How to Reopen School?

Schools wanting to reopen in the fall of 2020 are all trying to get solid plans in play so that returning to school will be a healthy and safe place for their students and staff.  There are some large areas, such as Seattle where they are intending to start school remotely and continue with this model until further notice.  Parents are asked to be flexible in their expectations for this upcoming school year. 

School districts have been hard at work organizing the necessary plans using guidelines and requirements that the Washington State Department of Health (DOH), Office of the Governor and the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) in addition to many different subcommittees gave them earlier in June. They called this 58 page document the Reopening Washington Schools 2020: District Planning Guide in which each school district must follow in their own way as long as they are compliant. To view this document in its entirety you can go to DPGazette.com/waschoolguide.

Some key requirements from the OSPI guidelines that need to be in each school district plan is :

  • Face coverings
  • Hand washing
  • 6 feet spacing between individuals
  • Transportation
  • Screening plan
  • Cleaning policies

Many parents have received emails and phone surveys so that the districts can get a feel for the parent’s thoughts about returning in the fall. 

Questions like:

  • Would you be interested in doing an alternative day model?
  • Would you be interested in doing distance learning?
  • How likely are you to want to homeschool?

These questions are meant to be collected so that the schools can make the best plans for their district.

Deer Park Superintendent Travis Hanson has recently made another step when he sent a phone message on June 23 to all of the parents in the district announcing an online conference for families. The online event will give parents an opportunity to hear what the school is planning and for them to ask questions.  The online meeting for parents will be held on July 28th at 6:00pm, more information on this will be emailed out by the district to parents, and updates can also be found on their website Dpsd.org as they come available.

Save The Date

July 28th

6:00pm

Featured Sponsor
Thank You For Your Support!

Related Articles

North Spokane Open Mic In-Person

Young poets will take center stage at the North Spokane Open Mic. They will share their original work in a supportive and welcoming environment. This event offers high school students a chance to build confidence before entering the world of competitive poetry slams.

Read More »

WA Saves Could Cost Business Owners

Most Washington businesses without an employer-sponsored retirement plan must register for WA Saves, starting July 1, 2027, the state’s new retirement savings program. WA Saves aims to help employees build financial security by requiring businesses to offer payroll-deducted Roth IRAs managed through the state. While beneficial for workers, the program raises concerns for employers, particularly small businesses.

Read More »

Dr. Ernest W Kettel

Dr. Ernest Walther Kettel died in his home peacefully with Jo Ann, his wife of 73 years, at his side on February 7th, 2025 at the age of 96.
He was born on October 8, 1928 at home in Wild Rose, North Dakota to Carl William Kettel and Orla (Kolke) Kettel.

Read More »

Celebrate Your Community At The Annual Art Show

The SCLD Community Art Show is back, inviting artists of all ages to showcase their creativity and love for their community. Free miniature canvases will be available at Spokane County Libraries throughout February. This year’s theme, Celebrate Your Community, encourages participants to highlight what makes their hometown special.

Read More »

GreenHouse Food & Clothing Bank Change Of Hours

The GreenHouse Food and Clothing is once again adjusting its hours, this time reducing service availability and shifting to an earlier schedule. However, food bank representatives encourage those with scheduling conflicts to reach out for potential accommodations.

Read More »

Slideshow: WinterFest 2025

Deer Park’s WinterFest 2025 brought the community together with fun traditions like outhouse races, a bustling craft fair, and live music. Check out our online gallery.

Read More »

Share this!

Featured Sponsor
Thank You For Your Support!

Share this!

Featured Sponsor
Thank You For Your Support!

Read more news.

WinterFest Honored Citizens 2025: The Watsons

Doug and Karen Watson, known for their decades of dedication to the Deer Park community through volunteerism and leadership, have been named the 2025 WinterFest Honored Citizens. This recognition acknowledges their significant contributions to preserving and enriching local traditions.

Read More »

This Weekend – Holiday Cheer and Christmas Events

Holiday magic is alive and well in Deer Park. Many festive events will bring the community together this weekend. From the holiday light parade and breakfast with Santa to nativity displays and theatrical performances, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this December.

Read More »

Subscribe to our emails

Use the form below to sign up to receive news via email at no cost to you.

Read & Support The

Local news to keep you informed and entertained. The Deer Park Gazette is locally owned and operated. When you support the Deer Park Gazette, you support local writers and photographers.