling office at any time. Please join us in keeping the students, staff, and families of the Uvalde School District in our thoughts at this time. Sincerely, Garn Christensen Superintendent               

    Wednesday, May 25 2022

  • Safety Update - From Eastmont Superintendent and Eas...

    April 15, 2022 Dear Eastmont Parents and Community Members: (Vercion de Espaniol al Final) We are writing today to share our mutual concern with an escalation in gang related behaviors in our community, which could compromise student safety. The behaviors range from group identity tactics (wearing specific clothing/colors), graffiti, supporting drug use and distribution, to threats, intimidation, and use of weapons. Adults and students in our community are involved. The participants and victims of the crimes have been primarily “gang on gang” related incidents but the potential for other students or community members to be impacted is possible. We are seeing a recent increase in students exhibiting gang affiliated behaviors as low as our upper elementary students. Eastmont School District Administrators and the East Wenatchee Police Department are working collaboratively to address these concerns in the following ways: Frequent communication between agencies to report any illegal activity occurring on or near school district property. Sharing of current information on gang related activities (clothing, symbols, graffiti, and other identifiers) or potential actions by gang members. Eastmont School District recently added a School Resource Officer (SRO) who is now assisting in coordination between school administrators and law enforcement as a part of her overall assignment to enhance school security and safety.  One important strategy in combating gang behavior is through our dress code.  Eastmont School District has always had a dress code that prohibits any clothing or jewelry that supports any gang, gang affiliation, or gang activity. Based on advice from law enforcement we are expanding our list of banned clothing and accessories in order to keep all students safe. We realize some of the newly identified clothing items below are worn by students not involved in gang related behaviors. However, in order to keep all students safe we are putting these restrictions in place for the remainder of this school year to clearly communicate symbols of membership in, or support of, a gang is viewed as a form of intimidation and will not be permitted at school. Appropriate disciplinary action may be taken including suspensions and/or expulsions and arrests when gang related behaviors occur. For ALL STUDENTS in Kindergarten-12th grade starting on Monday, April 18, 2022, the following will be banned from all Eastmont schools, activities, and events: Hanging belts Bandanas  Hairnets Rosaries when visibly displayed as jewelry, permitted if worn under a shirt/not visible   Professional sports apparel for these teams: Las Vegas Raiders LA Dodgers and any apparel with LA printed/embroidered Dallas Cowboys San Francisco 49ers Kansas City Chiefs Pittsburgh Pirates  Clothing with number 18, 14, 13 Hats or hoods Sunglasses The wearing of solid matching colors in pants and shirts also called “color blocking”  Gang related tattoos must be covered  This list may need to be changed as we cooperate with law enforcement to stay current about the way local gangs identify.   Parents and community members are important partners in our collective efforts to keep our students and community safe. Parents, we strongly encourage you to: Talk to your child/youth about the negative consequences of gang behaviors. Clearly communicate that you disapprove of gangs and do not want to see them hurt, arrested, or treating others poorly. Be firm in stating they should not: Associate with any gang-involved individuals. Hang out where gang members congregate. Attend any party or social events sponsored by a gang. Use any kind of signs or symbols that may be related to gangs (even as a joke). Wear clothing that may have meaning to gangs in our area.  Get to know your child/youth’s friends and friends’ parents. Become aware of their attitudes toward gangs, alcohol and drugs. Apple Blossom Festival time in our Valley is known as a strong recruitment time for gangs. Pay particular attention to your child/youth’s activities during this time period.   Limit interaction with gang-involved individuals. One of the strongest risk factors for joining a gang is living in the same house as someone who is involved in gangs.  Older siblings or other relatives in your home who may influence your child/youth. Regularly review your student’s phone to learn who they associate with when on-line and what groups and students they “follow” or ``like''.   If you would like to serve on a parent advisory committee addressing gang behavior please contact Eastmont School District Office at 509.884.7169. We anticipate this group of parents providing valuable input to our school district and helping us address the many aspects (safety, family impacts, cultural considerations) that gang behavior has on a community. Thank you for taking the time to read this message and for your support in addressing this emerging concern. Sincerely, Superintendent, Garn Christensen                       Chief of Police, Rick Johnson 15 de abril del 2022 Estimados padres y miembros de la comunidad de Eastmont:   Le escribimos hoy para compartir nuestra preocupación mutua con una escalada en los comportamientos relacionados con pandillas en nuestra comunidad que podría comprometer la seguridad de los estudiantes. Los comportamientos van desde tácticas de identidad grupal (el uso de ropa/colores específicos), grafiti, apoyo al uso y distribución de drogas, hasta amenazas, intimidación y uso de armas. Los adultos y los estudiantes de nuestra comunidad están involucrados. Los participantes y las víctimas de los delitos han sido principalmente incidentes relacionados con "pandilla contra pandilla", pero es posible que otros estudiantes o miembros de la comunidad se vean afectados. Estamos viendo un aumento reciente en los estudiantes que exhiben comportamientos relacionados con pandillas tan bajo como nuestros estudiantes de las escuelas primarias. Los administradores del Distrito Escolar de Eastmont y el Departamento de Policía de East Wenatchee están trabajando en colaboración para debatir estas inquietudes de las siguientes maneras: Comunicación frecuente entre agencias para informar cualquier actividad ilegal que ocurra en o cerca de la propiedad del distrito escolar. Compartir información actual sobre actividades relacionadas con pandillas (ropa, símbolos, graffiti y otros identificadores) o posibles acciones de los pandilleros. El Distrito Escolar de Eastmont recientemente agregó un Oficial de Recursos Escolares (SRO) que ahora está ayudando en la coordinación entre los administradores escolares y las fuerzas del orden público como parte de su tarea general para mejorar la seguridad escolar. Una estrategia importante para combatir el comportamiento de las pandillas es a través de nuestro código de vestimenta. El Distrito Escolar de Eastmont siempre ha tenido un código de vestimenta que prohíbe cualquier ropa o joyería que apoye cualquier pandilla, afiliación a pandillas o actividad de pandillas. Según los consejos de las fuerzas del orden, estamos ampliando nuestra lista de ropa y accesorios prohibidos para mantener a todos los estudiantes seguros. Nos damos cuenta de que algunos de los artículos de ropa recientemente identificados a continuación son usados por estudiantes que no participan en comportamientos relacionados con pandillas. Sin embargo, para mantener seguros a todos los estudiantes, estamos implementando estas restricciones por el resto de este año escolar para comunicar claramente los símbolos de membresía o apoyo a una pandilla que se considera una forma de intimidación y no se permitirá en las escuelas. Se pueden tomar medidas disciplinarias apropiadas que incluyen suspensiones y/o expulsiones y arrestos cuando ocurren comportamientos relacionados con pandillas. Para TODOS LOS ESTUDIANTES de Kinder a grado 12 a partir del lunes 18 de abril de 2022, se prohibirá lo siguiente en todas las escuelas, actividades y eventos de Eastmont: Cinturones colgando Pañuelos Mallas para el cabello Rosarios cuando se muestran visiblemente como joyas, permitidos si se usan debajo de una camisa/no visibles Vestidura deportiva profesional de estos equipos Las Vegas Raiders LA Dodgers y cualquier prenda con LA estampado/bordado Dallas Cowboys San Francisco 49ers Kansas City Chiefs Pittsburgh Pirates Ropa con los números 18,14,13 Sombreros o cachuchas o gorras Gafas de sol/Lentes El uso de colores sólidos en conjunto pantalones y camisas también se llama "bloqueo de color" Los tatuajes relacionados con pandillas deben estar cubiertos Es posible que esta lista deba cambiarse a medida que cooperamos con las fuerzas del orden público para mantenernos actualizados sobre la forma en que se identifican las pandillas locales. Los padres y los miembros de la comunidad son socios importantes en nuestros esfuerzos colectivos para mantener seguros a nuestros estudiantes y a la comunidad. Padres, les recomendamos firmemente que: Hable con su niño/joven acerca de las consecuencias negativas del comportamiento de las pandillas. Comunica claramente que desapruebas a las pandillas y que no quieres que lastimen, arresten o traten mal a los demás. Sea firme al afirmar que no deben: Asociarse con individuos involucrados en pandillas. Pasa el rato donde se congregan los pandilleros. Asista a cualquier fiesta o evento social patrocinado por una pandilla. Usar cualquier tipo de signos o símbolos que puedan estar relacionados con las pandillas (incluso en forma de broma). Use ropa que pueda tener significado para las pandillas en nuestra área. Conozca a los amigos de su niño/joven y a los padres de sus amigos. Tomar conciencia de sus actitudes hacia las pandillas, el alcohol y las drogas. El tiempo del Festival Apple Blossom en nuestro Valle es conocido como un fuerte tiempo de reclutamiento para las pandillas. Preste especial atención a las actividades de su niño o joven durante este período de tiempo. Limite la interacción con individuos involucrados en pandillas. Uno de los factores de riesgo más fuertes para unirse a una pandilla es vivir en la misma casa que alguien que está involucrado en pandillas. Hermanos mayores u otros parientes en su hogar que puedan influir en su niño/joven. Revise regularmente el teléfono de su estudiante para saber con quién se asocia cuando está en línea y qué grupos y estudiantes "siguen" o "les gusta". Si desea formar parte de un comité asesor de padres que aborda el comportamiento de las pandillas, comuníquese con la Oficina del Distrito Escolar de Eastmont al 509.884.7169. Anticipamos que este grupo de padres brindará información valiosa a nuestro distrito escolar y nos ayudará a abordar/tratar/atender los muchos aspectos (seguridad, impacto familiar, consideraciones culturales) que el comportamiento de las pandillas tiene en una comunidad. Gracias por tomarse el tiempo de leer este mensaje y por su apoyo para abordar esta inquietud emergente. Superintendente, Garn Christensen                     Jefe de Policía, Rick Johnson

