FRSD Families: Some general information and updates:
- Meal service begins tomorrow at VES– Drive through and pick up only. Kids must be in car. Ages 1-18 are served! 11:00-12:30. THESE MEALS ARE FREE!
- Virtual or remote learning: At this time, the district is not pursuing this option. That may change if the mandated school closure extends. One important perspective I would share with parents around the topic of continuing academics during the closure is this. It is OK if parents want to engage in this, and try to support their students academically. It is ALSO just fine to allow your kids to be kids during this closure. The way adults respond and act around this pandemic can cause significant stress and anxiety. There is absolutely no reason to add to that stress and create conflict between parents and students by forcing academic time. Every child is different, so some may welcome this, however for most, simply having a 30 to 60 minute reading time (especially at the elementary and middle school level) of some fun book that they would enjoy is plenty. Your child is going to get far more during these two weeks off during this stressful time, by just being allowed to be a kid. Bottom line, keep the academic stress low.
- The district office will remain open through the closure, schools will not. Staff will return to the buildings on Monday, March 30th. If something changes around the mandated closure, we will notify folks immediately.
- Assuming students return on Wednesday, April 1st, expect that Friday “non-school” day to be changed to a school day. More information to come as decisions are made.
- Continue to practice social distancing and appropriate hand washing and other measures during this break.
- Feel free to contact the district office if you have specific questions at 541-935-2253, or email me at gcarpenter@fernridge.k12.or.us
Gary Carpenter, Superintendent-FRSD 28J
Below is our plan to provide food service to our families, and what we will need from you in order to participate.
- It will only occur in the VES parking lot, however, all enrolled students and their siblings who are under the age of 18 are welcome (including pre-K ).
- We will have a parking lot drive-through set up from 11:00-12:30. Hopefully the directions and information in the parking lot will be clear.
- There will be no sit-down service inside.
- In order for us to “count” it as lunch service to a student, the student(s) MUST be in the car, or on site if walking.
- The student will get a complete cold sandwich sack lunch, as well as a breakfast for the following morning.
- There will be staff in the parking lot to take names/#’s in order to charge to the right account, or to the right free/reduced account
- The service will take place Monday through Friday.
- The service will not occur during Spring Break
- We will resume the service on Monday and Tuesday, March 30th and 31st.
We have been able to coordinate with our partners at Chartwell’s, and our great local staff, to come up with a food service plan for today.
For today, buildings will serve a normal breakfast and lunch. Staff and parents are welcome to purchase lunches. Students that come are welcome to purchase, or receive their usual free breakfast/lunches!
Below are the times of the services, just for today, Friday March 13th.
VES: Breakfast 7:30 AM-8:30 AM Lunch 11:30-12:30 PM
EES: Breakfast 7:30 AM-8:30 AM Lunch 11:30-12:30 PM
FRMS: Breakfast 7:30AM-8:30 AM Lunch 11:30-12:30 PM
EHS: Breakfast 7:30AM-8:30 AM Lunch 12:00-12:30.
We are working on a plan for next week that will probably be more of a “drive-through” grab and go, and not occurring at every facility, although all kids regardless of which FRSD school they attend are welcome. Stay tuned for information regarding next weeks schedule.
Below is updated information. Please keep in mind that as we have seen over the past few days, things change rapidly. The district will continue to put out information here, through Superintendent Carpenter Facebook, and through the use of our phone dialer system.
- The Governor has ordered schools from Monday March 16th through Tuesday, March 31st, resuming Wednesday, April 1st.
- In Fern Ridge we are going a step further and closing today, Friday, March 13th. The primary reasons include:
- Staffing shortages for us to operate effectively
- To support the concept of social distancing immediately, rather than waiting.
- All FRSD staff will report to work today, Friday, March 13th. Schools and classrooms will be open for anyone that needs to come in and get anything they left in their classrooms, lockers, e.g. textbooks, personal items, etc…
- We will be working with our food service company to explore any opportunity we can to continue to provide services next week. More info on that coming.
- When schools are closed, all school activities are cancelled and any outside organizations using the facilities are cancelled as well.
