Issaquah Schools Resume Some In-Person Classes Feb. 11

ISSAQUAH, WA — The Issaquah School District has reached an agreement with teachers, finalizing a plan to return the city's youngest learners to the classroom beginning next week.

On Wednesday, district officials said they anticipated kindergarteners and first-graders would begin classes using a hybrid, in-person system on Thursday, Feb. 11. If the metrics continue to trend in the right direction, second and third-graders will return three weeks later.

In a news release, the school district said it would use a four-part framework, similar to what the state consults, to monitor COVID-19 activity and evaluate conditions. In-person learning will continue if the following metrics are met:

• COVID-19 case numbers are at or below 350 cases per 100,000 population
• Case trends are flat or decreasing as compared to the 14 days prior
• Hospitalization trends are flat or decreasing
• The test positivity rate is 10 percent or less

Like neighboring districts that have returned to class, Issaquah teachers and students will have to adjust to added health and safety precautions, including:

• Every day: Parent/guardian completes electronic attestation questions prior to student's arrival to school. Student's temperature will be taken at school
• Students must wear mask covering nose & chin
• Students will line up 6 feet apart
• Markings on the ground will keep students 6 feet apart
• Student desks have been placed 6 feet apart.
• Students and teachers will be required to wear masks indoors.
• Students and teachers entering/leaving room must wash/sanitize hands.
• Students cannot share school supplies, food or drinks.

Families can learn more about the district's plans, including safety practices and schedules on the Issaquah School District website.