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Potomac PreK Class will remain in Online Instruction Mode for October 4-7

Due to the fact that both the preK teacher and preK paraprofessional are having to quarantine due to Covid, and we cannot secure substitutes for them, the preK class will remain in online instruction mode for this next week--Monday, October 4th through Thursday, October 7th.

There will be a Zoom lesson provided each day at 9:30 am. Parents should receive an email notification from the teacher today that includes the link information.

We will contact the preK parents on Thursday regarding a decision for the following week.

Thanks.


Potomac School Students Will Return to Face-to-Face Instruction 
on Monday, October 4th

All classes for Prekindergarten through 8th grade at Potomac School will resume our normal full days of face-to-face instruction on Monday, October 4th, at 7:50 am to 4:00 pm. While the wearing of face masks are recommended, they are not required. Parents are asked to continue to do wellness checks of their children each morning including checking for fever and other covid-related symptoms.  If the parent feels that the child might be sick, we ask that the parent keep him or her home and please notify the school. We will continue implementing our Return-to-School Plan which includes checking temperatures, social distancing where possible, and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.  

Athletic practices and competitions will resume on the 4th of October as well.



Potomac School Board Modifies Return-to-School Plan

In a special called meeting on Monday, September 27, 2021, the Potomac School Board voted to modify the school's Return-to-School Plan. In a previous special meeting held on September 20th, the Board voted down a motion to require the wearing of face masks at the school. After a lengthy discussion, the board members voted to table a motion to revise the Return-to-School Plan and Policy 1905.  At the meeting on the 27th, board members listens to input from a number of concerned individuals, then they took up the tabled motion and passed it by a 5-0 vote to include some changes to the Return-to-School Plan.  The most significant change was to alter the length of time that students are required to remain in the online instruction mode once the school moves to online instruction. The Plan previously required the school to remain in online mode for two weeks before returning to face-to-face instruction.  The revised wording allows the school to return to face-to-face learning after seven calendar days starting from the day after the school shifts to online mode.  The revised wording states that students can return to school for face-to-face instruction after being in online instruction for seven week days with their return taking place on the first Monday after the seven-day period.

Below is a copy of the full text of the revised Return-to-School Plan.  There were only minor clerical revisions made to Policy 1905. The original Policy 1905 remains in effect with these clerical corrections made.

 

 

 

 


Potomac Elementary School

29750 Potomac Road

Bonner, Montana 59823

John P. Rouse, Principal

 

 

 

 

 

 Phone  (406) 244-5581

 Fax (406) 244-5840                     www.potomacschoolmontana.us


“Potomac School equips each student for his/her future

 within a culture of excellence that values the small community experience."

 

 


Potomac School District Return-to-School Plan

2020-21

(Revised December 14, 2020)

(2nd Revision- May 13, 2021)

(3rd Revision- September 27, 2021)

 

 

 

The Potomac School District #11 will begin the first day of instruction for the 2020-21 school year on August 26th. The Potomac School District Board of Trustees and staff members recognize that these are unusual times as a result of the COVID-19 virus. Because the health and safety of our students and staff members are of primary importance, some policies and procedures will be in place until such time as the COVID-19 emergency no longer exists. The school board approved the 1900 Series – COVID-19 Emergency Policies in June. This Return-to-School Plan is based on those policies, and the procedures and practices outlined in this plan will be followed until the school board determines that the emergency measures are no longer needed.

 

While the desire of the school board and the staff members is to provide a learning environment that is as close to “normal” for our students as is feasible, we are required to follow the directives and mandates of the governor and our county health department.  The steps outlined in this plan are subject to revision at any point should the directives from either of these two entities change. Any references in this plan to “Phases” are based on the phased reopening included in the directives from the governor. At the time of the origination of this plan, schools in Montana were in Phase Two of the governor’s reopening plan, and the steps outlined are based on remaining in that phase.  Should the governor choose to move the state forward to Phase Three or return to Phase One, the plan will be modified accordingly.

 

GOVERNOR BULLOCK’S PHASE TWO REOPENING PLAN WITH NOTED LOCAL MODIFICATIONS

 

Below are the specific requirements that impact schools under the current Phase Two of the governor’s plan. In the process of adopting the 1900 series of board policies, our school board chose to modify some portions of these policies based on the fact that our school enrollment is relatively small. This allows us more flexibility in how we address social distancing and other accommodations. An asterisk next to bullet points from the governor’s Phase Two components below indicates that our school board has exercised their local decision-making authority with regard to that specific point.

 

CLEANING AND SANITATION

• Frequent disinfecting of door handles, desks, and other common spaces.

• Require handwashing in regular intervals.

• Keep libraries, gyms, and playgrounds off limits unless they can be sanitized between groups.*

• Provide hand sanitizer.

*We will continue using these facilities with sanitization taking place daily. at intervals including before and after school.  Handwashing will be required of all students prior to lunch and after any recess periods as well as at times where students come into contact with frequently touched objects such as in the gym, library, or playground.


 

SICK POLICIES

• Implement temperature checks and/or symptom screening when practical. *

• Require anyone (students or staff) with COVID-19 symptoms to stay home.

*All students, staff members, volunteers, or visitors will have their temperature checked upon entry into the school buildings.

 

LIMIT CLASS SIZES

• Consider breaking larger classes into smaller groups.

• Students may alternate school days or attend for half days.*

*We will operate a normal schedule except that recess and library groups will be staggered

 

MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCE

• Consider use of face coverings by all staff and students*

• Keep students with the same group and in the same classroom, with teachers rotating when practical.

• Consider students eating lunch in the classroom to help limit mixing of students.**

• Cancel extracurricular activities.

• Prevent any non-school staff, including parents, from entering school buildings.***

• Consider reducing bus loads to allow for one student per seat. Locally, face coverings will be required of anyone riding on a school bus.

