Plan a Safe Thanksgiving to Keep Schools Open

The COVID-19 pandemic has been stressful. Schools have been operating remotely since March and only recently has WSD been able to open our doors to our K-2 grade students. In anticipation of bringing back our 3-5 grade students, WSD would ask you to consider how your holiday plans can be modified to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our community. Like you, all of us at WSD are looking forward to the opportunity to reconnect with family and friends over the holidays. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 epidemic is worsening and small household gatherings are contributing to the rise in COVID-19 cases. This holiday season, WSD you like to offer the following considerations from the CDC to help to slow the spread of COVID-19:

• Celebrate virtually or have a small dinner with only people who live in your household
• Watch sports events, parades, and movies from home
• Shop online rather than in person on the day after Thanksgiving or the next Monday
• Limit the number of attendees
• Check the COVID-19 rates before attending any gathering
• Have your gathering outdoors, if weather permits
• Avoid poorly ventilated areas
• Encourage guests to wear masks and maintain social distancing
• Have hand sanitizer easily available and encourage frequent hand washing
• If food is offered, avoid potluck-style serving. Have one person serve food to avoid multiple people touching serving utensils. Wash dishes immediately after eating or offer disposable dishes and cutlery.
• Have no-touch garbage cans easily available
• Treat pets as you would other human family members – do not let pets interact with people outside the household.

Wenatchee School District wishes you a safe and happy Thanksgiving. We are looking forward to welcoming our 3-5 grade students back to school after the holiday. Remember that the more prevention measures you put in place, the safer our schools will be. For more information on Covid-19 and ways to have a safe and happy holiday season, visit the WSD website at wenatcheeschools.org or the CDC website at cdc.gov/coronavirus

Checklist for hosting safe gatherings
English DOH Gatherings Checklist
Español DOH Gatherings Checklist
Chelan-Douglas Health District/Chelan PUD Holiday Checklist 

Celebrating Thanksgiving CDC Guidance 
Washington State Department of Health guidance on gatherings this holiday season