Canby Superintendent Trip Goodall received the news of Governor Kate Brown’s closure of schools for the remainder of the academic year “with a heavy heart.” He reflected on the decision in a message to families that came out shortly after the Wednesday afternoon press conference in which she announced the decision.
“As a result, Canby School District facilities will be closed indefinitely,” Goodall said. “All school activities are also canceled, but continued learning is not.”
The Oregon Department of Education has directed all school districts to launch a “Distance Learning for All” plan by April 13. Goodall said Canby schools are finalizing the online and offline components of the plan and will provide logistical information later this week on how to access distance learning.
“District and school administrators are working diligently on our plan and to ensure equitable access to all students during this unprecedented public health emergency,” he explained.
ODE has also finalized its “Pathway to Graduation” directive for the Class of 2020, whose senior years, sadly, are not ending the way any of them expected. High school families will receive a separate communication about graduation requirements and continued distance learning options.
“We know these are trying times and we’re doing all we can to continue to support our staff, and the students and families in our district,” the superintendent said. “We will continue to provide free meals for students through both pickup and bus delivery through June.”
If your student has personal belongings at school that need to be picked up, Goodall said the district will be developing a process that ensures safety and allows for pick up.
While district staff are “very saddened” by the governor’s decision, Goodall said they understand the ultimate goal is to slow the spread of COVID-19 and to keep the Canby community safe and healthy.
“This is a difficult time for all of us,” he said. “We will certainly miss seeing our students in their classrooms, but are committed to furthering their education with distance learning. We will get through this together.”