*At the time of the first publication of this plan, the governor’s directive requiring the wearing of face coverings did not apply to schools; however, on August 12th, the governor included all public and private schools in his mandate to wear face coverings while indoors.

**Lunch will be served in the gym with the tables spaced apart and seating arrangements controlled. There will be no salad bar.

***This does not apply to parents/guardians, or volunteers. Other visitors will be required to wear face coverings and be subject to a temperature check.

 

ACCOMMODATIONS for students, teachers, and staff in an at-risk group:

• Schools that reopen will need to take into consideration that some teachers and staff will fall into the at-risk category because of their age or other health risks. These individuals should have additional accommodations including: teaching classes remotely, utilizing a larger classroom where social distancing can be maintained, or given an option not to return until the risks are reduced.

• Students who are high risk or who have family members who are high risk should not be penalized for failing to attend and should continue to receive remote support.

• Accommodations should also be extended to students and staff who are required to quarantine due to exposure or potential exposure.

 

CONFIRMED or SUSPECTED case of COVID-19

• Collaborate with public health to ensure each school has a plan for reporting, contact tracing and both short-term or extended closures in the case of a positive COVID case related to the school or community.

• Utilize CDC guidelines https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/guidance-for-schools.html

 


Potomac School implementation steps and requirements:

  1. All students, staff members, and visitors will be screened for temperature upon entering the building at the start of the day. Students showing a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher (confirmed by a second reading) will be isolated in a temporary holding area, and their parents will be asked to come and take the child home.

Note: The temporary holding area will be the room adjacent to the main office except on those days when our special need student who needs access to a changing room is present.  On those days, the teacher workroom area will be used as a temporary holding area for students with temperature readings above 100.4 degrees.

  1. Parents will be asked to complete a Daily Health Assessment (guide provided) before sending their child to school each day.  They are asked to also send a mask to school with their students to be worn at all times when inside school facilities.

Note: On August 12th, the governor expanded his original mandate requiring the wearing of face coverings to include all public and private schools in counties with more than 4 active Covid-19 cases. All students, staff members, volunteers, and visitors will be required to wear face coverings while inside our school facilities.

  1. Wearing face coverings in the classroom is required for both students and staff members. When inside school facilities, all adults and children 5 years old or older will be required to wear face coverings unless they have a medical condition that prohibits wearing a mask.
  2. Parents will be asked to send their own water bottle to school for their children’s use. The drinking fountain spigots will be covered and not be used.  The bottle fillers will be available for use.
  3. The movement of students in the staircases will be restricted directionally-- Up Only and Down Only staircases.  The exterior door to the basement will be for Exit Only.
  4. Morning recesses will be scheduled to allow only one classroom group in a designated area of the playground at a time.
  5. Students will wash their hands immediately prior to and immediately after recesses.
  6. PE classes will be conducted outdoors whenever possible.  PE equipment will be cleaned/sanitized before the next use.
  7. Library sessions will be restricted to one class at a time.
  8. Inter-school competitive flag football and volleyball will not be offered this fall. Conditioning or skill development clinics may be offered with some restrictions in relation to social distancing and physical contact. 
  9. School events and other gathering involving more than 50 people will be scheduled only when such gatherings follow the restrictions imposed by our government agencies-- governor's office or the health department.
  10. Student seating during lunch periods will be controlled to allow for social distancing-- Tables will be separated and the number of students per table will be limited.
  11. Hand washing prior to lunch will be required of all students.
  12. Hand sanitizer will be available for use in all classrooms.  Use of hand sanitizers by students in grades preK through third grade will be done under adult supervision only.
  13. The number of students permitted in the restroom will be limited to no more than three students at a time.

Note: This plan may be modified at any time based on directives from the state or county government. These directives are from the health department and the school district must comply with them. If you have questions regarding these requirements or their interpretation, please contact the Missoula City-County Health Department.

 

 


MISSOULA COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT DIRECTIVES IN THE EVENT OF EXPOSED TO THE VIRUS

 

Note: The following are directives from the health department to which the school district must comply. If you have questions regarding these requirements or their interpretation, please contact the Missoula City-County Health Department.

 

Schools with a Staff/Student with COVID-19: What to Expect/Who Can Attend?

 

What will happen when a student/staff tests positive for Covid-19?

·       The MCCHD is notified of all positive Covid-19 test results for residents living in Missoula County. MCCHD staff will then contact the positive individual/family and start an investigation.

·       The positive individual will be asked to Isolate at home and not be allowed to come to school or activities until the end of their Isolation period (to be determined by public health).

Does the School need to Close?

·       Not necessarily. If the school is able to remove everyone from the areas that need to be cleaned, the school may clean those impacted areas without closing.

·       Some students and staff with potential exposure may be asked to temporarily not attend while the school works with MCCHD to determine who had close contact with the person with a positive Covid-19 test.

Who will be notified that they were exposed?

·       All Close Contacts-People who were within 6 feet of the person who tested positive for 15 minutes or more. MCCHD will work with the school to notify these individuals/their families.  People who do not receive a phone call from MCCHD have not been identified as a close contact.

·       Above information is gathered by MCCHD staff during their investigation.  MCCHD will work with school staff to get information needed-names and phones numbers of close contacts.

Who cannot come to the school after someone tests positive for Covid-19?

·       Students and staff who had close contact with the person who tested positive will need to stay home(quarantine) until 14 days after their last contact with the person who tested positive. This may be a different time for people depending on when they attended or last worked with the positive person.

·       A close contact cannot come back early if they have a negative test during the 14 days-they could still be incubating the virus.

When can someone who had a positive test return?

·       People with a positive test can return when they have been fever-free for 24 hours without taking fever reducing medication, and it has been at least 10 days since their symptoms started. This may be shorter than the time a close contact needs to stay at home.

·       People with a positive test do not need a negative test to return.

