September 14, 2021
Dear Riggins Elementary Families,
I hope this communication finds you safe and well. Unfortunately, we continue to experience illness at the elementary. No additional positive Covid tests for staff have been reported since the initial three from this past weekend. However, we just received information that one student from the elementary, who has a sibling at the high school, has tested positive. In addition, there continue to be staff members who are feeling ill due to a virus (not Covid). With the number of illnesses, we do not have enough substitutes, nor support staff to cover every classroom. In addition, because of illnesses, it would be unwise to combine classrooms. Therefore, we will close Riggins Elementary for Wednesday and Thursday of this week and resume school on Monday, September 20, 2021. The middle/high school are not yet experiencing the same issues and will be open those two days.
Each one of you will receive a text, phone call, or e-mail (or all three) message today from Mr. Doramus through our district mass communication tool. The down side of this tool is we are limited to the message that can be sent in a form that everyone will receive the message. Thus, the reason for this letter. We will continue to use this tool to communicate, but please understand the limitations of what can be communicated. If you have any questions or clarifications you can email either Mr. Doramus or myself. Middle school and high school parents please email Mr. Ewing at ewingk@jsd243.org. Elementary school parents please email me at simonsont@jsd243.org. If you do not have the means to email you can call my cell phone at 1-208-315-3250.
Thank you for your patience and understanding during these difficult times. We are aware of the difficulties that this poses to many families and want you to know that this is a time where we are attempting to make the best choices for our staff and students. Likewise, we know you will make the best choices you can for your family.
Sincerely,
Trisha Simonson