School Closure: What Walla Walla families need to know

WALLA WALLA, Wash.-- The last day for students in the Walla Walla Public Schools will be Monday, March 16, as schools prepare for the unprecedented six week closure in accordance with an order from Gov. Jay Inslee.

Inslee issued an emergency proclamation Friday, closing all public, charter, and private schools in the state of Washington effective Tuesday, March 17. Schools across the state, including Walla Walla must remain closed through at least Friday, April 24, 2020.

"We acknowledge the anxiety this may cause our students, especially our seniors who are focused on graduation, and those students who depend on WWPS for critical services," said Dr. Wade Smith, superintended of Walla Walla Public Schools. "We also recognize the burden this will place on our staff and working families."

District administrators say they've been working on a plan as they recognize the possibility that schools might be forced to close. While many of those plans haven't been released yet, school officials say they plan to have students from preschool through high school continue to learn during the closure.

For WWPS students, parents, faculty, and staff, the beginning of the week is expected to look like this:

Monday, March 16:

• Normal school day for staff and students.
• School-sponsored programs will meet as regularly scheduled after school where coaches/advisers will share important information with student participants (e.g. athletics, clubs, 21st Century Program)
•  

Tuesday, March 17:

• Non-school day for students.
• All facilities and campuses will be closed for students and community except for “grab and go” breakfast/lunch service pick-up and childcare services for select families.
• WWPS faculty continue meeting and planning for continuity of learning for all students, preschool through 12th grade.
•  

Wednesday, March 18:

• Information release, in video and written format, announcing educational programming and services for students and families throughout the temporary campus closure.

Meal Services: 
Bagged meals will be available at school and community locations for all students, free of charge, beginning Tuesday, March 17 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The daily meals include a USDA approved sack breakfast and lunch for each child. Students individually, or accompanied by a parent/guardian, may pick up meals at whichever site is most convenient. Delivery services will be available on a case-by-case basis as needed.   

Meal Service Pick Up Locations
•    Sharpstein Elementary (Howard St side)
•    Blue Ridge Elementary (round-a-bout in front of main entrance)
•    Garrison Middle School (front of school)
•    Pioneer Middle School (front of school)
•    Prospect Point Elementary (near bus loop along Howard)
•    Berney Elementary (near staff parking along School Ave)
•    Edison Elementary (front of school)
•    Green Park Elementary (near gym entrance)
•    Lincoln (4th St side)
•    Vista Terrace Park
•    Washington Park
•    Veteran's Memorial Park

Parents and staff can expect to receive additional emails as more information is available, and can also check the school district website and social media pages for updates.