Can siblings/parents of someone who tested positive come to school?

·       No, siblings and parents would have close contact if living in the same home and must stay home until they meet MCCHD criteria for returning (the exact timeline will vary by individual).

Can siblings/parents of a close contact come to school?

·       Yes, they were not exposed to someone with Covid-19 so they can still come.

 

Revisions to Original Return-to-School Plan- Presented to the Board for approval on December 14, 2020 and revised through board action on September 27, 2021.

 

  • As we approach the potential for an ever-increasing number of Covid cases in and around our community, we are having to prepare for the potential that face-to-face instruction in schools may not continue to be possible. In anticipation of this possibility and to address some concern issues we are having with students who are not present for face-to-face instruction, we have made some revisions to our Opt-Out Option. Currently we have a few families who are asking for their students to be served through online instruction even though their students have not been required to be quarantined by the health department nor do they have family members at home who are at risk.  The Opt-Out Option was put in place in response to our recent 1900 policies that were adopted by the board to address the emergency resulting from Covid. Once the Opt-Out Option has been selected by a family and approved by the principal, the student will continue online instruction until the end of the quarter.  All Opt-Out requests will need to be resubmitted for approval each quarter. If the reasons for the Opt-Out request must be related to the impact of Covid on the student or his or her family.  If a student failed to complete his or her assignments during a prior Opt-Out period, the request for a renewal of the Opt-Out Option will be denied unless there are extenuating circumstances approved by the principal. If a student is absent from school due to normal childhood illness, that student should follow our regular procedures for completing his or her assignments while absent rather than attempting to participate through our online protocols involving extra planning and effort on the part of our teachers.
  • Policy 1905 that gave us the authority to grant credit to students for online learning requires that we are able to assess the students’ learning and document their progress. Students who do not complete and submit their online assignments by the deadlines established by their teacher will receive an “Incomplete” for those assignments and assessments. Students who fail to consistently complete assignments and/or assessments may lose the option to Opt Out of face-to-face learning. The principal will consider extenuating circumstances before removing Opt Out option.
  • As the number of Covid cases increases, we will shift to full online instruction even if the health department does not mandate school closures if we reach a target threshold in terms of students or teachers who are not able to attend school for face-to-face instruction.  For example if we have a third or 33% percent of our enrolled students (or 26 students) who are being quarantined, that would average three students per grade level, so in our combined grade level classes that would be six students who would be streaming instruction.  At that point, it would not be practical for our teachers to try to instruct both students in his or her classroom at online.  Likewise if When we have more than two of our teachers out for quarantine, we would not be able to secure enough substitute teachers to cover their in-class instruction; therefore, the administration is recommending that our trigger points for going to all online instruction schoolwide would be 50% 33% of the students (twenty-six) out for Covid-related absences or no more than two of our teachers out. Any individual cohort group-- (preK, Kindergarten, First Grade, Second/Third Grades combined, Fourth/Fifth Grades combined, Sixth/Seventh/Eighth Grade combined) will be placed into online instruction if 50% of the students in that cohort group are out of school for Covid-related absences.

·       Once we go into the online instructional mode, we will remain in that mode for two weeks seven calendar days—returning the Monday after the seven-day period. and then The administration will reassess where we stand relative to the two trigger points- having 50% of the students out or more than two certified teachers out to determine whether or not to return to face-to-face instruction. Note: The “50% of the students out” metric will be used by the administration to determine both when a cohort group of students or the entire school needs to shift into online instruction. Once 50% of an isolated cohort can return to in-person learning they will return under a hybrid model.

 

 


Potomac School ARP ESSER Plan

As a requirement of the ESSER III funding for Covid Relief to Schools Program, school districts are required to post their ARP ESSER Plan on their websites.  Below is an attached copy of the Potomac School District ARP ESSER Plan (Response Summary).


ESSER_ResponseSummary_8_21









Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services Plans

The Potomac School Board Revised the Return-to-School Plan

Potomac School District Return-to-School Plan

2020-21

(Revised December 14, 2020)

(2nd Revision- May 13, 2021)

(Approved as revised on August 9,2021)

 

 

 

The Potomac School District #11 will begin the first day of instruction for the 2020-21 school year on August 26th. The Potomac School District Board of Trustees and staff members recognize that these are unusual times as a result of the COVID-19 virus. Because the health and safety of our students and staff members are of primary importance, some policies and procedures will be in place until such time as the COVID-19 emergency no longer exists. The school board approved the 1900 Series – COVID-19 Emergency Policies in June. This Return-to-School Plan is based on those policies, and the procedures and practices outlined in this plan will be followed until the school board determines that the emergency measures are no longer needed.

 

While the desire of the school board and the staff members is to provide a learning environment that is as close to “normal” for our students as is feasible, we are required to follow the directives and mandates of the governor and our county health department.  The steps outlined in this plan are subject to revision at any point should the directives from either of these two entities change. Any references in this plan to “Phases” are based on the phased reopening included in the directives from the governor. At the time of the origination of this plan, schools in Montana were in Phase Two of the governor’s reopening plan, and the steps outlined are based on remaining in that phase.  Should the governor choose to move the state forward to Phase Three or return to Phase One, the plan will be modified accordingly.

 

GOVERNOR BULLOCK’S PHASE TWO REOPENING PLAN WITH NOTED LOCAL MODIFICATIONS

 

Below are the specific requirements that impact schools under the current Phase Two of the governor’s plan. In the process of adopting the 1900 series of board policies, our school board chose to modify some portions of these policies based on the fact that our school enrollment is relatively small. This allows us more flexibility in how we address social distancing and other accommodations. An asterisk next to bullet points from the governor’s Phase Two components below indicates that our school board has exercised their local decision-making authority with regard to that specific point.

 

CLEANING AND SANITATION

• Frequent disinfecting of door handles, desks, and other common spaces.

