Kent School District superintendent issues message about school closure

Kent School District Superintendent Calvin Watts released a message Monday after Gov. Jay Inslee closed schools across the state for the rest of the school year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This (Monday) afternoon Gov. Jay Inslee announced the closure of all Washington State public, private and charter schools through the end of the school year to slow the spread of COVID-19. Without this decision and the extended Stay Home Stay Health order, the rate of infection will overwhelm the health care system.

Our schools will remain closed through the end of the school year. This school closure includes all schools in the Kent School District. At this time, all events for the duration of the school year have been canceled, including graduation ceremonies and proms. We are extremely concerned about all our students, especially our seniors, who we know were looking forward to celebrating their kindergarten through 12th grade accomplishments. It is our hope that we will be able to offer them the opportunity to experience prom and graduation at a later date or in an alternative way.

We will provide you with information in the near future with regards to grades, graduation, transcripts, summer school, continued instruction and more. We are frequently updating our information page at www.kent.k12.wa.us/closure.

While this is extremely disappointing for all of us and not the outcome we would have wanted, it is a necessary step for us to do our part in stopping the spread of COVID-19 and making sure we keep our students, families, and staff safe.

We will continue providing services, including continuous learning opportunities and meals to our families.

Thank you all for your patience and understanding during this difficult time. Please take care of yourselves and each other. Stay at home, practice social distancing when you cannot be at home, wash your hands for 20 seconds often, and stay healthy.”