Glasgow Schools Update On Plans For Fall

To Glasgow Students, Staff, Parents and Community,

I hope everyone is having a fun and relaxing summer! We at the Glasgow School District wanted to provide an update to our students, parents, staff, and community as to the current status of plans for reopening school buildings beginning Aug. 26. We are working to develop a plan that balances the best opportunities for the education of our students and as well as keeping staff and students as safe as possible during this time.

The Office of Public Instruction, the Governor's office, Montana School Boards Association (MTSBA), and many other educational and health organizations have provided guidance concerning reopening 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 work to finalize our plans for the 2020-2021 school year.

We have formed a "reopening schools team" that includes faculty, parents, students, teachers, administrators, and board members in our district to meet frequently to construct a plan for reopening as we navigate the complexity of issues related to the day-to-day operations of school. We have emailed a survey to parents and staff regarding the end of the 2019-20 school year and asking about the comfortability of reopening for the 2020-21 school year. If you did not receive that survey, please contact me at the email below and I will forward it to you. Once we have this plan as complete as possible it will be approved by our school board as well as the Valley County Health Department and we will announce it to the students, parents, and community. We are in constant digital meetings with colleagues and educational agencies to get further guidance on the many facets to consider. Our goal is to reopen school with increased awareness and diligence placed on cleaning and effective sanitation practices. There will be adjustments that will need to be made in order to reopen our school buildings.

School building openings may include full attendance, blended attendance with distance learning, or distance learning as well as other accommodations/adjustments to ensure a safe and successful reopening. Our goal is to have a plan approved by the beginning of August.

We appreciate your 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 come up with may change as we navigate this ever-evolving situation. Our top priority will continue to be what is best for our students' education and safety for all involved.

If you have any questions you can contact me at [email protected] or via phone 406-228-2406.

Respectfully,

Supt. Wade O. Sundby