• Require handwashing in regular intervals.

• Keep libraries, gyms, and playgrounds off limits unless they can be sanitized between groups.*

• Provide hand sanitizer.

*We will continue using these facilities with sanitization taking place at intervals including before and after school.  Handwashing will be required of all students prior to lunch and after any recess periods as well as at times where students come into contact with frequently touched objects such as in the gym, library, or playground.


 

SICK POLICIES

• Implement temperature checks and/or symptom screening when practical. *

• Require anyone (students or staff) with COVID-19 symptoms to stay home.

*All students, staff members, volunteers, or visitors will have their temperature checked upon entry into the school buildings.

 

LIMIT CLASS SIZES

• Consider breaking larger classes into smaller groups.

• Students may alternate school days or attend for half days.*

*We will operate a normal schedule except that recess and library groups will be staggered

 

MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCE

• Consider use of face coverings by all staff and students*

• Keep students with the same group and in the same classroom, with teachers rotating when practical.

• Consider students eating lunch in the classroom to help limit mixing of students.**

• Cancel extracurricular activities.

• Prevent any non-school staff, including parents, from entering school buildings.***

• Consider reducing bus loads to allow for one student per seat. Locally, face coverings will be required of anyone riding on a school bus.

*At the time of the first publication of this plan, the governor’s directive requiring the wearing of face coverings did not apply to schools; however, on August 12th, the governor included all public and private schools in his mandate to wear face coverings while indoors.

**Lunch will be served in the gym with the tables spaced apart and seating arrangements controlled. There will be no salad bar.

***This does not apply to parents/guardians, or volunteers. Other visitors will be required to wear face coverings and be subject to a temperature check.

 

ACCOMMODATIONS for students, teachers, and staff in an at-risk group:

• Schools that reopen will need to take into consideration that some teachers and staff will fall into the at-risk category because of their age or other health risks. These individuals should have additional accommodations including: teaching classes remotely, utilizing a larger classroom where social distancing can be maintained, or given an option not to return until the risks are reduced.

• Students who are high risk or who have family members who are high risk should not be penalized for failing to attend and should continue to receive remote support.

• Accommodations should also be extended to students and staff who are required to quarantine due to exposure or potential exposure.

 

CONFIRMED or SUSPECTED case of COVID-19

• Collaborate with public health to ensure each school has a plan for reporting, contact tracing and both short-term or extended closures in the case of a positive COVID case related to the school or community.

• Utilize CDC guidelines https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/guidance-for-schools.html

 


Potomac School implementation steps and requirements:

  1. All students, staff members, and visitors will be screened for temperature upon entering the building at the start of the day. Students showing a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher (confirmed by a second reading) will be isolated in a temporary holding area, and their parents will be asked to come and take the child home.

Note: The temporary holding area will be the room adjacent to the main office except on those days when our special need student who needs access to a changing room is present.  On those days, the teacher workroom area will be used as a temporary holding area for students with temperature readings above 100.4 degrees.

  1. Parents will be asked to complete a Daily Health Assessment (guide provided) before sending their child to school each day.  They are asked to also send a mask to school with their students to be worn at all times when inside school facilities.

Note: On August 12th, the governor expanded his original mandate requiring the wearing of face coverings to include all public and private schools in counties with more than 4 active Covid-19 cases. All students, staff members, volunteers, and visitors will be required to wear face coverings while inside our school facilities.

  1. Wearing face coverings in the classroom is required for both students and staff members. When inside school facilities, all adults and children 5 years old or older will be required to wear face coverings unless they have a medical condition that prohibits wearing a mask.
  2. Parents will be asked to send their own water bottle to school for their children’s use. The drinking fountain spigots will be covered and not be used.  The bottle fillers will be available for use.
  3. The movement of students in the staircases will be restricted directionally-- Up Only and Down Only staircases.  The exterior door to the basement will be for Exit Only.
  4. Morning recesses will be scheduled to allow only one classroom group in a designated area of the playground at a time.
  5. Students will wash their hands immediately prior to and immediately after recesses.
  6. PE classes will be conducted outdoors whenever possible.  PE equipment will be cleaned/sanitized before the next use.
  7. Library sessions will be restricted to one class at a time.
  8. Inter-school competitive flag football and volleyball will not be offered this fall. Conditioning or skill development clinics may be offered with some restrictions in relation to social distancing and physical contact. 
  9. School events and other gathering involving more than 50 people will be scheduled only when such gatherings follow the restrictions imposed by our government agencies-- governor's office or the health department.
  10. Student seating during lunch periods will be controlled to allow for social distancing-- Tables will be separated and the number of students per table will be limited.
  11. Hand washing prior to lunch will be required of all students.
  12. Hand sanitizer will be available for use in all classrooms.  Use of hand sanitizers by students in grades preK through third grade will be done under adult supervision only.
  13. The number of students permitted in the restroom will be limited to no more than three students at a time.

Note: This plan may be modified at any time based on directives from the state or county government. These directives are from the health department and the school district must comply with them. If you have questions regarding these requirements or their interpretation, please contact the Missoula City-County Health Department.

 

 


MISSOULA COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT DIRECTIVES IN THE EVENT OF EXPOSED TO THE VIRUS

 

Note: The following are directives from the health department to which the school district must comply. If you have questions regarding these requirements or their interpretation, please contact the Missoula City-County Health Department.

 

Schools with a Staff/Student with COVID-19: What to Expect/Who Can Attend?

 

What will happen when a student/staff tests positive for Covid-19?

·       The MCCHD is notified of all positive Covid-19 test results for residents living in Missoula County. MCCHD staff will then contact the positive individual/family and start an investigation.

·       The positive individual will be asked to Isolate at home and not be allowed to come to school or activities until the end of their Isolation period (to be determined by public health).

Does the School need to Close?

