COVID-19 response and updates

ORCAS UPDATE 04/23/20

From the Orcas Island Community Foundation

Here is some information you may want to know about.  You may receive this from different sources. 

 

GIVING HELPS EVERYONE

OICF's GIVE ORCAS Campaign ended after two weeks on Monday, April 20 with full funding for all 13 grantees listed. We are grateful for the kindness and generosity that runs through our island. In these tough times, you made this year's GiveOrcas Campaign an amazing success. We give much thanks and love for all that you have done for our community.

OICF’s Community Emergency Response Fund makes weekly emergency distributions. 328 donors have contributed $400,000 to this fund; $319,500 is already hard at work in the community serving neighbors in need. These funds have ensured that nonprofits and programs
have the resources needed to provide critical support to keep families in houses, keep them fed, and keep them safe. Donate now to this fund through the OICF website 
OICF.us 

 

LUNCH FOR ALL CHILDREN:

The Orcas Island School District recognizes that many students and families rely on school to meet their nutritional needs. We also recognize that the Covid-19 outbreak may impact the economic reality for many families who may need assistance. During the state mandated school closure from March 17th to June 19th we will be able to provide lunch and breakfast, free of charge to ALL CHILDREN (of any age, whether that child is in the public school or not), regardless of family income.  Click HERE for more information.

 

HELPING SECURE FUNDS FOR ORCAS

Did you know what many forms of funding for our most important island programs come about because of the Census?  Without being represented, we could lose federal monies for critical programs like Medicare, the school lunch program, transportation funding programs, and much more. Many of the nonprofits in our community rely on census data to apply for critical funding grants.  Please take a few minutes to fill out your census.

There are three easy ways to participate:

  • Answer online at www.2020census.gov
  • Call toll-free to 844.330.2020 (English) or 844.468.2020 (Spanish). Call centers are open from 4 a.m. to 11 p.m.
  • Return a paper form via the mail (this option is only available if you received a paper form in the mail)

It is important to know that this information if kept private for 72 years and no one in the Census Bureau can release your personal information. 

 

SAFE SAN JUANS

SAFE San Juans is a community-based nonprofit agency serving San Juan County residents and visitors who have experienced domestic violence or sexual assault/abuse.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE is the physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or the infliction of fear of imminent physical harm, bodily injury or assault, sexual assault, or stalking of one intimate partner by another intimate partner; or of one family or household member by another family or household member.

SEXUAL ASSAULT occurs when a person is forced, coerced, or manipulated into any unwanted sexual activity. It is not your fault if someone does this to you.

The SAFE staff personally understand the trauma of domestic violence and/or sexual abuse, and during this COVID-19 crisis they are working hard to keep the agency’s doors open to those who are suffering.  We secured additional office space in order to create a place for clients where appropriate distances can be maintained and surfaces disinfected.  Some of our staff are single parents who wound up having to stay home to care for and homeschool their children.  We created home offices for them so they can continue serving to the best of their ability.  confident that however things unfold, we will carry out our mission well. 

If you are suffering from domestic or sexual violence or their longer term effects, please reach out to us at 360-376-5979

 

ISLAND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH INITIATIVE (IRHI)

Island Reproductive Health Initiative (IRHI) is providing resources including:

  • CONDOMS free for anyone (OCRC, SAFE SJs, Rays, Orcas Food Coop, The Kitchen).
  • PLAN B (Morning After Pill): FREE for IRHI patients.
  • REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH CARE: Most Services FREE for IRHI patients.

For more information, go to www.irhiorcas.weebly, www.facebook.com/IRHI/orcas, or contact Jean Henigson (360-376-6549)

 

DO YOU WANT TO VOLUNTEER?

People interested in volunteering should continue to be directed to the website: orcas.recovers.org

This website is a place where potential volunteers can post they are available and their interest, and island organizations can post their needs. It’s helpful for volunteers to use the # followed by an interest; e.g. #OPAL; #foodbank; #seniorcheck

 

SENIOR RESOURCES

1) Home delivered meals are provided to seniors on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Please contact Heidi Bruce with Senior Services at 360-370-0591 or [email protected] to get signed up for Meals on Wheels.

2) Delivery of essential household goods such as food or medicine is available. Please contact Heidi Bruce with Senior Services at 360-370-0591 or [email protected], or call the resource center at 360-376-3184.

3) Orcas Senior Center Hearts and Hands program is extending its reach to address the needs of seniors during this period of prolonged self-isolation and they are in need of volunteers to provide friendly regular check-ins by phone. Please email [email protected], call John Slater at (360) 9191-9318, or mention #buddiescheckin on orcas.recovers.org as a volunteer.

If you are a senior and would welcome phone check-ins from a concerned and caring volunteer, go to orcas.recovers.org, email [email protected], or call John Slater at (360) 919-9318.

 

ESSENTIAL GOODS HOME DELIVERIES

During this COVID-19 emergency: vulnerable persons of any age that need home delivery of essential household goods such as food or medicine can call the resource center or senior services. If you need this assistance, please call Jana Webb at the Orcas Community Resource Center, 360-376-3184, or Heidi Bruce with Senior Services, 360-370-0591.

 

RENT OR MORTGAGE PAYMENT ASSISTANCE:

Thanks to donors to the Community Foundation's Community Emergency Response Fund, OPAL Community Land Trust is helping any islanders who may not be able to pay their housing costs because of the COVID-19 virus. This program is open to anyone in need (81% of applicants do not own or rent a home through OPAL). If you want help with your rent or mortgage, please fill out the form (available in English and Spanish) at this link HERE, and we'll contact you to take next steps.

 

FROM THE RECOVERY COMMUNITY:

Alcoholics Anonymous offers 10 zoom meetings/week, covering every day of the week. Their website is www.orcasislandaa.org. There is a local phone number for info/requests: 360-376-4522.

 

DO YOU HAVE….?

The Community Shelter Task Force is working hard to ensure that all on Orcas have both a place and a shelter to Shelter in place.  They are seeking donations of folding tables, hoses, extension cords, and market tents.  In addition, we would be deeply grateful for trailers or fifth wheels.  With the return of the rain, our tents are not providing adequate shelter. [email protected]

 

FROM THE Orcas Island Caregiver Preparedness TEAM

Orcas Island Caregiver Preparedness was established with the support of Orcas Island Community Foundation and the Lahari Foundation to provide information, resources and supplies to paid and family caregivers on Orcas Island. It was MOST important that safety supplies be available for all paid and family caregivers in our community. We are fully stocked with supplies needed for best safety practices in the home to include cloth, surgical and N-95 masks (dispensed with exposure risk according to CDC guidelines), goggles/face shields, gloves, gowns, hazmat bags, bleach spray for disinfection for each caregiver. These supplies can be accessed with social distancing practices. The supplies are centrally located and can be picked up by caregivers, friends or can be delivered directly to the home by our Odd Fellows delivery team.

Best practices (WHO, CDC, WA DOH)  for  this equipment can be found on our  Facebook page, Orcas Island Caregiver Preparedness  and a mini web page with a manual at: https://sites.google.com/view/orcas-caregivers.

Additionally, there is an active caregiver list to support anyone on the island who feels they may need additional help. Please feel free to reach out and let this group support you during this challenging time.

Personal Protective Equipment - 206-276-5805 phone/txt -- Masks: [email protected]  Caregivers – 360-376-6333

 

FOOD BANK UPDATE 

The Food Bank is open Tuesdays and Fridays from 3-6 pm. Orcas residents needing food may come both days.  It continues to serve numbers of clients that are triple what they were before the COVID-19 crisis began. This past week the numbers remained at this high level, with a peak of 294 islanders on one day. Operations continue to go smoothly.

Sourcing of food to the island continues to be a concern and we continue working to expand possible sources of food from both on island and off. We hope to continue sourcing bread from local bakeries while expanding the amount of produce sourced from our local farms, ensuring food is available while supporting our farmers and bakers. 

Due to budgetary needs, it is likely however that we will end our program to distribute meals from local restaurants to families in need at the end of the month. This successful program has provided several hundred full meals to families while investing much-needed funds back to our restaurants and their employees.  

 

ARE YOU FEELING OVERWHELMED?

If you or a loved one is experiencing increased anxiety, depression and/or isolation as a result of the COVID-19 virus, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the following help lines: 

● Mental Health Crisis Hot Line: Call the 24-hour mental health crisis line operated by Volunteers of America: 1-800-584-3578 or go to www.imhurting.org.

● Emotional Support Help Line (1-866-342-6892):  Connects people with caring professionals.  The services is free of charge and available to anyone, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For additional information, see

https://www.optum.com/covid-19/covid-19-emotional-support.html.

● Washington Warm Line (1-877-500-9276):  Peer support help line for people living with emotional and mental health challenges. For specific information on COVID-19 related needs, see https://mhanational.org/covid19.

 

A NEW MENTAL HEALTH DIRECTORY FOR SAN JUAN COUNTY

The outbreak of COVID-19 has led many people to feel anxiety, grief and stress. San Juan County has created an online resource guide that includes a variety of substance abuse, mental health, and crisis support services for adults, families and children. The directory also offers resource links for caregjving and advocacy, as well as access to a local network of therapists.

In addition to local resources, Thero.org is a nonprofit based on Orcas Island that offers an extensive list of therapists throughout the Country. Their comprehensive list of resources includes clinics and centers, therapists, advocacy and support and crisis lines. Currently the list of local therapists is limited, and expansion is ongoing. Users can search for Therapists providing telehealth nationally. They are recruiting volunteers to help keep it updated. To learn how to volunteer or help the volunteer team send an inquiry to [email protected] .

To find out more about mental and behavioral health resources available to our county-wide community, visit:  https://www.sanjuanco.com/1697/Resources-for-Mental-Health-Support

 

“CRISIS THERAPY PROJECT”

Thero.org also has an initiative called the Crisis Therapy Project. It uses their resource directory to connect therapists who are offering free therapy to people who are affected by a crisis (i.e. mass shootings, natural disasters, disease outbreaks). Anyone can search for free therapy for COVID-related stress at thero.org/crisis/COVID. Licensed therapists can learn how to offer free therapy at thero.org/crisis#offerhelp.

