MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Apollo Families,

To start this week’s message, I’d like to say thank you to the students who are participating in the Apollo talent show, which will be on YouTube March 4. See Apollo PTA’s website and Facebook for viewing details. Also, the Apollo Choir is back! Ms. Brinkerhoff and the Apollo Choir begins on March 4.

As you have likely heard or read about in our ISD announcements, “Gov. Jay Inslee announced a change to the date the statewide indoor mask mandate will lift. Instead of March 21, the statewide mandate – including in schools – will lift at 11:59 p.m. on March 11".

March 11, 2022 is a historic time as it has been two years since COVID mitigation came into our homes and lives! I have chatted with many students to ask if they remember the school shutdown, and they all share unique and similar memories. The most commonly shared was they “forgot to take home a favorite object from their desk”.

So for now, we are waiting for guidance for any local requirements from Public Health – Seattle & King County (PHSKC) and the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) as we have consistently followed their recommendations throughout the pandemic. Those could include new guidance on social distancing and contact tracing to name a few.

Beginning Monday, March 14, barring a new requirement from our local health department, masks will become optional in our school buildings and on school buses. Students and staff will have the choice of whether to wear a mask at school, with the expectation that others’ choices will be respected. Our district will not tolerate bullying of any kind for those who choose to continue wearing masks.

For young children, please let teachers know your wishes and they will do their best to reinforce them. Our educators will discuss the change with students in a developmentally appropriate manner, including how to respect others’ personal choices. If your child expresses any anxiety, please feel free to reach out to Sydney Hall, our school counselor, for support.

Until March 14, masks will continue to be required for all students, staff and visitors in all Issaquah School District buildings and on buses. Thank you for your continued flexibility and understanding as we navigate the changing requirements together.

I have full confidence our students and community will emulate the Apollo Rocket Way and be respectful of each person’s choice as navigate our latest changes to COVID 19 mitigation requirements.

Stay healthy and happy! 

Jane