Superintendent's January 10, 2021 Weekly Update

New Information  New January 7,  2022 guidelines for COVID related quarantine and isolation have been issued for WA schools. We are slowly implementing these as we clarify questions and confirm information.  Spectator participation is being reduced to 50% of facility capacity in an effort to slow the spread of COVID and the subsequent use of regional medical services. Activities, other than approved athletics, are also being canceled and rescheduled.  Maintaining an adequate Eastmont workforce is our current priority given the many individuals ill or needing to quarantine, isolate, care for family, or stuck while traveling.   Snow make up days will be determined by March 31, 2022 once we are beyond snow season.    We would not be open today were it not for the extraordinary work of Eastmont Maintenance and custodial crews. These individuals worked almost non-stop since the evening of the 5th. Thank you for your dedication to ensure Eastmont Campuses were ready for school this morning. We also extend a thanks to Douglas County PUD and the regional Pangborn Airport for sending operators and large equipment to help open up access for buses, employees, parents, and students to our schools.  Having this help, along with our own staff, allowed Eastmont to assist Wenatchee School District on the 9th to get their schools ready for students. Please know that Eastmont continues to return to pre-pandemic operations as quickly and as safely as possible. Sincerely, Garn Christensen Superintendent PS:  Eastmont is limiting student activities and routes because of 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, Jan 10 2022

Superintendent's January 3, 2021 Weekly Update

New Information  Eastmont had not intended to send out a bulletin until January 10th when we will update our COVID Dashboard with new data from our current school week.  Over the holidays the regional Chelan-Douglas Health District Director and Medical Officer contacted us with concerns about upcoming activities. A link is available below to the message they prepared regarding the Battle of the Bridges basketball game that was scheduled this week in the Town Toyota Center.  Please know that Eastmont continues to return to pre-pandemic operations as quickly and as safely as possible. Sincerely, Garn Christensen Superintendent PS:  Eastmont is limiting student activities and routes because of 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.

Tuesday, Jan 04 2022

Superintendent's December 13, 2021 Weekly Update

This will be our last weekly COVID Bulletin for 2021. Our next bulletin will be sent out January 10th.  We wish our Eastmont Community a safe and enjoyable Christmas Holiday.   New Information  COVID rates and hospitalizations continue to decline in our region.  Current Activities Winter sports, music, drama, band, and STEM competitions are slowly returning. Masking is required for all spectators, coaches, and staff when working or attending our events.  We continue implementation of on-campus testing of symptomatic or exposed employees and students in our effort to keep students in school and maintain our workforce. Any testing is voluntary with parent/guardian consent required for students under age 18.   Required Safeguards Masks covering the nose and mouth are to be worn by all employees and students when indoors on school property.   There are a few mask exceptions for athletes as allowed by Washington Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA). COVID testing is being provided for athletes to meet WIAA eligibility requirements. All testing of students requires parent approval. Staff may remove masks when inside if they are working alone or behind a 4 sided barrier. Any general mask exemptions for students are rare and must be approved by the County Health Officer.  Ventilation of inside spaces and buses continues to be a high priority.  Students may sit 3' from each other in school and up to 3 per bus seat. Both inside and outside, staff and students are asked to be 6' distanced from others whenever possible. This prevents employees and students from having to quarantine should it later be found they were exposed to a COVID positive individual while on campus.   When outside, masks are not required for students, staff, or visitors unless total participant group size is anticipated to exceed 500. COVID Dashboard Please know that when the opportunity is available to return to pre-pandemic operations, Eastmont will do this as quickly and as safely as possible. Sincerely, Garn Christensen Superintendent PS:  Eastmont continues to have to limit activities because of a bus driver shortage. To help, please consider training to become a substitute driver.

