A message from your principal, Dr. Fox:

We have experienced a myriad of changes and emotion due to the unprecedented events stemming from the COVID-19 virus pandemic. The impact on our personal lives and families is substantial. We know how difficult it must be for each one of you to respond to the news of the upcoming school closure. Although schools will be closed for six weeks starting this Monday, school staff will still be here. Know that we are here for you and will only be a phone call or email away.

Please be looking for homework and communication from teachers to be sent home today with students. We will also be scanning the work packets, creating PDF files, and sending them to families so that you will have them electronically. Over the next six weeks, teachers will be continuing to update you and provide you with work you can do with your child. We will update you on the plan for report cards as soon as we are informed about the plan for delivery.

Although schools will be closed, the expectation is that students continue to work during the closure. The Washington State Superintendent’s Office (OSPI) has decided that schools will not be in session beyond June 19.  This means that we will not be making up this time; therefore, it is not and should not be considered a break from school. Think about it this way, students are just learning in an alternative setting, in the same way that many parents are telecommuting and working from home during this time.

Encourage your students to follow a regular and predictable schedule each day including schoolwork, reading, and exercise. Students will be expected to return completed work when we resume classes on Monday, April 27. We will provide individual recognition and rewards for students who complete all assignments during this extended school closure as a motivation to students.

If your family needs food during school closure, breakfast and lunch will be provided each school day, following the school district calendar at four elementary locations: Firgrove, Stewart, Wildwood, and Waller Road. Service times are 11:00-11:30 am. See flyer for more information.

Our school district understands that many families may need childcare during the school closure. Please be watching for an update on this soon, as they are working on a plan to address this need.

I am providing a copy of the PSD Toolkit for parents that has resources and phone numbers you may want to keep handy.  Click on this link for the handout.

Comcast is providing 60 days of free internet for low-income families in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.  To sign up, applicants can visit www.internet essentials.com or call 1-855-846-8376 for English or 1-855-765-6995 for Spanish. The district is working on a plan for families in grades 4-6 to access computers in the event you do not have one at home. More information will be provided next week.

I can be reached at 253-841-8753 or email me at foxmm@puyallup.k12.wa.us. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to myself or our school staff during this time. We are here to help and support you and your family during this time. Be well and stay healthy!

In service,

Michelle Fox, Ed.D.

Ridgecrest Principal