Dear Virtual Public School Family –

I hope you are staying safe and healthy. When the first coronavirus case was announced in Oregon, I had no idea the impact it would have on our everyday lives. I understand that whatever part of the state you call home, you are living in communities impacted by this health crisis.

Oregon families are adjusting to a new normal – spending all day at home learning, working, eating and playing. For many students and their parents, the sudden transition to mandatory distance learning was a shock. I truly feel for school districts and teachers who are making heroic efforts to transition kids from in-person to remote learning and for parents who are adapting to the role of learning coach.

I hope you will reach out to your friends and family who are new to distance learning to offer guidance and support and to share your experience as a virtual public school parent. They will appreciate your care, concern and reassurance.

I also suggest you visit the Oregon Department of Education website. There you will find important updates and information about what’s happening with education in our state. We are also sharing information and resources on Facebook and Twitter. If you have any questions or need help, please email me, info@oregonvirtualschools.org.

Finally, last week was Teacher Appreciation Week. Our students are lucky to have such wonderful virtual public school teachers. If your student didn’t have a chance to recognize their teachers, please encourage them to take a few minutes to thank their teachers for their hard work.

Thank you for all you do.