Dear Families,

These are unprecedented times and our state and local school leaders are working hard to try to slow the spread of COVID 19. Last night, the Beaverton School District announced that Spring Break would be extended from March 16 - March 31 and we will follow their lead. Students will return to school on Wednesday, April 1.

As I said in my email yesterday, teachers will provide remote lesson support next week in selected subjects. This will help us identify problems and make adjustments in the event that the school closure is extended. Staff members will return to work on March 30 and we will evaluate our remote learning plan at that time. I heard that many of you did not receive the email asking if you needed tech support at home to access online lessons, so we will resend that today. The lessons we are sending home will not require students to be online for extended periods of time, so we would ask that you have your children share a computer if you have more than one student at Arco Iris.

We know that the decision to close school will be very difficult for many of you and it was not made lightly. As a state and a nation, it is important that we take steps to slow the progression of the disease in order to keep our communities safe. This situation is evolving quickly and we will keep you informed as it changes. The state authorities will make a decision on March 25 about whether to further extend the closure.

Teachers are using their time today to develop lesson plans for next week and the office staff is available if you have questions. We ask that you call or email with questions rather than coming into school. We'll do our best to get back to you as soon as possible.

Thank you for your patience and support as we work through this challenge together!

Warmly,
Michelle