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March 20, 2020

Dear Families,

First of all, I hope you all are doing okay - staying healthy, enjoying the recent sunny weather, and trying to stay positive.   I have been thinking a lot about our students, our families, and our community. I am going to try and maintain my Friday communication with families during these uncertain and challenging times.  I know teachers are doing their best to establish some new routines, staying connected with students and families and offering suggestions on how to stay engaged and active while away from school. 

There are many questions regarding what the remainder of this year will look like, and unfortunately, I do not have any new information to report.  I do know there are many conversations taking place at the district and state level about what next steps should be taken. Obviously, one of the things that makes planning and problem solving so challenging is the very dynamic nature of this crisis.  I would recommend visiting the PPS Coronavirus website on a regular basis and continue to monitor the news for the latest information regarding decisions around schooling.  I suspect there will be some additional information coming out from PPS in the next week.

We do know that PPS has set up a Student Portal where you can go and access a wide range of online learning sites and applications.  In addition, our school secretary Sarah Erickson is doing her best to post additional links on Duniway’s website.  Certainly carving some time out of each day to work on some “academics” is wise, but please consider the “whole” child.  An article on Oregonlive from today has some good suggestions around finding a balance and rhythm to all this time at home with your child(ren).

There have been many articles circulating around about how to talk with kids about COVID-19.  Here is one article from the NY Times that focuses on the overwhelming sense of disappointment (especially with some many fun things getting cancelled) that children are feeling right now.  I am sure you are all getting plenty of parenting practice - I know I am being pushed to the limits by my two teenagers. 

If you have any questions please feel free to email me.  Although I may not have an answer,  I will do my very best to find information for you and to support you and your family during these uncertain times.

Be well,

Matt