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DAYTON–The Dayton School Board’s vote to extend the school day for middle and high school students from 12:30 to 2 p.m., beginning mid–February, was tabled until the next regular meeting on February 3, directors decided at the January 20 meeting.
The delay came at the recommendation from Public Health Administrator Martha Lanman as conveyed by Superintendent Guy Strot. He voiced his support for waiting to allow staff to form a plan for the new schedule.
Board Chair Katie Leid commented to keep in mind it is important to maintain safety when extending time for in-person class. “We have always wanted our kids to get to that 2 p.m. as soon as possible, but it has to be safe for our students and staff,” said Leid. She invited the members to each contribute to the discussion about the later release time for the secondary school students.
“That’s the plan,” echoed Director Dave Bailey. “It’s not if we are going to do it, it’s when we are going to do it. We’re following the plan that was laid out last fall,” he continued. “Right now, we have an unacceptable pass rate in our classes. One way to raise it is to get students more time in class.”
Board member Fred White said that he knows that the 12:30 p.m. earlier release is more difficult and stressful for parents and students.
Director Justin Jaech also expressed a coordinated effort will help implement students getting back into class. “I think we need to see a coordinated plan that allows not only for COVID safety but doesn’t disrupt elementary lunch times and something that teachers can stand behind as well,” Jaech said.
Board member Grant Griffen deferred to the Health Officials “to guide us as to what is deemed safe. Looking at the three year report we’ve recently seen, COVID has obviously had an impact grade averages,” Griffen said. “Our best information shows that if we can go to the 2 p.m. release, maybe we have a chance at boosting those grade levels.”
Leid tasked the board to coordinate a plan to support safety and getting students back on track. “We need, on the third of February, a coordinated plan from our superintendent and our 6-12 principal on what it’s going to look like when we do open so that when we get the go ahead from Martha [Lanman, Public Health Administrator] we can be ready as soon as it’s safe to open,” Leid said.
For athletics to resume, under the Governor Inslee’s new regionalized plan, the County has to be in Phase 2, Supt. Strot informed the Board. Volleyball and football are scheduled to start February 15 with the first competition for each after 10 practices, so within two weeks. But games are not allowed until Phase 2. For the south-central region, which include Yakima, Tri-Cities, Walla Walla and Columbia County, it will be difficult to get to Phase 2.
There is more hope for spring sports or for winter sports, which would start later. If by a certain date, the region doesn’t move to Phase 2, all sports could be cancelled.
White inquired about having practices “to boost student morale.” Strot affirmed this idea by sharing the possibility of creating a “Middle School Intervention Night” to open the gym for sports skills building activities with the approval of Public Health.