 

ORCAS COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER (OCRC)

COATES’ Cabinet (new hours and procedures): The Coates’ Cabinet is now open on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month at the Resource Center from 3:30-5:00pm.  If you are a current Resource Center or Food Bank client, you are eligible for a free monthly allocation of household and personal items such as laundry detergent, dish soap, shampoo, toothpaste, diapers and many other items.  A current inventory of available items is posted on the OCRC website: https://orcascrc.org/coates-cabinet

NOTE:  New clients must complete both a New Client Intake Form as well as a COATES' Cabinet Household Essentials Registration Form, available in the "Download" Section of the OCRC homepage (https://orcascrc.org/)  Requested items must be phoned in (376-3184) or emailed ([email protected]) by Monday noon for Tuesday distribution from 3:30-5:00pm in the courtyard.

The Resource Center is located at 374 North Beach Road.  Your order will be placed outside the front door, accessible via the courtyard.  For the safety of our staff and clients, no last-minute or personal handoffs will be allowed at this time.

For more information, call 360-376-3184 or email [email protected]

 

FROM THE ORCAS LIBRARY:

Orcas Island Library, www.orcaslibrary.org, remains closed for community health reasons until further notice.

Our website offers a variety of resources such as ebooks, e-audiobooks, a wide variety of databases, language learning, streaming movies and other alternatives, all available with your library card number and PIN.

County and State community health directives do not yet permit us to implement any restored services, such as curbside pickup. Until we can, please continue to contact us at 360-376-4985 and leave a voicemail, or email Library Director Phil Heikkinen at [email protected]. We will also post updates to our website at www.orcaslibrary.org.

 

ACTUALIZACION DE LA FUNDACION DE LA COMUNIDAD DE ORCAS  04/23/20

 

DONAR NOS AYUDA A TODOS

La Campaña realizada por La Fundación de la Comunidad de la Isla (OICF's GIVE ORCAS Campaign) finalizó el 20 de abril proporcionando fondos a 13 organizaciones que han apoyado a los isleños durante este periodo de pandemia.  Estamos muy agradecidos por la bondad y generosidad de la comunidad de nuestra isla. 

Por intermedio del programa “Fondo Comunitario, Reacción a Emergencias” 328 Donantes han contribuido $400,000 de los cuales $319,500 han sido dedicados a vecinos necesitados. Estos fondos han asegurado que organizaciones sin fondo de lucro y otros programas tengan los recursos necesarios para brindar apoyo a que familias puedan quedarse en su casa, tengan comida y estén protegidos.  La campana “Give Orcas” ha sido un éxito total. Con mucho cariño agradecemos a todos los donantes que hicieron esto posible.

Usted puede donar a este a este fondo a través de OICF.us 

 

ALMUERZO PARA TODOS LOS NINOS

El Distrito Escolar de la Isla reconoce que algunos niños y familias dependen de la escuela para satisfacer sus necesidades nutricionales. También reconocemos que el brote de COVID-19 puede haber afectado la realidad económica de muchas familias. Durante el cierre escolar obligatorio que dió nuestro Estado desde el 17 de marzo al 17 de junio, podremos proporcionar desayuno y almuerzo gratis a TODOS LOS NIÑOS (ya sea un alumno de la escuela pública o no) esto aplica independientemente de los ingresos monetarios familiares.  Entre AQUÍ para más información.  

 

ASEGUREMOSNO QUE FONDOS DE AYUDA LLEGUEN A NUESTRA ISLA

¿Sabía Usted que formas de financiamiento para los programas más importantes de nuestra Isla se producen debido al censo?  Sin estar representados podemos perder dinero procedente del Gobierno Federal destinados a programas importantes como por ejemplo Medicare, los programas para almuerzo escolar, financiación para el transporte público y mucho más.  Varias organizaciones sin fines de lucro dependen de los datos del censo para solicitar subvenciones de financiación para proyectos que son esenciales en nuestra comunidad.   Por favor tómese unos minutos y complete su censo. 

Hay tres formas de participar las cuales son muy fáciles:

  • Responda en línea a través de www.2020census.gov
  • Llame sin cargo al 844.330.2020 (ingles) o al 844.468.2020 (español) atienden de las 4 de la mañana hasta las 11 de la noche.
  • Si Usted recibió un formulario por correo, complételo y envíelo a la dirección indicada.

Es importante saber que su información se mantiene privada y nadie en la Oficina del Censo puede divulgar su información personal.

 

LAS ISLA SAN JUAN A SALVO (SAFE SAN JUANS)

SAFE San Juans es una agencia sin fines de lucro que sirve a los residentes e invitados de nuestro condado que han experimentado violencia domestica y/o abuso sexual.

VIOLENCIA DOMESTICA es el daño físico, agresión y/o molestia sexual, lesiones corporales de parte de una pareja intima o de un miembro familiar. 

AGRESION SEXUAL ocurre cuando una persona es forzada o manipulada en cualquier actividad sexual no deseada.  No es su culpa si alguien le hace esto.   

El personal de SAFE entiende personalmente el trauma de la violencia domestica y el abuso sexual y durante la crisis del COVID-19 los empleados de esta organización están trabajando laboriosamente para poder mantener sus puertas abiertas a aquellos que sufren y necesitan ayuda. Se aseguran de guardar espacio suficiente para que la gente pueda mantener la distancia necesaria y el lugar desinfectado.   Algunos de los empleados son padres solteros quienes tienen que quedarse en casa a cuidar y educar a sus hijos.  “Safe” ha creado oficinas en la casa de sus empleados para que puedan apoyar a la comunidad lo mejor posible.  Con confianza, sin importar como se desarrollen las situaciones y que puedan cumplir con su misión.

Si Usted sufre violencia doméstica o sexual comuníquese al 360-376-5979

 

INICIATIVA DE SALUD REPRODUCTIVA DE LA ISLA (IRHI)

Esta iniciativa esta proporcionando los siguientes recursos:

CONDONES gratis para cualquiera.   Los puede retirar en los siguientes lugares: (OCRC, SAFE SJs, La Farmacia Ray’s, Orcas Food Coop, y The Kitchen.

PLAN B: Píldora del día después. Gratis para pacientes de (IRHI)

ATENCION PARA LA SALUD REPRODUCTIVA La mayoría de los servicios so gratuitos para los pacientes de (IRHI)

Para más información visite www.irhiorcas.weebly, www.facebook.com/IRHI/orcas  o contacte a Jean Henigson (360-376-6549)

 

¿QUIERE USTED SER UN VOLUNTARIO?

Si Usted está interesado a hacer trabajos a beneficio de la comunidad sin fines de lucro visite  orcas.recovers.org

En esta página gente voluntaria puede publicar su disponibilidad como así también sus intereses. Aquí también, Organizaciones, pueden publicar sus necesidades.  Es importante usar el signo # seguido por el interés.  Por ejemplo: #OPAL; #foodbank; #seniorcheck

 

RECURSOS PARA LAS PERSONAS DE LA TERCERA EDAD

  1. Comidas a domicilio se brindan a las personas mayores los lunes, miércoles y viernes.  Contactar a Heidi Bruce al 360-370-0591- [email protected]  Ella es la encargada del Centro de Ancianos y le puede pedir que lo pongan en la lista del programa Comidas sobre Ruedas “Meals on Wheels”
  2. Para artículos domésticos y medicamentos también contactar a Heidi Bruce al 360-370-0591 -  [email protected]  o llame al Centro de Recursos al 360-376-3184.
  3. El programa de Corazones y Manos del Centro de Ancianos “Hearts and Hands” está ampliando su alcance para cubrir las necesidades de las personas mayores durante este periodo de autoaislamiento prolongado.   Si Usted quiere ayudar facilitando llamadas telefónicas o, si Usted es un anciano y quiere recibir estas llamadas telefónicas, visite  orcas.recovers.org  o llame a John Slater at 360-919-9318.

 

ENTREGA DE PRODUCTOS ESENCIALES A DOMICILIO

Durante esta temporada de emergencia debido al COVID-19 personas de cualquier edad que necesiten artículos domésticos o medicamentos deben llamar a Jana Webb al Centro de Recursos Comunitarios de Orcas al 360-376-3184 o Heidi Bruce, encargada del Centro de Ancianos al 360-370-0591.

 

ASISTENCIA CON EL ALQUILER O HIPOTECA DE SU CASA

Gracias a donantes a través de La Fundación Comunitaria (OICF), OPAL, estableció un nuevo programa abierto a cualquier isleño que no pueda pagar su alquiler por el problema de COVID-19.  75% de los aplicantes no pertenecen al sistema de inquilinos o propietarios de casas de OPAL.   Si Usted necesita ayuda con su alquiler o con su hipoteca, complete el formulario AQUÍ y lo contactaremos para tomar el siguiente paso. 

 

GRUPO DE RECUPERACION

Alcohólicos Anónimos ofrece 10 reuniones por semana a través de zoom. Visite www.orcasislandaa.org o llame al 360-376-4522.

 

¿TIENE USTED….?

La misión de Refugio Comunitario (The Community Shelter Task) está trabajando arduamente para que todos los pobladores de Orcas tengan un lugar para refugiarse.

Esta organización está buscando, mesas plegables, mangueras para regar, alargues para luz que sean para uso exterior, carpas estilo mercadito” y casillas rodantes. Con el regreso de la lluvia, las carpas no están proporcionando el refugio adecuado que se necesita. 

Si tiene cualquiera de los objetos arriba mencionados, por favor contacte a [email protected]

 

EQUIPO DE PLANIFICAION DE CUIDADORES DE LA ISLA ORCAS

El Equipo de Planificación de Cuidadores de la Isla Orcas se creó con el apoyo de la Fundación de la Comunidad (OICF) y la Fundación de Lahari para proveer información, recursos y suministros a cuidadores pagados como así también a los familiares que cuidan los enfermos en nuestra comunidad.  Este Equipo está totalmente abastecido con los suministros necesarios para las mejores prácticas de seguridad que incluyen gasas, mascaras quirúrgicas y N-95 (exentas del riesgo de exposición de acuerdo con las pautas de los CDC).  Anteojos, protectores faciales, guantes, batas, bolsas para materiales peligrosos y desinfectante. 

