Distance Learning Update - Potential Reopening of In-Person Instruction

Hello McKenzie Families,

We hope everyone is staying safe and healthy in this new year.

As most of you likely saw, the Governor announced new guidelines for re-opening schools, placing the decision on individual districts.

Our students' health and safety is our top priority, so we are forming a committee comprised of parents, staff, and board members to discuss the best ways for our district to keep our students and families safe while accessing their education. This group will be tasked with providing recommendations of if and how we should re-open in-person instruction while keeping in mind the devastating effects the wildfire has had on your student's lives.

Our families will be filling out a survey to tell us what will work best as we work to find the best plan for our district.

Thank you for continuing to support your students in distance learning.

Campus Update

Take a look at this video from Mr. Tompkins with a great update on the clean-up process on our campus.

We will forever be grateful for the heroic efforts of the firefighters who saved our school.

Telecommunications

We know that connectivity remains one of our biggest challenges in students accessing instruction. We are continuing to work with local and state officials on long-term solutions.

We are thankful to the Oregon Internet Response group for the internet connection they have provided the school. The campus is still without a permanent connection to high-speed internet at this time.

School Board Recognition Month

#Schoolboardmonth

As part of school board recognition month, we want to recognize our amazing school board heroes. During this pandemic and the devastating wildfires, they continue to put our students first while looking for safe ways for our families to continue their education.

Thanks for helping us celebrate the dedication of our school district board members.

Kent Roberts
Alyssa Brownlee
Elaine Bryson
Patence Winningham
Tim Halloran - Board Chair
Melissa Norlund

And our charter board members.

April Wheeler
Nate Day
Fred Heins
Joshua Cloke - Board Chair
Kelly Stockford
Melanie Brite
Lacey Joy
Sean Davis
Alyssa Brownlee - Advisory Member

Relief Centers to Consolidate Operations at Upper McKenzie Community Center

The Blue River Relief Center and the Rainbow Relief Center will be combining forces at the Upper McKenzie Community Center site to continue to serve our community.

The last day of operation for the Blue River Relief Center will be January 22. Relief centers will continue to support the community in helping residents secure needed food or essentials.

Thank you to the wonderful volunteers who continue to staff these centers for our community!

Locations:

Blue River Relief Center at McKenzie Community School until January 22.
Rainbow Relief Center at Upper McKenzie Community Center
Vida Relief Center at McKenzie River Discovery Center

Post Office Onsite

We are the temporary site for the Blue River Post office.

You will find the office behind the high school.

We are glad to be able to support the community that supports us.

9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Monday through Friday

COVID Safety Guidelines

Both sites are following the Oregon Department of Education's guidance in Ready Schools, Safe Learners.

The CDC safety guidelines include required masking, six-feet spacing, frequent hand hygiene, fixed cohort groups and tracking. Your student(s) will need to wear a mask at all times other than while eating.

We are encouraging the students and staff to follow Oregon’s current travel advisory. The Governor is recommending that students or staff who travel out of the state not return to our sites for two weeks from the date of return. Please contact us and we can offer recommendations for your student.

We are all depending on each other, now more than ever, to ensure our community's safe and healthy.

Connect with Us

Here is a look at our past videos. You can view additional videos on our YouTube channel.

You can also follow us on social media on Instagram and Facebook. Our next school board meeting will be on January 20 at 5:30.

Click here to watch and join the conversation.