MISSOULA — COVID-19 is forcing one Missoula school district to move to remote learning.
Target Range School Superintendent Heather Davis Schmidt says in a letter that a staff member tested positive for coronavirus on Oct. 24.
The Missoula City-County Health Department has notified all close contacts who will be given instructions related to quarantine and if there is a need for testing.
"However, given the delay in the contact investigation and contact tracing process, Target Range is instituting protocols that we have in place in advance of the contact investigation and contact tracing process in order to maintain the safety and well-being of our staff and students," the letter states.
"The number of staff impacted by these two recent positive tests and close contacts is too great for us to properly supervise our students," Davis Schmidt stated. "Therefore we are moving to Phase 0, fully remote learning, for the next two weeks through Friday, November 6th. We anticipate that we will be able to return to Phase 1, hybrid learning model, beginning Monday, November 9th.
Read the full letter below:
Dear Target Range School District families,
Target Range School District has been notified that another staff member at Target Range School has tested positive for COVID-19, confirmed on 10/24. According to the Missoula City-County Health Department, all close contacts will be notified and close contacts will be given instructions related to quarantine and if there is a need for testing. However, given the delay in the contact investigation and contact tracing process, Target Range is instituting protocols that we have in place in advance of the contact investigation and contact tracing process in order to maintain the safety and well-being of our staff and students.
The number of staff impacted by these two recent positive tests and close contacts is too great for us to properly supervise our students. Therefore we are moving to Phase 0, fully remote learning, for the next two weeks through Friday, November 6th. We anticipate that we will be able to return to Phase 1, hybrid learning model, beginning Monday, November 9th.
The Target Range Flu Shot Clinic for students scheduled for after school on Monday, October 26 and Thursday, October 29 and the PTO’s Friday, October 30 Trunk-or-Treat events are still happening.
We recommend that any person who feels sick seek out their medical provider for specific instructions.
The Target Range COVID-19 Task Force has a planned meeting this week and I will be sending another update regarding our ongoing phasing plans on Wednesday evening, October 28.
This is again another good opportunity to provide some important reminders:
- Wear face masks
- Maintain physical distancing of 6 feet
- Use good hand hygiene by frequently washing your hands and keeping your hands away from your nose and mouth
- Get a flu shot
- Stay home when you are sick
- Be aware of where you are spending your time so that you are limiting your possible contact with others that could cause community spread of COVID-19 in the Target Range School community. If you, someone in your family or close circle, tests positive for COVID-19 you will be involved with contact tracing and need to be able to share everyone and every place that you’ve been within the last 48 hours or more.
- We continue to hear from the health department that extracurricular activities and outside of school friend groups are the largest cause of COVID-19 spread amongst school-aged children. Please keep this in mind as you navigate these challenging circumstances.
Please note that we will strictly adhere to privacy laws during a health pandemic outbreak and will not disclose identifiable information of those who have been affected without permission.
For further consultation or questions regarding COVID-19, please contact the Missoula City-County COVID-19 information line at (406) 258-4636. You may also contact me at the school, (406) 549-9239 option 1, if you have questions.
Sincerely,
Heather Davis Schmidt
Superintendent
Target Range School