·       Not necessarily. If the school is able to remove everyone from the areas that need to be cleaned, the school may clean those impacted areas without closing.

·       Some students and staff with potential exposure may be asked to temporarily not attend while the school works with MCCHD to determine who had close contact with the person with a positive Covid-19 test.

Who will be notified that they were exposed?

·       All Close Contacts-People who were within 6 feet of the person who tested positive for 15 minutes or more. MCCHD will work with the school to notify these individuals/their families.  People who do not receive a phone call from MCCHD have not been identified as a close contact.

·       Above information is gathered by MCCHD staff during their investigation.  MCCHD will work with school staff to get information needed-names and phones numbers of close contacts.

Who cannot come to the school after someone tests positive for Covid-19?

·       Students and staff who had close contact with the person who tested positive will need to stay home(quarantine) until 14 days after their last contact with the person who tested positive. This may be a different time for people depending on when they attended or last worked with the positive person.

·       A close contact cannot come back early if they have a negative test during the 14 days-they could still be incubating the virus.

When can someone who had a positive test return?

·       People with a positive test can return when they have been fever-free for 24 hours without taking fever reducing medication, and it has been at least 10 days since their symptoms started. This may be shorter than the time a close contact needs to stay at home.

·       People with a positive test do not need a negative test to return.

Can siblings/parents of someone who tested positive come to school?

·       No, siblings and parents would have close contact if living in the same home and must stay home until they meet MCCHD criteria for returning (the exact timeline will vary by individual).

Can siblings/parents of a close contact come to school?

·       Yes, they were not exposed to someone with Covid-19 so they can still come.

 

Revisions to Original Return-to-School Plan- Presented to the Board for approval on December 14, 2020.

 

  • As we approach the potential for an ever-increasing number of Covid cases in and around our community, we are having to prepare for the potential that face-to-face instruction in schools may not continue to be possible. In anticipation of this possibility and to address some concern issues we are having with students who are not present for face-to-face instruction, we have made some revisions to our Opt-Out Option. Currently we have a few families who are asking for their students to be served through online instruction even though their students have not been required to be quarantined by the health department nor do they have family members at home who are at risk.  The Opt-Out Option was put in place in response to our recent 1900 policies that were adopted by the board to address the emergency resulting from Covid. Once the Opt-Out Option has been selected by a family and approved by the principal, the student will continue online instruction until the end of the quarter.  All Opt-Out requests will need to be resubmitted for approval each quarter. If the reasons for the Opt-Out request must be related to the impact of Covid on the student or his or her family.  If a student failed to complete his or her assignments during a prior Opt-Out period, the request for a renewal of the Opt-Out Option will be denied unless there are extenuating circumstances approved by the principal. If a student is absent from school due to normal childhood illness, that student should follow our regular procedures for completing his or her assignments while absent rather than attempting to participate through our online protocols involving extra planning and effort on the part of our teachers.
  • Policy 1905 that gave us the authority to grant credit to students for online learning requires that we are able to assess the students’ learning and document their progress. Students who do not complete and submit their online assignments by the deadlines established by their teacher will receive an “Incomplete” for those assignments and assessments. Students who fail to consistently complete assignments and/or assessments may lose the option to Opt Out of face-to-face learning. The principal will consider extenuating circumstances before removing Opt Out option.
  • As the number of Covid cases increases, we will shift to full online instruction even if the health department does not mandate school closures if we reach a target threshold in terms of students or teachers who are not able to attend school for face-to-face instruction.  For example if we have a third or 33% percent of our enrolled students (or 26 students) who are being quarantined, that would average three students per grade level, so in our combined grade level classes that would be six students who would be streaming instruction.  At that point, it would not be practical for our teachers to try to instruct both students in his or her classroom at online.  Likewise if we have more than two of our teachers out for quarantine, we would not be able to secure enough substitute teachers to cover their in-class instruction. Therefore, the administration is recommending that our trigger points for going to all online instruction would be 33% of students (twenty-six) out for Covid or no more than two of our teachers out.
  • Once we go into the online instructional mode, we will remain in that mode for two weeks and then reassess where we stand relative to the two trigger points- having 26 students out or more than two certified teachers out to determine whether or not to return to face-to-face instruction.

 

Parents and Families:

Today (May 10th) at around lunchtime, the Missoula County Health Department and the Board of Health made the following announcement:



Masks Now Strongly Recommended

Missoula County has met its intermediate vaccination goal of 60% eligible having received at least one dose.  The Health Board in April directed the Health Officer to rescind the mandate and issue recommendations upon meeting this goal.  Those recommendations are issued in the attached document and effective immediately as of May 10, 2021. 

 

Missoula County is among the top in the state for vaccination progress.  The Board and Health Officer commend its many vaccinating partners and citizens' cooperation with masks and the progress with vaccinations that have brought Missoula to this place of low COVID transmission and high vaccination rates. 

 

The Governor's signing of HB 257 occurred simultaneous to Missoula County meeting it's goals and rescinding mask rule as planned by the Health Board. 


Mr. Rouse has posted signs on the doors of the school stating that wearing face masks is recommended (not required).  He has met with each class to let the students know that the wearing of face masks is now optional.  For the younger students, he told the students that their parents would talk to them about whether or not they needed to wear a face mask at school anymore. 


John P. Rouse, Principal




 

Notice of Election: School & Special District Election and Notice of Close of Regular Voter Registration

 

 

 

 

Notice is hereby given that on May 4, 2021, a mail ballot election for the following districts will be held:

 

School Districts:

·       Potomac School District #11

o   Trustee Election 1 Yr Term (choose 1)

o   Trustee Election 3 Yr Term (choose 1)

 

Ballots mail to all active and provisional voters on April 14, 2021 and are due by 8:00 p.m. on May 4, 2021. Inactive voters may request a ballot before 12:00 p.m. May 3, 2021 with the Missoula County Elections office. Please visit the Secretary of State’s My Voter Page (http://www.MyVoterPageMT.com) to check your voter registration status.

