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2020-21 School Information Hub

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OREGON DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION'S READY SCHOOLS, SAFE LEARNERS GUIDANCE FOR SCHOOL YEAR 2020-21
RISK LEVEL METRICS SCHOOLS & COUNTIES (OHA WEEKLY DATA)
DASHBOARD VISUALIZATION OF SCHOOL METRICS BY COUNTY (PROVIDED BY WESD)
 

Kalmiopsis students to transition to “expanded day” classes

April 13, 2021

 

Dear Brookings-Harbor School District families,

 

Approximately two weeks from now, for the first time in more than a year, Kalmiopsis Elementary students will begin returning to classrooms five days a week, for a new longer “expanded day.”

 

The target start date for the expanded day is Monday, April 26. 

 

After we make the transition to expanded days, our elementary morning and afternoon in-person cohorts will combine into a single schedule from approximately 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily, five days a week (M,T,W,Th,F). 

 

Exact details by grade and classroom will be shared soon with additional information and instructions to help your family navigate the schedule change.

 

The district is able to make this transition because the Oregon Department of Education recently changed its space-per-student requirements from 6 feet to 3 feet with some restrictions, matching new CDC guidance for schools. This allows us to bring more students into our classrooms, and we are excited to create more opportunities for students to be in school. 

 

Making the transition to 5 hours of in-person instruction 5 days per week from our current hybrid model of 3-hour “half-days” 4 days per week brings the hope of recouping an additional three weeks’ worth of class time for our students before the end of the academic year in June.

 

Still, this decision was not made lightly. We surveyed KSchool parents and guardians, and our elementary teachers and staff about the possibility of changing our schedule at this point in the year. About 80 percent of the more than 200 K-School families who responded to our survey on the topic were in support of transitioning to expanded in-person time for students. 

 

It is important to acknowledge both the staff and the families who preferred to remain with the half-day hybrid schedule. There was no perfect solution that would meet the wishes of 100 percent of our school community.

 

I appreciate the planning challenges and flexibility that our teachers and staff are engaging in to make a successful transition for all students. In the coming days they may be rearranging classrooms, rebooting systems and routines, updating lesson plans, and more to support the move to expanded days.

 

The change will also bring some additional risk of more extensive quarantines impacting more students when there is a positive COVID-19 case impacting students and staff. Please continue to do your part to minimize the spread of the virus in our community and do not come to school if your child has any concerning symptoms. We will continue to follow all the safety protocols that have been established this year such as wearing face masks, frequent hand washing and sanitation, and physical distancing.

 

Brookings-Harbor Online Academy will continue its operation, and students in this option will continue their virtual studies and are not part of the return to the classroom plan shared above. Due to space constraints, we are not able to accommodate transfer requests from online-only to in-person classes at this time.  Families will be able to change to in-person classes for the start of the 21-22 school year.

 

To our families, thank you for staying the course this year and supporting your students and their teachers. We could not do it without you. Let’s work together to keep our doors open and finish the school year strong!

 

David Marshall, Superintendent

Brookings-Harbor School District

Superintendent's Spring Break Update

March 25, 2021

 

Brookings-Harbor School District Families,

 

The Oregon Department of Education on Monday shifted its physical distancing requirements in classrooms from 6 feet to 3 feet under certain conditions, aligning the state’s Ready Schools, Safe Learners guidance with new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

 

With this new guidance, the Brookings-Harbor School District will be reviewing the guidelines this coming week to work through the details that need to be addressed to bring students on-site for full days.  This includes the logistics of transportation, schedules, lunchtimes, recess (elementary), and any changes in the impact of possible exposure in a classroom with less distancing between the students.  

 

The district will continue to follow all required health and safety protocols – the wearing of masks, hand washing, sanitizing, and contact tracing and quarantining. Our online option (Brookings-Harbor Online Academy) will remain available for families this school year and next.

 

We hope to be able to share more details and plans with you prior to the end of next week. 

 

Thank you for reading this update. Please share your questions with your school principal or me.

 

Enjoy the rest of spring break!

 

David Marshall, Superintendent

 

Optional links:

 

Superintendent's Update - All grades are attending in our buildings; Teachers/staff receive COVID vaccines

Brookings-Harbor School District Families,
 
I am happy to report that Curry County is now solidly in the “green zone” regarding county risk metrics and school metrics and has remained there for two weeks, according to data from the Oregon Health Authority. These metrics are advisory for school re-opening, and Curry is now in the lowest risk category of the ODE advisory metrics with 9 active cases recorded between Jan. 17-30, and a 2.3% positivity rate of those taking COVID tests countywide. 
 
We began bringing our face-to-face students back to campus grade-level by grade-level starting Jan. 4th, with all grades back in as of Jan. 14th. The second half of the school year commenced  Monday, Jan. 25, with the start of second semester classes for our middle and high school students.
 
Additionally, in partnership with Curry County Public Health and Curry Medical Network we have completed a first round of preventative vaccinations for our teachers and staff.
 
We must all continue to work together to maintain what we have worked hard to achieve in reopening our schools —  we are one of the few districts in the state to have all grade levels participating in hybrid on-site learning. 
 
Our diligence is key as we look with hope toward opportunities on the horizon for athletics and activities, end-of-year celebrations, award ceremonies and more. Please encourage your student to continue to observe all Ready Schools, Safe Learners guidelines on our campuses, including proper mask wearing, physical distancing, and staying home if you do not feel well!
 
