School Reopening Update
We Are SPS Special Edition Vol. 4
School Reopening Update
Most schools will be open Tuesday, January 23 for students.
There are only three schools that will remain closed Tuesday:
- Briggs Middle School
- Agnes Stewart Middle School
- Thurston High School
The remainder of schools not listed above will be open for students on Tuesday, January 23.
Briggs, Agnes Stewart and Thurston High were all expected to have power by Monday evening. Staff will report to BMS, ASMS and THS on Tuesday to prepare for an anticipated return to school for students on Wednesday, January 24.
Transportation staff drove bus routes on Monday to check for any safety hazards. Most bus routes will run as normal on Tuesday. Transportation staff will reach out to families directly that need to alter their bus stop due to hazards.
People and students should use caution as they navigate roads, bike lanes and sidewalks as there are still many downed trees and limbs throughout the city. Please give yourself extra time getting to and from school.
Several schools will open without internet access. Staff will use paper forms for some administrative tasks until internet is restored. Several schools may also have damaged phone lines. School staff will be responding to voicemails as quickly as they can.
A Message From the Superintendent
SPS families,
As we prepare to welcome students back in most of our schools tomorrow, I wanted to share additional gratitude for our community that continues to lean into each other.
Since Friday, I have watched the incredible dedication of our staff as they served meals to students and families, played games with them, and provided warm and welcoming spaces at Springfield High School and Two Rivers-Dos Ríos. The kind smiles and appreciative thank you’s filled my heart with joy.
I am continually amazed by our operations and facilities staff who worked over the weekend to clean up hazards around our schools. Their monumental efforts have made it possible for our schools to be ready for the return of students. While there will be ongoing cleanup in the coming months, we can welcome students back to buildings that are safe and healthy.
As a community, we have faced challenges together, and I am looking forward to our schools once again being filled with the familiar sounds of students and staff. Your support and patience throughout this process are greatly appreciated.
Todd Hamilton
Food Resources
Need help getting food? Our Family Resource Centers have put together a list of resources that may be able to help. Access the Food Resources list.
Willamalane Student Tech Lab
Two50 Club open for Middle Schoolers
Willamalane’s Two50 is open this week for middle schoolers. Two50 is a free club for Springfield middle schoolers at Bob Keefer Center that operates Monday-Friday, 3-6 p.m. It's a great place to do homework, hang out with friends, play video games, and have fun. It's conveniently located in Bob Keefer Center with daily after-school hours. Learn more here.
Connected Lane County Extended hours
Monday through Thursday of this week, Connected Lane County (303 S 5th St Ste 150, Springfield) will run extended drop-in hours for those affected by the ice storm. Youth and their friends and family are welcome to take showers, use washing machines, eat free food, play games, and hang out in a warm place!
Drop-in hours will be regular hours from 3:00 to 6:00 pm with extended dates! Monday, January 22-Thursday, January 25.
SPS Ice Storm Updates Webpage
All of SPS’ weather-related information, including closure notices and respite center information, can now be found on our weather updates page.
We will continue to reach out with important updates by email, text and social media.
More Resources
At Willamalane's Bob Keefer Center, you are welcome to use the lobby, get warm, and charge devices at no cost. You can also shower (free) or use the fitness center or court activities for standard drop-in fees. For hours, please visit willamalane.org/alerts.
You many be able to get replacement benefits if you had to throw away food due to the power outage or other storm damage that you bought with SNAP benefits. Contact the Oregon Department of Human Services within 10 days of the loss by phone (800-699-9075), email (oregon.benefits@odhsoha.oregon.gov), or visit your local office.
FOOD for Lane County's Mobile Food Pantry is stationed at Bob Keefer Center on the last Friday of every month from 4 pm - 6 pm. For more information including eligibility and other mobile pantry sites, visit FOOD for Lane County's website.
Team Springfield partners Springfield Utility Board (SUB), City of Springfield, Springfield Public Schools and Willamalane are working together in response to the ice storm in our community. We are coordinating on sharing information that can be found on the City's alerts page for updates and resource links at https://springfield-or.gov/alerts
From Lane County:
Lane County residents whose homes were damaged in the recent ice storm are being asked to fill out an online damage assessment form.http://www.cognitoforms.com/.../LaneCountyIceStormHousing...
Both renters and property owners are encouraged to complete the form. The form will be used to help Lane County and its partners understand the long-term recovery needs of the community.
People should still work with their insurance companies to pursue reimbursement for eligible damages and repairs. There are currently no government resources available to repair private properties or businesses.
Community Links
City of Springfield
Includes Police, Fire, and Public Works departments