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The push to re-open schools during the COVID-19 pandemic has sparked a national call that teachers, administrators and support staff be vaccinated as they return to campus.

A partnership between La Conner schools and the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community has made that happen locally.

Swinomish health team members administered vaccines to around 100 La Conner Schools employees last Wednesday, midway point of the first week students in lower elementary grades returned to campus.

Swinomish Health Administrator Jennifer LaPointe teamed with La Conner Schools Executive Assistant Cherri Kahns to coordinate the vaccinations.

“She (LaPointe) asked that I schedule a group of 25 employees every 30 minutes for a two-hour period,” Kahns said. “I had no problem accommodating her requests and was able to share the information with her and her staff to streamline the registration process.”

Kahns and schools Director of Special Programs Andy Wheeler gave shout-outs to the Swinomish health team.

“Things went great,” Wheeler said. “The folks from the Swinomish health clinics were very cheerful and caring.”

“We are so blessed,” added Kahns, “to have the Swinomish Tribe as a thoughtful, generous, caring partner with our school district and community.”

Swinomish had received vaccines in late December. Elders, staff and Fire District 13 personnel were vaccinated first. Last month the Tribal Senate, after consulting with LaPointe, decided to make vaccinations available to La Conner Schools employees.

“The Senate recognizes the importance of our La Conner teachers to our community’s children and their future,” Chairman, Steve Edwards said at the time, “and we understand the benefits of in-person education.”

La Conner School Board member J.J. Wilbur, also a Tribal Senator and Fire District 13 Commissioner, said the smooth first round of vaccinations for school staff at Swinomish bodes well going forward.

“The vaccinations went real well,” Wilbur said, “and we’ve set a date for round two.”

Wilbur and schools Superintendent Rich Stewart confirmed school employees will return to Swinomish for their second set of COVID-19 vaccinations on March 3.