David Marshall, BHSD Superintendent
Feb. 3, 2021
 
 

Notification: Indirect exposure to COVID-19 for BHHS Grade 12 Students

Feb. 1, 2021

 

Brookings-Harbor High School Parents and Families, 

 

Over the weekend the Brookings-Harbor School District was notified of a positive case of  COVID-19 in the senior cohort. The contact tracing for the impacted students and staff has been completed.

 

If your child was directly exposed, you have already been notified. 

 

This is an excellent reminder of the importance for us all to continue our efforts to reduce the risk of the virus spreading. The district continues to have multiple layers of preventive measures and are regularly reviewing the protocols we have in place.

 

Please continue to monitor your student and household for COVID symptoms and do not come to school if you are displaying any concerning symptoms.

 

If you have questions, please contact Principal Varitek.  Please note that confidentiality rules prevent us from sharing any identifying information about any individuals who test positive or are quarantined.

 

David Marshall, BHSD Superintendent

Feb. 1, 2021

 

---

 

 

Primary COVID-19 symptoms include the following: 

  • Fever of 100.4 F or higher 
  • Chills 
  • Cough 
  • Shortness of breath 
  • Difficulty breathing 
  • New loss of taste or loss of smell 

 

The best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is through wearing face coverings, physical distancing and to practice good health hygiene habits. Be sure to wash your hands frequently with soap and water, cover your coughs and sneezes, and avoid contact with people who have signs of illness. Get plenty of rest, exercise, and eat a healthy diet. Protect the community by following the Governor’s safety requirements. Wearing cloth face coverings reduce the spread of virus and help prevent those who have the virus, but do not have symptoms, from passing it to others. 

 

We will keep you updated with any new information as it comes out, while meeting the requirements to honor everyone's right to privacy.  

 

More information can be found on the Oregon Department of Education’s Ready Schools, Safe Learners page, the Oregon Health Authority’s COVID-19 page and our 2020-21 BHSD School Information Hub. 

Superintendent's Update - Timeline for adding in-person classes for all remaining grade levels

 

BHSD Families,

 

Last week, I announced that our schools would restart in-person instruction this week and next.  Our face-to-face students will resume morning or afternoon session half days at school on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Wednesdays will remain as distance learning and Limited In-Person Instruction days only. 

 

In this email, I share updates from our principals on the timeline for adding in-person classes for all remaining grade levels not previously announced.

 

Brookings-Harbor High School

 

We are excited to announce that we are reopening for face-to-face instruction on the following dates:

 
  • Thursday, Jan. 7: 9th grade face-to-face students report for half-days on campus.
  • Monday, Jan. 11: 12th grade face-to-face students report for half-days on campus.
  • Thursday, Jan. 14: 10th and 11th grade face-to-face students report for half-days on campus.
 

For all BHHS students: For AM (morning) students, doors open at 7:30 a.m. at your assigned grade level doors where students can pick up a free breakfast and lunch on their way home. The first morning class begins at 7:45 a.m. PM (afternoon) students will enter from the same grade level doors at 12:05 p.m. where they can pick up a free lunch and then breakfast on the way home. Class begins at 12:20 p.m. If you arrive late, after class begins, you must report to the front lobby for screening and entry. Please note: Final exams start on January 19, leading up to the end of first semester on January 21. Students should check their email later this week for a copy of the final exam schedule. 

 

Please contact Principal DeAnne Varitek or the school office with any questions.

 

Azalea Middle School

 
  • Thursday, Jan. 7: 6th Grade face-to-face students report for half-days on campus.
  • Monday, Jan. 11: 7th Grade face-to-face students report for half-days on campus.
  • Thursday, Jan. 14: 8th Grade face-to-face students report for half-days on campus.
 

For all AMS students: For AM (morning) students doors open at 8:10 a.m. at your assigned grade level entrance. A free breakfast and free lunch will be given upon entrance and exit.  The first morning class begins at 8:20 a.m. PM (afternoon) students will enter from the same grade level doors at 12:20 p.m. Upon entrance a free lunch will be handed out and a free breakfast on the way out. Class begins at 12:30 p.m. If you arrive late, after class begins, you must report to the front lobby for screening and entry. 

 

Please contact Principal Nicole Medrano or the school office with any questions.

 

Kalmiopsis Elementary School

 

KSchool has already begun the process of restarting in-person classes for AM and PM session hybrid students.

 
  • On Monday, Jan. 4: Kindergarten through 3rd grade face-to-face students resumed half-days on campus.
  • Thursday, Jan. 7: 4th and 5th grade  face-to-face students report for half-days on campus.
 

For all KSchool students: For AM (morning) students doors open at 7:50 a.m. Free breakfast will be handed out in class upon arrival and a free lunch upon exit at your assigned grade level entrance. The first morning class begins at 8 a.m. PM (afternoon) students will enter from the same grade level doors at 12:20 p.m.  Free lunch will be provided upon arrival and upon exit a Free breakfast bag. PM class begins at 12:30 p.m. If you arrive late, after class begins, you must report to the front office for screening and entry. 

 

Please contact Principal Helena Chirinian or the school office with any questions.

 

For questions about food services, please contact Cindy Badger District Food Director at 541-469-2108 ext. 8 or [email protected]. To see daily menus visit https://www.brookings.k12.or.us/menus/. 