Para más información sobre las mejores prácticas (WHO, CDC, WA DOH) visite la página del Equipo de Planificación de Cuidadores de Orcas (Orcas Island Caregiver Preparedness) en Facebook y https://sites.google.com/view/orcas-caregivers.

Con prácticas de distanciamiento social, estos suministros pueden ser adquiridos ya sea pasándolos a buscar por los cuidadores o familiares o entregándolos directamente en su casa por el equipo de entrega del Club de Odd Fellows.

Adicionalmente hay una lista activa de cuidadores que pueden ayudar a cualquier persona de la Isla que lo necesite. No dude en comunicarse y pedir ayuda.

Equipamiento de Protección Personal

206-276-5805 Comunicaciones por voz o mensaje de texto

[email protected]

Cuidadores 360-376-6333

 

ACTUALIZACION DEL BANCO DE ALIMENTOS

El Banco de Alimentos esta abierto los martes y viernes de 3 a 6 de la tarde.  Hay disponibilidad para quien lo necesite.  El servicio a triplicado desde que comenzó la crisis del COVID-19.  La semana pasada se sirvieron a 294 isleños necesitados por día. 

El suministro de alimentos a la isla sigue siendo un motivo de preocupación y se sigue trabajando para expandir las posibles fuentes de alimentos tanto locales como fuera de la isla.   Todo esto se ha logrado con el apoyo de La Fundación de la Isla (OICF) y donantes privados.

Se espera poder continuar utilizando el servicio de Panaderos y Agricultores locales así todos los esfuerzos quedan en nuestra comunidad.

Debido a problemas presupuestarios, se finalizará este mes el servicio de comidas procedente de los Restaurantes.  Este programa proporciono cientos de comidas a nuestros habitantes como así también apoyo a los restaurantes y sus empleados.

 

¿SE SIENTE USTED DEPRIMIDO? 

Si Usted o un ser querido está experimentando un aumento de ansiedad o depresión por el aislamiento requerido por COVID-19 no dude en llamar a las siguientes organizaciones:

  • La línea directa de crisis de salud mental: 1-800-584-3578 o visite www.imhurting.org Operada las 24 horas por Los Voluntarios De América (Volunteers of America)
  • La línea directa para apoyo emocional: (1-866-342-6892).   Los servicios son gratuitos y están disponibles las 24 horas del día los 7 días a la semana.   Para más información visite https://www.optum.com/covid-19/covid-19-emotional-support.html.
  • La línea de Ayuda del Estado de Washington: para apoyo mutuo entre personas que viven con problema de salud mental y emocional.  Para obtener información específica sobre los casos relacionados al COVID-19 visite https://mhanational.org/covid19.

 

UN NUEVO DIRECTORIO PARA LA SALUD MENTAL EN EL ESTADO DE SAN JUAN

El nuevo brote de COVID-19 ha llevado a muchas personas a sentir ansiedad, dolor y estrés.  Thero.org es una organización sin fines de lucros basada en la Isla Orcas.  Han creado un Directorio local de recursos de salud mental para el Condado de San Juan y están buscando voluntarios para ayudar a mantenerlo actualizado. Busque recursos en thero.org/sanjuan [email protected] para aprender cómo ayudar al equipo de voluntarios.

 

PROYECO DE LA TERAPIA DURANTE CRISIS

Thero.org  también tiene una iniciativa llamada Proyecto de la terapia durante Crisis utilizando su directorio de recursos para conectar a los terapeutas que ofrecen terapia gratuita a las personas afectadas por una crisis, es decir tiroteos masivos, desastres naturales o brotes de enfermedades.  Cualquier persona puede conseguir terapia gratuita relacionada con el COVIS-19. thero.org/crisis/COVID.  También los terapeutas con licencia pueden aprender como ofrecer terapia gratuita en thero.org/crisis#offerhelp.

 

CENTRO DE RECURSOS COMUNITARIOS DE ORCAS (OCRC)

La Administración COATES abre los días 1ro y 3 de cada mes de 15:30 a 17:00 horas.  Tienen oficina dentro del Centro de Recursos Comunitarios de Orcas (OCRC)  Si usted es un cliente del Centro de Recursos o del Banco de Alimentos, puede ser electo a una asignación mensual gratuita de artículos domésticos y personales como detergente para lavar platos, para lavar ropa,  champú, pasta dental, pañales y otros artículos.  Se publica una lista de los artículos disponibles en la siguiente página https://orcascrc.org/coates-cabinet

Nota:   Los nuevos clientes deben completar dos formularios, Uno como nuevo cliente y el otro para el registro de artículos domésticos.   Este formulario se debe descargar "Download" de la página https://orcascrc.org/  También debe llamar al 360 376-3184 o mandar un correo electrónico a [email protected] antes del Lunes al medio día para la distribución del Martes de 15:30 a 17:00 horas en el patio del Centro de Recursos ubicado en 374 North Beach Road.  Su pedido se dejará afuera de la puerta del edificio y para la seguridad de nuestro personal y clientes no se permitirán intercambios personales o pedidos de último momento. 

Para más información, llame al 360-376-3184 o envíe un correo electrónico a [email protected]

 

LA BIBLIOTECA DE ORCAS

Por razones de salud, la Biblioteca de Orcas www.orcaslibrary.org permanecerá cerrada hasta nuevo aviso. 

La Biblioteca ofrece una variedad de recursos como libros electrónicos, libros de audio, una amplia variedad de base de datos, aprendizaje de idiomas, transmisión de películas y otras alternativas. Usted puede acceder a estos servicios con su tarjeta de la biblioteca y su número de clave.

Las directivas de salud de nuestro Condado como así también del Estado no permite implementar otros servicios.  Si Usted necesita comunicarse, debe dejar un mensaje en el  360-376-4985 o enviar  un correo electrónico al Director  Sr. Phil Heikkinen  [email protected]Para informado visite  www.orcaslibrary.org.  La pagina se actualiza regualarmente.

 




Orcas Island School District 137 would like to continue connecting with you via email. If you prefe


Thursday, APRIL 16, 2020 Message from Supt. Webb

ORCAS UPDATE 04/16/20

From the Orcas Island Community Foundation
Here is some information you may want to know about.  You may receive this from different sources.

GIVING HELPS EVERYONE

OICF's GIVE ORCAS Campaign ends Monday, 20th and gives donors the opportunity to donate directly to island nonprofits selected this year for their dedication to islanders during the pandemic. www.giveorcas.org.

OICF’s Community Emergency Response Fund makes weekly emergency distributions. 221 donors have contributed $336,000 to this fund; $281,000 is already hard at work in the community serving neighbors in need. These funds have ensured that nonprofits and programs have the resources needed to provide critical support to keep families in houses, keep them fed, and keep them safe. Donate now to this fund through the OICF website OICF.us

SAFE SAN JUANS

SAFE San Juans response to the COVID-19 crisis has been to increase staff availability, work to expand short-term emergency and longer-term transitional shelter options, build remote/video support capability for staff and clients, increase client aid, and add interactive online prevent-education options for students as they study from home. 

The SAFE staff personally understand the trauma of domestic violence and/or sexual abuse, and they are working hard to keep the agency’s doors open to those who are suffering.  We secured additional office space in order to create a place for clients where appropriate distances can be maintained and surfaces disinfected.  Some of our staff are single parents who wound up having to stay home to care for and homeschool their children.  We created home offices for them so they can continue serving to the best of their ability.  confident that however things unfold, we will carry out our mission well. 

If you are suffering from domestic or sexual violence or their longer term effects, please reach out to us at 360-376-5979

DO YOU WANT TO VOLUNTEER?

People interested in volunteering should continue to be directed to the website: orcas.recovers.org

This website is a place where potential volunteers can post they are available and their interest, and island organizations can post their needs. It’s helpful for volunteers to use the # followed by an interest; e.g. #OPAL; #foodbank; #seniorcheck

SENIOR RESOURCES

1) Home delivered meals are provided to seniors on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Please contact Heidi Bruce with Senior Services at 360-370-0591 or [email protected] to get signed up for Meals on Wheels.

2) Delivery of essential household goods such as food or medicine is available. Please contact Heidi Bruce with Senior Services at 360-370-0591 or [email protected], or call the resource center at 360-376-3184.

3) Orcas Senior Center Hearts and Hands program is extending its reach to address the needs of seniors during this period of prolonged self-isolation. If you would like to volunteer to provide friendly regular check-ins by phone or if you are a senior and would welcome phone check-ins from a concerned and caring volunteer, go to orcas.recovers.org or call John Slater at 360-919-9318.

ESSENTIAL GOODS HOME DELIVERIES

During this COVID-19 emergency: vulnerable persons of any age that need home delivery of essential household goods such as food or medicine can call the resource center or senior services. If you need this assistance, please call Jana Webb at the Orcas Community Resource Center, 360-376-3184, or Heidi Bruce with Senior Services, 360-370-0591.

RENT OR MORTGAGE PAYMENT ASSISTANCE:

Thanks to donors to the Community Foundation's Community Emergency Response Fund, OPAL Community Land Trust is helping any islanders who may not be able to pay their housing costs because of the COVID-19 virus. This program is open to anyone in need (75% of applicants do not own or rent a home through OPAL). If you want help with your rent or mortgage, please fill out the form at this link HERE, and we'll contact you to take next steps.

 

WORKERS’ COMP

Gov Inslee has expanded the availability of workers to file for Workers Comp for all essential workers who are exposed to COVID on the job.  Previously this was just for medical workers and first responders.  You do not need a social security number to apply for workers comp so this is important information to get out.  

https://www.thestand.org/2020/04/inslee-acts-to-protect-high-risk-workers-clarify-li-policies/?fbclid=IwAR1ZSw38by3nUNA2uRrfka42zQo4rsrfT5u2h6XurOy1AvCTMj_YCiltgYU#

DO YOU HAVE A TRAILER OR….?

The Community Shelter Task Force is working hard to ensure that all on Orcas have both a place and a shelter to Shelter in place. 

We have identified several host sites and are now gathering shelters, linens, sleeping bags, and kitchen supplies for each site.  We could use Tiny Houses, RV's, or campers (need 6) that are in good enough shape you would consider sleeping in them. 

