Quad cities students start school amid mask mandates

BREWSTER – Students returned to school last Wednesday, August 25, in the Brewster School District making it the earliest start among the four districts in the Quad coverage area. The Bears were followed by Bridgeport, August 30, Mansfield, August 31, and Pateros due Sept. 3.
Schools statewide are facing a mask mandate imposed the Governor Inslee and a requirement that school staff members be fully vaccinated by Oct. 18.
Brewster
School superintendent Eric Driessen said attendance at Brewster is up this year.
“We are currently not offering an online option other than alternative school,” said Driessen.
Asked about the mask mandate Driessen praised the public’s response.
“We have the best kids, and supportive parents and community,” said Driessen. “We appreciate all of them understanding that the requirements do not come from the school district. Our students, staff, and community are complying to the current requirements and doing a great job.”
Bridgeport
“Bridgeport is 100 percent in-person learning,” superintendent Scott Sattler said.
Sattler said the district is following the current state mask mandate.
“Covid vaccinations are mandated for school employees,” said Sattler. “Those with religious beliefs and/or medical can seek an accommodation.”
Pateros
“Pateros is offering an online option,” said superintendent Greg Goodnight. “At this time less than five percent of our enrollment has requested the online option.”
“COVID vaccine will be mandatory for staff starting Oct. 18,” said Goodnight. “The vaccine is not mandatory for students.”
Goodnight added that staff is following the state’s mask mandate.
“I believe the Pateros staff showed incredible commitment last year by opening the elementary school five days per week in person learning for all students last September,” said Goodnight. “The secondary opened with a hybrid schedule in October.  That was way before the vaccine was available.”
Mansfield
The Kernels head back to school Sept. 3, following the North Central Washington Fair, August 26-29, a major draw for the school’s FFA students. FFA instructor Jamey Jo Steele said she will have NCW results earned by her student exhibitors available this week.