 

School district electors, as defined in Title 13, are those who reside in the District and are registered to vote by the close of registration on April 5, 2021.

 

Absentee ballots for the May 4, School-Special District Election may be acquired at the Elections Office at 140 N Russell Street weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. from April 14 – noon on May 3.

 

Voters who miss the Close of Registration deadline may late register for the Annual School & Special District Election at 140 N Russell Street from April 6, 2021 through May 3, 2021. Currently, between noon and the close of business on the day before Election Day, voters can complete & submit a voter registration card, but they will need to return to the local election office on Election Day to pick up and vote a ballot. Same day voter registration is currently also available at the Elections Office on Election Day – May 4, 2021.

 

On Election Day, drop off locations open at 7:00 a.m. and will continue to be open until 8:00 p.m.

DROP OFF LOCATION ON ELECTION DAY:


        Potomac Greenough School, 29827 Potomac Rd, Potomac, MT 59823


 

Notice is hereby given that regular* registration for the Annual School & Special District Election to be held on Tuesday, May 4, 2021 will close at 5:00 p.m., on Monday, April 5, 2021.

 

Ballots will be automatically mailed on Wednesday, April 14, 2021 to active electors only.

 

Voters who miss the Close of Registration deadline may late register for the Annual School & Special District Election at the Elections Office (140 N Russell Street, Missoula, MT 59801) from April 6, 2021 through May 3, 2021. Between noon and the close of business on the day before Election Day, voters can complete & submit a voter registration card, but they will need to return to the local election office on Election Day to pick up and vote a ballot. Same day voter registration is currently also available at the Elections Office on Election Day – May 4, 2021.

 

All active, provisional, and inactive electors of the included districts in Missoula County Montana are entitled to vote in said election.

 

**Note: An application for voter registration properly executed and postmarked on or before the day regular registration is closed must be accepted as a regular registration for 3 days after regular registration is closed. Inactive electors may reactivate by appearing at the Elections Office in order to vote, by requesting an absentee ballot in any election, or by notifying the County Election

Administrator in writing of the elector’s current address in the county.

 

Please visit our current election webpage at www.MissoulaVotes.com or contact the Elections Office at (406) 258-4751.

 

 

 

DATED this 26th of March Missoula County Elections

 

Run Date: March 28, April 4 and April 11, 2021 (Not more than 40 days or less than 10 days before election 3x).











Potomac School Wellness Action Plan


Background:  As a partial requirement to participate in the summer food program, the school district is required to have a School Wellness Action Plan. The Potomac School District has a School Wellness policy (See Policy 2510-R under school board policies). Prior to developing our School Wellness Action Plan, we formed a School Wellness Committee that is composed of staff members and students.  The committee completed an assessment of our current school wellness efforts using a survey instrument developed and disseminated by the Montana Team Nutrition Program at the Montana Office of Public Instruction.  The survey was completed independently by the committee members.  The results of the survey were presented to the Potomac School District Board of Trustees and the Parent Teacher Club (PTC) for their consideration and input. The survey included five goal areas: Nutrition Guidelines,Nutrition Education, Nutrition Promotion, Physical Activity, and School Wellness.  The goal areas from this survey that contained ratings indicating that a particular indicator has not been met are addressed in the Action Plan.


Note: The School Wellness Action Plan shown below is a draft version.  After it has been reviewed by the school board and the PTC, it will be updated and finalized.

 

 

 


Potomac Elementary School

29750 Potomac Road

Bonner, Montana 59823

 

 

 

 

 

 Phone  (406) 244-5581

 Fax (406) 244-5840                     www.potomacschoolmontana.us


“Potomac School equips each student for his/her future

 within a culture of excellence that values the small community experience."

 

 

 


School Wellness Action Plan 

2020-21

(Draft as of April 1, 2021)

 

Goal Area

Action Steps

Timeline/Responsible Person

Evaluation

2. Nutrition Education

The school allows students opportunities to apply critical thinking skills in making menu selections.

Food Service Manager

Direct observation of students making choices during menu selection. Manager will track the number of students not exercising critical thinking while in the process of selecting food choices.

 

3. Nutrition Promotion

The school implements only fundraising projects that promote nutritious choices.

Fund Raising Sponsors

All fundraising projects that involve food must have prior approval of the principal.

4. Physical Activity

Teachers and other personnel do not prohibit or deny student participation in recess as a consequence for inappropriate behavior.

Teachers and principal

Teachers will not withhold participation during recess as a consequence for disciplinary infractions. Verified by direct observation.

5. School Wellness

School administration and staff partner with community groups to promote nutrition, physical activity, and wellness to students and staff members.

Staff members and principal

At each School Wellness Committee meeting, the members of the committee will review our progress with respect to achieving this goal.

 

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Potomac School District's Return-to-School Plan

posted Aug 11, 2020, 3:19 PM by John Rouse

August 11, 2020

Our first day of school is Wednesday, August 26th.  This school year is obviously going to be a different type of year because of the impact that the Covid-19 virus is having.  We have been working over the summer to be prepared for whatever conditions might exist when school opens.  We have prepared a Return-to-School Plan.  We have emailed out copies of that plan to those parents/guardians for whom we have email addresses. The Plan and associated documents have also been posted on our webpage.

 

The Plan provides some detail as to the precautions we will be taking at school to create and maintain a healthy environment for students and staff members.  As noted in the plan, wearing face coverings in the classrooms is optional for both students and staff members; however, all adults (staff members, volunteers, and visitor) must wear face coverings anytime they are inside of school district buildings and the community center, except for staff members while they are in their work area—classrooms, offices, or kitchen.

