Tech and packet pick up begins March 23

Technology Network Engineer Shane Jacobson & WESPaC Coordinator Pam Jacobson rehearse the tech pick up process with principals and key staff ahead of Monday’s Tech pick up for middle school and high school students in need. Tuesday, March 17, Walla Walla Public Schools unveiled a Distance Learning Program for all students preschool through grade 12 during the minimum six-week districtwide campus closure due to COVID-19. This program is designed to ensure mastery of grade-level content, maintain an ability to earn credits, provide a mechanism for seniors to stay on track for graduation and connect students and families with their teachers.

“Our school board, administrators, teachers and support staff all believe it is our paramount obligation to provide these services during the pandemic health crisis,” said Superintendent Dr. Wade Smith. “District leaders and staff have worked diligently to provide a quality learning experience for students during this transition to ensure continuation of their learning occurs.”

Distance Learning Services begin Monday, March 23 with packet and technology pick up. This week educators have been organizing and planning for this new educational delivery model. Preschool and elementary-aged students will be supported with weekly learning materials, customized and created exclusively by their homeroom teacher and specialists. These elementary paper and pencil packets will be picked up each Monday at the child’s school from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Home deliveries of materials will be offered as needed.

Middle and high school students will receive daily instruction from their teachers through the Google Classroom platform. The district will check out Chromebooks for students who do not have access to a computer and be issued a Verizon hotspot if they don’t have internet access.

Preschool/Elementary Packet Pick Up Procedures:
• Weekly learning packets will be available for pick-up every Monday at your child’s school beginning March 23 (except Spring Break)
• Pick up times: 7:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
• Location: Packets will be at the front door to your child’s elementary school
• Parents come to the front door of the school and staff will assist in retrieving the packets
• Staff will also be collecting the prior week's packet, with completed work, each Monday
• Families who are unable to pick up their student learning packets may have a friend or neighbor pick up the packet on your behalf
• Arrangements can be made with your local school for home delivery of packets if transportation or access is not available
• Learning Packet Pick up Schedule: March 23, March 30, April 13, and April 20 (no packets during Spring Break)

Middle School Technology and Consumable Learning Materials Pick Up Procedures:
• Monday, March 23, 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. is technology pick up for students who completed the tech survey and are in need of technology at home. Parents and/or guardians must be present to sign the technology agreement. The school packet will also be available at this time for those students. Come to the front of the school.
• Tuesday, March 24 is Consumable Learning Materials packet-only pick up between 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. for ALL STUDENTS NOT in need of technology,

High School Technology Pick Up Procedures:
• Monday, March 23, 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. is technology pick up for students who completed the tech survey and are in need of technology at home. Parents and/or guardians must be present to sign the technology agreement. Come to the front of the school for pick up instructions.

“Walla Walla Public Schools understands that additional oversight and accountability will be required from students and families to ensure a successful distance learning experience for all,” said Smith. “We empathize with the burden this responsibility places on families, but rest assured our district staff stands ready to assist at all levels.”

Walla Walla Public Schools is also offering free meals and student-aged childcare to specific families during the COVID-19 closure. Schools are closed to the general public through April 24. Access is limited to employees and scheduled appointments only.