Sherri Ybarra
Superintendent of Public Instruction
Let’s all be safe and follow ‘stay home’ guidelines
This is an uncertain time for Idahoans, and all Americans, but one certainty is our commitment to helping schools and students succeed – and stay safe. I join Gov. Little in urging Idahoans to comply with the governor’s new statewide ‘stay-home’ order, restricting all but essential activities for at least 21 days. Find out more here, including what businesses and services are essential under the governor’s order.
As we all know, education is essential, and although all physical schools in Idaho are now closed, educators throughout the state are still working hard, and safely, to understand the rapidly evolving situation and find innovative, alternate means to provide instruction and essential services to students throughout our state. That includes nourishing meals for children and individualized education plans for students with disabilities.
It’s a tall order, and it’s a work in progress. But it is made so much easier by the willingness, energy and innovation of our educators and education partners throughout the state who are working long, hard and smart. At the State Department of Education, my staff and I are in close communication with educators and administrators throughout the state, sharing information and ideas through frequent webinars and other contacts. Our pledge to Idaho districts, schools, students and families is to provide maximum flexibility to meet their unique needs and challenges as we work our way through this unprecedented situation together.
As a parent, what can you do? Talk with your children about their lessons and the need for social distancing and good hygiene. Work from home when possible, avoid groups and limit your outings to essential errands. Wash your hands, avoid touching your face, and sanitize all surfaces that others have touched or may touch. Be considerate and helpful to others however you can.
My staff and I are continually monitoring developments and providing the most up-to-date guidance and information to our schools from trusted sources including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the US Department of Education (USED) and other state and federal agencies. I serve on the Governor’s Coronavirus Working Group, which meets frequently to discuss how best to proceed.
As this challenging situation continues to evolve, none of us knows what may develop or when. But we know that Idahoans are resilient and that we have top-notch education leaders dedicated to ensuring that we come out of this stronger and better able to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future.
Sincerely,
Sherri A. Ybarra, Ed.S.
Superintendent of Public Instruction
