Stevensville Public Schools Will ‘Distance Learn’ For A Week

With five active COVID-19 cases and a lack of adult staff because of personal quarantines, the Stevensville Public Schools are moving to 'distance learning' starting Tuesday, November 10 through November 17, with person-to-person classes starting up again on November 18. All school extra-curricular activities were suspended during the same time period.

Superintendent Dr. Robert Moore and the Stevensville School Board held meetings last week to discuss the lack of adults needed to be substitutes for teachers, paraprofessionals, secretaries, custodians and other staff members. There were five active cases in the district and contact tracing led to others who were in quarantine.

In a message to the public, officials said that during the school building shutdowns, the custodial staff will be cleaning and disinfecting all areas. However, the Stevensville Middle School staff will be available to check out materials. Officials are asking that anyone in quarantine NOT pick up materials and instead send a family member. If you need more information, the main phone number for the school is 777-5481.

Valley-wide, Ravalli County has been experiencing a surge in COVID-19 positive tests, according to the Public Health Department. Ravalli County's official COVID-19 website has instructions for those who are identified as "close contacts" or think they may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19. For the general public, the health officials again urge the wearing of masks in public, washing your hands often during the day, disinfecting well-used surfaces often and keeping your social circles small. Ravalli County also sadly reported Friday three more deaths due complications from COVID-19.