WWPS opens middle schools this month
By Terry Murry on Thursday, February 4th, 2021 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WALLA WALLA – After nearly a year off from in-person learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic , middle school students will be returning to campuses with the AM/PM hybrid model. Sixth grade students will start on Feb. 16 and seventh and eighth grade students will return on Feb. 18.
“This phased approach will allow our sixth grade students to have two days on campus without upper-grade level students to get orientated to their new schools,” Superintendent Wade Smith said. “For many of these students, it will be their first time in our middle schools.”
Based on guidance released by the Washington State Department of Health, schools are encouraged to open the classrooms for middle school instruction when cases drop below 350 cases per 100,000 population over 14 days. That ratio, when applied to Walla Walla and College Place equals approximately 200 new cases over a 14-day period. As of Feb. 1, combined case counts between the two communities were at 200.
“This week the district will perform its third party on-site safety audit at each middle school site, address specific staff safety accommodations necessary, and begin to communicate safety protocols and schedules to our families,” Smith said. “We are excited to our middle school students safely back on campus and appreciate the community for helping curb the spread of the virus by wearing masks, social distancing, and limiting gatherings.”