 

Thank you for your ongoing support of our students, teachers, and specialist staff. Please continue to follow the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines to do your part in keeping our community healthy and safe. Our schools follow ODE’s Ready Schools, Safe Learners guidelines: Masks and hand sanitizing are required upon entry. If you are sick, please stay home. 

 

Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.  



David Marshall, Superintendent

January 6, 2021

Superintendent's New Years Eve Update

BHSD Families,


We began Winter Break with hopes to bring students in-person and keep them in-person as much as possible in 2021 — we know that students benefit from a safe and consistent routine in the classroom with their teachers and support staff.

We now have an opportunity to begin that process. Oregon Gov. Kate Brown’s recent announcement that in-person schooling virus metrics are now advisory and no longer mandatory, returns the re-entry decision process to the local level. At the same time, all operational, sanitizing, and safety requirements outlined in the Oregon Department of Education’s Ready Schools, Safe Learners document will continue as the blueprint for the safe operation of our schools. These include measures such as meeting in small cohorts, physical distancing, use of face coverings, frequent hand washing, and sanitation of spaces.


Timeline for adding in-person classes for AM and PM session hybrid students


  • Monday, January 4 we plan to resume grades kindergarten through 3rd to in-person hybrid instruction.
  • Thursday, January 7, we plan to resume grades 4, 5, 6, and 9 to in-person hybrid instruction.  
  • We have tentative plans to bring back grades 7, 8, 10, 11, and 12 over the week starting January 11. More information will be announced as soon as possible.

Working together as a community, our choices and actions to slow the spread of COVID-19 can help keep students on campus and in class. A confirmed case of COVID-19 can require a class or even a grade to transition to Comprehensive Distance Learning (CDL) for two weeks. You can help keep our students in school by keeping your child (or children) home if they or anyone in your household is sick and/or has COVID-19 symptoms. If you are awaiting test results for a household member, please keep your child home until a negative result has been confirmed.


Thank you for your ongoing support of our students and teachers. Please continue to follow the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines to do your part in keeping our community healthy and safe. 


Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.  

David Marshall, Superintendent

December 31, 2020

Superintendent's Winter Break Update (Dec. 21, 2020)

BHSD Families,
 
I hope this holiday season finds you well and able to enjoy some time with your loved ones. I look forward to the day when my communications to you won't be focused on our status with the state virus metrics. There is a lot of amazing work happening in our schools, and your input is essential to help us continue to improve and meet your student's needs. 
 
In the interest of keeping you up to date on how decisions will be made about when to return to in-person learning after Winter Break, I've included information about several metrics scenarios for our schools depending on the local case numbers reported and other considerations. I have also included some examples of "What happens when we have a positive case in school?" in a second document.
I look forward to continuing to meet you and always welcome your feedback, both positive and negative. 
 
Warmest holiday wishes,
 
David Marshall, Superintendent
Dec. 21, 2020  

 

School Following the Holidays: ODE/OHA Metrics Scenarios

The state plans to release a metrics update by December 28: 

If "Red" (60 or more cases over last 2 weeks or positivity 10% or greater)

  • Comprehensive Distance Learning (CDL) for grades 4-12 until metrics hit "Yellow" (30-45 cases and positivity between 5% and 7.5%)
  • Kindergarten-3rd grade In-Person Hybrid under metrics exception*
  • Limited In-Person Instruction (LIPI) permitted grades 4-12

If "Orange" (45-60 cases or 7.5% to 10% positivity)

  • Comprehensive Distance Learning (CDL) K-12 until metrics hit "Yellow" (30-45 cases and positivity between 5% and 7.5%)
  • K-3 In-Person Hybrid under metrics exception*
  • Limited In-Person (LIPI) permitted grades 4-12

If "Yellow" (30-45 cases and 5% to 7.5% positivity) 

  • Grades K-6 and 9 can resume in-person the week of Jan. 4. Limited In-Person (LIPI) permitted grades 7,8,10-12
  • Can add grades in starting Jan. 18, as long as metrics remain in the "yellow" or better at that time

*Conditions for K-3 Exception

In order to qualify for the "K-3 Exception" none of the following conditions can exist:

  • The school experiences unrelated individual cases in two or more separate cohorts without a known source of exposure;
  • The school experiences two or more clusters (2 or more confirmed cases) with onset within 14 days of one another;
  • The school is unable to maintain staff capacity to adequately serve students or maintain compliance with Sections 1-8 of the guidance (Sections 1-3 for private schools); or
  • The school is found to be out-of-compliance with Sections 1-3 of this guidance.

What happens when we have a positive case in school?

Below are some scenarios to give you an idea of what to expect in the event of a confirmed student Covid-19 case.

Each case is unique and each case is contact traced and reviewed according to Ready Schools, Safe Learners guidance.  The number of students quarantined and the number of classes needing to go to CDL may vary depending on the individual case.

Sally second grader (AM session) tests positive:

  • Sally's AM class and Teacher (and asst) quarantine and are in CDL for 2 weeks
  • Sally's Teacher's PM session goes CDL because Sally's teacher is quarantined
  • Riders on Sally's bus quarantine and Sally's bus driver

Edward 8th grader (PM session) tests positive:

  • 8th Grade PM cohort and 8th grade teachers quarantine. (Do all 8th grade teachers see Edward on a given day?)
  • 8th Grade AM session goes CDL because 8th grade teachers are quarantined
  • Riders on Edward's bus quarantine and Edward's bus driver

Tara 10th grader (AM session) tests positive:

  • 10th Grade AM cohort and 10th grade teachers quarantine.  (Do all 10th grade teachers see Tara on a given day?)
  • 10th grade PM session goes CDL because 10th grade teachers are quarantined
  • Riders on Tara's bus quarantine and Tara's bus driver.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do to help?