Also, sleeping bags (10), bedding, pillows, and towels.  Cookware and propane cook stoves (need 4).  Picnic tables (need 4), and several hoses and extension cords (the orange kind for outdoor use).  If you have any of these to offer, please post what you have to give on orcas.recovers.org #sheltersupport, and we will be in touch.  Thank YOU! 

FROM THE Orcas Island Caregiver Preparedness TEAM

Orcas Island Caregiver Preparedness was established with the support of Orcas Island Community Foundation and the Lahari Foundation to provide information, resources and supplies to paid and family caregivers on Orcas Island. It was MOST important that safety supplies be available for all paid and family caregivers in our community. We are fully stocked with supplies needed for best safety practices in the home to include cloth, surgical and N-95 masks (dispensed with exposure risk according to CDC guidelines), goggles/face shields, gloves, gowns, hazmat bags, bleach spray for disinfection for each caregiver.

Best practices (WHO, CDC, WA DOH)  for  this equipment can be found on our  Facebook page, Orcas Island Caregiver Preparedness  and a mini web page with a manual at: https://sites.google.com/view/orcas-caregivers.

These supplies can be accessed with social distancing practices. The supplies are centrally located and can be picked up by caregivers, friends or can be delivered directly to the home by our Odd Fellows delivery team.

Additionally, there is an active caregiver list to support anyone on the island who feels they may need additional help. Please feel free to reach out and let this group support you during this challenging time.

Personal Protective Equipment - 206-276-5805 by phone or text

Masks – [email protected]

Caregivers – 360-376-6333

FOOD BANK UPDATE

The Food Bank continues to serve numbers of clients that are triple what they were before the COVID-19 crisis began. This past week the numbers remained at this high level with a peak of 297 islanders on a single day.

Thanks to get out donations through OICF, we now have a paid full-time manager and two additional part time employees through the end of June.  They are managing operations smoothly, as new procedures have become stabilized and volunteers have gained experience.

Sourcing of food to the island continues to be a concern and we continue working to expand possible sources of food from both on island and off, relying on incredibly generous support from OICF and private donors. To further address this concern, we hope to continue sourcing bread from local bakeries while expanding the amount of produce sourced from our local farms - ensuring food is available while supporting our farmers and bakers. 

Due to budgetary needs, it is likely however that we will end our program to distribute meals from local restaurants to families in need at the end of the month.  This successful program has provided several hundred full meals to families while investing much needed funds back to our restaurants and their employees.

ARE YOU FEELING OVERWHELMED?

If you or a loved one is experiencing increased anxiety, depression and/or isolation as a result of the COVID-19 virus, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the following help lines: 

Mental Health Crisis Hot Line: Call the 24-hour mental health crisis line operated by Volunteers of America: 1-800-584-3578 or go to www.imhurting.org.

Emotional Support Help Line (1-866-342-6892):  Connects people with caring professionals.  The services is free of charge and available to anyone, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For additional information, see

https://www.optum.com/covid-19/covid-19-emotional-support.html.

Washington Warm Line (1-877-500-9276):  Peer support help line for people living with emotional and mental health challenges. For specific information on COVID-19 related needs, see https://mhanational.org/covid19.

A NEW MENTAL HEALTH DIRECTORY FOR SAN JUAN COUNTY

The outbreak of COVID-19 has led many people to feel anxiety, grief and stress. Thero.org is a nonprofit based on Orcas Island. They have built a local mental health resource directory for San Juan County and are recruiting volunteers to help keep it updated. Search for resources at thero.org/sanjuan or [email protected] to learn how to help the volunteer team.

 CRISIS THERAPY PROJECT

Thero.org also has an initiative called the Crisis Therapy Project. It uses their resource directory to connect therapists who are offering free therapy to people who are affected by a crisis (i.e. mass shootings, natural disasters, disease outbreaks). Anyone can search for free therapy for COVID-related stress at thero.org/crisis/COVID. Licensed therapists can learn how to offer free therapy at thero.org/crisis#offerhelp.

ORCAS COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER (OCRC)

Eastsound Water relief details (for residential and commercial) for April billing are now online.  The deadline for applications for April bill relief is next Friday, April 24.  The Orcas Community Resource Center has agreed to work with Eastsound Water to manage the program for RESIDENTIAL water users.  You may apply when you have a current water bill in hand, starting with bills issued in April.  The Resource Center will use their standard New Client Intake Form as an application.  This form can be found at the bottom of the front page of their website: https://orcascrc.org/  You can also contact the Orcas Community Resource Center by emailing [email protected].  For more information, please visit: https://eastsoundwater.org/new-financial-assistance-programs/?fbclid=IwAR0p4S_aLj-Edf6si0edyNU9dzCW5hj1ygYkzoTrhKb6C1GC7Gzc666AkW0

COATES’ Cabinet (new hours and procedures): The Coates’ Cabinet is now open on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month at the Resource Center from 3:30-5:00pm.  If you are a current Resource Center or Food Bank client, you are eligible for a free monthly allocation of household and personal items such as laundry detergent, dish soap, shampoo, toothpaste, diapers and many other items.  A current inventory of available items is posted on the OCRC website: https://orcascrc.org/coates-cabinet

NOTE:  New clients must complete both a New Client Intake Form as well as a COATES' Cabinet Household Essentials Registration Form, available in the "Download" Section of the OCRC homepage (https://orcascrc.org/)  Requested items must be phoned in (376-3184) or emailed ([email protected]) by Monday noon for Tuesday distribution from 3:30-5:00pm in the courtyard.

The Resource Center is located at 374 North Beach Road.  Your order will be placed outside the front door, accessible via the courtyard.  For the safety of our staff and clients, no last-minute or personal handoffs will be allowed at this time.

For more information, call 360-376-3184 or email [email protected]

FROM THE ORCAS LIBRARY:

Orcas Island Library, www.orcaslibrary.org, remains closed for community health reasons until further notice.

Our website offers a variety of resources such as ebooks, e-audiobooks, a wide variety of databases, language learning, streaming movies and other alternatives, all available with your library card number and PIN.

County and State community health directives do not yet permit us to implement any restored services, such as curbside pickup. Until we can, please continue to contact us at 360-376-4985 and leave a voicemail, or email Library Director Phil Heikkinen at [email protected]. We will also post updates to our website at www.orcaslibrary.org.

YOU CAN BE PART OF AN ISLAND-WIDE ART PROJECT

Orcas Island is responding to the virus and the change in how we interact in dramatic ways. We encourage you to share photos of how you and those around you are adjusting. We would like to document the community response. Perhaps this is a meeting that you are participating in where people are practicing social distancing. Perhaps it is photos of you working to help with the Food Bank, the Blood Drive, the sewing of masks, making or delivering meals, or even the empty business or church.  

Please send photos to [email protected]

Please note how you would like to be credited for the photo.

All photos will be shared publicly and are for documentary purposes.

Steve Smith / OrcasArt.com


Tuesday, April 7, 2020 Message from Superintendent Eric Webb

Dear Students, Parents, Staff, & Community,

On April 6, Governor Inslee extended his initial proclamation by declaring that all school buildings are to remain closed throughout the remainder of the 2019–20 school year. He also made it clear that learning is not to cease simply because campuses are closed.  

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Reykdal echoed the sentiments of Governor Inslee and shared how his office has worked over the past three weeks to establish strategies and plans to ensure all students in our state have access to high-quality, continuous learning throughout this school closure. “This is not to say that moving traditional, in-person instruction to an online model is what is best for every student or every district. However, this is an unprecedented time. This won’t be perfect. But we are a state full of dedicated, talented professionals who will continue running through walls to serve our students.”

This morning, the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction provided school districts with a detailed, 79-page framework for providing educational services during these unprecedented times, including tools and resources for overcoming inequities in access. I am pleased and proud to say that Orcas Island School District is already doing many of the items outlined in the framework and, in many ways, going above and beyond what is expected. This is achieved by faculty and staff who are dedicated beyond words, flexible in thoughts and actions, and willing to embrace the fear of change to best serve our students and families.

This doesn’t mean that as a district we are complacent with the learning that we are currently providing, however. It simply reaffirms that we are on the correct path and will continue to move forward putting the health and basic needs of our students first while providing social and emotional support and offering our students and families new and flexible learning opportunities over the next months.

In the next few days, increased guidance will be issued from state agencies, Educational Service Districts, and state organizations at which time the OISD Administrative Team and I will plan our next steps for Continuous Learning for the students of OISD. 

Take care of one another and be well,

Eric Webb, Superintendent






Monday April 6, 2010 REYKDAL:
School Buildings Closed, But Learning Continues

Today, Governor Inslee announced that schools will be prohibited from providing traditional, in-person instruction for the remainder of the school year. Below is Superintendent Chris Reykdal’s statement.

Superintendent Chris Reykdal

OLYMPIA—April 6, 2020—In mid-March, Governor Inslee closed all public and private K–12 schools in our state through April 24. Today, he extended that directive and ordered all school buildings to close throughout the remainder of the 2019–20 school year.

We have more than 1.2 million students in our state who are impacted by this. Over 80,000 seniors may have attended their last in-person high school class without knowing it.

Just as our great-grandparents understood after two World Wars and the Great Depression, this generation will grow up knowing how to persevere in the face of challenges.

Especially during times of uncertainty, students need our support. They need grace, and structure, and routine. Even though the world may feel like it’s upside down, our students need to know that we will move forward.

These next two months will be tough. I won’t diminish that. However, learning must continue.

It will look different than we are used to. It will be more flexible, and it will evolve as we learn more and gain experience in the tools available to us.

Over the past three weeks since schools first closed, my office has worked tirelessly to provide guidance to school districts, keep the public informed, and problem-solve ways of ensuring all students in our state have access to high-quality continuous learning during this school closure.

This includes working with our congressional delegation to obtain waivers of some federal requirements in order to provide districts with much needed flexibility, as well as securing additional funding to support this continuous learning.

It includes providing school districts with a detailed framework for providing educational services during these unprecedented times, including tools and resources for overcoming inequities in access.

It also includes working with internet providers and software leaders to ensure every student and educator within the state has access to a device, home connectivity, and platforms for teaching and learning to take place.