Monday, Dec 13 2021

Superintendent's December 6, 2021 Weekly Update

New Information  No new information on required safeguards.     Current Activities Winter sports, music, drama, band, and STEM competitions are slowly returning. Masking is required for all spectators, coaches, and staff when working or attending our events.  We continue implementation of on-campus testing of symptomatic or exposed employees and students in our effort to keep students in school and maintain our workforce. Any testing is voluntary with parent/guardian consent required for students under age 18.   Required Safeguards Masks covering the nose and mouth are to be worn by all employees and students when indoors on school property.   There are a few mask exceptions for athletes as allowed by Washington Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA). COVID testing is being provided for athletes to meet WIAA eligibility requirements. All testing of students requires parent approval. Staff may remove masks when inside if they are working alone or behind a 4 sided barrier. Any general mask exemptions for students are rare and must be approved by the County Health Officer.  Ventilation of inside spaces and buses continues to be a high priority.  Students may sit 3' from each other in school and up to 3 per bus seat. Both inside and outside, staff and students are asked to be 6' distanced from others whenever possible. This prevents employees and students from having to quarantine should it later be found they were exposed to a COVID positive individual while on campus.   When outside, masks are not required for students, staff, or visitors unless total participant group size is anticipated to exceed 500. COVID Dashboard Please know that when the opportunity is available to return to pre-pandemic operations, Eastmont will do this as quickly and as safely as possible. Sincerely, Garn Christensen Superintendent PS:  Eastmont continues to have to limit activities because of a bus driver shortage. To help, please consider training to become a substitute driver.

Monday, Dec 06 2021

Superintendent's November 30, 2021 Weekly Update

It is encouraging today to see that COVID rates and illness in our community are slowly declining. Let's all hope this continues. In our continued effort to maintain our workforce and comply with State mandates, Eastmont has strict COVID Safeguards. These are necessary for us to provide on campus public education and extracurricular activities. New Information  No new information on required safeguards.     Current Activities Winter sports, extracurricular activities, and STEM competitions are starting. Masking is required for all spectators, coaches, and staff when working or attending our events.  We continue implementation of on-campus testing of symptomatic or exposed employees and students in our effort to keep students in school and maintain our workforce. Any testing is voluntary with parent/guardian consent required for students under age 18.   Required Safeguards Masks covering the nose and mouth are to be worn by all employees and students when indoors on school property.   There are a few mask exceptions for athletes as allowed by Washington Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA). COVID testing is being provided for athletes to meet WIAA eligibility requirements. All testing of students requires parent approval. Staff may remove masks when inside if they are working alone or behind a 4 sided barrier. Any general mask exemptions for students are rare and must be approved by the County Health Officer.  Ventilation of inside spaces and buses continues to be a high priority.  Students may sit 3' from each other in school and up to 3 per bus seat. Both inside and outside, staff and students are asked to be 6' distanced from others whenever possible. This prevents employees and students from having to quarantine should it later be found they were exposed to a COVID positive individual while on campus.   When outside, masks are not required for students, staff, or visitors unless total participant group size is anticipated to exceed 500. No COVID Dashboard for Prior Week Given the Thanksgiving Holiday Please know that when the opportunity is available to return to pre-pandemic operations, Eastmont will do this as quickly and as safely as possible. Sincerely, Garn Christensen Superintendent PS:  Eastmont continues to have to limit activities because of a bus driver shortage. To help, please consider training to become a substitute driver.