Many of you may have heard the new order that came out a few hours ago by the Governor that can be seen here (Governor’s order). This order closes all schools next week. Through the night, our team here in Fern Ridge will be working to prepare for this. Also on the table is closing school for tomorrow, Friday the 13th, 2020. Please stay tuned here, and to Superintendent Carpenter facebook for the latest updates. I will have an update and a plan in place for tomorrow and posted by 4:00 AM.
We will also have further information, including if staff will report tomorrow, if we will be able to serve lunch and or breakfast next week (I do not believe that will be possible for tomorrow if we close) and other important information for parents.
I understand the burden schools closing puts on some of our families that are most in need. I know as a community many will step up and try to support others as best as you can. Stay tuned and thanks for your patience and cooperation.
Gary Carpenter, Superintendent, FRSD 28J
With guidelines and recommendations changing almost by the minute, the Fern Ridge School District wants our families and community to ensure you are doing what you can to simply prepare for the fact that the time may come when we are having to close our local schools. Currently, this is NOT the plan, we are doing everything we can to mitigate risk and stay open as the local and state authorities are recommending. However, if the time comes that we do need to close, for whatever reason, the turnaround could be quick. The more families can do to prepare for this possibility in terms of child care and other issues, the better. If the schools were to close, all school activities would cease. As always, if you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to reach out to the particular administration at your school.
Gary Carpenter, Superintendent, FRSD
As a follow up to the previous post regarding Governor Brown’s order, below is a summary of that order as it relates to schools.
- Large gatherings (250+ people) are suspended through April 8th. This applies to organized public gatherings, not stores, malls, etc.
- Schools are not being closed, but non-essential school activities such as parent meetings, allowing spectators at sporting events, and field trips are cancelled.
- The Governor emphasized that school closure will be a last resort.
- The Governor emphasized that these measures are being taken to: 1. Slow transmission of COVID-19 and 2. Preserve hospital capacity for the most severely impacted individuals.
Below is what that will look like in Fern Ridge, at least for the next couple days or until guidance changes, or further guidance is given.
- All non essential school activities are cancelled or postponed. This includes auctions, dances, athletic competitions, performances and field trips.
- High School athletic practices will continue as an extension of the school day, and “social distancing” will be practiced.
- All athletic competitions are cancelled through April 8th.
- Our food service company, Chartwells, is researching any recommended changes to when and how we serve meals as an additional protective measure.
- Our staff will be reviewing ways they can integrate social distancing best practices at their buildings.
- For some essential school activities, such as school board meetings, we will be incorporating reduced agendas and the meeting location will likely be moved to a larger space. That information will be posted soon.
To be clear, we are taking every step possible so that we can continue to provide high-quality education and opportunities for all of our students and keep our schools open.
We realize that this decision will impact every school community, and we know that many of the events that are being suspended are ones that schools, students and families look forward to all year long. Suspending these events is consistent with guidance from health authorities, and we believe it is a prudent and responsible step to take at this time.
The safety, health and well-being of our students and staff is our priority. We will continue to work in close partnership with public health authorities to minimize both the spread of coronavirus and disruption to schools and students. We will continue emphasizing the importance of handwashing at school. Our custodians will continue to prioritize high-touch surfaces in classrooms and common areas, and make sure schools have adequate handwashing and cleaning supplies.
Students, families and everyone in our community can best support our efforts by washing hands frequently, covering mouths when coughing or sneezing, and using hand sanitizer. Those experiencing fever and/or flu or cold symptoms should stay at home, only returning to school or work when symptom-free for 24 hours without the use of medicine. If you are concerned about symptoms, please consult your healthcare provider.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding during this challenging time. We will continue to rely on the guidance of Oregon public health authorities, the Department of Education, and the Office of the Governor.
Below are links to updated information on this topic:
The district continues to engage with the Oregon Department of Education, local health authorities, and other resources to ensure we are doing what we can to monitor and support the health of our students and staff. Below are some links that provide additional information on this topic, including a link to information that went out to all Fern Ridge staff today, around things the district is currently doing to assist in the prevention of illness.
ODE Information for Families (English)
ODE Information for Families (en español)
Oregon Health Authority Website
Lane County Public Health Website
Informative Letter to FRSD staff