BENTON CITY, Wash.-- Students in the Kiona-Benton School District won't attend classes on Monday, as the school implements Gov. Jay Inslee's orders to close all schools in the state one day ahead of schedule.


Schools will still provide nutrition services through "grab and go" meals, rather than opening cafeterias to children during the mandated six week closure. The modified food service is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, with more information about the locations and times of pick-up expected to be released some time Monday.


Superintendent Pete Petersen said in a facebook post Friday that school administrators took part in a webinar with OSPI that focused on implementing the Governor's order that schools continue to provide food service options while classes are not meeting, because so many families rely on free and reduced lunches during the school year.


Ki-Be schools are also trying to determine their capability of offering childcare services for children in the district who have parents who work as first responders and health care professionals, as requested by the governor.


While there will be no classes on Monday, students, faculty, and staff can access school buildings Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to retrieve personal items.

Some essential administrative staff will continue working through at least a portion of the closure, but buildings will not be open to the general public.


Additional information about food services and childcare will be posted on the Ki-Be School District website and social media pages.

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