Dear West Linn-Wilsonville School Community,

Last night, the School Board voted to amend our K-5 reopening timeline in light of several developments during the past two weeks. This new timeline accounts for recent prioritization of vaccination availability for K12 educators, meeting advisory health metrics, and provides reopening dates for grades 6-12.  

Timeline for Reopening ALL GRADES

When we reopen West Linn-Wilsonville schools for in-person learning, the county will have met the health advisory metrics, or, all staff working directly with students will have had the opportunity to access their first dose of the vaccine. 

• February 22 — Kindergarten returns to in-person learning
• March 1 — Grade 1 returns 
• March 3 — Grade 2 returns 
• March 8 — Grade 3 returns 
• March 10 — Grades 4-6 return 
• March 15 — Grades 7-12 return

Primary Schools: The February 22 start date assumes that Clackamas County is still meeting the K-5 health metrics, or, all staff directly working with that group of students have had the opportunity to access their first vaccination dose. This includes bus drivers, nutrition staff, office staff, teachers, and support staff involved with each K-5 grade level reopening. 

Secondary Schools: The March 10 and 15 reopening dates assume that K-5 reopening has been able to limit transmission effectively. It also assumes that Clackamas County health metrics for grades 6-12 have been met, or, all staff directly working with these students have had the opportunity to access their first vaccination dose. 

Continuation of Other Programs

• Students in Grades K-12 who wish to extend Comprehensive Distance Learning (CDL) at home before starting the Hybrid Model may continue to do so and will continue to have curriculum designed by the classroom teacher.
• Students who are enrolled in the WLWV K12 Online Program will continue with this program through the remainder of the school year as intended. 
• Limited In-Person Instruction will continue and expand to more students. Once a grade level band has returned to in-person learning, LII will discontinue for that grade level band.
• Co-curricular activities will continue to expand on campus with middle and high schools, following Oregon’s K12 Recreation Guidance and Ready Schools, Safe Learners Guidance for health and safety protocols. District high schools will participate in OSAA approved activities for athletes, coaches, and spectators as outlined by OHA and OSAA.
• We know that our secondary students are missing social interactions. To meet these needs, we will expand our co-curricular activities additionally beyond athletics, music, arts, drama, robotics to bring some small groups of students in for clubs, community service, and specific social activities. 

Plans Are Subject to Change

While we are confident in this adjusted timeline, I want to remind everyone that this plan is based on current guidance and what we know at this time. The School Board or district administration may amend any of these plans at any future date should new requirements be mandated at the state level or if new information is made available that could improve conditions for teaching and learning in the district.

Next Steps Transitioning to Hybrid Learning

You can expect to see more information sent home from your principals as we share expectations with students and families on health and safety protocols; describe hybrid learning routines; and organize for our students’ return. There will be opportunities for families to learn more about the Hybrid model as well as what to expect for those students who choose to remain in CDL.

I want to thank our entire school community, including our families, School Board, and especially our staff. There continue to be many emotions and opinions as we work to get students back in the classroom. Those feelings are valued and are important to me, our School Board, and to this District. 

We are stronger together,

Kathy Ludwig, Superintendent