Embracing the way we do school this year has been difficult for many of our families. To help ease the burden on our local schools, Clackamas County has been assisting with their reopening plans, prevention and response protocols, and consulting on infectious disease management planning.
The Governor has developed a framework using science and scenario forecasting to determine a series of metrics and guidance for schools to follow. These limitations are in place to create the safest environment possible with the information that we have today. As we continue to learn how to manage COVID-19, these indicators may change.
Kudos to our students, parents and teachers for adapting to these circumstances with such courage and grace. This school year will have challenges, and we will meet them together. Together we can keep each other safe while preparing our next generation to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
School reopening criteria and Clackamas County COVID-19 data
This page helps you understand how Clackamas County’s most recent COVID-19 statistics match up to Oregon’s criteria for transitioning to (or continuing with) in-person learning at all 170 private and public schools in the county.
On Feb. 12, 2021, Clackamas County moved to the "Onsite and hybrid" category.
| Our risk level | ||||
| Metrics and Models | On-site | On-site and hybrid | Elementary on-site and hybrid transition | Distance learning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of COVID-19 cases per 100,000 over 14 days counties with 30,000 or more people |
<50 | 50 to <200 | 200 to ≤350 | >350 |
| Percentage test positivity over previous 14 days | <5% | 5% to <10% | ≤10% | >10% |
| Advisory Instructional Model | Prioritize On-Site or Hybrid (as needed to maintain small cohorts) instructional models. | Prioritize careful phasing in of On-Site or Hybrid for elementary schools (starting with younger students and adding additional grades over time). Middle school and high school primarily Comprehensive Distance Learning with Limited In-Person Instruction. Over time, if elementary schools can demonstrate the ability to limit transmission in the school environment, transition to On-Site or Hybrid. |
Prioritize careful phasing in of On-Site or Hybrid for elementary schools (starting with younger students and adding additional grades over time). | Prioritize Comprehensive Distance Learning with Limited In-Person Instruction |
See Advisory Metrics forReturning to In-Person Instruction.
Below is a trend of our metrics.
| Period | Cases/100,000 population | % test positivity |
|---|---|---|
| 2/14–2/27 | 85.5 | 3.7% |
| 2/7–2/20 | 86.0 | 4% |
| 1/31–2/13 | 129.4 | 4.5% |
As part of its planned guidance and metrics review process with the Oregon Health Authority, the Oregon Department of Education released an update to the Ready Schools, Safe Learners guidance in mid-January, including updated advisory metrics for returning students to in-person instruction. The advisory metrics are based on the latest COVID-19 studies and data and help Oregon’s schools make informed decisions about returning to in-person instruction.
Here are some helpful links:
- Oregon Department of Education (ODE) news release
- Watch video message from Colt Gill, Director of ODE
- Comprehensive Distance Learning (CDL) Guidance (as of Jan. 19, 2021)
- Ensuring Equity and Access Guidance
- New Guidance for Limited In-Person Instruction During CDL
- Metrics Explainer
- Research Informing Changes in K-12 COVID-19 Guidance
- Updated Operational Blueprint for School Reentry
Additional Tools and Resources:
- OHA Guidance for On-Site Testing
- Update to Returning to In-Person Instruction family resource (translations to be posted as soon as available)
- Addressing Grades and Credit Options
- Outdoor School Programs Guidance
- Field Trip Guidance
- Learning Outside Guidance
- Community and School Health Responsibilities Regarding FAPE during CDL and Hybrid Instructional Models
- Attendance Best Practices
- Contact Tracing Guidance
An increase in on-site learning will most likely lead to more COVID-19 cases.
Parents and families should realize that any school that provides on-site learning could experience COVID-19 cases and outbreaks. Oregon public health rules require individual schools to be prepared to work with local public health officials in responding to cases and outbreaks and, if necessary, switch back to distance learning. Parents and families need to be prepared to return to distance learning, as well.
The best tools to protect individuals remain physical distancing, face coverings and hygiene.
County public health officials continue to work with the 170 schools in Clackamas County to ensure safe practices and protocols to allow for safe on-site learning when the time is right. These safe practices and protocols include:
- Physical distancing
- Face coverings
- Hand hygiene
- Cleaning and disinfecting
- Airflow and ventilation
- Effective screening and response to cases, with quick access to testing and implementing isolation and quarantining
Reopening Plans
We are coordinating with over 170 schools on the Blue Print for Ready Schools, Safe Learners to plan for the 2020-21 school year.
Additional Resources
Contacts
Clackamas County-specific questions:
- School inquiries COVIDschoolliaison@clackamas.us
- PH-CommunicationsTeam@clackamas.us
General Ready School, Safe Learners initiative questions:
- Oregon Health Authority COVID19.Reopening@dhsoha.state.or.us
- Oregon Department of Education readySchools@ode.state.or.us
