The Anaconda School District will temporarily go to remote learning starting this coming Monday.
That was the news from the Anaconda Superintendent's office Friday morning and it's COVID-19 related.
A letter went to families saying it's a precautionary move, with 12 staff members out and another five waiting on test results.
"These individuals are primarily close contacts but still required to quarantine for the mandatory two week period which has led to us having to already send both staff and pods home," the letter reads.
"We have managed to the best of our abilities thus far but we simply do not have the staffing to continue to offer in-person learning until we resume school on October 19th."
Online learning will go for a couple of weeks, from Oct. 5 through Friday, Oct. 16.
Superintendent Justin Barnes said if students do not have a personal device to use for online learning, the child's principal should be contacted to pick one up.
The Center of Excellence and the Copper Academy students are still required to attend in-person learning because the staff is available for now.
"The closure comes in the wake of a recent tragedy and may add to the stress and anxiety the students may be experiencing," Superintendent Barnes said. "I want to make sure that all families know that we have a crisis team available as well as counselors should you or your children need to come in and talk with anyone. COVID as well as recent events have brought about many changes and we at the district are very empathetic to this. Please, if you or your child is struggling do not hesitate to reach out. We are always here to help. We have a wonderful staff and a group of educators who care about your children."
Breakfast and lunches for students will continue - from 11 am to 1:00 pm in the following locations: Opportunity Park, T. Peters Day Care, Cedar Park Homes, Mount Hagen Park, West Valley, The Discovery House, Head Start, as well as a pick-up option at Lincoln, FMIS, and the Junior/Senior High School.
There will be a deep cleaning at each of the schools in Anaconda.