We’ve done our best to compile answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding the current state-mandated school closures due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This page will be updated with new information as we have it.
COVID-19 Closure Frequently Asked Questions
Why are schools closed? I thought we didn’t have any cases of COVID-19 in the district.
While it is true that at this time the district is still not aware of any confirmed or presumptive cases of COVID-19 in any members of our school communities, the district is beholden to act in accordance with mandates issued by the state regarding school closures and cancellation. On March 17th, Governor Kate Brown issued an Executive Order that all schools should remain closed until April 28th. You can read the press release from the Office of the Governor here. SFSD stands in solidarity with other school districts across the state in advocating that the best practices for slowing the spread of COVID-19 be put into practice by all individuals and organizations as soon as possible. Here’s a great article with more information.
Do we know for sure this time that students will be able to return to school after April 28th?
No, we don’t know that for certain at this time. As this is situation continues to evolve, it may be that the Governor extends the mandatory closure. There’s simply no way to know that yet. At this time we’re operating under the assumption that the school year will continue as planned beginning Wednesday, April 29th.
Do students have homework during this closure?
Students in college or AP classes at Silverton High School may have homework during this time – that will be communicated through the appropriate teacher.
All other students may have suggested activities from schools or teachers, but they do not have mandated work during the closure. This is subject to change as the closure goes on, but we will update this page and send out communication before that occurs.
Are students going to have to make up all this time with school in July?
We have not yet received any guidance on this issue from the Oregon Department of Education. We expect to know more in the coming days and weeks.
What about online school? Can my kids get their work from their teachers on Google or something like that?
While we have made available a number of high-quality educational supports on our School Closure Learning Resources page, they are no substitute for the individual attention and classroom experience provided by the quality educators of the Silver Falls School District.
We are actively working to solve all the issues around providing educational services online. We are required by law to provide equitable educational services to all students. Among the issues we are still trying to solve are students who do not have internet access at home, and special education students who have a variety of needs.
We will continue to work on these issues and will notify the public when and if we implement online education.
What learning and support services does the district have in place right now?
At this time the district has rolled out the following:
- Our School Closure Learning Resources page, filled with learning resources broken down by grade and subject area.
- Free lunches in a drive-thru model for all children ages 18 and under as follows:
- For the week of March 16-20
- Silverton High School
- Scotts Mills Elementary
- Butte Creek Elementary
- Victor Point Elementary
- For the week of Spring Break (March 23rd thru 27th)
- Silverton High School
- For the week of March 16-20
- Individual support for high-needs families and students.
We are exploring options for additional lunch support and will have more to announce on that topic at a later date.
We expect to announce additional learning and support services in the coming days.
The Governor’s order mentioned providing childcare support for healthcare workers. Are you doing that?
We are currently discussing ways we can implement support for our community’s healthcare professionals, but we have nothing to announce at this time. We stand ready and willing to engage in whatever supports ODE requests of us in this area.
I don’t have internet access at home. Do you have any resources?
The Internet Essentials program is offering free internet for two months for families who are eligible for public assistance programs such as the National School Lunch Program, Housing Assistance, Medicaid, SNAP, SSI and others. More information can be found here: https://www.internetessentials.com/covid19
Is graduation cancelled? What about prom and other school events? Spring sports?
As of today, all events through the end of the closure date (April 28th) are cancelled. Events occurring beyond that date may be impacted by the extended closure, but we have no information about specific events at this time.
We know many are concerned about graduation in particular. We are awaiting guidance from the Department of Education before we can make a decision on whether or not that event will be cancelled or postponed.
Similarly, athletics are all on hold at this time.