Remote Schooling at Northshore School District was rapidly deployed and incredibly equitable. Remote schooling offered a sense of routine, progress, hope and cohesion in the face of unprecedented challenges. Northshore staff and Superintendent Reid demonstrated the ability to be nimble and forward thinking with their leadership in this effort, offering a robust continuation of education in an entirely new format in record time. Moreover, their commitment to equitable access to education was off to a great start: meals were provided, childcare arranged, computers and hotspots delivered. Staff were encouraged to be flexible and accommodative to the challenges families might encounter. In general, it provided a much needed ballast for the mental health of many during these trying times. And even more, it provided a unique opportunity for students to learn skills that are becoming increasingly essential in our digital world.

Shutting down a shining model of resilience and leadership in the face of the COVID-19 crisis is not the right answer. Instead, it should be held up as a beacon of hope and a new model for how we will continue, persevere, adapt, and triumph in the face of this challenge.

To quote a favorite of Superintendent Reid’s: “Don’t let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.”  -- John Wooden. Sign this petition to encourage Jay Inslee & governing authorities to maintain NSD’s remote learning throughout the duration of Washington State school closures. It can be used as a model for others.