Update: Reopening UCC Schools
August 18, 2020
Education Department releases Safe Schools, Safe Students plan
Here’s an update on our school reopening plans as current events unfold. As we have schools in the states of Idaho, Oregon and Washington we will give an update for each.
Idaho:
Reopening guidance is based on each local county’s guidance. At this time all of our Idaho schools will be able to open with in person instruction with appropriate health and safety protocols in place.
Oregon:
On July 30 the Governor announced new metrics for reopening schools in the state. Each school is working with their local health departments to determine the appropriate and safe reopening plans. Our Oregon schools will have limited ability to meet in person.
Washington:
On August 5 the Governor announced new metrics for reopening schools. These metrics created a high-, moderate- and low-risk criterion and accompanying recommendations. The metrics, along with the previously published health mandates, create a framework for schools moving ahead. Each school is working with their local health departments to determine the appropriate and safe reopening plans.
On June 25 the UCC Office of Education released our Safe Schools Safe Students: School Reopening Guidelines
to our schools. These guidelines were developed with health and safety mandates that have been developed by the respective state departments of health. This document provided our schools with guidelines to draft their reopening plans in consultation with their local health departments and school boards. Even though this is an ever-changing situation, this is not lost work! This planning will allow us to welcome students back on our campuses, when it is safe to do so, quickly and efficiently.
While our primary goal has been to provide the safest environment possible for our students and teachers to begin in-person instruction, we have been planning — in parallel — for the possibility of remote learning. It is important for us to keep providing the best continuous Seventh-day Adventist education to all of our students throughout these unprecedented times. With the lessons we learned in the spring with our quick dive into remote learning, our professional remote-focused professional development, and our awesome and creative teachers, we are confident that our remote learning 2.0 will be among the best remote learning possible! Remote learning, where needed, will be a bridge to getting our students on campus and be available to help toggle between in-person and remote if needed throughout the year.
Thank you for your continued support and prayers for our schools as we begin a new school year!
Courage and blessings,
Brian Harris
UCC Vice President, Education
News
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An unexpected journey of faith, answered prayer, and a home we never imagined
Gordon Pifher, former vice president of administration for Upper Columbia Conference, passed away early Friday morning, October 9, after a brief illness.
The Spokane Complex fires sparked a desire in the administration at Upper Columbia Academy Elementary School (UCAES) to help those in need.
Reaching our communities in 2027
By 6:30 a.m. every Tuesday morning, a dozen cars have already arrived at the Yakima Adventist Church parking lot.
On August 10-12, more than 100 UCC educators from throughout the Inland Northwest gathered at Camp MiVoden for UCC Inservice in preparation for the 2026-2027 school year.
This summer, 63 children streamed into Otis Orchards Adventist Church each day for Vacation Bible School.
Twenty-one men attended the retreat at Camp Touchet.
After nearly thirty years of prayer, sacrifice, volunteer labor, and unwavering faith, the Grangeville Church celebrated the dedication of its new sanctuary on June 6, 2026
