April is child abuse prevention month, and a top state official said the coronavirus crisis has put children at heightened risk. Ross Hunter, secretary of the Department of Children, Youth and Families, said he's worried about the welfare of children because families are experiencing severe financial strain. Many people have suddenly lost their jobs because businesses have shut down to comply with the governor’s measures to stem the spread of the virus. And with the long-term closure of schools,

Washington families have been trying to get up to speed on this new world of at-home schooling. This is the first week remote education is required across school districts since schools were shut down last month to stem the spread of the coronavirus.

With more than one million K-12 students out of school due to the coronavirus pandemic, districts in Washington have faced the task of adapting a school system based on in-person instruction and supports to something that can be done remotely.

The coronavirus outbreak has upended many lives, but it can be particularly difficult for those who are separated from their families. Many university students have packed up and returned home amid the outbreak, but it’s more complicated for the thousands of international students studying in the Pacific Northwest. Some have remained here even as campuses empty out.

UPDATE, 6:00 PM: Adds state superintendent's comments on graduation requirements for high school seniors. With schools closed statewide until late April, many parents and students have wondered whether the school year will be extended into July or August. In a webinar hosted by the League of Education Voters, State Superintendent Chris Reykdal said that’s not likely.

Seattle Children’s says it has tested 660 patients for COVID-19, with four who came back positive and are now all recovering at home. Of 166 staff members tested since Friday, four tested positive.

Across the state, parents and caregivers suddenly have to figure out how to temporarily home-school their kids, after Gov. Jay Inslee ordered schools to shut down through April 24 in response to the coronavirus outbreak. Against that backdrop, some families have opted to enroll their children in the state’s public online schools.

Two of the state’s largest school districts are closing for at least two weeks due to the coronavirus outbreak, affecting more than 80,000 students.

UPDATE, March 6, 2:55 pm: Adds that Lake Washington Superintendent Jane Stavem has announced her resignation as she takes a new position in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The east side of Lake Washington is where the state has seen a number of novel coronavirus cases, including deaths. Two school districts there are taking different approaches to the outbreak.

Parents in Seattle have been pushing for years for the school district to adopt universal screening to identify students for the highly capable program. Now, Seattle Public Schools said it plans to administer a 30-minute test to more than 4,400 second-graders later this month. It’s something that’s already been adopted by other school districts, including Tacoma and Northshore.