Dear Parents/Guardians,

I am writing to share information about a new legal requirement for school employees in Washington state. On August 18, 2021, Governor Jay Inslee announced a new directive legally requiring all K–12 school district employees to get a COVID-19 vaccination or a medical or religious exemption by mid-October.

This proclamation does not apply to students. The COVID-19 vaccine is not required for students. The proclamation also does not replace the requirement for all staff and students to wear masks or face coverings in schools and on school buses.

Please note that this announcement will not delay our return to school buildings this fall. Our first day of school will continue to be on August 23, 2021.

Some of the key elements of the proclamation are outlined below:

• Taholah School District and our Board of Directors do not have local control over this matter. We are legally required to follow the Governor’s directive. Employees may obtain a medical or religious exemption.
• There is not an option to undergo regular testing for COVID-19 instead of receiving a vaccination or exemption.
• Employees will need to provide proof of vaccination. Attestation is not an allowable substitute for vaccination.
• Vaccination is a condition of employment in the proclamation. Only a medical or religious exemption will substitute for the vaccine requirement.

Again, this proclamation does not include vaccine requirements for students. We are sharing this information so families understand some of the health and safety requirements in place for the 2021–22 school year.

Sincerely,

Patti Larriva

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Please do not use or play on the playground equipment yet.

The equipment is still not secured or safe yet.
We know it is tempting, but please help us keep the children off it for a little bit longer.

Thank you for your understanding and help!

Dear Families,

Summer is a busy time of the year for us. We are working hard to get several projects done so we are ready for the new school year. Scheduled projects for this summer include painting of several classrooms and cafeteria, installation of the new kitchen oven and stove, installation of the new playground, and several small improvements to the school.

The playground equipment has arrived and is currently being installed. The equipment will be ready for use in early August. The wood chips will be delivered at that time and then the installation of the playground will be completed. The estimated completion date of the playground is Aug 17. Please help us ensure the safety of all children and do not allow them on the playground equipment or in the playground area until those are ready for use.

We will start back to school, August 23, 2021. I will keep everyone updated on the Department of Health’s school guidance as we get closer to our first day of school.

Summer school credit recovery will be July 19th through August 5th. Summer school will be held Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. You have been notified by mail if your child needs to attend. Please call the school at 360-276-4780 if you have any questions. Our summer school credit recovery teacher will also be making phone calls this week to students that are eligible for summer school.

New staff and/or positions for the upcoming school year:

Rick Winters – Asst. Principal
Jennifer Dunham – 3rd grade teacher
Donna Benjamin – K-6 Reading Specialist
Nikkol Daniels – High School ELA
Gil Grams – High School Science
Hannah Ridley – K-6 PE/Art teacher
Tom Marshall – High School Credit Recovery teacher
Debra Hughes – Academic Counselor
Kate Diamond – Mental Health Counselor
Jeannie Underwood – Human Resource Coordinator

Reminder of Upcoming events:

July 19–Aug 5: Summer school/credit recovery
Aug 9–20: Open enrollment/application for ALE program
Aug 17: Playground reopened (anticipated date: dependent on installation completion)
Aug 17 & 19: Sports physical here at the school (more details to follow)
Aug 19: Student Orientation Day, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. (more details to follow)
Aug 23: First day of school, half day

Respectfully,

Patti Larriva, Superintendent/Principal