The Advocate
The Advocate is updated in the first week of every other month September through May, containing articles relating to private school issues, representation, and local-to-national news relevant to independent schools.
It’s unsafe for most of Washington students to return to school buildings this fall, state says
Unlike the spring, when Inslee mandated school closures first in several counties, and then statewide, these recommendations aren’t binding. Inslee said he is concerned schools that open too quickly could spur outbreaks or worsen community spread but is confident most districts will follow the new guidance. He said he decided against local or statewide mandates because school boards in Washington have traditionally had authority to make such decisions.
State Board of Education notice on safe return to school plans
Public and private schools in Washington are developing plans for a safe return to school this fall so they can deliver the best possible educational experience to their students. All schools will follow safety guidelines of official state and local health agencies. While following the same guidance, each school and community is different so schools may make different decisions on opening and on how to teach and interact with students.
Despite COVID-19, some Puget Sound schools prepping for in-class learning this fall
“The health departments have been doing extraordinary jobs in keeping us informed on how and what to do in these scenarios. Luckily, private schools have some agility and size that allows them to make those determinations within their buildings” stated Suzie Hanson, executive director of the WA Federation of Independent Schools.
School Immunization Record Requirements & WA IIS
Beginning August 1, 2020 all new students are required to have medically verified immunization records on day one for entry into any public or private school and child care center. Learn what your school is required to do and how you can use DOH resources to streamline your efforts in this regard.
Education Freedom Scholarships in Next Stimulus Bill?
President Trump is expected to ask Congress for a “one-time, emergency appropriation” for a grant proposal that would allow states to distribute funds to nonprofits that give scholarships to students to attend private schools.
DeVos Demands Public Schools Share Pandemic Aid With Private Institutions
“The CARES Act is a special, pandemic-related appropriation to benefit all American students, teachers and families, …There is nothing in the act suggesting Congress intended to discriminate between children based on public or nonpublic school attendance, … The virus affects everyone.”
9 Ways Schools Will Look Different When (And If) They Reopen
While remote learning continues, summer is a question mark, and attention is already starting to turn to next fall.
Are faith-based organizations eligible to receive SBA loans under the PPP and EIDL programs?
The short answer is YES.
An Open Letter to Independent School Leaders
“convene your educators…to rethink your educational offerings…to have a solid education plan providing value to students if they will be spending a significant fraction of the 2020-21 academic year learning at home.”
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The Greater Good. “What are private schools doing, or can do in the weeks and months ahead, to support the greater community during this time of crisis?”
Congress Passes COVID-19 Legislation Affecting Private Schools
The following are CAPE highlights of what Congress has passed in recent days, by no means an exhaustive list, includes areas of interest to private schools.