Following Governor Inslee’s press conference last week, we sent a communication to all families indicating that the Yakima Health District had issued new guidance for in-person instruction. Click here to review this updated guidance.

At the time we sent this initial communication, we knew that this new guidance would not impact our ability to serve our students in grades preK-8, but did not know how it would affect the planned return of our high school students. Although we advocated on behalf of our students returning as scheduled, the YHD and our insurance provider cited several reasons why they could not recommend the return of our students in grades 9-12 at this time.  We understand the need for this new guidance and have decided to postpone the reopening of East Valley High School until the YHD advises it is safe to do so.  

We know that this postponement will be disappointing to many of our students, staff members and families. We want to assure you that we remain committed to your student’s safety and education during these unprecedented times. In light of these changes, we plan to shift our focus to providing in-person support for as many struggling students as we are permitted to, in small group settings, until we are allowed to bring all of our East Valley High Schools students back for hybrid learning. Further communications regarding this will be coming out later this week.

We appreciate your continued support and understanding as we navigate the challenges presented by this COVID-19 pandemic. We are in this, and will get through this, together. To help us keep our community healthy and keep our schools open, we need your help. As we approach the holiday season, we ask that you stay home when you’re sick, limit large social gatherings, wear masks when you’re in public, and practice healthy habits as outlined by the Yakima Health District.