Submitted by Fred Woods

San Juan Island School District Superintendent

It is with sadness and frustration I must announce the return to teleschool for all grades in the San Juan Island School District. As a community, San Juan Island is beginning to experience increased levels of the COVID-19 virus, and though we have maintained a safe and healthy environment on our campuses, we are returning to districtwide teleschool out of an abundance of caution. Special education services on campus will continue as well as other limited in-person support for students.

Beginning Monday, Nov. 30, after the Thanksgiving holiday, all grade levels will attend classes in the teleschool model until after Winter Break. We will review this plan in the first week of the new year. The earliest we will return to in-person instruction is Jan. 19, 2021, which corresponds to a two week quarantine period after winter break.

Here on San Juan Island, we are fortunate to have the resources to provide Chromebooks to every student and internet access to every family so that we may continue classes with teleschool. Please contact your school office if you need assistance in these areas.

My heart goes out to those children who joyfully began in-person learning as well as the students who have been patiently waiting their turn to begin. We are sorry as can be for the state of the pandemic, but we cannot take chances with the health of our students, our staff and our families.

We appreciate our families’ support and flexibility during these uncertain times.

A special message to our elementary, middle and high school students:

Please stay home, stay safe, and work hard at your studies. There is nothing we want more than to see you in the buildings again. Please know, this time of remote learning will be important in your life. When teleschooling, you will increase your skills related to self-motivation, determination, and perseverance. Do not let anything get in the way of your education. Continue moving toward your dreams. Please reach out to your teachers, counselors, and any other staff for assistance. We will help you. We will get through this together.