Monday, Nov 29 2021

Superintendent's November 22, 2021 Weekly Update

COVID rates and illness in our community continue to be at or above both state and national rates. In our continued effort to maintain our workforce and comply with State mandates, Eastmont has strict COVID Safeguards. These are necessary for us to provide on campus public education and extracurricular activities. New Information  State Superintendent Chris Reykdal reported on 11/19/21 to school directors and superintendents the COVID vaccine will not be required for students in WA schools for the current school year. He added masks will very likely continue to be required for both adults and students when inside schools through the remainder of the 2021-22 school year.  The cohort column has been removed from our Dashboard. Current guidance from our regional health department is allowing Eastmont to keep exposed students and employees in school who are vaccinated and do not have any COVID symptoms.   Current Activities Winter sports, extracurricular activities, and STEM competitions are starting. Masking is required for all spectators, coaches, and staff when working or attending our events.  We continue implementation of on-campus testing of symptomatic or exposed employees and students in our effort to keep students in school and maintain our workforce. Any testing is voluntary with parent/guardian consent required for students under age 18.    Required Safeguards Masks covering the nose and mouth are to be worn by all employees and students when indoors on school property.   There are a few mask exceptions for athletes as allowed by Washington Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA). COVID testing is being provided for athletes to meet WIAA eligibility requirements. All testing of students requires parent approval. Staff may remove masks when inside if they are working alone or behind a 4 sided barrier. Any general mask exemptions for students are rare and must be approved by the County Health Officer.  Ventilation of inside spaces and buses continues to be a high priority.  Students may sit 3' from each other in school and up to 3 per bus seat. Both inside and outside, staff and students are asked to be 6' distanced from others whenever possible. This prevents employees and students from having to quarantine should it later be found they were exposed to a COVID positive individual while on campus.   When outside, masks are not required for students, staff, or visitors unless total participant group size is anticipated to exceed 500. COVID Dashboard for Prior Week Please know that when the opportunity is available to return to pre-pandemic operations, Eastmont will do this as quickly and as safely as possible. Sincerely, Garn Christensen Superintendent PS:  Eastmont continues to have to limit activities because of a bus driver shortage. To help, please consider training to become a substitute driver.

Tuesday, Nov 23 2021

Superintendent's November 15, 2021 Weekly Update

COVID rates and illness in our community continue to be at or above both state and national rates. In our continued effort to maintain our workforce and comply with State mandates, Eastmont has strict COVID Safeguards. These are necessary for us to provide on campus public education and extracurricular activities. Current Activities: Winter sports, extracurricular activities, and STEM competitions are starting. Masking is required for all spectators, coaches, and staff when working or attending our events.  Required Safeguards Masks covering the nose and mouth are to be worn by all employees and students when indoors on school property.   There are a few mask exceptions for athletes as allowed by Washington Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA). COVID testing is being provided for athletes to meet WIAA eligibility requirements. All testing of students requires parent approval. Staff may remove masks when inside if they are working alone or behind a 4 sided barrier. Any general mask exemptions for students are rare and must be approved by the County Health Officer.  Ventilation of inside spaces and buses continues to be a high priority.  Students may sit 3' from each other in school and up to 3 per bus seat. Both inside and outside, staff and students are asked to be 6' distanced from others whenever possible. This prevents employees and students from having to quarantine should it later be found they were exposed to a COVID positive individual while on campus.   When outside, masks are not required for students, staff, or visitors unless total participant group size is anticipated to exceed 500.  COVID Dashboard for Prior Week Please know that when the opportunity is available to return to pre-pandemic operations, Eastmont will do this as quickly and as safely as possible. Sincerely, Garn Christensen Superintendent PS:  Eastmont continues to have to limit activities because of a bus driver shortage. To help, please consider training to become a substitute driver.

Monday, Nov 15 2021

Superintendent's November 8, 2021 Weekly Update

COVID rates and illness in our community continue to be at or above both state and national rates. In our effort to maintain our workforce and in compliance with State mandates, Eastmont has strict COVID Safeguards in place that are allowing us to provide on campus public education services. Current Activities: Fall athletic seasons are coming to an end and winter sports are now getting started.  Required Safeguards Indoor sporting, art, and drama activities currently require all spectators to mask. Participating athletes and performers may unmask in certain situations depending on the activity. Mask exemptions are rare and must be approved by the County Health Officer.   COVID testing is being provided for athletes to meet WIAA eligibility requirements. All testing of students requires parent approval.  Masks covering the nose and mouth are to be worn by all employees.  Staff currently are only allowed to remove masks when inside if they are working alone or behind a 4 sided barrier. Ventilation of inside spaces and buses continues to be a high priority.  Students may sit 3' from each other in school and up to 3 per bus seat. Both inside and outside, staff and students are asked to be 6' distanced from others whenever possible. This prevents employees and students from having to quarantine should it later be found they were exposed to a COVID positive individual while on campus.   When outside, masks are not required for students, staff, or visitors unless total participant group size is anticipated to exceed 500.  COVID Dashboard for Prior Week Please know that when the opportunity is available to return to pre-pandemic operations, Eastmont will do this as quickly and as safely as possible. Sincerely, Garn Christensen Superintendent PS:  Eastmont continues to have to limit activities because of a bus driver shortage. To help, please consider training to become a substitute driver.

