Today, Governor Inslee announced that all schools will continue to be closed for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year in order to continue slowing the spread of COVID-19. As a result, all schools in Lake Washington School District (LWSD) will remain closed through the end of the 2019-20 school year (June 19, 2020).

This continued closure is difficult for students, staff, families and the entire community. This can be particularly disappointing news for students who miss their friends and teachers and raises some additional questions about events and activities that would typically be happening at this time in our school year.

We want to reassure you that moving forward, we will continue providing educational services, and we will be answering questions about alternative plans for events and activities as we know more information. Our schools will continue to be a hub of community connection and information, and it is important to stay connected to your school and district websites for the most recent information.

Here is the information that has already been shared, and will remain in place for the remainder of the school year:

• Continuous learning: In a previous message to all families, LWSD shared the schedule for the remote learning that will be provided to students. Starting April 20, 2020, LWSD will be fully transitioned to curriculum-based remote learning. Curriculum-based work will continue until the end of the school year (June 19, 2020). For more information on learning resources and the remote learning schedule: https://www.lwsd.org/students-families/remote-learning-resources.

• High school seniors will receive support from guidance counselors on opportunities to earn and document credits they need for postsecondary transitions. We are working with the state’s college system to ensure smooth transitions.
  
  
• Free meals for children under age 18: During the extended school closure, LWSD will continue to provide free meals to children under age 18, Monday-Friday. Learn more here: https://www.lwsd.org/meals.
  
  
• Child care resources: LWSD has worked with community partners to provide childcare for students in grades K-5. The YMCA and Bellevue Boys & Girls Clubs are providing care for families in our district that need care. Learn more here: https://www.lwsd.org/students-families/child-care-resources.
  
  
• Field trips and events: All field trips and events have been canceled during the extended closure. We are engaging with students to come up with creative alternatives to celebrate milestones such as prom and field days. We will keep students and families updated on these decisions so that you can plan to participate.
  
  
• Graduation ceremonies: We will be working on alternative plans for graduation to recognize this important accomplishment for our students.
  
  
• Summer school options: At this time, we don’t have information that would determine whether school facilities will be open to provide summer learning opportunities.