Turner School Board Approves Return to School Plan and Welcomes New Staff Members
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On Monday morning August 3, the Turner Public School Board met and approved the Turner Public School’s Return to School Plan. According to Superintendent Tony Warren, the situation will be fluid and plans may need to be adjusted based on changing recommendations from federal, state, and local officials.
“We appreciate the community’s continued patience and support throughout this time of the unknown. It seems like our guidance changes hourly, daily, and weekly. Please understand that the plan we have approved may change as we navigate this ever evolving situation. Our top priority will continue to be what is best for our students’ education,” Warren stated.
Similar to plans being used by other area schools, the Turner School District’s reopening plan covers three phases in accordance with the Governor’s and the Office of Public Instruction’s recommendation and in conjunction with the Blaine County Health Department.
Warren emphasized, “The Office of Public Instruction, the Governor’s Office, Montana School Boards Association, Blaine County Health Department, and many other educational and health organizations have provided guidance over the last several months concerning the reopening of schools. The guidance from these organizations does not contain mandates and/or directives for schools but rather serves as recommendations for local schools to consider as we finalize our plans for the 2020-21 school year.”
Focusing on safety measures, health precautions, sanitation, and signage, Turner’s Return to School Plan prioritizes the welfare of students and staff. It also includes protocols to follow if a staff member, student, or visitor becomes sick and makes provisions for students receiving services under applicable Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) or Section 504 Plans. Consideration for human resources, contact tracing, transportation, and online/offsite instruction factor into the Plan as well.
In a letter to families and parents, Warren wrote: “I am a firm believer that it is in the best interest of our students to return to school full time this fall. They are at low risk for contracting COVID and are at high risk for being set back academically because of the inherent limitations of online learning. There just is no substitute for a day in the classroom.”
According to Warren, the district’s return to school plan that was approved by the Board of Trustees will open school as normally as possible. “Our relatively low student and staff numbers work to our advantage, making it much easier to spread out within the building while still protecting the health and safety of our staff and students. There will be an increased awareness and diligence placed on cleaning and on effective sanitation practices. That being said, we do ask parents to be especially vigilant in keeping students home when they are feeling ill or have a temperature. We realize this will likely result in an increased number of student absences. However, it is the first line of defense to prevent the spread of disease.”
Anyone with questions about the Return to School Plan or about Academic Year 2020-2021 is encouraged to call the school office at 379-2219 or to contact Superintendent Warren directly at 379-2315.
In other news, Warren reported that the district has added three new staff members to their team. A recent graduate of Montana State University, Tatyana Vuckevic will teach third and fourth grade. Second, bringing a wealth of experience from both the military and private sectors, Amy Egbert will be the new business teacher, Egbert has previously served as a long term substitute in both the science and business classrooms. Finally, Anne Hance is moving into the head cook position and Mary Jane Waldahl will serve as the school’s assistant cook.
“We are very excited to have these individuals joining the educational team at Turner Public School,” Warren said.
