Oregon Gov. Kate Brown has ordered all public schools to remain closed for the rest of the academic year as the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread.
The governor first ordered schools closed on March 16 through the end of that month, then extended the closure almost immediately until April 28.
The closure will have the biggest impact on current high school seniors. Oregon Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction Colt Gill and the Oregon Department of Education Graduation Pathways 2020 document provides guidelines from current seniors:
- Seniors will be assigned a pass/incomplete grade for all courses impacted by the school closure
- If any senior is determined to be failing a course at the date of the school closure and assigned an incomplete, the district shall provide opportunities to that senior to improve to a passing grade commensurate with peers who were determined to have “passed” or met proficiency by the same date. The student should not have to start the class over or be held to a higher standard than other seniors who “passed” the same course
- The district is currently reviewing data and will reach out individually to each member of the senior class regarding their status
As the situation continues to evolve and the district has guidance regarding students in grades 9-11, the district will communicate further at that time.
Breakfast and lunch will continue to be offered to youth under the age of 18, with pick-up available at Hermiston High School and Sunset and West Park Elementary Schools, as well as drop off via four bus routes. Visit the Hermiston School District (HSD) website for the most up to date routes and stops.
Teachers will continue to reach out and connect with students and families, as part of the district’s Distance Learning for All plan. To support students through the plan, HSD will also continue the Chromebook device check out process at the district office. Communication will be forthcoming on a return and check in process.
“Thank you to the Hermiston community for its continued support and understanding through this unprecedented public health crisis,” said Superintendent Dr. Tricia Mooney. “It is during trying times such as this that we see the true strength of a community.”
District and building administrators will continue to support the district and its students, as it hires staff, plans and coordinates instruction, and maintains clean and operational facilities with quality grounds. Classes are expected to resume Aug. 24 for the 2020-2021 school year.