    Friday, Apr 15 2022

  • Superintendent's March 14, 2022 COVID Update

    New Information -  Following last Monday's bulletin, the WA State Department of Health issued a March 10th update to prior school requirements. These included the following: Students and employees testing COVID positive must stay home for at least 5 days. They may return on day 6 if symptom and fever free, and have a negative COVID test. If the person chooses not to be tested, and is symptom free, they are required to wear a snug fitting cloth or surgical mask that covers the mouth and nose while on campus from days 6 - 10.  Students who are symptomatic and visiting campus health rooms must wear a snug fitting cloth or surgical mask that covers the mouth and nose while isolating and waiting to be picked up by a parent/guardian/emergency contact. Employees attending to these students must also wear the same type of mask while in the health room.   The District has a notification requirement to post COVID positive cases. This information is to inform students, their families, and employees who may have health issues of all cases recently identified. These numbers will be updated daily to report the total students or employees out with COVID. Given the health information of students and employees is protected, additional limited information will be provided upon request to student's parents and employees by the campus COVID Administrator.   The new COVID notification dashboard will be updated throughout the week and can be found at: https://www.eastmont206.org/covid-19-resources/index along with other current WA Dept. of Health Requirements for K-12 Schools.  Additional COVID Special Bulletins will be sent out as needed with future updates.   Sincerely, Garn Christensen Superintendent

    Monday, Mar 14 2022

  • Superintendent's March 7, 2022 Weekly COVID Bulletin

    New Information  Correction   - Last week's bulletin shared that the WA State Board of Health Technical Advisory Board had voted to not require COVID vaccinations for students. This information is accurate, yet as an advisory board, the group is limited to making recommendations to the Washington State Board of Health, which sets policy. I encourage parents and community members, with opinions on a COVID vaccination policy for students, to share suggestions or concerns with their Washington State Board of Health Directors.  Below are links to the advisory recommendation and the Board of Health.  https://doh.wa.gov/you-and-your-family/immunization/school-and-child-care-immunization/vax-school   https://sboh.wa.gov/ This will be the last week of masks being required inside Eastmont Schools. Starting on Saturday, March 12th, masks are optional for students, employees, and visitors.  We understand the WA Dept. of Health will issue new requirements this week for testing, contact tracing, isolation, distancing, and quarantine of individuals testing positive who work at or attend schools. These links will be posted our COVID resources page located at:   https://www.eastmont206.org/covid-19-resources/index   COVID DASHBOARD   This will be our last COVID Weekly Bulletin unless requirements change for Washington K-12 Schools. Sincerely, Garn Christensen Superintendent

    Monday, Mar 07 2022

  • Superintendent's February 28, 2022 Weekly COVID Bull...