Monday, Nov 08 2021

Superintendent's November 1, 2021 Weekly Update

COVID rates and illness in our community appears to have recently increased. In compliance with State mandates, Eastmont has strict COVID Safeguards in place in order to continue to maintain our workforce and provide on campus public educational services. Current Activities: Fall athletic seasons are coming to an end and winter sports will get started in a few weeks. Required Safeguards Indoor sporting, art, and drama activities currently require all spectators to mask. Participating athletes and performers may unmask in certain situations depending on the activity. Mask exemptions are rare and must be approved by the County Health Officer.   COVID testing is being provided for athletes to meet WIAA eligibility requirements. All testing of students requires parent approval.  Masks covering the nose and mouth are to be worn by all employees.  Staff currently are only allowed to remove masks when inside if they are working alone or behind a 4 sided barrier. Ventilation of inside spaces and buses continues to be a high priority.  Students may sit 3' from each other in school and up to 3 per bus seat. Both inside and outside, staff and students are asked to be 6' distanced from others whenever possible. This prevents employees and students from having to quarantine should it later be found they were exposed to a COVID positive individual while on campus.   When outside, masks are not required for students, staff, or visitors unless total participant group size is anticipated to exceed 500.  COVID Dashboard for Prior Week Please know that when the opportunity is available to return to pre-pandemic operations, Eastmont will do this as quickly and as safely as possible. Sincerely, Garn Christensen Superintendent PS:  Eastmont continues to have to limit activities because of a bus driver shortage. To help, please consider training to become a substitute driver. 

Monday, Nov 01 2021

Superintendent's October 25, 2021 Weekly Update

COVID illness in our community appears to slowly be declining. However, the number of people ill and needing hospitalization continues to effect the normal capacity of available medical services. In support of our regional health employees and in compliance with State mandates, Eastmont has strict COVID Safeguards in place. These Safeguards are helping to maintain our workforce and continue to provide on campus services and activities as allowed. Offering on campus instruction and activities would not be possible if it were not for the cooperation of employees, parents, students, and visitors. Current Activities: Full-time on campus instruction is in its 10th week.  Fall athletic and extracurricular activities are occurring though many events continue to be canceled or rescheduled due to COVID.   Required Safeguards We are providing COVID testing for our athletes to meet eligibility requirements to compete in WIAA activities. Please know any testing of students requires parent approval.  Masks covering the nose and mouth are to be worn by all employees, students, and visitors when inside our buildings. The only exception is if they are engaged in specific WIAA sporting activities. Mask exemptions are rare and must be approved by the County Health Officer.   Staff are only allowed to remove masks when inside if they are working alone or behind a 4 sided barrier.  Ventilation of inside spaces and buses continues to be a high priority.  Though students may sit 3' from each other in school and up to 3 per bus seat, both staff and students are asked to be 6' distanced from others whenever possible. This prevents employees and students from having to quarantine should it later be found they were exposed to a COVID positive individual while on campus.   When outside, masks are not required for students, staff, or visitors unless total participant group size is anticipated to exceed 500.  COVID Dashboard for Prior Week Please know that when the opportunity is available to return to pre-pandemic operations, Eastmont will do this as quickly and as safely as possible. Sincerely, Garn Christensen Superintendent PS:  Eastmont is looking for those willing to serve their community and our students as a bus driver or paraeducator.  You can work as a substitute or seek one of our permanent positions. Working in this capacity is an excellent part-time job and great way to support our young people, our families, our community, and our future.

Monday, Oct 25 2021