Baker School District Response to Newest School Health Advisory
By Paul Hall on Friday, January 7th, 2022 in Northeastern Oregon News Northeastern Oregon Top Stories
BAKER CITY – (Press release from Baker School District)On, Monday, January 3, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) issued a School Health Advisory for Continuity of Instruction, effective January 3 to January 31, 2022.
Included in the School Health Advisory was a call to be diligent in implementing layered mitigation safety protocols, familiar measures such as face coverings, physical distancing, testing, screening, hand-washing, cleaning, and disinfection.
Another recommendation was that school districts pause extracurricular activities or ensure that the same layered mitigation safety protocols are followed as those during the school day. District leadership met with representatives from the Baker County Health Department and determined that extracurricular activities will continue to be offered at this time, but health and safety protocols will be followed, and decisions regarding athletics will be made on what could be a game-by-game basis based on current conditions in partnering school districts. Extracurricular activities are a risk, but we know how important they are, and we will be doing what we can in partnership with the health department to keep them to the extent possible.
“We need the help of our families to keep students in school in-person and participating in important extracurricular activities during this critical time,” said Superintendent Mark Witty. “If you have symptoms of illness, please stay home. If you have been exposed to illness, please consider being tested for COVID-19. We will get through this time together.”
About the Baker School District
Nationally recognized Baker School District 5J (BSD) is a major employer in Baker City, OR, serving 1,700 students locally with an additional 3,000 online students across the state of Oregon. Through enterprising, collaborative endeavors, BSD is creating an innovative educational foundation for future Oregonians. BSD believes strong school collaboration with local partners enables us to create vibrant communities that support lifelong learners.
