North Wasco County School District 21 remains outside of the state’s advisory metrics to move toward in-person instruction, even with recent changes.  In a letter to parents, D-21 interim superintendent Theresa Peters says the latest two-week Wasco County case count is 143, well above the 90 cutoff for considering moving toward on-site and hybrid models.  Peters did say the district is consulting with North Central Public Health officials to review required safety protocols.  She says D-21 will follow the advisory metrics, and when they allow will begin a careful phasing in of in-person learning starting at the early elementary grades and adding grade levels incrementally.  The district has shared prioritized lists of educators to be vaccinated with the local health department to facilitate that process.   Once Wasco County meets the metrics, a two-week notice will be given to allow staff planning, family communication, and a gradual opening with one grade at a time, starting at the kindergarten level.  Extra-curricular sports conditioning and strength training activities continue for high school students and will begin February 1 for middle school students.  Individual evaluations for specific students are taking place to prepare for some individual student testing at The Dalles High School to begin in February.  Peters said D-21’s next update will be the week of February 15.