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.
Delay in vaccinating most Washington K-12 teachers, staff alarms legislators, union
Washington’s current guidance would result in an extended vaccination timeline for adults who work in schools. Teachers and other staff who are at least aged 50 could get their first dose in February if they are serving students in person… roughly 40% of the state’s 153,000 public school employees are in this age group. All younger employees aren’t eligible until April.
Congress Passes Aid for Private Schools
The bill is written such that a public agency will maintain control of funds in much the same way as occurs with existing equitable services programs. This should in theory insulate private schools from becoming recipients of federal financial assistance.
The Chasm Spanning Public and Private Schools Continues in a COVID-19 Era
The gulf separating public and private school COVID-19 responses center on one distinct factor — private schools view their school families as valuable customers, as opposed to public schools, the majority of which strongly prioritize teacher preferences over student needs.
Early Ed advocacy for programs in our private schools
WFIS is partnering with many early learning advocates to ensure our school’s programs are also supported. The information below is from Erica Hallock on behalf of Start Early WA, a non-profit that works with public and private partners to promote comprehensive...
In-person schooling during a pandemic: not for the faint of heart
Pat Russel, middle school principal at Mount Vernon Christian, jumped right into remote learning along with his students in March. Mount Vernon Christian School reopened fully with their traditional 8 period schedule from 8:25-3:15 for grades K-12 on September 1st. The journey for principal and students has been one-of-a-kind!
Commitment to safely preserve the community of our school
Three Rivers Christian School shares the story of their transformation back to in-person learning. “Our ultimate goal: to keep students learning and to safely preserve the community of our school…..all of this mitigation is meaningless without preparing our students and staff for the reality of living daily with masked faces and little physical contact”
Institute of Disease Modeling report reveals safe reopening of schools possible, depends on multiple factors
Research is revealing that following all safety protocol, students are safest in attending school. What is unclear is why WA State has only recieved 149,000 rapid antigen tests where as Texas and possibly others have access to enough rapid antigen test kits to use for every student, every week.
‘Schools Need to Be Bolder’ About Reopening, Public Health Expert Says
“There’s no doubt in my mind that schools need to be bolder than they’re being. There is a large mental health cost to children. And we know this is going to very substantially widen the achievement gap between wealthier/white students and poorer/students of color. The effect is going to be felt for a very long time” stated Dr. Ashish K. Jha, past director of the Harvard Global Health Institute and now dean of Brown University’s School of Public Health.
OSPI debate goes virtual on September 17
The Washing State Wire has announced it is hosting a virtual debate between the general election candidates for Superintendent of Public Instruction. The 2020 OSPI General Election Debate is scheduled for Tuesday September 17th from 7-8pm and advance registration is...
Updated Immunization Guidance for K-12 Schools from WA Department of Health
Yesterday OSPI sent joint guidance from DOH and OSPI to all public school superintendents. In the guidance applicable for the 2020–21 school year and K–12 programs only, DOH and OSPI state: In light of the pandemic, if a student cannot meet the immunization...
Pierce County adds private schools to COVID-19 school cash bailout. It’s only fair
THE NEWS TRIBUNE EDITORIAL BOARD The constant twists and turns of the COVID-19 crisis are more than South Sound schools bargained for, more than they budgeted for and certainly more than they can afford to navigate on their own. When summer vacation ends in a few...