If your child is ill, keep him or her home.

If a member of the household has Covid-19 symptoms, keep your child home.

Why does all of 8th grade or 10th grade have to go to CDL with only one student case?

Middle School and High School instruction has requirements for teachers to be licensed in the content area that they teach.  Middle and High Schools are not able to have students in self-contained classrooms like we are able to in the elementary school.    Pre-Covid, middle school and high school teachers frequently taught classes of students from multiple grades.  That practice could not continue because the cohort groups would have been too large and the impact of a student positive case would have the potential to have school-wide impact.

Azalea and BHHS have between 60-100 students per grade level.  We have been able to build schedules that limit the typical cohort size to between 30-50 students (half of a grade level). Half the grade comes in for the morning and the other half comes in for the afternoon.  

Superintendent’s Update (Dec. 2, 2020)
All grades to remain in distance learning until after Winter Break

After weighing the situation and receiving feedback from students, parents, staff, and the School Board of Directors, I have made the difficult decision that our hybrid students will remain in comprehensive distance learning (CDL) mode through the end of the calendar year -- two and a half weeks remain before Winter Break.

We will continue to provide some additional Limited In-Person Instruction (LIPI) during this time with a focus on the social and emotional needs of our students. Even if we hit the “red zone” next week (60+ cases or 10%+ positivity in Curry County according to the school metrics), we will still be able to offer limited in person services and supports.

Electing to go to CDL will provide staff and students some consistency and less chance for another disruptive switch from in-person to CDL on short notice. It also provides some time to address concerns about potential metrics impacts from Thanksgiving travel and gatherings.

I respect and appreciate all of the feedback I received from our community ahead of this decision, and know that there will continue to be disagreement on the best course forward. A number of you expressed a desire to have students in person if we are able to, while others shared the stress of sudden shifts and week-to-week decisions on students, families, and teachers. Our BHSD staff is committed to providing the best education and support to our students regardless of the instructional model. My concern for the safety of our students and our staff certainly weighed heavily on this decision.

I'd like to close by stating that the post-Winter Break focus will be having our students in-person and keeping them in-person as much as possible. There was a pretty strong consensus with staff, students, and our board that students benefit the most from a safe and consistent routine in the classroom with their teachers and our amazing support staff.

Respectfully,

David Marshall, Superintendent

Dec. 2, 2020

Update on status of in-person classes

Dec. 1, 2020

 

Summary of grades and programs

  • Kindergarten to 5th Grade: Comprehensive Distance Learning only (no in-person) Monday, Nov. 30-Dec. 4
  • 6th to 8th Grade: Comprehensive Distance Learning only (no in-person) Monday, Nov. 30-Dec. 4. (7th grade will not return to in-person on Thursday, Dec. 3). 
  • 9th to 12th Grade: Comprehensive Distance Learning only (no in-person) Monday, Nov. 30-Dec. 4. (10th grade will not return to in-person on Thursday, Dec. 3). 
  • Some limited in-person activities and supports continue; and Season 1/Session 3 high school fall sports continue outdoor practices under guidelines.
  • Grab and Go Food Distribution continues from 6:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, in the Brookings-Harbor High School Parking Lot. Free for all youth ages.
  • Brookings-Harbor School Board of Directors will meet in a Special Board Meeting work session at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Nov 2, to discuss the current metrics and next steps. The meeting will be available via livestream.

Notification of 3 new COVID-19 cases in BHSD students and staff

This afternoon (Friday, Nov. 27), Brookings-Harbor School District received notice of three additional positive cases of COVID-19 impacting students and staff. 

 

These new cases and the additional district staff who are quarantined now limit our ability to safely operate Azalea Middle School and Brookings-Harbor High School.

 

In our last message, we announced the decision to move our elementary school to distance learning starting next Monday, Nov. 30. With this new information, we will also move our middle and high school to distance learning. As a result, 6th grade at Azalea Middle School and 9th Grade at Brookings-Harbor High School will shift to Comprehensive Distance Learning, and will not be on-site for at least a week beginning Monday, Nov. 30. Students will have online lessons and activities assigned by their teacher to complete at home. 

 

It is very concerning that the county-wide case numbers are trending upwards, with 50 active cases according to the latest Curry Public Health Department press release (Nov. 25). The District is in regular communication with the Curry County Public Health Department. 

 

It is unlikely that we will be able to add 7th grade and 10th grade on-site this coming week as we had planned. The final decision will be made Tuesday after the new Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) metrics are released.

turkey with mask

School Metrics Update From Superintendent David Marshall 

K-School to Shift to Distance Learning Only Nov. 30-Dec. 4 Due to Staffing Shortage

Brookings-Harbor School District Families,

The Good News (Mostly)

The data released by the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) and Oregon Health Authority (OHA) on Monday show 30 active cases over the last two weeks in Curry County and a test positivity rate of 4.3%.  Thirty active cases are one more than the “green zone” -- putting us in the “yellow zone” for that metric, and 4.3% test positivity is in the “green zone.” This means that at this time, we are on-track to bring back 7th and 10th graders on Thursday, Dec. 3, as planned.

