9-24-2021
A Message from our Superintendent:
Dear Parents and Guardians:
As we have returned to classrooms this fall, we have continued to monitor case counts of COVID-19. Recently, we made the decision, in consultation with Benton-Franklin Health District, PSD nursing staff, and building leadership to return to a distance learning format for one of our classrooms because of the number of positive cases and close contacts.
It is our mission to ensure that our schools continue to operate in a safe and healthful manner for students and staff. In that spirit, we believe that whenever there is an opportunity to stop the potential spread of the virus, we should take the necessary precautions. As we work through these positive cases and close contacts, we will continue to adhere to all federal, state, and county guidelines and evaluate closures on a classroom-by-classroom and school-by-school basis.
It has always been the policy of the Prosser School District to make the safety and well-being of your child its top priority. If you have any questions, please contact your child’s school or the district office.
Sincerely, Matthew Ellis
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Department of Health COVID-19 Symptom Decision Tree
Symptom Decision Tree - EN
Symptom Decision Tree - SP
COVID-19 Contact Tracing Checklist
How to Wear a Mask
COVID-19 Isolation and Quarantine Guidelines - English
*Updated 1/18/2022
COVID-19 Isolation and Quarantine Guidelines - Spanish
*Updated 1/18/2022
10-21-2020
Reopening Timeline - English
8-15-2020
PSD Reopening Plan for the 2020-2021 School Year - English
PSD Reopening Plan for the 2020-2021 School Year - Spanish
PSD Reopening Resolution - Spanish
Email communications email out:
3-13-2020 - English
3-13-2020 - Spanish
June 1, 2020
Dear Parents and Patrons,
On Wednesday, May 27th, the Prosser School District Board of Directors approved a distance learning plan in tandem with a resolution about the number of school days and the number of instructional hours our students have received. Although these items must be approved by OSPI, we are planning on concluding the school year on Friday, June 12th. I know that the coronavirus closure has been trying and difficult for all of us, however, I want to thank you for partnering with our District in our mission to educate, graduate, and empower all of our students.
Prosser School District is hosting several virtual summer schools beginning June 17th. You will be contacted in the next couple of weeks if your student qualifies for one of the following programs:
K-5: Reading Intervention, Migrant Summer School
6-8: Reading/Math Intervention, Migrant Summer School
9-12: Credit Retrieval
If your student is invited to summer school, he or she must have a device. If you need a device or internet connection, please inform the PSD employee who contacts you to participate.
For Kids,
Matt Ellis
April 27, 2020
Dear Prosser School District Parents and Students,
On April 21, 2020, the State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) provided new guidance on student grading. The guidance given by OSPI restricts districts from offering a Failing “F,” No Credit “NC”, or Pass “P” grade. Additionally, the guidance asked districts to allow students to resubmit and complete work that would improve the grade they had at the time of closure. If a student’s work does not meet expectations, an incomplete “I” grade can be issued. If a student receives an “I” grade, the student will be asked to make complete the missing work as soon as school reconvenes. Students receiving letter grades in grades K – 12 will have two options:
Option 1: Maintain their March 17, 2020 Passing Grade
Option 2: Improve their March 17, 2020 Grade
Because there will be no “F” or “NC” grades, all K-8 students will be promoted to the next grade.
The district has not made a definitive decision on the scale of grades which will be offered. We hope to make this decision in the near future after we have collaborated with our teachers, administrators and parents. The considerations include a very limited “A” or “I” (Incomplete) grade scale and a fuller scale which includes “A-D” or “I”. Regardless of the scale chosen, your child’s grade will not be lower than what it initially was at the time of closure. If you have input or questions about the topic of grading, please reach out to your child’s building administrator.
Prosser School District is committed to providing every student the opportunity to continue to engage in distance learning through the remainder of the school year. Our distance learning will focus on critical core learning standards and learning activities provided by teachers to help students progress in their learning and prepare for the next level. It is important for learning to continue, and student grades to not be negatively affected by the school closure. We encourage and expect students to engage in learning activities provided by teachers.
Matthew Ellis
Superintendent
April 3, 2020
Dear Parents and Patrons,
Thursday evening, Governor Inslee announced an extension of the emergency stay-at-home order through May 4 to halt the spread of the coronavirus. At this time, Prosser School District is planning for two scenarios; a return to school this spring as well as a closure throughout the summer. There are a number of events, such as graduation, that may be impacted by the Governor's recommendations concerning social distancing. If we are unable to carry out our commencement exercises in their traditional fashion, we will be creating a unique format for students and families to celebrate this important milestone. As we wait for direction from our elected officials, we will be continuing to focus our efforts on offering our families and students whatever we can to meet their educational and nutritional needs.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to us – we are here to help and aim to serve.
Thanks,
Matt Ellis
March 12, 2020
Dear Parents and Patrons,
Due to the presence of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) within our state, the Prosser School District will be canceling many of its future travel and events. Because COVID-19 is easily spread from person to person, we believe it would not be prudent to place our students and staff members in an environment where possible exposure could occur. The cancelation of these events will mainly apply to out-of-district travel and large-scale events that are both inside and outside of our district.
Prosser School District will continue to work with public health authorities to monitor the spread of COVID-19, minimize the exposure of our staff and students, and develop plans for Prosser School District and the community of Prosser.
As we endeavor to provide informative communication to our stakeholders, we invite you to review our district calendar for updated information on events or travel. If you have any questions, please contact me at matt.ellis@prosserschools.org or 509-786-3323.
Sincerely,
Matt Ellis
Superintendent
March 9, 2020
Dear Parents and Patrons:
Over the past few days, the state of Washington has witnessed the effects of the Coronavirus outbreak. As you are aware, Governor Inslee has issued an emergency proclamation, there have been nine confirmed deaths in our state, and a case was recently reported within our region. I want to reassure you that we are carefully monitoring this situation and that we are working closely with local, state, and national health agencies to prevent any transition of the virus.
We want to remind parents and staff of the importance of prevention and how to stay safe. The Department of Health has advised school districts to take the same preventative measures it normally would to prevent the spread of viruses during the regular cold and flu season. Common preventative measures recommended for students and staff include:
• Stay home if you are sick and/or running a fever.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after you blow your nose. If hands are visibly dirty, use soap and water to clean hands.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and clean hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer (if soap and water are not readily available).
It is always difficult to predict the transmission and spread of viruses. In spite of the unpredictability, it is our goal to provide our parents with all the information necessary to make informed decisions. Currently, Prosser School District’s custodial and maintenance department are bolstering their efforts to disinfect and sanitize surfaces within our schools. To ensure the health and safety of our staff and students, all solutions will be considered, including school closure. With that understanding, if you believe the risk of the virus is too great, we want you to know that it is your right as a parent to keep your child home with you.
For more information, please consider the following resources:
www.cdc.gov www.doh.wa.gov
As always, if you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me at (509) 786-3323 or matt.ellis@prosserschools.org.
Sincerely,
Matthew Ellis