Guidelines for School Closure

In the event we have a confirmed case of coronavirus in or associated with our schools in Polson, we will work collaboratively with the lead local health official to determine next steps. Currently, our plan will include closing the impacted school for a minimum of three days. This closure will:

• Give local health officials and school staff time to assess exposure of the known case within the school and trace the person’s contact history;
• Allow school officials time to perform a thorough cleaning of the school, with particular attention to areas frequented by the known case;
• Provide time for public health staff, assisted by school staff, to identify and communicate with families of students or staff who are particularly vulnerable to coronavirus due to an underlying health condition;
• Create time for the school to prepare for possible virtual learning or take-home work that would allow students who may miss a significant period of time (due to quarantine or underlying health issues) to be supported and continue their education; and
• Develop a plan to provide for additional support as needed once the school re-opens.