It is concerning that the case numbers are trending upwards and the District is in regular communication with the Curry County Public Health Department.  Presently, we are well within ODE’s and OHA’s range to continue in-person instruction.

As we shared on Friday (Nov. 20), we were informed that we had a positive case at Kalmiopsis.  Over the weekend, we were informed that we had another positive case at Kalmiopsis.  The two cases seem to be unrelated. These two cases, in addition to one that was reported in September, bring the total in our district this fall to three cases. To date, we have no indication of spread within any of our schools.

As a reminder, all of our students and staff wear masks or facial coverings; and practice physical distancing with at least 35 square feet per person in classrooms and offices. In addition, only half of the students are on campus at any given time, and our facilities are frequently sanitized.

The Not So Good News

As a result of the most recent exposure, we have nine Kalmiopsis staff members who have been asked to quarantine as a precautionary measure in accordance with ODE and OHA guidelines.  None of the staff members are symptomatic at this time. With nine staff members unable to be on-site, we are unable to offer a number of in-person supports and services and we have diminished capacity to thoroughly sanitize between morning and afternoon classes at the elementary. In addition, there are no substitutes available to provide additional support. 

As a result, we will shift Kalmiopsis to Comprehensive Distance Learning (CDL) for the week of November 30-December 4. This means that there will be no in-person classes for the week, but students will have online lessons and activities assigned by their teacher to complete at home.  Again, this temporary shift is because of a lack of staffing capacity. We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your flexibility as we work to maintain the high safety and sanitation standards we have set.

We plan to resume in-person hybrid instruction for Kindergarten through fifth grade (K-5) on Monday, Dec. 7.

Grades 6 and 9 are not impacted by this temporary pause of in-person instruction triggered by staffing levels at the elementary. Azalea Middle School and Brookings-Harbor High School will operate as normal the week of Nov. 30-Dec. 4, with 6th and 9th on-site. Buses will be running for AMS and BHHS students during the week of Nov. 30-Dec. 4.

David Marshall, Superintendent

Nov. 24, 2020

Notification of confirmed COVID-19 Case in BHSD elementary

Brookings-Harbor School District was informed early this afternoon of a confirmed positive COVID-19 case to an individual who belongs to one of the learning cohorts at Kalmiopsis Elementary School. The individual with the confirmed case has not been on campus this week. We are in the process of contacting families who have a student in the impacted class or bus route. These families will be requested to monitor their children closely for any symptoms. In order to protect the privacy of the individual, this will be the only information released by the district about this case.

Because the individual has not been on campus since last week and there is no school next week, we are working with Curry County Health to determine if the impacted cohort/class will need to be excluded from in-person school further after the Thanksgiving week break. If it is decided that additional quarantine is needed, families will be contacted by Nov. 25.

2 weekSuperintendent's Update on Reopening Plans & Statewide ‘Two-Week Freeze’

Brookings-Harbor School District Families,

On Friday, Nov. 13, Oregon Gov. Kate Brown announced a “two-week freeze” that will be in effect from November 18 to December 2 to help stop the rapid spread of COVID-19 across Oregon and conserve hospital capacity. The freeze outlines new or reinstated restrictions for restaurants, venues, businesses, and social gatherings.  The freeze does not change the metrics or the rules that allow schools and school districts to continue operating under the current Oregon Department of Education and Oregon Health Authority guidelines.

BHSD recently added additional grades in morning and afternoon in-person classes. We also continue to offer online-only options for students via the Brookings-Harbor Online Academy. Until further notice, BHSD will continue with in-person learning in its three schools for grades Kindergarten through 5th Grade, 6th Grade, and 9th Grade, with plans to move forward with the current reopening plan to bring back remaining grades in December (7th, 8th, 10th, 11th, and 12th). This gradual return to classrooms has been intentional and allows time to make any needed adjustments in procedures as increased numbers of students come on campus for instruction. Our priority is to bring the students back on campus safely.  Working together as a community to limit the spread of the virus will help keep the students safe in class.

As a reminder, some of the precautions that schools must follow include all students and staff wearing masks or OHA approved face coverings.  Schools maintain 6ft physical distancing and must provide 35 sq ft of space per person in each classroom. Students are required to frequently wash or sanitize their hands and classrooms are sanitized each day between sessions. There is a growing body of evidence that indicates that the use of these measures together substantially reduces the risk of virus transmission.

The district will also continue to offer some “Limited In-Person” support services and hands-on classes for students, as well as foodservice including free “Grab and Go” food distribution for all youth ages one to 18-years-old in the community with pick up available Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 6:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Brookings-Harbor High School parking lot. 

After school and athletics activities are under consideration and an update from ODE or the Governor’s office is expected early next week. 

It is concerning that the number of positive COVID-19 cases in Curry County is trending upwards. The District continues to closely monitor the case numbers and positivity rates. The District is also working collaboratively with Curry County Public Health to determine if the situation in Brookings changes to a level that warrants a change in plans.  Close collaboration between Brookings-Harbor School District and Curry County Public Health also allows for rapid response to cases or exposures within schools. 

The metrics provided by Oregon Department of Education establish four zones that determine the options associated with offering in-person education available to Oregon districts.  

