Jim Allen

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News >  Education

Digital divide challenges Washington districts seeking equity in at-home learning

UPDATED: Tue., March 24, 2020

Because of COVID-19, the learning curve just got a lot steeper for children who have the farthest to climb.

News >  Spokane

Spokane Schools handing out more laptops to students

UPDATED: Tue., March 24, 2020

Spokane Public Schools is making progress toward filling the need for more laptops in the wake of last week’s closures, the district said this week.

News >  Education

Spokane Public Schools ramps up learning-at-home program, makes teachers available

UPDATED: Tue., March 24, 2020

Spokane Public Schools is ramping up its learning-at-home program, with teachers available via phone, email and other platforms, the district has announced. The aim is to connect with students and parents, answer questions, share materials, clarify directions and assist with access to digital resources

News >  Spokane

Special education during shutdown on tap at special Spokane Schools meeting

UPDATED: Mon., March 23, 2020

Spokane Public Schools will hold a virtual question-and-answer session Wednesday to address the issue of special education during the coronavirus-related closure. The session will be held from 2-3 p.m., and a link will be provided before the meeting on the district’s website.

News >  Idaho

After most districts closed, Idaho board of education shutters the rest

UPDATED: Mon., March 23, 2020

The Idaho State Board of Education on Monday afternoon ordered all public schools in the state to close until at least April 20.

News >  Spokane

Long lines, limited capacity don’t deter buyers at Lincoln Heights grocery store

UPDATED: Sat., March 21, 2020

As customers queued up outside the South Hill Trader Joe’s on Saturday morning, the chill was made more bearable by one reassuring thought. Toilet paper

News >  Education

Spokane Public Schools adds food-access sites, closes playgrounds

UPDATED: Sat., March 21, 2020

Spokane Public Schools is widening access to food but limiting playground opportunities in the face of the COVID-19 threat. In a letter sent to families Friday night, the district announced that meals will be served beginning Monday at 24 sites, an increase of three from last week. The new sites are Audubon, Bemiss and Cooper elementary schools.

News >  Spokane

Spokane Public Schools meets demand for to-go food but anticipates need will grow

Sat., March 21, 2020

After a few adjustments, food distribution at Spokane Public Schools hit its stride Friday in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Not a single site ran out of food today, which is awesome,” district spokesperson Ally Barrera said after the district served about 3,500 children at 21 buildings throughout the city.

News >  Education

Central Valley schools pursue child care, academic support plans

UPDATED: Fri., March 20, 2020

The Central Valley School District is moving ahead with plans for child care and academic support, Superintendent Ben Small told families in

Sports >  Gonzaga women

Analysis: Lack of postseason won’t take away from Gonzaga women’s stellar campaign

UPDATED: Fri., March 20, 2020

In a normal world, the Gonzaga women would be practicing in anticipation of this weekend’s first-round NCAA Tournament game in Spokane.

News >  Education

Mead School District to begin weekly communication with students, parents

Thu., March 19, 2020

Beginning Monday, the Mead School District will begin a system of weekly communication with parents and students during the current closure, the district announced Thursday.

News >  Education

School’s out for how long, exactly? Spokane Public Schools plans for up to 6-month break

UPDATED: Thu., March 19, 2020

In Washington, the plan is to reopen on April 27. But what if the coronavirus crisis isn’t under control by then?

News >  Education

Spokane Public Schools can’t keep up with demand for food, even after upping production

UPDATED: Thu., March 19, 2020

In response to the crisis and the closure of all its buildings, Spokane Public Schools began food distribution efforts Thursday morning by preparing 2,100 breakfast and lunch bags at 21 sites throughout the city. That wasn’t enough.

News >  Spokane

Child care needs acute as coronavirus restrictions expand

UPDATED: Fri., March 20, 2020

As the COVID-19 outbreak widens, so has the child-care crisis in Spokane and the rest of the state.

News >  Education

Learning doesn’t have to stop amid COVID-19 outbreak: Education experts offer tips, online resources for school at home

Thu., March 19, 2020

Only a week ago, more than 90,000 children in Spokane County were getting their education at public and private schools. Now, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, they’re home for at least six weeks. Teachers have sent them off with good wishes and backpacks filled with books, lesson plans and links to educational websites.

News >  Education

School lunch to go: Spokane district to begin distributing food Thursday

UPDATED: Wed., March 18, 2020

Spokane Public Schools will roll out its grab-and-go food program on Thursday at 21 sites throughout the district.

News >  Education

Spokane Superintendent Redinger no longer in running for Nashville job

UPDATED: Wed., March 18, 2020

Spokane Public Schools Superintendent Shelley Redinger is no longer in the running for the top position at the school district in Nashville, Tennessee.

News >  Education

Regional school districts, including Post Falls and Coeur d’Alene, refine closure and lunch plans

UPDATED: Tue., March 17, 2020

Post Falls schools will be open Wednesday from 8 a.m. to noon to allow students to collect personal belongings before buildings close down until at least April 6. Meanwhile, the

Sports >  Gonzaga women

Gonzaga women earn first 2021 commitment, English forward Esther Little

UPDATED: Tue., March 17, 2020

Esther Little, an athletic forward with several years of international experience, is Gonzaga’s first verbal commit of the class of 2021.

Sports >  Gonzaga women

Gonzaga women ranked No. 13 in final Associated Press Top 25 poll

UPDATED: Tue., March 17, 2020

The Bulldogs (28-3) climbed as high as No. 11 in the poll earlier this season and reached No. 10 in the USA Today coaches poll.

News >  Spokane

Families warned that Sacajawea Middle School may have coronavirus exposure

Mon., March 16, 2020

On Monday, the Spokane Regional Health District notified the district of possible exposure to coronavirus in the Sacajawea Middle School community, Principal Jeremy Ochse notified families.

News >  Spokane

School districts make plans to continue education and feed students

UPDATED: Tue., March 17, 2020

Schools districts across Spokane County announced plans to provide students with classroom materials and free drop-off lunches.

News >  Spokane

Spokane schools will have free meals for all students ready by Thursday

Mon., March 16, 2020

Classes are out for at least six weeks, but Spokane Public Schools is rolling out a plan to begin distributing meals on Thursday.

News >  Spokane

Schools let out for coronavirus

UPDATED: Tue., March 17, 2020

Schools across the state are closed for at least six weeks as community attempts to thwart the spread of coronavirus.

News >  Spokane

Spokane Public School teachers prepare to say goodbye to students, ensure learning at home

UPDATED: Sun., March 15, 2020

As the teachers gathered in the library at Regal Elementary School on Sunday afternoon, they knew one thing: There is no manual for this. There is no handbook to help them deal with the sudden closure of their school for at least six weeks.