Portland Public Schools Distance Learning To Continue Through January 28

Press release from Portland Public Schools:

October 7, 2020

Dear PPS Families and Staff,

At last evening’s Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Guerrero announced plans to extend Comprehensive Distance Learning (CDL) through the second quarter, which ends January 28. This decision is based on the latest public health data; we are hopeful that our next announcement shortly after winter break will be different, as we would much prefer to be back in our school buildings.

We are closely monitoring the county and state COVID-19 metrics. To be able to start hybrid learning (part in-school/part CDL), the following metrics must be met:

• 10 or fewer cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 people in Multnomah County over 7 days for 3 weeks in a row
• Test positivity of 5% or less in Multnomah County over 7 days for 3 weeks in a row
• Test positivity of 5% or less statewide over 7 days for 3 weeks in a row
• And, given that 10% or more of our staff live in Clackamas County and another 10% or more live in Washington County, we must also consider the metrics and their trends in those counties as well.

We need our metrics to dramatically improve. We ask everyone in the greater community to do their part by observing safe health practices, including and especially wearing masks. It will take all of us to get those metrics where they need to be to allow us to welcome students back to classrooms.

Until then, we will continue to provide a wide array of services and supports to students and families, while focusing on continuous improvement of our Comprehensive Distance Learning experience for all students in all grades. We are also working to increase the number of limited in-person opportunities for certain groups of students and other potential limited, school-based activities. As has been the case throughout our pandemic decision-making, our highest priority remains the health and well-being of our students and staff and we will continue to closely monitor objective health metrics published by the Oregon Health Authority.

We will continue to keep you updated on any progress and decisions considered or made. As for our third quarter, we will communicate a decision to you shortly after winter break.

As always, please visit pps.net/fall2020 for the latest news, information and student and family resources.

We all want to get back to our classrooms. We deeply miss seeing students, and we are grateful for their (and your) flexibility and understanding as we navigate this pandemic together. Thank you.

This press release was produced by Portland Public Schools. The views expressed here are the author’s own.