District Hopes for a Pre-K start in October

by Dennis Rahm

Plans for a return to the classroom continue to move forward with hopes that Pre-K students will be the first group to do so, possibly within the next three weeks.

Superintendent Barry DePaoli said Lake Chelan was among seven school districts to write to Dr. Malcolm Butler of the Chelan-Douglas Health District seeking an exemption that would allow Pre-K to second grade classes to return to school.

DePaoli said the initial response from the Health District has been fairly positive, yet also cautious. The District is hopeful that the Pre-K classes can be the first to return on Monday, October 19. DePaoli discusses the Health District response and concerns and also explains what lies ahead as things move forward.

Ultimately it is the COVID-19 numbers that will determine when students will  be allowed to return to the classroom. DePaoli said the hope is that middle school students might be able to return by mid-November, but cautioned that the high school presents different challenges and will likely be the last group to return.

Parents will be asked for their feedback on a potential return to the classroom during parent conferences that will be held in October.

Said DePaoli, “we’ve really done our due diligence to prepare for the return of students”. A formal resolution regarding the reopening of the schools will likely be adopted at the next meeting of the School Board.