Today the Morton School District submitted a request for exemption to the Lewis County Public Health Department. The request is seeking an allowance for the school to return all grades 7-12 at the same time once our county numbers fall below 350 new cases per 100,000. A copy of the request can be found here: https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/1049757/12172020_LCPHSS_Exemption_Request.pdf
Governor Inslee issued updated COVID guidance this afternoon that is a move in a positive direction in terms of our students potentially returning to in-person learning soon. You can find the district summary of this guidance and its potential impact at the following link: https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/1048926/12162020_PSA.pdf
Employment Opportunity!
On Monday we were informed that we lost an amazing individual, staff member, and community member Joe Kiehn as he passed away on Sunday, December 13th, 2020. The district and staff express their condolences to Joe’s wife Angela and their family, as well as to all those in our community whom Joe has worked with and made impacts on through all of his endeavors.
Joe’s work with our district was with our students who have immense needs, and his persona and skills helped him make a large number of positive impacts on all of those who were able to connect with him. He helped many students see the need for change in their lives as he provided an avenue for them to seek help and discuss their life and needs.
As a staff member, Joe was one who was always willing to jump in and help wherever there was a need. No need was too small or too big for Joe, he just helped out where needed.
The loss of Joe to his family, our school and students, and our community is a great loss. He leaves a large gap to be filled.
Students and staff who need to talk further about this and would like to communicate with someone are encouraged to reach out to Becky Brooks. She can be contacted via email at bbrooks@morton.k12.wa.us or by phone at 360-496-5137.
ES: Reminder that the elem. Food Drive runs through next Thurs. Dec. 17th. All donations welcome. Next Thurs and Fri, Dec. 17th and 18th will be PJ/ugly sweater day as a reward for a successful food drive.
ES: Morton Elementary is currently holding their 10th annual food drive. All food collected will be donated to the Morton Food Bank. All donations are welcome!
ES: We will attempt a virtual student of the month assembly on Dec. 16th at 1pm. Thank you for your patience in this new endeavor.
The link is:
https://www.gotomeet.me/JoshBrooks2
Morton School District has a PSA on the recent switch to remote learning and its future plans if it needs to occur in the future.
https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/1030413/12042020_PSA.pdf
Jr Sr High students only: We are remaining in remote learning for tomorrow, Tuesday, December 1st for our 'B' day students due to lack of substitutes to fill requested days off from staff. Life Skills will be on campus as normal. Thank you!
Morton Jr/Sr High School will be in remote learning only tomorrow, Monday 11/30, with only exception being the Life Skills program. We are going with remote learning for tomorrow due to a lack of available staff. The district will update tomorrow before the end of the school day on what the plan is for Tuesday.
Wonderful opportunity to access online library services through Timberland Regional Library!
The PUD just received word this evening that we have access to about $60,000 in CARES Act funds we can use to help PUD customers who have a PUD account balance and who have been impacted by the pandemic (e.g., unemployed, reduction in income, medical bills, childcare expenses due to remote learning arrangements, etc.). The funds must be used by November 27, which effectively means they need customers to apply for this assistance by 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 24.
Below is a link to our release times for school days prior to holidays and breaks, plus our plan for Spring Conferences and how we will handle inclement weather.
https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/1014926/Release_Times_and_Dates_PSA.pdf
ES: Link for the Lewis County Public Health COVID Student Symptom Decision Tree
https://5il.co/n6u8
Today Governor Inslee made a public announcement initiating a rollback of some measures throughout our State. However, the Governor stated that public education is not impacted by these rollbacks. This means that our hybrid instructional model that has been in place in our elementary school and set to begin tomorrow for our secondary students will continue as planned. School will take place on-site tomorrow.
Here is a link to gaining parent access to Canvas. Our Jr/Sr HS parents can also find instructions on how to get access to our online gradebook called Classrooms.
https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/1007480/Canvas_and_Classrooms.pdf
For more information, contact the district at 360-496-5300
ES: Starting on Oct. 19th, PK will continue with 4 days per week. Kinder will continue with 5 days per week. Grades 1-6 will follow hybrid schedule M/Th or T/F. Sorry for any confusion.
ES: The elementary welcomes kids back starting Oct. 19th from 8-2pm in hybrid model. If you are unsure which days your child attends please contact the office or your teacher. Masks are required.
Good morning from Morton School District. Reminder: There is no school tomorrow, Friday, October 9th for students. There is also no meal pick-up on Friday. We will resume on Monday. Have a great weekend!