    New Information  Today, Washington moved up the date when masks will no longer be required in Washington Schools to March 11th. This will also include school buses. The two exceptions are if a school district board of directors votes to require masks or regional health officer directs a district to require masking. As of today, neither of these options have been shared as possibilities for Eastmont.  The CDC has set a new metric for when they will recommend masking in schools. It is based on hospital beds being used, hospital admissions, and the total number of new COVID-19 cases in a county area.  The WA State Board of Health Technical Advisory Board voted to not require COVID vaccinations for students.   Current Safeguards Until March 11, face masks and other COVID safeguards will continue to be required for all students, staff, and visitors in all school buildings. This Bulletin and COVID Dashboard will continue through the week of March 7th. COVID DASHBOARD We ask for your compliance with these safeguards as Eastmont is subject to all current penalties until the mandate officially is lifted starting March 11th. Sincerely, Garn Christensen Superintendent

    Monday, Feb 28 2022

  • Superintendent's February 22, 2022 Weekly COVID Bull...

    New Information  No new information since our February 17, 2022 Special Bulletin Current Safeguards Beginning March 21, face masks will no longer be required by a State mandate in WA K-12 schools. The two exceptions are if a school district board of directors votes to require masks or regional health officer directs a district to require masking. As of today, neither of these options have been shared as possibilities for Eastmont. Masks will still be required in school buses per federal law. This requirement may change mid-March. Until March 21, face masks and other COVID safeguards will continue to be required for all students, staff, and visitors in all school buildings.  This Bulletin and COVID Dashboard will continue through the week of March 14th. COVID DASHBOARD We ask for your compliance with these safeguards as Eastmont is subject to all current penalties until the mandate officially ends at the end of the day on March 20th. Sincerely, Garn Christensen Superintendent

    Wednesday, Feb 23 2022

  • Superintendent's February 17, 2022 Special Bulletin

    New Information -  The Governor announced the following information this afternoon: Beginning March 21, face masks will no longer be required by a State mandate in most settings, including K–12 schools and childcare facilities. Masks will still be required in school buses per federal law. This requirement may change mid-March. Until March 21, face masks and other COVID safeguards will continue to be required for all students, staff, and visitors in all school buildings. This Bulletin and COVID Dashboard will continue through the week of March 14th. We ask for your voluntary compliance as Eastmont is subject to all current penalties until the mandate officially ends at the end of the day on March 20th. Sincerely, Garn Christensen Superintendent

    Thursday, Feb 17 2022

  • Superintendent's February 14, 2022 Weekly Update

    New Information  The State Superintendent of Education asked last week for the Governor to remove the mask mandate in Washington Schools. The Governor responded that he would confirm numbers this week then announce a decision by the end of the week. We understand he will do this at a 2 pm press conference on February 17th.  Please know both myself and members of the Eastmont Board of Directors are actively involved with sharing our opinion on COVID related issues in schools with regional, state, and national level leaders. As always, our focus is student, employee, and community safety.    The Eastmont COVID Resource page is at https://www.eastmont206.org/covid-19-resources/index It is encouraging to see our Dashboard numbers continuing to decline.  COVID Dashboard Please know that Eastmont is working hard to return to pre-pandemic operations as quickly and as safely as possible. Sincerely, Garn Christensen Superintendent PS:  Eastmont continues to be challenged by a bus driver shortage. Please consider training to become a regular or substitute bus driver in our work to restore additional opportunities for our students.

    Monday, Feb 14 2022