Inslee’s Full Meal Deal For Schools

After removing the 6ft distancing rule for schools, Governor Inslee said “You can start tomorrow, going back into what you might call a full meal deal.” Since the announcement, school districts have been in discussion on what this means for them.

All Washington state schools have the option of reducing the social distance from 6 feet to 3 feet. This is in accordance with Governor Inslee’s March 25th press conference. Infection rates are dropping and with vaccines being more widely being distributed, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated their guidelines as of March 19th. 

Inslee reported that an estimated 200 schools in the state have already brought children back into the classroom in some kind of hybrid model. Hybrid models schools should be able to adjust rapidly in this change according to Inslee. Deer Park School Districts and Riverside School Districts were part of the hybrid model that Inslee mentioned that are already offering in-person learning. 

This announcement however does not change most of the things that the schools are currently doing as a result of the pandemic. School Districts are still required to continue to offer families remote options for students. Also, all cleaning and mask wearing requirements are still required. Inslee states, “Everyone in the school needs to wear masks because they’re effective in limiting transmission.” 

Regardless of how the schools in your district are planning to use the reduction of social distancing, it cannot be overstated how hard both the parents and the whole of the education community have worked to serve the students. This new requirement of 3 feet requires modification to a system that the students and school staff have come to recognize.  

Deer Park School District

Superintendent Hanson stated in a press release that the school district has a goal of returning to a full in-person 5-day learning option in the week of Monday, April 19th.  However, they do give April 26th as a possible fall back date if things do not line up as quickly as they hope. The school believes that making the change as soon as possible will have immediate benefits for their students and also help get more traction for staff and students for the start of the 2021-22 school year. 

As for the students who are attending school remotely full time using Edgenuity online platform they will be completing their year using that model. In addition, elementary or middle school students who have been successful in the remote model are being encouraged and are to continue working remotely until the end of the school year.     

Riverside School District

Superintendent Russell announced they are moving to Stage 4 of their Rams Return Plan. The Board of Directors voted for all students of Riverside Middle School and High School to resume in-person learning starting Monday April 12th. The Early Learning Center, Riverside Achievement Center (RAC), and Independent Scholar Program (ISP) will keep their current schedules. Students attending Chattaroy and Riverside Elementary Schools already attend in-person daily teaching. The district will continue to practice relief measures such as the face coverings, cleaning and disinfecting, using seating charts for contact tracing and other guidelines as previously outlined by the Washington Department of Health.

Mary Walker and Loon Lake School Districts

As of the time of this article both school districts have not released any information on how they will be responding to the new announcement made by Inslee. 

Sources: 

Operational Strategy for K-12 Schools through Phased Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. DPGazette.com/cdcop31921. Accessed 26 March 2021.
Inslee March 25 2021 Press Conference. TVW.org, 2021, DPGazette.com/inslee32521. Accessed 26 March 2021.

Featured Sponsor
Thank You For Your Support!

Related Articles

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 »

Miss Deer Park 2025: Scholarships & Opportunities Await

Sophomore and junior high school girls are invited to join the 2025 Miss Deer Park Scholarship Program. This annual event, which has awarded over $48,000 in scholarships over the past three years, offers opportunities to represent the community, build confidence, and help fund college.

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.