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COVID-19 Updates

Message from our Head of School about COVID-19

March 17, 2020

To the WAVA Community:

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We recognize that all Washington residents are impacted by COVID-19 in some form. WAVA is here to support you and your student(s)’ educational needs. If attending all offered Class Connect sessions is not possible for your student(s) at this time, we understand.

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From now through April 12, 2020, WAVA will not pursue truancy related to inability to attend Class Connect sessions. In order to remain in satisfactory standing at WAVA during this time, students should do their best to complete lessons in their coursework and maintain weekly contact with their assigned teachers. Live sessions, as well as recordings, will continue to be available to all student(s).  We will reevaluate the needs in the educational community in the coming weeks and send messaging on any updated expectations directly before our spring break.

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If your student is receiving special education and related services and are unable to attend sessions, please contact your special education case manager as soon as possible so that options may be discussed, and solutions implemented swiftly.

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For now, rest assured, we are putting you and your family first. We are all in this together, and as we seek to understand what our new day-to-day looks like in our homes and at work, we must extend flexibility, kindness, and support.

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If you or someone in your family are experiencing a hardship due to COVID-19, we encourage you to reach out to your teacher for a support call. 

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Sincerely,

Summer Shelton (she/her/hers)

Head of Schools

 

A la comunidad de WAVA:

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Desde WAVA reconocemos que todos los residentes de Washington se ven afectados por COVID-19 de una forma u otra. Es por ello, que queremos reiterar que WAVA está aquí para apoyar las necesidades educativas de usted y su(s) estudiante(s). Por ende, si asistir a todas las sesiones ofrecidas de Class Connect (Clases en Vivo) no es posible para su(s) estudiante(s) en este momento, nosotros entendemos.

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Desde hoy hasta el 12 de Abril de 2020, WAVA no identificará y/o registrará las ausencias escolar relacionadas con la incapacidad de asistir a las Sesiones de Class Connect. Sin embargo, con el fin de permanecer conformes con los requerimientos escolares en estadares satisfactorios durante este tiempo, los estudiantes deben hacer todo lo posible para completar las lecciones en sus cursos y mantener el contacto semanal con sus maestros. Las sesiones en vivo, así como las grabaciones, seguirán estando disponibles para todos los estudiantes.

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Ahora bien, WAVA seguirá evaluando las necesidades de la comunidad educativa en las próximas semanas y mantendrá a la comunidad informada ante cualquier nuevo anuncio antes de nuestras vacaciones de primavera.

Con respecto a nuestros estudiantes de educación especial y servicios relacionados, si su estudiante no puede asistir a las sesiones, comuníquese con su administrador/a de casos de educación especial tan pronto como sea posible para que las opciones puedan ser discutidas y las soluciones implementadas rápidamente.

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Por ahora, tenga la seguridad de que estamos haciendo todo en nuestro alcance para poner a su familia primero. Recordemos que todos estamos juntos en esto, y mientras buscamos entender cómo se ve nuestro nuevo día a día, en nuestros propios hogares y en el trabajo, esperamos que la comunidad a su vez extienda la misma flexibilidad, amabilidad y apoyo.

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Por ultimo, le recordamos que si usted o alguien en su familia está experimentando dificultades debido a COVID-19, lo alentamos a que se comunique con su maestro/a para poder ofrecerle extra asistencia.

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Sinceramente,

Summer Shelton​

Jefe de Escuelas de WAVA

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Additional Resources and Information

March 25, 2020

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Financial Resource for Washington Residents Impacted by COVID-19:

           https://dfi.wa.gov/coronavirus-financial-resources

 

 

Internet Resources:

 

Free Breakfast & Lunch Locations:

  • Many students rely on school meals to meet their nutritional needs. Additionally, as this outbreak begins to impact the economic environment, we know more families may find themselves needing assistance. During these school closures, school districts may provide breakfast and lunch to any student, regardless of their family income, at the location(s) designated by the district.
    Each district and school have a unique set of circumstances and resources. OSPI is individually assisting districts and schools to determine how to best meet community needs. Guidance for school districts is available on OSPI’s Meals & Nutrition Guidance webpage.

