School Closure
- We served 100 breakfast/lunches today! Thanks so much to our partners at CHARTWELLS, their director Alan, and all his helpers. Great job. We hope this # continues to grow in the coming days. At this point, it continues through Friday the 20th, we are working on continuing to be able to provide this in the days following. Remember, it is 100% FREE if you attend FRSD schools (or Triangle Lake–with whom we have an agreement).
- The District Office has moved to a skeleton crew with only key folks coming in that have critical duties. I will be here every day, although often out in meetings or on conference call meetings. The best way to contact the district will be via email, or by leaving a message on our phone system 541-935-2253. No one will be checking phone messages left at individual buildings. The district office message machine will get checked once a day.
- Continue to practice social distancing and good hand washing at home, so that when we do return, everyone is healthy!
Thanks to everyone that is being patient as we navigate these unprecedented events. I will try to provide once a day updates…if warranted.
Gary Carpenter, FRSD Superintendent
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
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
Below are links to updated information on this topic:
Currently, the risk to the general public from the 2019 Novel Coronavirus is very low. In the past few days, however, there have been a couple of cases in Oregon. The virus is being closely monitored by Lane County Public Health, the Oregon Health Authority, and the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.) These links provide a wealth of information to families that are looking for it and are updated regularly. The Fern Ridge School District follows the recommendations provided by Lane County Public Health when addressing health-related matters.
Below are a couple additional resources for our families and staff
Watch a video of a LCPH nurse explaining the virus.
Fact sheet from the Oregon Health Authority. (PDF)
Like all viruses, the basics are important:
- Wash hands often with soap and water
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands
- Avoid contact with people who are sick
- Stay home while you are sick and avoid close contact with others
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
The district will continue to monitor this virus and take appropriate action, if needed, as recommended by our local and state health authorities.
Gary Carpenter, Superintendent, FRSD 28J
All schools in the Fern Ridge School District will be closed on Monday, February 17, 2020 in observance of President’s Day.
National School Counseling Week 2020 (#NSCW2020) is Feb. 3–7, 2020. The week, sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), highlights the unique contribution of school counselors within U.S. school systems and the tremendous impact they can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career. Take a moment to thank your local school counselor(s). Follow #NSCW2020 on social media.
Here in Fern Ridge, we are lucky to have have two excellent school counselors, Mr. Ryan Chambers at FRMS, and Mrs. Brittany McMillan at EHS. Thanks to both of them for all they do for the students, parents and staff of Fern Ridge.
To learn more about National School Counseling Week, visit www.schoolcounselor.org/nscw