This is not to say that moving traditional, in-person instruction to an online model is what is best for every student or every district. However, this is an unprecedented time.

This won’t be perfect. But we are a state full of dedicated, talented professionals who will continue running through walls to serve our students.

We will not let the fear of imperfection stand in our way.

For More Information

Please click on this link for weekly sign up for Meals for Children:
https://forms.gle/Jhx8XNvrVNWTqdQH7


ORCAS UPDATE 04/02/20

From the Orcas Island Community Foundation

Here is some information you may want to know about.  You may receive this from different sources. 

GIVING HELPS EVERYONE

OICF's GIVE ORCAS Campaign opens Monday, April 6 - 20th and will give donors the opportunity to donate directly to island nonprofits selected this year for their dedication to islanders during the pandemic. www.giveorcas.org  starts April 6th.

OICF’s Community Emergency Response Fund makes weekly emergency distributions; recipients have included: OPAL ($50,000); OCRC ($35,000); Senior Center ($10,000), Hearts and Hands ($10,000), and the Food Bank ($35,000). Donate now to this fund through the OICF website,  OICF.us 

DO YOU WANT TO VOLUNTEER?

People interested in volunteering should continue to be directed to the website: orcas.recovers.org

This website is a place where potential volunteers can post they are available and their interest, and island organizations can post their needs. It’s helpful for volunteers to use the # followed by an interest; e.g. #OPAL; #foodbank; #seniorcheck

SENIOR CENTER

1)    Home delivered meals are provided to seniors on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for those in need.  Please call Heidi Bruce at 360-370-0591 to get registered for meal support through Meals on Wheels if you need it.

2)  During this COVID-19 emergency: vulnerable persons of any age that need home delivery of essential household goods such as food or medicine can call senior services or the resource center to ask for help. If you need this assistance, please call Jana Webb at the Orcas Community Resource Center, 360-376-3184, or Heidi Bruce at the Orcas Senior Center, 360-370-0591.

3)  Hearts and Hands:  Orcas Senior Center Hearts and Hands program is extending its reach to address the needs of seniors during this period of prolonged self-isolation. If you would like to volunteer to provide friendly regular check-ins by phone or if you are a senior and would welcome phone check-ins from a concerned and caring volunteer, go to orcas.recovers.org or call John Slater at 360-919-9318.

RENT OR MORTGAGE PAYMENT ASSISTANCE: Thanks to donors to the Community Foundation's Community Emergency Response Fund, OPAL Community Land Trust is helping islanders who may not be able to pay their housing costs because of the COVID-19 virus. If you want help with your rent or mortgage, please fill out the form at this link, and we'll contact you to take next steps. 

ARE YOU FEELING OVERWHELMED?

If you or a loved one is experiencing increased anxiety, depression and/or isolation as a result of the COVID-19 virus, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the following help lines: 

 ● Mental Health Crisis Hot Line: Call the 24-hour mental health crisis line operated by Volunteers of America: 1-800-584-3578 or go to www.imhurting.org.

 

Emotional Support Help Line (1-866-342-6892):  Connects people with caring professionals.  The services is free of charge and available to anyone, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For additional information, see:

https://www.optum.com/covid-19/covid-19-emotional-support.html.

 ● Washington Warm Line (1-877-500-9276):  Peer support help line for people living with emotional and mental health challenges. For specific information on COVID-19 related needs, see https://mhanational.org/covid19.

CRISIS THERAPY PROJECT

The outbreak of Novel Corona Virus (COVID-19) has led many people to feel anxiety, grief and stress.  Four therapists on island are providing free sessions for people in need.  For more information go to:  thero.org/crisis/covid

The Crisis Therapy Project is also reaching out to licensed therapists to offer free therapy sessions for distress related to COVID-19.  If you are a licensed therapist and would like more information, please go to: https://www.thero.org/crisis/covid/#offerhelp

ORCAS COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER (OCRC)

OCRC has a resource guide of programs/services that might help you during this time.

The guide can be found at:  https://orcascrc.org/covid-19-resources

ORCAS ISLAND LIBRARY

The library website (www.orcaslibrary.org) offers a variety of resources such as ebooks, e-audiobooks, a wide variety of databases, language learning, streaming movies and other alternatives, all available with your library card number and PIN.

As they work through future options for reopening or some level of restored services, please continue to contact them at 360-376-4985 and leave a voicemail, or email Library Director Phil Heikkinen at [email protected]. The library will also post updates to our website at www.orcaslibrary.org.

ÚLTIMAS NOTICIAS DE ORCAS 02/04/20

a través de la Fundación Comunitaria de la Isla Orcas (OICF)

Aquí encontrarás información de mucha utilidad. Estaremos compartiendo esta misma información en diferentes lugares.

FOOD BANK (El BANCO DE ALIMENTOS)

CUALQUIER RESIDENTE DE ORCAS QUE NECESITA ALIMENTOS: EL BANCO DE ALIMENTOS ESTÁ ABIERTO PARA USTED DOS VECES POR SEMANA CON NUEVO HORARIO Y PROCEDIMIENTOS.

A partir del 30 de marzo, el Banco de Alimentos estará abierto los MARTES y VIERNES de 3:00 a 6:00 p.m. Los residentes de Orcas que necesitan asistencia alimentaria pueden venir dos veces por semana para recibir una bolsa preempacada. Estamos ubicados en número 176 de la calle Madrona, al lado de la Iglesia de la Comunidad.

El Banco de Alimentos NO entregará bolsas de comida a las aldeas de la isla en este momento. Si necesitas que alguien recoja comida por ti, entregale una nota que autorice a esta persona a recoger el alimento por ti. Puedes también compartir tu necesidad en www.Orcas.Recovers.org  o habla con el P. Berto al 360-386-5282. Las personas mayores y/o confinadas en el hogar pueden ser elegibles para la entrega a través del Senior Center (tel. 360-376-2677). Planes para entrega de comida en toda la isla todavía están en desarrollo.

¿Tienes preguntas? Llámanos al 376-4445 o orcasislandfoodbank@centurylink.net.

 ISLAND MARKET (EL SUPERMERCADO)

Efectivo inmediatamente:

• El horario de la tienda es de 8 am a 6pm hasta nuevo aviso.

• Se pida a todos que mantengan una distancia obligatoria de 6 pies entre todas las personas dentro de la tienda.

• Recomendamos a que solamente venga a la tienda por lo esencial. Le pedimos si puede asociarse con amigos o vecinos para hacer un solo viaje en lugar de muchos.

• A partir del lunes, tendremos una estación de lavado de manos en la puerta principal y le pediremos que se lave las manos antes de comprar.

También ha habido algunos cambios en la distribución de artículos en la tienda. Hay un mapa para ayudarte a encontrar los productos más fácilmente.

 ORCAS FOOD CO-OP (LA COOPERATIVA DE ALIMENTOS)

Con el fin de proteger a los clientes, empleados y a la comunidad, en este momento solamente se harán entrega de compras para recoger en la acera o entregas a domicilio. Pedimos que hagan primero su orden en línea y estará lista en 24 horas. Haga su pedido en línea en: www.orcasfood.coop

 AYUDANDO A TODO EL MUNDO

La campaña de GIVE ORCAS de la Fundación de la Comunidad (OICF) comienza el lunes 6 de abril hasta el 20 de abril. Este año estamos pidiendo donaciones directas a las diferentes organizaciones sin fines de lucro que están ayudando a la comunidad durante esta pandemia. Vaya a www.giveorcas.org y recuerda que comienza el 6 de abril.

El Fondo de Emergencia Comunitaria de la Fundación de la Comunidad (OICF) estará haciendo distribuciones semanales de emergencia a organizaciones. Han recibido ayuda recientemente: OPAL ($50,000); OCRC ($35,000); Senior Center ($10,000), Hearts and Hands ($10,000) y Banco de Alimentos ($35,000). Done ahora a este fondo a través del sitio web www.OICF.us 

 ¿QUIERES OFRECERTE COMO VOLUNTARIO PARA AYUDAR?

Las personas interesadas en ofrecer sus servicios voluntarios pueden llenar su información en el sitio web: www.orcas.recovers.org  

Este sitio web es un lugar donde los voluntarios potenciales pueden publicar su disponibilidad y su interés, y las organizaciones de la isla pueden publicar sus necesidades. Es útil para los voluntarios usar el # seguido de un área que tenga interés; p.ej. #OPAL; #Banco de Comida; #seniorcheck

 SENIOR CENTER (CENTRO PARA PERSONAS MAYORES)

1) Las comidas a domicilio para personas mayores se entregan los lunes, miércoles y viernes para aquellos que la necesiten. Si tienes necesidad de este servicio llama a Heidi Bruce al 360-370-0591 para registrarte para recibir ayuda alimentaria a través del programa Meals on Wheels.

2) Durante esta emergencia de COVID-19: personas vulnerables, de cualquier edad, que necesiten entrega a domicilio de artículos domésticos esenciales como alimentos o medicamentos pueden llamar al Senior Center (Centro para Personas Mayores) o al OCRC (Centro de Recursos Comunitarios de Orcas) para pedir ayuda. Si necesita esta ayuda, llama a Jana Webb al Centro de Recursos Comunitarios de Orcas (OCRC), 360-376-3184, o a Heidi Bruce en el Centro de Personas Mayores de Orcas, 360-370-0591.

3) Hearts and Hands (Corazones y Manos): este programa, del Centro de Personas Mayores de Orcas, está extendiendo su alcance para responder a las necesidades de las personas mayores durante este período de autoaislamiento prolongado. Si deseas ofrecerte como voluntario para realizar chequeos por teléfono a vecinos mayores o si eres una persona mayor y desearías recibir llamadas de este tipo de un voluntario preocupado y atento, visita orcas.recovers.org  o llama a John Slater al 360-919 -9318.

 ASISTENCIA EN EL PAGO DE ALQUILER O HIPOTECA:

Gracias a donaciones al Fondo de Emergencia de la Comunidad de la Fundación de la Comunidad (OICF) la organización OPAL Community Land Trust está ayudando a los isleños que no pueden pagar sus costos de vivienda debido al virus COVID-19. Si desea ayuda con su alquiler o hipoteca, complete el formulario en este enlace: https://www.tfaforms.com/4812884  y nos pondremos en contacto con usted para los siguientes pasos.

