Montana schools closed for 2 weeks to slow COVID-19 spread
Hey savvy news reader! Thanks for choosing local.
You are now reading
1 of 3 free articles.
LAKE COUNTY–Schools bring people from all corners of local communities together, which makes them a likely avenue for the spread of the novel coronavirus. On March 15, Governor Steve Bullock announced that all Montana public schools will be closed for two weeks to prevent the spread of the illness.
In a press release, Bullock said the closures were an effort to “flatten the curve” of the progression of the virus. According to the CDC, social distancing slows the spread of the virus. This means that the total number of people infected at any one time is smaller. Reducing the number of people infected at once ensures that medical facilities have the capacity to treat everyone who needs medical support. According to the press release, the closures are preventative and not a response to existing outbreaks in schools.
Bullock acknowledged that many families rely on schools for childcare and meals. Schools will continue to receive state funding through the closure and are working on plans to provide meals to all who need them.
Schools have posted resources for families to help their children continue their education during the closure. Sources include Funbrain, NASA Kids Club, Brain Pop, and NatGeo Kids. Some educational websites are waiving subscription fees for online services. Kidsactivities.com has a comprehensive list of the companies offering free subscriptions.
School-specific adjustments to the virus:
Polson
In a March 15 letter to families, Polson superintendent Rex Weltz announced that the district would comply with the governor’s school closures and that the Polson Boys and Girls Club would close during the school closures as well. Updates on changes to sports schedules will be posted on the school’s website
According to a letter Weltz wrote to families on March 13, the district’s technology and leadership teams were working to develop a framework that would allow students to continue their studies from home. The district’s food and nutrition team is creating a plan to get meals to students who rely on free or reduced-cost meals. The school maintenance teams were creating deep-cleaning plans.
Weltz recommended that families avoid non-essential travel to high-risk areas over spring break in April. According to the CDC China, Iran, South Korea and Europe are all areas where travelers risk infection.
Ronan
The Ronan School District will provide free breakfast and lunch for school-aged children. Families can pick up meals in the Pablo Elementary School parking lot and the Ronan Middle School parking lot from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The Ronan Boys and Girls Club is closed during the school closures.
St. Ignatius
All school functions at St. Ignatius will be canceled during the two-week closure. The school plans to put together parcels that include a week’s worth of lunch and breakfast food. The times when these meals can be picked up will be posted on the school’s website and Facebook page. Staff who are available are encouraged to help assemble and distribute meals.
Arlee
All after school, extracurricular and sporting events are canceled during the closure.
Hot Springs
All activities that take staff or students out of the district have been canceled until the end of March. Those who need meals can call 406-741-2962.
Dixon
Dixon Daycare and all school activities will be canceled for two weeks. Schools in the area will be providing regular updates on any school program changes due to the virus on school Facebook pages and websites. Specific questions about the virus should be directed to the Lake County Health Department at 406-883-7288.