 

While we are looking forward to the return of our students on the 26th, we understand that some students will need to remain home until the conditions at school are such that families feel safe sending their students to school.  In the packet of materials that were emailed out was an Opt-Out Form.  This form needs to be completed and returned by the parent/guardian for any student(s) who will not be returning to the classroom on August 26th. By completing this form, the parent/guardian is indicating their intention of keeping their student(s) home from school until the end of the first quarter of school (October 22nd).  The Opt-Out Form will need to be resubmitted at the beginning of each quarter. A copy of the Opt-Out form is on the school district’s webpage as well.

 

From the initial surveys that were sent to parents, it appears that only about ten students will be remaining at home when school opens.  There were nine students whose parents indicated that they were still undecided about their students returning to the classrooms. For those students whose parents submitted the Opt-Out of In-Class Instruction Forms, we will be providing live streaming of the classroom instruction as it is taking place at school.

 

Also, in the packet and on the webpage is a Health Screening and Liability Waiver Form that needs to be reviewed, signed, and returned to this school.  This form is an acknowledgement that the school will be conducting temperature screening of students, staff members, volunteers and visitors.  Our hope is to keep our school open for our students. We will utilize social distancing as much as possible in our facilities and stress good personal hygiene including handwashing, appropriate use of hand sanitizers, and cleaning and disinfecting frequently contacted surfaces. A critical step in this process will be for every parent/guardian to conduct a quick Health Assessment on their student(s) before sending them to school. An easy-to-use Daily Health Assessment is also available in the information that was included in the email documents and on the webpage.

Thanks for your patience and understanding during these unusual circumstances.

| Attachments: Potomac_Return_to_School_Plan_081120_final.pdf

Getting Ready for the New School Year

posted Jul 16, 2020, 12:46 PM by John Rouse


The first day of school at Potomac School District #11 for the 2020-21 school year will be August 26th. As you are aware, these are unusual times due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During the month of June, the administration, staff members, and school board members, spend a great deal of time developing some policies and procedures that will provide the framework and guidance for us as we prepare for the opening of our new school year. At this point in time, most of the decisions regarding the reopening of schools have been left up to local school boards working within some parameters from the governor's office and the public health department. The governor recently issued a directive requiring the wearing of face masks in public settings. At this time, this directive does not apply to schools.
We are planning to begin our school year with our regular classroom instruction in place. We will be practicing social distancing to the extent possible in our school facilities and at school functions. There will be some adjustments in how we provide our meals in the cafeteria and how we provide for library and recess times to allow us to spread our students out.
Some of the steps we will take to provide a safe environment for our students and staff members will include:
  • checking the temperature of students, staff members, and visitors when they enter the building using non-contact thermometers;
  • providing frequent opportunities for students to wash their hands and use hand sanitizer when appropriate;
  • adjusting hallway traffic flows to avoid crowding;
  • restricting access to some playground equipment that does not allow for social distancing and/or frequent cleaning;
  • reducing or eliminating the sharing our classroom supplies (ie- scissors, pencils, pens, and computers); and
  • providing for daily cleaning and sanitizing of of classrooms and frequently touched surfaces.
We are still awaiting updated information regarding athletic events and other larger group gatherings from the appropriate organizations and agencies.
For those families who need to keep their children at home rather than send them to school due to health concerns for the student or a family member, provisions will be made to allow the opportunity for the student's learning to continue at home. These situations will be addressed on an individual basis upon request from the family. We believe that our flexibility and our small class sizes allow us to serve the needs of all students in the Potomac school district.
Should you have questions regarding how the school can address any special needs of your child, please contact John P. Rouse, principal, anytime at jrouse@potomacschoolmontana.us or call 406 244-5581 extension 201 beginning August 3rd.

The School Calendar for the 2020-21 School Year Was Modified by the Board

posted Apr 20, 2020, 3:20 PM by John Rouse   [ updated Apr 21, 2020, 9:12 AM ]

The Board of Trustees took action during their April board meeting to revise the previously approved 2020-21 school calendar to reflect the scheduled spring break week that matches the March 15-19, 2021 spring break as shown in the MCPS school calendar. In order to accommodate this change the break that was scheduled in the original calendar around Easter weekend has been removed and two additional days were added to the end of the calendar in June.  Under the newly revised calendar for 2020-21, the last day of school for students will be June 10th.

| Attachments: 2020-2021-school calendar_revised042020 .docx

Governor Bullock extended the Public School Closure Until April 24th

posted Apr 7, 2020, 1:48 PM by John Rouse   [ updated Aug 10, 2020, 5:06 PM ]

Governor Steve Bullock just announced at 2:00 PM on April 7, 2020 that he is extending the Stay-At-Home order and the Closure of Public Schools for the state of Montana until April 24th.

He also encouraged all Montanas to wear cloth face masks when you go out into public places. Also continue washing your hands and utilizing social distancing

eBooks Available

posted Apr 6, 2020, 11:16 AM by John Rouse

Parents,
Although the public library is not allowing anyone to check out or return library books during the virus pandemic, you or your child can access eBooks online through two easy-to-use apps--Overdrive and Libby. You must have a Missoula Public School library card to check out and read books from these sites.  You may contact John Rouse at the school at 244-5581 or jrouse@potomacschoolmontana.us, if you would like him to look up your child's library card number.

Thanks.
John Rouse, principal

Thank you to Parents

posted Apr 6, 2020, 7:31 AM by John Rouse   [ updated Apr 6, 2020, 7:31 AM ]


Potomac School Parents,
I wanted to take a moment to say thank you for your hard work and patience during this time of our school closure. I know that for many people--adults and children--this is a stressful period. I am hearing from our teachers that most of our students are doing well with their school work at home, and we recognize that this is because you are taking your role as parent seriously by creating at learning atmosphere at home that gives your child the structure and guidance he or she needs to continue learning during these unusual times.

