Dear PCIA Families,

First of all, I hope each PCIA family is well during this challenging time. I am writing this letter in response to recent inquiries about Pacific Crest Innovation Academy’s response to increasing Covid-19 cases in Skamania County. As we have since the beginning of the school year, PCIA is committed to providing in-person education at school as long as we are able to safely meet all guidelines established by Washington Department of Health (DOH) and OSPI.

A recent DOH report referenced findings of the Institute for Disease Modeling, in which it was confirmed that “evidence suggests that with reasonable precautions, (students in) school are not significant drivers of transmission.” I found this incredibly encouraging, and also motivating – a good reminder to not grow weary of the precautions necessary to minimize the risk of transmission at school.

While not all schools – especially larger schools – are able to meet all Covid safety measures required for in-person schooling, I would like to reassure PCIA families that we are still committed to:

• Health screening all staff and students daily prior to entering the building.
• Temperature screening prior to boarding the bus and/or entering the building.
• 6-foot spacing between students in classrooms and when eating.
• Masks worn at all times (unless eating or outside on a “mask break”).
• Frequent handwashing and sanitization of common surfaces.
• Supporting students learning from home if temporary isolation or quarantine is necessary.

I also want to restate the importance of, and express appreciation for, each family’s ongoing commitment to similar measures that may reduce the spread of Covid cases in our community. Equally important is the commitment of each family to not send a student to school if they are sick or have been in close contact with someone who is sick and/or Covid-positive.

Lastly, I must acknowledge the possibility that PCIA may need to temporarily pivot to remote learning if the number of sick/positive staff and/or students makes in-person schooling unsustainable.

Again, thank you for doing your part to keep our schools open for all. I hope your family has a safe and joyous holiday season.

Bob Rogers
Superintendent