Kirkland, Washington is currently the epicenter of Covid-19 (Coronavirus) breakout. As of March 9, 2020, 33 new patients were diagnosed bringing the total to 116 in King County alone. The state's total number of deaths is currently at 23. 

Every day more and more people are diagnosed and more deaths are announced. Lake Washington School District, headquartered in Redmond, WA has been following the local King County Health Department's guidelines and has not closed operations. 

King County Health Guidelines on who should avoid large crowds can be found here: https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/communicable-diseases/disease-control/novel-coronavirus/protection.aspx

What We Need: 

Many families have children or family members that fall into the at-risk category as deemed by the Department of Health. Due to this, families are following these government guidelines and not sending their students or staff to the school. At this time, we are entering our second week of social distancing for families in at-risk categories. Lake Washington School District has not implemented online equitable access to education/instruction to families that are affected. 

The neighboring school district, Northshore ISD, has implemented online learning, hotspots for those without wifi, lunch for students, and access to technology. They completed this in a few day's time and started online instruction today, March 9, 2020. 

We ask that Lake Washington implement a similar strategy immediately for families that will not and cannot risk sending their loved ones to school. Lake Washington board and administration have replied to parent's concern by differing matters to the overworked teachers or utilizing the two online components of Powerschool and OneNote. These two online tools only provide basic material that was used without any context or actual instruction.

This is a matter of health and safety and access to free public education. 

Help us spread the word by signing this petition to encourage Lake Washington School District to implement online instruction for families that need it. 

For information on Lake Washington School District's current stance and update please see these links: https://www.lwsd.org/programs-and-services/health-services/coronavirus-information

For a video of the board meeting addressing Covid-19 concerns (Dated March 9, 2020): https://www.lwsd.org/board/board-meeting-video