HAYS LODGEPOLE, Mont. (NMB) – The Hays Lodgepole, Rocky Boy and Box Elder School Districts have announced that they are temporarily moving to remote learning due to a spike in COVID-19 cases.
Hays Lodgepole will be in remote learning through January 28th, while Box Elder and Rocky Boy will be in remote learning for the rest of the week.
Hays Lodgepole
The decision was made by administration based on the number of staff and students that are either COVID-positive or currently being quarantined.
Administration has been highly recommending a 14-day quarantine for students and staff that have tested positive for the virus, as well as a 14-day quarantine for unvaccinated administration and staff that are considered direct close contacts.
This comes after the District was closed this past Friday for deep cleaning, with the plan at the time being for a return to in-person learning on January 18th.
Box Elder
A press release from Box Elder Superintendent Jeremy MacDonald on Tuesday morning said they made the decision to go remote this week after becoming aware of 10 positive COVID cases associated with the school following contact tracing and testing.
Grab and go meals will be available at the school for the rest of the week, and can be delivered if their front office or elementary office is notified.
Athletic contests scheduled for this upcoming weekend for both Districts are being rescheduled.
Rocky Boy
Superintendent Voyd St. Pierre said in a press release that their decision to move to remote learning this week was made following the reception of advice from the Rocky Boy Health Center in order to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Depending upon the ongoing recommendations from RBHC, remote instruction may be extended into next week.
Meal service will be provided and drivers will begin delivery at 11:15 AM using previously established routes/drop off points.
The basketball games this Friday against Choteau will be varsity only, while Saturday’s games at Shelby will be rescheduled. Only parents of players will be allowed to spectate on Friday, and concessions will not be sold.
The wearing of face coverings is required at all three Districts.
The Rocky Boy Health Center reported 73 new COVID-19 cases in their Tuesday update, which was the first update since Friday.