 ¿TE ESTÁS SINTIENDO ABRUMADO?

Si usted o un ser querido está experimentando un aumento en ansiedad, depresión y/o aislamiento como resultado del virus COVID-19, no dude en comunicarse con las siguientes líneas de ayuda:

Línea directa de crisis de salud mental: llame a la línea de crisis de salud mental de 24 horas operada por Volunteers of America: 1-800-584-3578 o visite www.imhurting.org.

Línea de ayuda de apoyo emocional (1-866-342-6892): conecta a las personas con profesionales atentos. Los servicios son gratuitos y están disponibles para cualquier persona, las 24 horas del día, los siete días de la semana. Para obtener información adicional, vea:

https://www.optum.com/covid-19/covid-19-emotional-support.html

Washington Warm Line (1-877-500-9276): línea de ayuda de apoyo para personas que viven con problemas de salud mental y emocional. Para obtener información específica sobre las necesidades relacionadas con COVID-19, consulte https://mhanational.org/covid19.

 CRISIS THERAPY PROJECT (PROYECTO DE TERAPIA EN TIEMPO DE CRISIS)

El brote del nuevo virus Corona (COVID-19) ha llevado a muchas personas a sentir ansiedad, tristeza y estrés. Cuatro terapeutas en la isla ofrecen sesiones gratuitas para personas necesitadas. Para obtener más información visita: www.thero.org/crisis/covid 

Este proyecto también está solicitando a terapeutas con licencia para ofrecer sesiones de terapia gratuitas para personas que están sufriendo emocionalmente con el COVID-19. Si eres un terapeuta con licencia y desea obtener más información, visite: https://www.thero.org/crisis/covid/#offerhelp

CENTRO DE RECURSOS COMUNITARIOS DE ORCAS (OCRC)

OCRC tiene una lista de recursos de programas  y servicios que pueden ser de ayuda en estos tiempos. Esta guía la puedes encontrar en: https://orcascrc.org/covid-19-resources

BIBLIOTECA DE LAS ISLAS ORCAS

El sitio web de la biblioteca (www.orcaslibrary.org) ofrece una variedad de recursos como libros electrónicos, audiolibros electrónicos, una amplia variedad de bases de datos, aprendizaje de idiomas, películas y otras alternativas, todo disponible con su número de tarjeta de biblioteca y PIN.

La Biblioteca de Orcas está analizando opciones en el futuro para ya sea una reapertura o algún nivel de servicios restaurados. Continúe comunicándose con tu biblioteca al 360-376-4985 o deje un correo de voz o envíe un correo electrónico al director de la biblioteca Phil Heikkinen a [email protected]. La biblioteca también publicará actualizaciones en nuestro sitio web en www.orcaslibrary.org.






MESSAGE FROM ERIC WEBB 03/29/20

Dear Students, Parents, & Community,

It is hard to believe that it has only been 14 days since Governor Inslee issued the proclamation to close schools across the state for six weeks. For OISD, it has been a whirlwind of action and team planning to provide meals and engaging educational supports for our students while also ensuring their safety and that of our staff.  Our focus goals during this unprecedented time include:

        1) student meals

        2) employee compensation and benefits

        3) student learning

        4) social/emotional support for our students

Gratitude & Recognition for OISD Staff

OISD’s staff never cease to amaze and impress me with their demonstrated dedication to our students and student learning.  They are talented, creative, and flexible.  OISD staff had the opportunity to practice that flexibility when they jumped right in and began their instructional planning in anticipation of a school closure.  Thank you, OISD staff!

 Continuous Learning Updates

"We need schools to educate all students out of principle, rather than educate no students out of fear. These are challenging times, but we expect schools to rise to the occasion. Nothing issued by this department should in any way prevent any school from offering educational programs through distance instruction." -  (U.S. State Department of Education)

“Although schools are closed and not providing traditional in-person instruction, education must continue.  While most Washington school districts have already begun engaging students and families in learning, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction expects educational services for all students will begin by Monday, March 30.”  – (Washington State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Chris Reykdal)

Following this directive, OISD will observe the following guiding principles below to provide continuous learning opportunities as defined by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction:

Keep Students at the Center

Intentional outreach to continue building relationships and maintain connections. Help students feel safe and valued.

✓ Plan for Student Learning: Build on each student’s strengths, interests, and needs and use this knowledge to positively impact learning.

✓ Develop a Weekly Plan and Schedule: Offer routines and structures for consistency and to balance think time, work time, and play time for health and well-being.

✓ Contact Families: Partner to support student learning through ongoing communication and collaboration. This will not look the same for every student and family—safety remains the priority.

Design Learning for Equity and Access

Plan and deliver content in multiple ways so all students can access learning.

✓ Teach Content: Set goals using knowledge of each student and of Washington State K– 12 Learning Standards.

✓ Deliver Flexible Instruction: Consider how to deliver content depending on tools and resources accessible to each student. Delivery of instruction may include printed learning materials, phone contact, email, technology-based virtual instruction, or a combination to meet diverse student needs.

✓ Engage Families: Communicate with families about engagement strategies to support students as they access the learning. Families are critical partners. Provide translations as necessary.

Assess Student Learning

Manage and monitor student learning and plan what’s next for learning.

✓ Check Student Learning: Use a variety of strategies to monitor, assess, and provide feedback to students about their learning.

✓ Make Instructional Adjustments: Use formative assessment results to guide their reflection on effectiveness of instruction and to determine next steps for student learning.

✓ Engage Families: Communicate with and seek input from families about assessment results in order to inform next steps. Provide translations as necessary.

What Instruction Looks Like for OISD Students in the Coming Weeks

You can expect to see more creative and authentic instruction facilitated by our staff in the weeks to come as students and families will be now be required to participate and engage in instructional offerings per recent guidelines set forth at the state and national level.

Student Social & Emotional

We at OISD continue to value the social and emotional well-being of our students just as we do academics.  The district’s social and emotional support team is comprised of counselors, social workers, and safe advocates as well as a partnership with Compass Health counselors and Wise Wrap Services, all of whom will be available to our students throughout this time.  Programs and activities are in place for all OISD students to participate in via Google Meet to promote social and emotional health. 

 

Grab & Go MealsNow available for pickup at additional locations!

Orcas Island School District is providing ALL Orcas Island children with a free lunch and breakfast for the following day. Meals may be picked up Monday through Friday from 11:30 am to 1pm at the school pick-up/drop-off circle and at school bus stops. Weekend meals are included on Fridays for children in need of them.

You can help us with planning by completing our weekly preorder form using the link below, although it is not required to participate in the program.  Grab & Go Meal Preorder Form

If your family is not able to pick up meals at school or at a bus stop,  please contact OISD Food Services Director, Madden at [email protected].

 

OISD Staff 

During this time of economic uncertainty,  OISD has been working in close partnership with its employees and employee unions. A Memorandum of Understanding with both OISD Certificated and Classified Staff has been reached. The MOUs will create a basic understanding of procedures going forward and throughout the remainder of the year.

I am very pleased to add that all OISD employees will continue to receive full pay and benefits without disruption as they continue to work via closure status throughout the remainder of the school year, thus relieving any financial concerns they may have had and allowing them to continue to provide instruction to our students.

Take care of each other and be well,

Eric Webb, Superintendent

ORCAS UPDATE 03/26/20

From the Orcas Island Community Foundation

Here is some information you may want to know about.  Bear with us, this is our first edition – we will be coming out with more information weekly, or as needed.  You may receive this from different sources. 

FROM THE FOOD BANK

ANY ISLANDERS WHO NEED FOOD: THE FOOD BANK IS OPEN FOR YOU TWICE A WEEK; NEW HOURS AND PROCEDURES

Starting March 30, the Food Bank will be open TUESDAYS and FRIDAYS from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. Islanders needing food assistance may come twice per week to receive a prepacked bag. We are located at 176 Madrona St. next to the Community Church.

The Food Bank will NOT be delivering food bags to island hamlets at this time. If you need assistance with food pickup, please give a friend a note authorizing your pickup, or list your need at Orcas.Recovers.Org. Seniors and homebound may be eligible for delivery through the Senior Center, 376-2677. Other plans for island-wide delivery are still in development.

Questions? Contact us at 376-4445 or orcasislandfoodbank@centurylink.net.

ISLAND MARKET

Effective immediately:

  • Store hours are 8am- 6pm until further notice.
  • Mandatory 6 feet distance rule in effect for all people inside the store.
  • We encourage you to only come to the store for essentials and ask you to team up with friends and neighbors to make one trip instead of many.
  • Starting Monday, we will have a hand washing station setup at the front door and will be requiring you to wash your hands before shopping.

There have also been some changes to the layout of the store.  Attached below is a list of products and their aisles.  This will help you with your shopping.

ORCAS FOOD CO-OP

In order to protect customers, employees, and communities, they are only providing curbside pick-up and home delivery at this time.  Current turnaround time is 24 hours.  Place an order online at:  www.orcasfood.coop

SCHOOL BUS DELIVERY OF MEALS FOR CHILDREN

OISD will be using buses and drivers to deliver child meals. Sign up for OISD MEALS FOR CHILDREN here:

https://forms.gle/Jhx8XNvrVNWTqdQH7

DO YOU WANT TO VOLUNTEER?

People interested in volunteering should continue to be directed to the website: Orcas.Recovers.Org

This website is a place where potential volunteers can post they are available and their interest, and island organizations can post their needs. It’s helpful for volunteers to use the # followed by an interest; e.g. #OPAL; #foodbank; #driver

SENIOR CENTER

Requests for Meals on Wheels has increased 4x over previous demand. More volunteer drivers are needed. (#driver at Orcas.Recovers.Org)

ARE YOU FEELING OVERWHELMED?

