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

Young Voices Shine Home Link Writing Contest

Home Link recently held their annual short story writing competition. More than twenty 3rd-12th grade kids participated this year. In a competition that encourages six-trait story telling, but welcomes writers of all experience levels to tell a tale.

Read More »

Library Campaigns Feed Minds and Fight Hunger

This April, the Spokane County Library District is turning the page on two pressing issues, literacy and hunger, by launching Library Giving Day and the Bites & Books food drive. These twin campaigns aim to nourish both minds and bodies, ensuring every child in the community has access to books and basic nutrition.

Read More »

Gerald Ray “Jerry” Knight, 1933-2025

Gerald Ray “Jerry” Knight, born November 23, 1933, in Spokane, Washington, passed away peacefully on April 14, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and love. Jerry was the beloved son of Albert James Knight and Nora Marie Mack Knight. He spent his formative years in Dover, Idaho, and Usk, Washington, alongside his little sister, Chrystal, to whom he was a life-long protector.

Read More »

April 16 Open House: City Of Deer Park Seeks Input

The City of Deer Park is inviting residents to an open house to provide input on long-term plans for growth, transportation, housing, small agricultural animals, and land use. The event is part of a periodic update to the city’s Comprehensive Plan as state law requires.

Read More »

Ronald R Baird

Ronald Ray Baird was born September 9, 1946 to Thomas and Laverne (Brown) Baird in Newton, KS. He passed away January 22, 2025 at his beloved home on the Pend Oreille River, near Usk, WA. Ron grew up in a rough and tumble home, the 4th of 5 brothers, Dick, Steve, Herb, Ron, and Mike. Ron attended and graduated from Remington High School in 1965. While there, he lettered in football (#60) and was selected as an all-league lineman.

Read More »

Gallery: Miss Deer Park 2025 Elegance & Achievement

The Miss Deer Park Scholarship Association chose their 71st representatives. The program was rich with poise and promise as six talented young ladies took to the stage. From fitness to composure, they held nothing back while competing to be the face of Deer Park. An image gallery awaits because what’s a royal moment without a little paparazzi?

Read More »

Share this!

Featured Sponsor
Thank You For Your Support!

Share this!

Featured Sponsor
Thank You For Your Support!

Read more news.

Young Voices Shine Home Link Writing Contest

Home Link recently held their annual short story writing competition. More than twenty 3rd-12th grade kids participated this year. In a competition that encourages six-trait story telling, but welcomes writers of all experience levels to tell a tale.

Read More »

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 »

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.