  • In the green zone, districts can bring students K-12 back on campus for instruction following the Ready Schools, Safe Learners requirements. Curry County was in the green zone two weeks ago.  
  • In the yellow zone, districts can continue to bring students on campus for instruction with a priority to elementary grades. If elementary grades are successfully operating, districts can add secondary grades. As of last Monday, Curry County was in the yellow zone as a result of our test positivity rate.  
  • In the orange zone, districts must pause adding any new grades to on-site instruction, but may continue with grades already on-site if there is not an indication from the local health authority of community spread or spread within the school system.  
  • In the red zone, districts must pause in-person instruction and resume distance learning K-12.  The most current official school metrics report, or a dashboard visualization of the re-opening metrics can be found by following the links.
 

In the event that Curry records 60 active cases or greater in the most recent two weeks or test positivity exceeds 10% (red zone), all Curry County schools will return to comprehensive distance learning only. The two-week metrics data that schools in Oregon use are updated every Monday afternoon or early evening.  When the data for the most recent two weeks are released, we will post any updates on our website.

If you have questions, concerns, or feedback for the district about reopening, there is an opportunity to complete a fall learning feedback survey, and attend a virtual information session from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. next Thursday, Nov. 19, for additional updates and questions and answers about reopening. A link to the virtual event will be posted on the BHSD website.

Thank you for your flexibility, and ongoing support of our students and teachers. It is vital that we all do our part to stay healthy and prevent the spread of COVID-19

Sincerely,

David Marshall, Superintendent
Nov. 15, 2020

Opening

Update on reopening additional grades to in-person instruction

 

Last week, the Oregon Department of Education (Oct. 30) announced new metrics that allow us to bring more students back for in-person instruction. After a review of the new guidance, we are excited to announce that we will start in-person instruction for new grades for students in our hybrid/comprehensive distance learning options. The changes will not affect Brookings-Harbor Online Academy students, and our online programs will continue as planned. 

One of the essential goals with this plan is that we are able to bring students back on site safely.  With this in mind, we are following the ODE recommendations of a gradual roll out of new grades over the next few weeks.  This allows us time to make any needed adjustments in procedures as increased numbers of students come on campus for instruction.  It is critical that we do not rush this transition and that we get it right.  Doing this well will be part of what will enable us to keep our students in school for the remainder of the school year.

Grade Level Return on Site Timeline

  • Reminder: Wednesday, Nov. 11 is the Veterans Day Holiday observance and is no school day for students and staff.
  • Thursday, Nov. 12: We will welcome students in 4th Grade back to classrooms for morning or afternoon half day in-person instruction.
  • Friday, Nov. 13: We will welcome students in 5th Grade, 6th Grade and 9th Grade back to classrooms for morning or afternoon half day in-person instruction.
  • Thursday, December 3: We will welcome 7th Grade and 10th grade*
  • Thursday, December 10: We will welcome 8th Grade, 11th Grade and 12th Grade*

*Unless there is a substantial rise in county cases and positivity rate that cause a delay.

Weekly Schedules

In grades 4 and above students will be on site for instruction on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. On Wednesdays for part of the day, students will receive distance learning instruction, engage in virtual class meetings and receive small group and individual  support based on the student’s grade level and need. The other part of the day will be for staff essential planning, collaboration and professional development.  Each school will be sending out Wednesday schedule to families in the near future. 

Beginning on January 6, grades K-3 will follow the same weekly schedule with no in-person classes on Wednesdays.

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Updated Information (posted Nov. 12, 2020). In previous posts put up on Oct. 30, 2020, and Nov. 4, 2020, we shared only the "green zone" requirements. This updated post includes additional information on the green, yellow, orange, and red zones scenarios. All of these metrics have been in effect since Oct. 30, 2020, Ready Schools, Safe Learners (RSSL) update. We apologize for any confusion caused by our previous posts.

Here are some of the key updates with the new metrics rules:

  • Previously: Metrics needed to be met for a 3-week look back.
  • New: Currently the requirement is now a two-week lookback for meeting the metrics in order to bring students on site.

 

  • Previously: In order to have students above 3rd-grade return on-site for regular classes, the metrics were:
    • State positivity of 5% or less in 3 consecutive weeks
    • County positivity of 5% or less in 3 consecutive weeks
    • County case rate of fewer than 10 cases per 100,000 people
  • New:

Green Zone-District can bring back grades K-12 

County positivity rate of 5% or less over the most recent two weeks
AND
County case count of fewer than 30 cases over the most recent two weeks.
(counties of fewer than 30,000 people now use case count instead of rate per 100,000)
 
Yellow Zone-District can bring back K-5, if K-5 already successfully on campus with no local spread, the district can add secondary grades
County positivity rate between 5% and 8% over the most recent two weeks
OR
County case count between 30 and 45 over the most recent two weeks.
 
Orange Zone-District must pause adding any new grades on-site and considers shifting to CDL if indications of community spread (in collaboration with County Health Dept)
 
County positivity rate between 8% and 10% over the most recent two weeks
OR
County case count between 45 and 60 over the most recent two weeks
 
Red Zone-District must transition to Comprehensive Distance Learning
County positivity rate of 10% or higher over the most recent two weeks
OR
County case count 60 or greater of most recent two weeks


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The district still must follow all ODE Ready Schools, Safe Learners requirements for face coverings, social and physical distancing, and cohort sizes. For more details, follow the link to read the latest version of Ready Schools, Safe Learners (new metrics start on page 12). Follow this link to see the county’s week-by-week COVID-19 case counts and metrics.

