February 10, 2021

Note on Weather Delays or Closures;

Athletics Update Regarding Phase 2

Dear Walla Walla Catholic School Families,

We have been blessed this year with a relatively mild winter, but it looks like we may not be ready for the beginning of spring just yet. With some significant winter advisories in the forecast, we are asking that Assumption students please wear coats and pants during cold weather days in order to participate in outside recess. Depending on temperatures, playground monitors and/or classroom teachers may require some students to stay inside for recess if not appropriately clothed with a coat and pants. On any days with extreme temperatures or wind chill risk, students will either remain inside or make use of the Assumption Parish Hall for recess if available.

Regarding our school production of "The Jungle Book", severe weather conditions may impact the schedule of performances for the coming weekend. Communication will be sent on Friday if there are any adjustments made to the showtimes.

Please review the information below regarding potential weather-related delays or closures at our schools. Note that, in the event of a delay or closure at either school, you will be notified via our "One Call" emergency system.

- John Lesko

Principal, Walla Walla Catholic Schools

Weather-related Delayed Start

If we decide to do a 2-hour delay, both Assumption and DeSales would start at 10:00 a.m. with health screening beginning at 9:30. The day would end at the following dismissal times:

Grades K-6 will dismiss at 2:25 p.m.
DeSales grades 7-12 will dismiss at 2:15 p.m. – office hours and study assistance would still be available with teachers until 3:00 p.m.

Click the button below to view the 2-hour delay schedule for DeSales grades 7-12.

7-12 Delayed Start Schedule

We understand the challenges created with 2-hour delays and transportation, but for supervision purposes we do request that students arrive no earlier than 9:30 a.m. for the 10:00 a.m. start time. Students will also still need to complete the usual health screening protocols.

Weather-related School Closure

For the upper grade levels, our response in the event of a weather-related school closure will be different than it has been in the past. With the development of our remote learning instruction at these upper grades, any "snow day" will result in classes being conducted remotely through Google Classroom. The schedule for these snow days will be the same as our remote schedule from earlier in the year, and that schedule will be included in any snow day announcement as a reminder.

Important Athletics Update

Possibility of Phase 2; COVID-19 Guidelines; Games schedule for next week

There is a possibility that our athletics program will be allowed to move into Phase 2 this coming Friday, February 12. Entering Phase 2 would open up the possibility of fuller practices and athletic competitions with other schools. This possibility is very exciting, and we will be providing further updates and information on Friday when we learn more.

If we are indeed approved to make the move to Phase 2, our school is still required to follow the COVID-19 Guidelines set by the state and the league which help to ensure a safe environment for our student athletes. These guidelines apply to fans in attendance as well as to our players. As with most things this past year, there are many moving parts and various protocols particular to each school and county. We ask for your patience and understanding as we do what we can to provide our students with opportunities for athletic participation. Below are some initial guidelines we are currently working with, but again, these are subject to change.

For Home Games:

At this time, each athlete playing in a specific competition will be allowed to have two fans attend the competition. The names of those fans must be communicated to the Coach or Athletic Director up to 24 hours before the competition so they can be placed on a list. This list will be consulted before someone is admitted into the competition. Any person trying to attend that is not on the list will not be allowed to enter. Changing names on the list can only happen at least 24 hours prior to the event, not at the gate.
There will be a check-in area where every person attending the competition is required to adhere to a health screening protocol involving temperature, symptom, and close contact attestation.
Masks must be worn at all times.
Each pod of 2 fans will need to be distanced from other pods when seated at the games. There will be blue X's marked in the bleachers to assist with proper spacing.

For Away Games:

Transportation from parent drivers has always been a big factor in our student athletes being able to compete. It is preferred that student athletes ride in cars with the same household or same grade level whenever possible. If athletes who are not in the same household ride together, masks must be worn in vehicles.
Every school is different in their facility size and ability to have fans, so there may be some competitions where we get a limited number of fans that can attend due to school rules or facility limitations.

Our Drama Program has provided us with a great blueprint to follow for putting on a successful event with audience members following COVID-19 protocols. If we all work together to follow the guidelines put in place then we can help to deliver a successful sports season for our student athletes.

In the event that we get approval to enter Phase 2 on Friday, we will release a full games schedule at that time. For now, here is a tentative games schedule for next week that will go into effect when we get the green light to proceed Friday:

Tuesday - High School Volleyball vs. Prescott | JV 5:00 PM and V 6:00 PM
Thursday - High School Volleyball @ Touchet | JV 5:00 PM and V 6:00 PM
Friday - High School Football @ Sunnyside Christian | 7:00 PM
Middle School Sports - Competitions start the week of February 22

- Nick Hazeltine

WWCS Athletic Director