  • Pierce County school meal distribution sites—Free meals for all children ages 0-18.

  • Pleasant Ridge Elementary School in Charlestown

  • New Washington Elementary School in New Washington

  • Parkwood Elementary School in Clarksville

  • Bob Hedge Park in Jeffersonville

  • Mark Fetter Learning Center in Jeffersonville

  • Next week the district is adding locations at Maple Elementary and Spring Hill Elementary in Jeffersonville.

  • Marion County Public School Meal Distribution: https://www.marionboe.com/covid19

  • Yakima and surrounding School Districts Public School Meal Distribution: https://www.yakimaherald.com/special_projects/coronavirus/yakima-valley-school-districts-begin-free-meal-distribution-to-youths/article_8f032034-7e65-53e9-8d39-be74f4915c19.html

  • Centralia School District: A sack lunch and breakfast will be served at all five (5) elementary schools today from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for all children age 0-18. You do not need to be a Centralia School District student to have access to this meal program. The meals will be handed out together (lunch for the day, and breakfast for the next). Children must be present to be handed the sack meals, and meals cannot be consumed at the schools to comply with social distancing. We will be offering this service every weekday through the closure. If demand is high, we are looking at ways to expand our meal service. If This is what you are looking for, please reach out via email to schoolclosure@centralia.wednet.edu. 

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SERVICE LOCATIONS:

  • Edison Elementary: 607 H Street

  • Fords Prairie Elementary: 1620 Harrison 

  • Jefferson Lincoln Elementary: 400 W. Summa

  • Oakview Elementary: 201 E Oakview Ave.

  • Washington Elementary: 800 Field Ave.

 

 

Education Companies Offering Free Subscriptions due to School Closings (Updated) : Amazing Educational Resources

  • http://www.amazingeducationalresources.com/

  • https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=pixar+in+a+box

  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Iu1Z0h1i1Y

  • https://www.khanacademy.org/partner-content/pixar

  • Audible- For as long as schools are closed, we're open. Starting today, kids everywhere can instantly stream an incredible collection of stories, including titles across six different languages, that will help them continue dreaming, learning, and just being kids

All stories are free to stream on your desktop, laptop, phone or tablet

Explore the collection, select a title and start listening. - https://stories.audible.com/start-listen?mi_cmp=98ba55cbab885926&mi_ecmp=486894200&mi_sc=t&mi_u=amzn1.account.AFW6SVBJSTR7ULPGSIPFSTSC57GQ

 

Employment Opportunities

  • Grocery stores including QFC, Safeway and Fred Meyer are hiring.

  • Amazon announced that it will be opening 100,000 full and part-time positions in its fulfillment centers and delivery network

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Mental Health Resources

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Resources for WAVA families during the Covid-19 (Coronavirus) Pandemic

March 19, 2020

If you need assistance finding food, paying housing bills, accessing free childcare, or other essential services, use the search bar on the 211 website or dial 211 to speak to someone who can help:

http://211.org/services/covid19

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The CDC regularly updates their COVID-19 webpage with the latest information, along with helpful visual aids:

  • Preventing the spread of COVID-19

  • Coping with Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks

  • Helping Children Cope (Mary Bridge Children's Resource)

  • OSPI Parent's Guide Re: COVID-19

  • Washington State Department of Health Website re: COVID-19

NPR also shared a comic that helps explain this public health situation to younger children.

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Other resources:

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More information from Comcast:

Comcast has roughly 65,000 public Wi-Fi hot spots across Washington state for non-customers to use, which are located at public places, like small businesses and in outdoor locations such as shopping districts and parks.  Visit www.xfinity.com/wifi  for a map of XFINITY WiFi outdoor and SMB hotspots.

 

Once at a hotspot, select the “xfinitywifi” network name in the list of available hotspots and then launch a browser. Xfinity Internet customers can sign in with their username and password, and they will be automatically connected at Xfinity WiFi hotspots in the future. Non-Xfinity Internet subscribers should visit the “Not an Xfinity Internet Customer” section on the sign-in page to get started.  Non-customers will be able to renew their complimentary sessions every two hours.