We appreciate the support we received from parents and public health officials in promoting schools reopening for in-person instruction. We will continue to be diligent with safety and health protocols in keeping schools safe for your students. The district will continue to monitor health metrics and will notify families if any changes need to be made to our school models. It is vital that we all do our part to stay healthy and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Thank you for your flexibility, and ongoing support of your students and teachers.

Sincerely,

David Marshall, Superintendent

Nov. 4, 2020

Return to Learn

Reminders for School Reopening: Mask Wearing Requirements and Transportation Details

We are excited to be able to have more students coming on-site to school. Here are a couple of reminders to help get ready for later in the week.

  • Grade 4 will be welcomed back to school on Thursday. 
  • Grades 5,6, and 9 will be welcomed back to school on Friday

Please remember to check your email. Our schools have been sharing information about schedules, new procedures, and FAQs to help ensure a smooth return to campus.

If you have any questions about your child’s class schedule, please contact the school office.

We are committed to bringing students safely back to campus and are required to follow the rules set out in the Ready Schools, Safe Learners guidance.

Face Coverings

The Brookings-Harbor School District will provide masks to all students free of charge. Students may wear their own face mask or face covering as long as it meets the following requirements: a cloth, polypropylene, paper, or other face-covering that covers the nose and the mouth and that rests snugly above the nose, below the mouth, and on the sides of the face.”

Valve masks, mesh masks, lace masks, or other coverings with openings, holes, visible gaps in the design or material, or vents are not allowed.

Also, the new guidance released last week by ODE and OHA states that clear face shields are only an acceptable alternative when a person has a medical condition that prevents the wearing of a mask. If your child is in this situation, please contact your school office prior to your child attending school in person.

Transportation

We ask that students practice 6ft physical distancing while waiting for the bus.

Drivers and students will be wearing masks while on the bus.  If a child does not have a mask, one will be provided.

Students will sanitize their hands before boarding. We are required to visually inspect students for Covid19 symptoms prior to them getting on the bus. If a student has any signs or symptoms of illness, they will not be allowed on the bus.

In order to ensure the required amount of space between each student, students will have assigned seats, only one person to a seat (families are allowed to sit two to a seat). The buses will be cleaned and disinfected between routes, that they will be sprayed nightly with a disinfectant. We plan on keeping the windows open for ventilation, as the weather allows.

We must maintain stable groups (cohorts) in order to minimize the risk of exposure. For those of you who share custody, or have a change of plans, you will need to make arrangements to get your child picked up from their stop.

If you have signed up for your child to ride the bus, your child’s bus driver will be calling you on Tuesday to let you know planned to pick up and drop off times.  If you have questions about transportation, please call the transportation office at 541-469-2666.

David Marshall, Superintendent

Nov. 10, 2020

Supt. David Marshall

What's new in health and safety and instruction for Fall 2020

What you can Expect for the Start of the School Year - Instruction

The Brookings-Harbor School District has two options for families:
 
1. Hybrid Model - This model has students attending school in person when the state and county disease metrics permit.  When the disease metrics do not permit, students will be provided Comprehensive Distance Learning (CDL).

2. Brookings-Harbor K-12 Academy - With this model, students will attend class online for the school year.
 
 
What is the same with the two options?
 
Regardless of which option is selected, all students will continue to be a part of the Brookings-Harbor School District.  All students will continue to have access to school meals.  All classes will be taught by Brookings-Harbor teachers. All students will have access to extra-curricular activities when allowable under state rules (including high school athletics).  When online, all students will be provided a Chromebook and instructional resources.  In addition, if needed, families can request a wifi hotspot that uses a cellular signal to provide internet access.

What is the difference between the two options?
 
The most significant difference between the hybrid model and the Brookings-Harbor K-12 Academy is that students in the K-12 Academy will access their instruction online for the school year regardless of whether or not the state disease metrics permit students to attend school in person.  Otherwise, all students are part of the Brookings-Harbor School District and their respective schools. All classes are taught by Brookings-Harbor teachers.
 
How will it differ from last spring?
 
Online instruction this year will feel a lot more like regular school.  District teachers are receiving training to strengthen online teaching and engagement skills.  Also, to help support effective online instruction, the district has purchased access to Edgenuity, an online content provider.  The extensive content and materials available with Edgenuity will be used as a resource and support tool when classes are held online.   Our Brookings-Harbor teachers will be using Edgenuity to help support direct instruction and teacher-facilitated activities.  Students will interact with and receive lessons taught by a live teacher.
 

What you can expect for the start of the school year - Health and Safety

We are looking forward to getting our schools reopened this school year. We have incorporated a wide range of measures to keep all students and staff healthy and safe.  While the start of this school year will look different, our focus is to ensure that school continues to be a positive, safe, friendly, and welcoming place for all students.  While we know there will be challenges, by working together we can positively and successfully support our students’ growth and learning.
 
Accurate Contact Information
 
It is critical that we have accurate contact information for your child or children.  If you change your phone number, your emergency contacts, or jobs, you notify your school office right away.  We are required to contact you if your child is ill.  In some cases, your child cannot remain at school while ill.
 
Physical Distancing
 
We are required to provide 35 square feet for each person in a classroom.  This is one of the primary reasons why we are not able to have all of our students at school at the same time. 
 