Most teachers are creating lessons that take advantage of the many resources that are available to us including Youtube videos created by the teachers. These video segments allow our students to feel like they are still connected to their teachers and their classes. Also most of our teachers are providing the entire week's worth of lessons early in the week, so students can pace their work throughout the week. Please help your child with the pacing of the work, so he or she does not get overwhelmed or fall behind. Finally do not hesitate to contact your child's teachers if the student or you have any questions.

Thanks again.

John Rouse
Principal

Ms. Olson's Class - Website

posted Mar 27, 2020, 5:49 PM by John Rouse

Ms. Olson has created a class web site that is accessible by her students' parents.  Please see the link below:


March 27th Potomac School Closure Update--The governor extended the school closure until April 10th

posted Mar 27, 2020, 1:03 PM by John Rouse

Governor Bullock has extended the school closures in Montana until April 10th. We will continue offering instruction through distance learning.  A variety of different online programs are being used by our teachers to provide our students will the best instruction possible under the circumstances.  You or your student should be receiving regular communications from his or her teachers either through e-mail, telephone, or papers sent home with the meal deliveries at the bus stops.  If you are not receiving these communications, email the teacher or contact me at jrouse@potomacschoolmontana.us.

Parents- Please continue providing a routine structure at home for your children that includes set times during the day for them to complete their schoolwork.  We strongly encourage your children to read at least 40 minutes a day in addition to that required for their assignments.  Also, there our art activities being offered by our art teacher, Asha MacDonald.  See "Art with Asha" on Youtube.

Istation is a program that our teachers use in both math and reading.  Your children are familiar with the program and know how to use it.  Please allow them to access this program.  Istation has added a new component called Home-to-School Connection that will allow your child to continue progressing through the Istation activities and assessments.  Plus, Istation’s Parent Portal offers online access to supplemental home activities and skill-building lessons that a parent can go over with their child and includes printable materials for use at home. Parents can also track progress with personalized data profiles. The Parent Portal can be accessed on any device with a browser, such as a smartphone, tablet, or PC.

In order for the program to accurately determine the level at which your child needs to be working, it is important to have accurate assessment data.  Please do not assist your child, when he or she is taking an Istation assessment.  The link to begin access to Istation's home to school program is below.  You will be asked to load the Isation app on your device.  It should work fine on the school's Chromebooks or Ipads.

IMPORTANT COMMUNICATION FOR POTOMAC SCHOOL PARENTS...PLEASE READ

posted Mar 23, 2020, 3:27 PM by John Rouse

IMPORTANT COMMUNICATION FOR POTOMAC SCHOOL PARENTS...PLEASE READ

 

Potomac School Parents,

As we are continuing through this period of some degree of uncertainty resulting from the virus outbreak, our staff members have been working hard to find the best ways to continue to serve the educational needs of our students. This letter is to outline what you can expect from our teachers during the period of school closure.  Although the governor initially closed schools until March 27th, one of his recent communications used language that implies that the closure will “likely” extend beyond the 27th of March. We anticipate that the closure will extend longer.

 

Our teachers are committed to serving their students to the greatest extent possible given the circumstances.  The manner in which lessons, instruction, and follow-up support will be offered to the students varies depending upon the grade level of your child and the courses he or she is taking. Teachers will use the email addresses that we have on file to communicate directly with parents during this time.  Each of your child’s teachers will be contacting you by email. These emails will contain important information regarding the tasks, assignments, and activities your child will be expected to complete.  I cannot emphasize enough how important it is for your child to continue to complete these assignments. If your child struggles or needs additional support, your child’s teacher will be available for support. If your child does not attempt to continue to learn during this time period, he or she will likely fall behind in terms of student achievement.  These activities are not suggestions for your child, they are, in fact, regular assignments that are expected to be completed by the student.  Each teacher will develop a method for assessing the degree to which each student is successfully completing these assignments, and that assessment will be used to determine the student's progress.

 

On Wednesday, March 25th,  from 7am to 7pm, Mr. Rouse will be available at the main building of the school.  During this time, students and/or parents will be allowed to enter the building to collect textbooks and supplies that the student needs. 

 

Our teachers are taking advantage of technology to provide the best activities possible for their students.  We will be using programs like Google Classroom, Khan Academy, Istation, and the online portions of our English Language Arts program to provide interesting and challenging lessons.  Because for many of our students having access to some type of device-- desktop computer, Chromebook, iPad, or smartphone will be important, we are allowing families to check out Chromebooks or iPads from our school (one unit per family).  

 

Mr. Rouse will be available Wednesday, March 25th, 7am to 7pm to allow a parent to sign a “Consent To Use” document and pick up the device/charging cord.  Mr. Rouse will facilitate this process in order to respect social distancing and to limit the numbers of people in the building.  Please come to the front entrance of the main building (West side of the building).  Please park your vehicle only on the side of the street closest to the school to allow traffic to continue to flow on Potomac Road. During the time of the school closure, students may drop off any school work for their respective teachers by simply dropping their work in the library book Drop Box located at the school library building.  Please be sure the student’s name is on the materials, and that they are bundled together with a rubber band.  Do not put technology equipment at the drop box.  Simply keep the equipment until we reopen the school.

 

Because of the dedication of our staff members, your child can expect opportunities during this time period to speak directly with his or her teacher either via the computer or directly over the phone during normal school hours. Please allow your child time to talk with his or her teacher when contacted by phone or by device.  It is important to maintain personal contact with each student to provide the child with a sense of security in knowing that his or her teacher is there. 

 

Because the school facilities will be closed during this time, if you have questions please do not hesitate to call Mr. Rouse at 406 540-2013. 

 

Thanks,

 

John P. Rouse, Principal

 

January 20th is a school holiday

posted Jan 17, 2020, 2:12 PM by John Rouse

Potomac School District #11 is closed on Monday, January 20th, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

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