Here is a good source if you need to talk to someone:  Covid-19 Emotional Support hotline: 1-866-342-6892.  They connect people with caring professionals. The service is free of charge and available to anyone, 24 hours a day, seven days a week

Additional resource links will be posted at Orcas.Recovers.org

GIVING HELPS EVERYONE

OICF’s Community Emergency Response Fund has made grants this week to OPAL ($40,000); OCRC ($25,000); and the Food Bank ($15,000).  Folks are urged to get out the word to potential donors about the Fund. Donations to the Community Emergency Response Fund can be made through the OICF website OICF.us

OPAL Construction at April's Grove is Authorized to Continue

Governor Inslee's Stay Home, Stay Healthy Order identified certain essential activities that are allowed to continue while most of us stay home. The construction of affordable housing is one of those essential activities.   Therefore, construction of April's Grove will continue as long as suppliers continue to deliver. The crews working on site have adopted new protocols to keep workers safe and healthy in accordance with L&I guidelines on COVID-19.

Please be kind and support these workers as they build much needed housing to our community.

MESSAGE FROM ERIC WEBB, MONDAY MARCH 16, 2020

Good Evening,

The Orcas Island School District will be closed and all staff will be on leave for the remainder of this week with the exception of our wonderful Zach and Bing, who will be preparing Grab & Go Meals to be distributed in the drop-off area from 11am to 1pm each day.  This closure is an opportunity for OISD employees to pause, take a breath, and turn their attention to the needs of their own families.
The school closure for students continues to be in effect through April 24. Please follow recommended practices to keep your family and our community safe and to prevent the spread of this virus.  I will continue to keep you apprised of any new developments. 

Respectfully,

Eric Webb,  Superintendent


MESSAGE FROM ERIC WEBB, MARCH 15, 2020

Dear Students, Parents, & Community,

Following OISD’s announcement early Friday morning, Governor Inslee announced that all schools across the state will need to close this Tuesday, March 17 through Friday, April 24.  OISD will continue to provide regular updates as more details emerge or if guidance from the Governor’s Office, OSPI, or Washington Department of Health should change.

Our top priority has and will continue to be the health and safety of our students and staff.

We recognize that this disruption in our normal school day and school year will greatly impact the routines of our students, families, and staff.   I met with OISD administrators and departments over the weekend to establish protocols in preparation for our closure.  Today, we  continue to finalize plans to provide food services and educational resources to our students. 

Meals - Grab and Go

We will be providing all children in our community with free breakfast and lunch during the school closure (with the exception of spring break). Our staff will be preparing bagged meals daily that will contain lunch for the day and breakfast for the following day. These will be distributed from the pick-up/drop-off circle in front of the school Mon-Fri from 11:30am-1pm. On Fridays, we will also provide extra meals for Saturday and Sunday for children in need of them

Please click on the link below for our Grab and Go weekly preorder form:

OISD Grab-Go Meal Order Form  Submission of the preorder form is extremely helpful for our planning, although it is not required to participate in this program.  Please also note that ALL children in the community are eligible to participate in this food program.

For families that lack the means (transportation, etc.) to pick up food at the school, we are currently working on arranging for food to be distributed at other locations throughout the island. Please contact Madden at [email protected] if you need to pick up food at another location.   

Donations to support this meal program can be made through the Orcas Island Education Foundation (OIEF) at OIEF School Food Fund.

Weekend Food Packs for Kids

The district is working to keep the Weekend Packs for Kids program operating throughout the closure.

Learning Experiences

We are planning for educational  opportunities for students to engage in during the closure while at home. These will not be for a recorded grade, but an opportunity for our children to continue to access instructional resources. Teachers are learning how best to use our existing and new online platforms such as Google Meets, Seesaw, and Zoom. The district is working to check Chromebooks out to students who have been identified to be in need of access to technology, and Rock Island will be providing WIFI to these students.

OIEF and AOK and will be providing art packets designed by Brook Meinhardt to our students weekly.  More information on the distribution of the packets will be coming soon…..

Student Conferences 

Student conferences will take place as previously scheduled via phone conference or a technology platform previously arranged by the teacher.

Building and Field Use

All buildings will be locked during the extended closure, although employees will continue to work on campus during this time. If you have a prearranged meeting, we ask that you call the building office to confirm your meeting. When you arrive for your meeting, please call the school so a staff member can help you access the building. The buildings and campus will not be open to the general public during the closure. Building and field use by external groups are suspended throughout the duration of the school closure.

In Closing

I would like to encourage you to stay up-to-date on the safety precautions and guidance regarding COVID-19  from accurate and reliable sources such as the CDC, Washington Department of Health, and San Juan County Health and Community Services in an effort to slow the spread of this virus.  

Thank you for your continued support as we rally together to continue to provide vital services and resources to our students.  Please feel free to contact the OISD District Office at 376-2284 if you should have any questions.

Sincerely,

Eric C. Webb

Superintendent

URGENT MESSAGE FROM OISD SCHOOL BOARD MARCH 13, 2020

March 13, 2020

RE: COVID-19 SCHOOL RESPONSE

Dear OISD Community,

As your school board, we believe that what we do at our Orcas Island public schools leaves a significant impact on our children and the community beyond our school doors. In the wake of the rapidly changing COVID-19 crisis, our maintenance crew, teachers and principals have taken aggressive actions to prevent any potential risk of exposure to COVID-19. Those actions have included, but are not limited to: fogging facilities; deep cleaning buildings and buses; limiting the use of school property by outside groups; postponing student travel abroad and

off-island; canceling field trips; and canceling interscholastic athletic, extracurricular and academic events.

As of yesterday, after the actions taken by Governor Inslee on behalf of three mainland school districts, as well as the recommendations of regional superintendents, and feedback from our community, we have decided to take further action. That action errs on the side of caution and what we think is in the best interest of our entire community.

The current San Juan County guidelines for closing our schools, due to COVID-19, are based on a threshold of one confirmed COVID-19 case among students or staff; or three cases on the island; or five in San Juan county as a whole. At the time we are publishing this letter, we do not have a confirmed case of COVID-19 on Orcas Island. However, a growing number of health officials have stated their opinion that closing schools can prevent a significant peak in the number of ultimate infections in a community as a whole and slow the transmission. To that end, we are announcing the closure of our OISD schools, effective end of the day Monday, March 16, 2020, for the recommended term of six weeks. In the meantime, classes will continue as usual as teachers prepare work packets, and we hope this advance notice gives you time to plan your work and family schedule accordingly.

Please know that we do not take this decision lightly. We understand the hardship this can cause parents who may not be able to attend work because of lack of childcare, and the domino effect on our island businesses, but our first concern is the health and safety of our kids and our community.

 Orcas Island School District superintendent Eric Webb has for the last few weeks been in constant contact with our county health officials, peer school districts, elected officials, OSPI State Superintendent Chris Reykdal, teachers and families and us as a school board to plan for what the CDC suggested is a required drastic change from our daily routines. Going forward, we, as a school board, have requested that the constant contact and assessment by superintendent Webb remain in place whether we are closed or not.       We are going to keep having public school board meetings during this closure, as normal as possible given the situation.

Please know that critical services, as defined by Governor Inslee, will continue. Those include nutrition for children on free and reduced meals and resources for students experiencing homelessness who heavily depend on our school for services. 

As we write this communication, please be aware that we may move up the closure date if we feel it is in the best interest of our community. Updates will be posted to the OISD website. The OISD school messenger system (phone and email) will be used to send out messages as needed.

Furthermore, if you feel a need to keep your child home before the official close date, please know that there will be no negative repercussions and we encourage you to do what is best for your family.

Lastly, we want to thank our parents and staff, our community, our non-profit organizations, and businesses in advance for helping our school support our first responders and healthcare workers, and for helping us ensure that all of our kids continue to thrive, no matter their life circumstances. We can foresee how

collaborations and extra support may be needed to provide for families during a school closure and we are grateful we have partners in the community who have been generous with their time and expertise in past matters.

It’s times like these that show the character of our community and we believe ours will shine.

Respectfully yours,

Orcas Island School Board

John Fleming, Ayn Carrillo Gailey, Linda Sheridan, Greg White


March 12, 2020 School Board Resolution 2020-04 Reducing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19:

A Resolution of the Board of Directors initiating restrictions to prevent the
spread of the COVID-19 virus.

WHEREAS, the Orcas Island School District Board of Directors and Superintendent have been in close contact with Educational Service District 189, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, and San Juan County Department of Health and Community Services; and

WHEREAS, the Orcas Island School District Board of Directors and the Superintendent are being proactive and following the recommendation of the San Juan County Health Officer in implementing restrictions in an effort to keep our students healthy and safe by enacting the following:

  • Parent and guardian normal school business/pick-up and drop-off will continue and parents will be encouraged to remain outside of school buildings.
  • Conducting all meetings/functions with the general public in excess of 10 attendees through conference calling or other technology platforms for viewing and/or participation.
  • Suspending the use of our facilities and buses by all outside organizations.
  • Canceling the remainder of the Middle School Basketball season.
  • Allowing High School spring sports to practice with additional cleaning and sanitizing of equipment.
  • Suspending all off-island non-essential district travel; “essential” being determined by the Superintendent.
  • Suspend the use of volunteers.
  • Suspend participation in all interscholastic events.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Orcas Island School District Board of Directors, that the above restrictions are hereby approved during the Special School Board Meeting on March 12th  2020 and will be reviewed as needed during regularly scheduled School Board Meetings. 

Dated this 12th day of March 2020, at a Special Meeting of the Board of Directors, Orcas Island School District.

ORCAS ISLAND SCHOOL DISTRICT:

Board of Directors: John Fleming, Chair ; Ayn Carrillo-Gailey; Linda Sheridan, Vice-Chair ; Greg White
Attest: Eric Webb, Superintendent, Secretary to the Board.


 


From Chris Reykdahl, March 12, 2020:
https://medium.com/waospi/reykdal-mandatory-school-closures-will-save-lives-357b871e6bf7

March 10, 2020 Message sent home via School Messenger:

Dear Students, Families, and Community Members,

Information on COVID-19 can at times be daunting and even confusing as we receive conflicting information from multiple sources daily. In an attempt to keep you informed, I have summarized the most relevant information that pertains to our students, staff, and the district.  For health specific information or other specifics on COVID-19, I would suggest starting with the CDC or the WA State DOH websites.  Please note that this information may likely be outdated before you have a chance to retrieve it from your inbox;  information, protocols, and guidance are changing that quickly.  