Masks
 
Under current ODE and OHA requirements, students and staff are must wear masks or face shields.  All students will be provided cloth reusable masks that can and should be regularly washed.  If a student is unable to wear a mask, the district can provide a face shield.  If a student is unable to wear any face covering, the family must meet with the principal in order to consider other accommodations or education options.
 
Cohorts
 
Cohorts refer to smaller groups of students who do not interact with other groups of students.  ODE and OHA require cohort groups (the sum total of all of the students and staff a student interacts with) to be less than 100 students.  All of the cohort sizes in the Brookings-Harbor School District are well under 100.  Most cohorts are between 30 and 50 students.  Cohorts groups allow students to connect, interact, and learn with their peers.  Cohort groups are a measure to reduce the impact or spread of potential exposure.  Cohort groups also allow the local health authority to more quickly and effectively conduct contact tracing in the event of an exposure.
 
Cleaning and Disinfecting
 
There has been a thorough cleaning and disinfecting of all buildings.  We have disinfectant sprayers that will be used daily to sanitize the classrooms and public spaces. We have also increased the number of times the restrooms are cleaned daily. The water fountains have been shut off.  However, the water fill stations are still on and operational.  Your child may bring a refillable water bottle to school.
 
Ventilation
 
The ventilation in all the buildings has been inspected.  Our maintenance staff has increased the frequency of filter inspections.  We are developing room ventilation protocols to use windows and our ventilation system to increase the frequency of outside air exchange.
 
Transportation
 
Drivers and students will be wearing masks or face shields.  Students will sanitize their hands before boarding.  We are required to visually inspect students for Covid19 symptoms prior to them getting on the bus. If a student has any signs or symptoms of illness, they will not be allowed on the bus. 
 
In order to ensure the required amount of space between each student, students will have assigned seats, only one person to a seat (families are allowed to sit two to a seat). The buses will be cleaned and disinfected between routes, that they will be sprayed nightly with a disinfectant.  We plan on keeping the windows open for ventilation, as the weather allows. We must maintain stable groups (cohorts) in order to minimize risk of exposure.  For those of you who share custody, or have a change of plans, you will need to make arrangements to get your child picked up from their stop.
 
Food Services
 
Meals will be served in the classrooms.  For families choosing the fully online Brookings-Harbor K-12 Academy as well as times when all students are accessing instruction remotely, food service meals will continue to be provided similar to the meal pick up approach that was used last spring.  In addition, the district is developing targeted meal pick up locations.  If you are unable to get to school to pick up meals, please contact your school office and request consideration for a meal pick up location near you.
 
Volunteers and Parents in Buildings
 
Under the current rules, volunteers and parents are not able to enter our school buildings. Parents will not be able to cannot drop off or pick up their students at their classrooms.  Drop-offs/pickups will occur outside the buildings.  We know that this may be a difficult change for some parents. 
 
Screening and Contact Logs
 
Schools are required to visually screen students when they entering the bus and the school building, and classroom.  Trained staff will visually screen for specific symptoms related to Covid19.  At this time, there will be no temperature checks as part of the screening process.  Schools are also required to maintain contact logs of all of the students in the building on a given day and of who they interact with.  Our goal is that most of this process will occur in the background and that it does not disrupt the student’s day.  For example, the schools will use existing attendance systems to capture the required contact log data.  From the student’s perspective, it will just be the regular attendance taking.
 
Hand Hygiene and Sanitizing
 
All entrances and classrooms will have hand sanitizers available.  Students and staff are required to sanitize their hands when they enter school, before eating and after they use the restroom. Teachers will integrate this process into the regular daily routine.
 
Together
 
Our schools will look very different this year, and our approach with your child will be patient, positive, and supportive. It will help greatly if you speak with your child about the changes and let them know that your teacher is there to help you learn, your friends are still your friends, you will make new friends in the new school year and that school will continue to be a place to grow and have new experiences. 
Together we can make this a great school year.
 
Find more information on 2020-21 Back to School Information Hub.
 
David Marshall, Superintendent
Message from the Superintendent (Aug. 31, 2020)
hybrid

Hybrid

In-Person Instruction & Distance Learning

~ Students stay enrolled in BHSD and taught by BHSD highly qualified teacher(s)

~Attend at School! On-site instruction 5 days per week with morning (AM) or afternoon (PM) half-day (when virus metrics permit).  Follow up teacher-directed and applied learning opportunities for the other half of the day.

~Ready for distance learning (able to seamlessly transition to distance learning only option if needed because of local virus metrics).

~ Chromebook laptop and materials provided.

academy

Brookings-Harbor K-12 Academy

Full-Year Online Program!

~ Students stay enrolled in BHSD and taught by BHSD highly qualified teacher(s)

~ Ability to participate in extracurricular activities (when metrics permit).

~ Chromebook laptop and materials provided.

~School meals provided (meal pickup, possibly limited delivery where needed)

~ Ability to participate in extracurricular activities (when metrics permit).

~ Classmates are Brookings-Harbor students

~ Specifically designed online curriculum with partner Edgenuity

faq

Frequently Asked Questions

Featured question

Q: Will the Edgenuity program be “robo teaching” my child when they are learning online?

A: No. BHSD teachers will teach and provide teacher-directed activities.  Edgenuity is an industry-leading online learning resource that supports and enhances online teaching and learning. Your child will be learning from and working with dedicated Brookings-Harbor teachers whether they are online or in-person.

More Back to School Resources

Check back for more updates!