Update Center

March 24, 2020

Update From Superintendent Weltz

Polson School District staff and families,

About one an hour ago Governor Bullock extended all school closures another two weeks across the state.  The Governor's orders are to close schools until April 10th with the option to extend further depending upon the current status of our community and the State of Montana. 

We have been planning the last two weeks to prepare for possible extended school closure.  We are ready to continue providing academic enrichment opportunities for students throughout the duration of school closure.  Enrichment activities will continue to be located on our Polson School District website as well as providing printed materials if needed, which will available for pick up in all building offices.  Spring Break will be April 6th – April 10th.  If we are again directed by the Governor to extend school closures after spring break, Polson School District will continue to provide remote learning opportunities and services as we have throughout this unprecedented event.   

I have observed our staff rally together over the last two weeks deep cleaning buildings, preparing over 2000 meals in one week, and transforming academics from a traditional classroom model to remote learning; all in a very short window of time.  I am more than ever confident that we not only can do this, we will do this very well.  

We miss the kids and their energy in our buildings.  Many of us are worried about our loved ones as well and realize there is a sense of uncertainty.  But collectively, we are strong and more than ever willing to be there for students, families, and our community.   Together

Stay Safe 

Rex

Rex M. Weltz
Superintendent Polson Public Schools

March 18, 2020

Update From Superintendent Weltz

Good morning Polson School District Families

A quick update as of this morning.  I am amazed by my staff on how well they pulled together to make the best out of a challenging situation.  Yesterday they began to reach out and call their parents and students to simply check-in.  I feel it is important to connect and hear how you are doing in this uncertain time and hear what your concerns are.   We have staff at each school throughout this shutdown ready to take a call or email from you if you need to contact us for any reason.  We know that being home during this closed period feels isolated and distant.  Again, reach out to see if we can assist you or your children.  During this closure, Polson School District will work to support all students, parents, and the community to the best of our ability.

The teachers started developing lessons for all students yesterday and will have them ready to be uploaded on our district website by this Friday afternoon.  The expectation is that all K-12 lessons will be accessible by Monday morning of next week.   Continue to check our website for your children's grade-level instructional material. 

If you would like tomorrow, Thursday, March 19, 10 am to 12 pm Cherry Valley, Linderman, PMS, and PHS will be open for students and parents to collect any personal items that you might need in the next two weeks.   Staff will be on hand to assist you at each site.  We remind everyone we will be practicing the CDC recommendations of no more than 10 individuals gathering in an area with a 6 foot of separation.  If this window time does not work for you or your family, please call the front office of your school and arrange a time that works for you. 

From our calls home yesterday, the two most asked questions that we heard from you, “will we need to make these days up” and “how long will this shut down last?”   Every Superintendent and school district in the state is asking the same question.  At this point, we do not know.  When we get clarity from the Governor's office or the Montana Office of Public Instruction I will communicate that information to you quickly.  We will continue with the school calendar including Spring Break.  We will have more information regarding Spring Break travel in the coming days with Guidance from the CDC and restrictions that are in place, currently.   

A reminder that we have breakfast and lunch delivered to seven locations throughout the district that are free to everyone 18 years or younger.   The locations and times can be found on our website and social media outlets.  Our Food and Nutrition department has worked hard to prepare and deliver these meals and I am very proud of their work and compassion to help our students and community.  

Thank you for trusting us and for your grace and patience as we manage this situation.   By working together, learning from each other, and showing compassion and care for one another, we WILL get through this unprecedented challenge together. It's ever-evolving and we will react in the best interest for our students and community.

Respectfully,

Rex

Rex M. Weltz
Superintendent Polson Public Schools

March 16, 2020

Update From Superintendent Weltz

March 16, 2020

Dear Polson School District Families,

We certainly understand that we all are in uncharted waters with much uncertainty.  Our best-developed plans today most likely will change in hours as the Nation, Montana, and Polson School District adjusts to meet the needs of our students, staff, and community.  As parents, the uncertainty is frustrating and I can assure you it is for us as well.   Thank you in advance for your flexibility and understanding.  I am also optimistic that this adversity gives us the opportunity to become stronger.  I have the utmost confidence in our dedicated staff and compassionate community to pull together to support the academic, physical and emotional needs of our students.   

Our District administration team met today developing short and long term plans for our school district closure.   I want to share our plans for the next couple of weeks while schools are “closed” to students.

Staff will be on campus tomorrow developing lessons that can be delivered remotely.  You can expect a call from your student’s teacher this week.  They will have a shortlist of questions to ask you including your child’s access to an electronic device and internet service for educational purposes.  These remote lessons will start next Monday; please be on the lookout for further communications from the school.  In the meantime, we ask that you encourage your child to spend some of their time with a good book or being read to as is age-appropriate.

Food distribution for our students will start in the morning.  Free Grab and Go breakfast and/or lunches at seven locations across our district will be available for our students.  Cherry Valley, Linderman, Turtle Lake Head Start, Elmo Community Center, Big Arm Fire Department, Dayton Elementary,  and Valley View School.  Please reach out to your child’s principal if you have questions or concerns regarding these meal options.  The full lunch schedule can be found here: https://www.polson.k12.mt.us/updates/meal-service

The maintenance and custodial team started their deep-clean process this morning.  They started their cleaning and disinfecting procedure in the central kitchen this morning and will diligently work through the district in the coming days.  

If your child has medicine that is distributed here at school and you need to pick it up; arrangements can be made through the building front office.  Call in to have it ready for you to pick up in the front office.  We are still working our way through the expectations during this closure as to being able to provide Counseling groups and CSCT services. As we know, we will communicate with you what options we can deploy.

Encourage your child to practice social distancing during this break from school.  This is an unprecedented health crisis that is constantly changing.  While you may not have anyone in your home who falls in the high-risk categories, additional social interaction puts everyone at risk. 

Communicate with your school.  Throughout this shut-down, we are here and available to you through email and phone calls to the front office of each building.  Please if you have questions or concerns reach out to us and let us know how we can help or assist you and your family. 

Cherry Valley Elementary 883-6333 ext 500
Linderman Elementary 883-6229 ext 400
Polson Middle School 883-6335 ext 300
Polson High School 883-6351 ext 200
Polson District Office 883-6355 ext 600

It is my sincere wish that we are able to flatten and slow down this outbreak so we can get back to normalcy.  This I know is true, it will take all our part as a community of people.   Again, thank you for your support, patience, and resolve as we meet this challenge together.    

Sincerely,

Rex

Rex M. Weltz
Superintendent Polson Public Schools