Dear Families and Staff,

Well, I didn't expect to write another letter the very next day, but here it is: Today, July 29, 2021, Governor Brown directed the Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) to create a rule requiring face coverings in all indoor school settings, for all individuals two years and older, including all students, staff, contractors, volunteers, and visitors. This decision is in response to the sharp uptick in the spread of COVID-19 in Oregon and the emergence of the highly transmissible Delta variant of COVID-19.

Please know that in our preparations for the fall, we will be striving to support the needs of our students while building practical systems that support a safe and healthy return in the most normal way possible. We appreciate your patience and understanding, as well as your support during this time.

Sincerely,

Brad Capener, Superintendent
Jefferson School District

Dear Jefferson Families and Staff,

Greetings from Jefferson School District! 

We hope that you and your family are enjoying the sunshine and time together. As we approach the beginning of August, our planning for the fall is well underway and I wanted to give you the first of what I’m sure will be several updates so you can know what to expect and how to plan for September. 

First, what we do know:

On September 7th, all students will return to school full time, Monday through Friday with Wednesdays being early release days. 

Face masks will be mandatory on school busses. (School bus regulations fall under federal CDC guidelines and are required). 

Even though all students will be back together for full days of instruction, we will continue to take precautions for health and safety, including: 

• Maximizing air flow and circulation
• Regular cleaning and disinfecting of high touch surfaces
• Frequent washing of hands
• Maintaining three feet distance with other people, to the extent possible
• Isolation of ill or exposed students from the others
• Having unvaccinated students quarantine if exposed to Covid19 symptoms
• Testing for Covid at the school, if parental consent is given 

What we are waiting to decide:

With respect to wearing face masks, we are in the process of making that determination and plan to have that answer to you by mid-August. As you know the Delta variant is rapidly spreading and we are waiting for updated guidance or direction from the Oregon Department of Education. 

Our hope and goal here at JSD14J is to have our schools open for the entire school calendar year, and for our students enrolled in sports to compete without interruption. The best way to remain open is to vaccinate the vast majority of students 12-18, and to ensure students stay home when they are not feeling well or exposed to Covid19. 

Students who have been vaccinated do not have to quarantine when exposed, which means that our vaccinated athletes miss less school and can remain at practice and not miss a game. It also substantially reduces the risk of having to quarantine multiple classes or an entire secondary school in the event that a student is actively contagious and in contact with numerous individuals. If you have not already done so, please consider getting your pre-teen or teenager vaccinated. Thank you.

JSD is planning with Stayton Hospital to bring a mobile vaccination clinic to Jefferson in August and September. We will be communicating that information once the details are finalized. If you have questions or concerns about the vaccine, please contact your primary care physician, and/or read the following Q&A from Johns Hopkins University: https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/vaccines/vaccines-faq

Thank you and have a wonderful week!

Sincerely,

Brad Capener, Superintendent

Jefferson School District 

JSD Back to School Night

The Jefferson School District invites you to the first annual JSD Back to School Night on Thursday, September 2 from 5-8 on the District Office grounds. This event will be for all current K-12 students who will be attending JSD schools, and their families. There will be entertainment, a free bar-b-que, free school supplies, a meet and greet with school staff, a free swim (at the pool) and much more! More information will be provided in the coming weeks, but please plan to join us and save the date!

Follow the Event on Facebook

Summer Food Program 

June 28th - August 20th 

Free to all kids ages 1-18

No Registration Needed

Site Locations & Times: 

• 7th St Park        254 S. 7th St.        10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
• Conser House  107 N. Main St.      11:05 AM - 11:35 AM
• High School      2200 Talbot Rd.     11:40 AM - 12:10 PM
• Jefferson Pool  1328 N. 2nd            12:15 PM - 12:45 PM
• Elementary        615 N. 2nd St.        11:30 AM - 12:00 PM