What we know as of today…

Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction

  • Things are changing rapidly; almost hourly at times.
  • Identified infections are doubling every 6-8 days; will likely accelerate as more testing is conducted.
  • King and Snohomish Counties continue to lead in the virus spread and response.
  • DOH has started discussing regional and state closures of schools. No decisions have been made at this point.
  • Districts should understand the process the King and Snohomish county health departments are currently adhering to when determining whether schools should close. At this time, both county health departments have determined schools should not close until there is a student or staff member with a confirmed case of COVID-19.
  • Superintendents, County Health officers and Governor have the authority to close schools.
  • Responses have generally been 1-3 day closures for deep cleaning.
  • The only direct closure thus far has been Hazen HS Renton.
  • Meridian District closed because K-12 rode the same buses and lots of school crossover.
  • NorthShore is the only K-12 system to go all online.
  • OSPI does not recommend closed schools transition to an online distance model unless the district can ensure each of the considerations below can be met. These include, but are not limited to:
    • Ensuring all students in the school or district will have equal access to the learning and required materials, including technology.
    • Ensuring the online learning system can effectively support the district’s different learning and teaching needs, including the ability to provide differentiated instruction as well as one-on-one support for students who need it. Regardless of where the learning is happening, supports identified on a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) must be provided if the district is operating.
    • Ensuring the requirements of full-day kindergarten are met.
    • Ensuring students can access the assessments associated with dual credit coursework.
    • Providing training to staff, students, and parents and guardians on how the system works and what expectations the district has.
    • The ability to track the attendance of both students and staff.
    • Ensuring the systems in use are secure and will not allow for the release of protected student or staff information.
    • The ability to provide school meals. 
  • State law requires school administrators to excuse absences due to student safety concerns as well as absences due to illness, health condition, or medical appointment.
  • Staff absences are becoming an issue across the state.
  • June 19 will remain the end of the terminal date unless/until something dramatic happens by the Governor. Districts will not need to make up days after June 19th
  • Districts should wait until they know the extent of their closures before submitting an application for a waiver.
  • OSPI is legally authorized to continue state apportionment support for school districts that cannot fully provide the required number of school days or instructional hours due to an emergency district-wide or school closure. 
  • More information from OSPI can be located here: https://www.k12.wa.us/about-ospi/press-releases/novel-coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-resources

King County Public Health:

Please see guidance below from King County Public Health explaining why they are not recommending that schools close at this time:

Public Health is not currently recommending that schools proactively close unless they have a confirmed case of COVID-19 in a staff member or student.

This guidance may have been confusing for some families and schools because schools bring together large groups of children. School closures have significant negative impacts on our community. We will be providing additional information to schools about how to stay open safely. The considerations we have taken in our decision not to currently recommend routine closure at schools include:

  • Children are not known to get seriously ill from COVID-19.
  • Closing schools may not be effective because some children may congregate anyway, at other locations.
  • Many parents, such as healthcare workers, need to be at work. If these critical workers stay home with children, it causes significant impacts on the healthcare system and other institutions that are essential for our community to function.
  • If schools close, some children might have to stay home with alternative caregivers, such as elders, who are more vulnerable.
  • We don't know how effective children are in spreading this disease.

Some children and staff may be at higher risk for severe illness because of underlying health conditions or a weakened immune system. Public Health advises that those people consult with their healthcare provider to decide the best course of action.

Public Health also respects each individual school's decisions about closures, postponement of activities, or other social distancing measures – as each school knows the needs of their community best.

Public Health is continually assessing our decision not to require the widespread closure of schools. We are continually evaluating information as it becomes available to better inform our decisions about proactive schools closure.

More information from King County Public Health can be located: here:https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/news/2020/March/5-slowing-the-impact.aspx

San Juan County Health and Community Services:

  • There are currently no confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in San Juan County.
  • We think that if you’re organizing an event or meeting that is bringing together 10 or more people and cancelling or rescheduling or having the event remotely doesn’t cause you or others any real problems, well then we think you should do so. That doesn’t mean we’re requiring that, but just that limiting social contact at this stage of the disease’s spread is a pretty darned good idea.
  •  Now is a good time to hunker down. If you have to go somewhere for reasons that are important, then you should do it and feel fine with that decision. But, now is probably a good time to think twice about travel for fun or diversion, especially if you’re heading to areas that are known to have a density of active COVID-19 cases.
  • The School Closure decision is made by the County Health Officer, a physician with extensive experience in infectious disease and transmission. It will be made based on active confirmed cases in the islands, and indications that there is active transmission of the illness on the local level. Remember, the decision to close school is not taken lightly. Closing schools is a strategy intended not to completely stop the spread, but to slow and limit it.
  • More information from San Juan County Health and Community Services can be located here: https://www.sanjuanco.com/1668/2019-Novel-Coronavirus
  • Recording of the Live Stream Update on the status of COVID-19 in San Juan County was recorded on March 9, 2020 and is available at: https://media.avcaptureall.com/session.html?sessionid=477dfd52-57d8-4890-a187-e75ccf2aee76&prefilter=30,5838.

Orcas Island School District:

  • OISD is working closely with San Juan County Health and Community Services, Education Service District #189, and the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. 
  • We have purchased additional cleaning supplies and have them on hand if needed.
  • We have implemented standardized cleaning protocols and increased disinfecting of all buildings and buses.
  • Our District Nurse has visited classrooms to talk with students on how they may remain healthy during this time.
  • We conducted an all-staff meeting on March 4th “Knowing the Facts” with our District Nurse and Dr. Fleming, and “Cleaning Protocols” with the District’s Facilities Director.
  • Facilities Department Training was held on March 5th, “Developing the Plan for Cleaning Consistency”.
  • The District has canceled the High School Field Trip to Seattle.
  • The Japanese Connection Trip has been canceled.
  • On March 6th, we held a 1:00pm release for on-line training of Certificated Staff and to allow for the deep cleaning of the buildings and buses by the Facilities Department.
  • All Student Conferences, March 17,18,&19 will be conducted remotely to limit exposure and to work toward on-line learning if needed.
  • The District has canceled the middle school basketball game with Darrington.
  • The District has canceled the high school softball game with Mount Baker. 
  • The March 12th public meeting on Telecommunication Devices has been canceled.  meeting on March meeting on seeking input from the  community on Telecommunication Devices.
  • The School Board will discuss and possibly adopt Resolution 2020-04,  “Reducing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19” at the Special School Board Meeting on Thursday, March 12.

The health and safety of our students and staff are of the utmost importance to all of us at Orcas Island School District. We will continue to work at the district level to ensure we are planning appropriate precautionary steps while we work through this health and safety challenge.

Respectfully, Eric Webb, Superintendent


March 7, 2020 Message sent home via School Messenger:

Over the past weeks, OISD has taken numerous steps to prepare for and prevent the spread of the COVID–19 virus.  These steps include, but are not limited to, ordering additional cleaning supplies and equipment, releasing students early on Friday to train staff and deep clean buildings and buses, and postponing student travel and field trips.  Over the next weeks, we will implement more strategies as recommended by health and education agencies. These strategies could range from canceling non-essential travel to school closure. We will notify staff, students, families, and community of any courses of action with as much notice as feasibly possible via social media.

The district has been and will continue to be in close contact with our local Educational Service District, Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, superintendents across the state, and San Juan County Department of Health and Wellness.  Rest assured, we are in constant communication with these organizations and individuals as information changes almost hourly as we work together to prepare for and combat this virus. 

Please click on the link below to see a short video of the OISD activities taking place these past weeks to protect our students and staff from the COVID-19 virus:

OISD Keeping Our Students and Staff Healthy



March 2, 2020 Message sent home via School Messenger:

SCHOOL WILL CLOSE  AT 1:00pm

THIS  FRIDAY,  MARCH 6, 2020

Please know that we are committed to being proactive in response to the COVID 19 aka Corona Virus.  The early closure this Friday will permit the time to provide training for our staff in the engagement of students in remote learning, should it become necessary in the days ahead. In addition, our facilities staff will be coordinating a district-wide disinfection and deep cleaning of the district campus.  As well, throughout this week, our school nurse will be working to train our staff and students in best practices for prevention of the virus. We will be sending out updates about the situation as we learn more. In the meantime, let’s all remember these practices - washing our hands frequently, keeping our hands away from our face, staying away from people who are sick -  and, certainly, we do all we can to protect others by staying home from work or school if we're sick.


February 28, 2020 letter from Superintendent, Eric Webb:

Dear OISD Families and Staff, 

As February comes to a close, we have seen increasing coverage in the news of the evolving coronavirus (COVID-19) situation around the world. We have also received questions from staff and families regarding the potential impact to Orcas Island and our schools, so I thought it would be helpful to share a quick update to provide some resources and relieve concerns. Additionally, we have updated our district website by adding information and links to resources as well as answers to commonly asked questions.  Here is a recent letter to the community from our local authorities:
Orcas Issues article from SJC Public Health Dr. Frank James

And, here is a link to our WA State Department of Health:
WA State Department of Health

OISD Nurse, Cindy Sapp,  is devoted to the health and safety of our students.  I commend her for the work she has done and continues to do for our district. Cindy, our District Office Staff, and I actively work with our health department partners and other agencies to maintain response preparedness in the event a situation may arise that could potentially impact the health of our students, families, or staff.

At this time, state and federal agencies consider the immediate risk to the general public in Washington State and the United States to be low. There are currently no cases in San Juan County, nor is there any evidence of COVID-19 spreading in Washington  As with any potentially emerging communicable disease, there is potential for the situation to evolve and change rather quickly and we continue to stay in close communication with health experts so we can be prepared to take immediate action. 

Finally, please remember that the risks of viruses like COVID-19 are not linked to race, ethnicity or nationality. Perpetuating stigmas are not only inappropriate but do nothing to help the situation; sharing accurate information, however, promotes safety and limits the spread of communicable diseases. Every day precautions like diligent hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes, remaining home if feeling ill, and staying up to date with immunizations  are always important measures you can take to keep your family, school, and community healthy. Fortunately, we have not experienced any major health-related incidents at OISD to date, and I'm confident that our staff, families, and community agencies are receiving and sharing accurate, reliable information and working together to ensure our kids are happy and healthy.  

Sincerely,
Eric Webb, Superintendent