 

NOTE:  If you are prompted for a password or other login credentials, then you are attempting to access an Xfinity WiFi hotspot that is located in a home, not in a business or outdoor location. This hotspot is not part of the free Xfinity WiFi access program.

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Helpful Information:

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Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction: COVID-19 Guidance & Resources​

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All State Testing has been cancelled for the 2019-2020 School Year

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All individuals are encouraged to:

  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

  • If you’ve not already gotten one, a flu shot is encouraged.

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While these measures are simple, they work.

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WAVA encourages the use and promotion of verified sources of information about the flu and coronavirus. On the national level, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides “Guidance for School Administrators to Help Reduce the Spread of Seasonal Influenza in K-12 Schools” on its website (https://www.cdc.gov/flu/school/guidance.htm) and information on the rapidly changing coronavirus situation (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/about/index.html).

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Our priority, as always, is that our students and parents remain informed and stay healthy and safe.

Thank you!

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SUMMER SHELTON (she/her/hers)

Head of School, Washington Virtual Academies

Talking to your children about COVID-19

March 19, 2020

Specific Guidelines

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Remain calm and reassuring.

  • Children will react to and follow your verbal and nonverbal reactions.

  • What you say and do about COVID-19, current prevention efforts, and related events can either increase or decrease your children’s anxiety.

  • If true, emphasize to your children that they and your family are fine.

  • Remind them that you and the adults at their school are there to keep them safe and healthy.

  • Let your children talk about their feelings and help reframe their concerns into the appropriate perspective.

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Make yourself available.

  • Children may need extra attention from you and may want to talk about their concerns, fears, and questions.

  • It is important that they know they have someone who will listen to them; make time for them.

  • Tell them you love them and give them plenty of affection. 

  • Monitor television viewing and social media.

  • Limit television viewing or access to information on the Internet and through social media. Try to avoid watching or listening to information that might be upsetting when your children are present.

  • Speak to your child about how many stories about COVID-19 on the Internet may be based on rumors and inaccurate information.

  • Talk to your child about factual information of this disease—this can help reduce anxiety.

  • Constantly watching updates on the status of COVID-19 can increase anxiety—avoid this.

  • Be aware that developmentally inappropriate information (i.e., information designed for adults) can cause anxiety or confusion, particularly in young

  • Engage your child in games or other interesting activities instead.

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Maintain a normal routine to the extent possible.

  • Keep to a regular schedule, as this can be reassuring and promotes physical health.

  • Encourage your children to keep up with their schoolwork, but don’t push them if they seem overwhelmed. 

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Be honest and accurate.

  • In the absence of factual information, children often imagine situations far worse than reality.

  • Don’t ignore their concerns, but rather explain that at the present moment very few people in this country are sick with COVID-19.

  • Children can be told this disease is thought to be spread between people who are in close contact with one another—when an infected person coughs or sneezes.  

  • It is also thought it can be spread when you touch an infected surface or object, which is why it is so important to protect yourself.

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Communicate with your teachers.

  • Remain in close communication with your student’s teacher and understand that we realize this is difficult time to maintain business as usual.

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Resources

•Talking With Children: Tips for Caregivers, Parents, and Teachers During Infectious Disease Outbreaks, https://store.samhsa.gov/product/Talking-With-Children-Tips-for-Caregivers-Parents-and-Teachers-During-Infectious-Disease-Outbreaks/SMA14-4886

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•Coping With Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks, https://store.samhsa.gov/product/Coping-with-Stress-During-Infectious-Disease-Outbreaks/sma14-4885

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•Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/transmission.html

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•Handwashing and Hand Sanitizer Use at Home, at Play, and Out and About, https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/pdf/hand-sanitizer-factsheet.pdf

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Additional Resources:

​https://www.commerce.wa.gov/building-infrastructure/washington-state-drive-in-wifi-hotspots-location-finder/

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