KSD announce more closures

On the heels of announcing a full shift to online learning at the high school, the Kellogg School District announced Monday that further changes are coming.

KSD Superintendent Nancy Larsen explains that members of the administrative leadership team met once again on Monday to discuss current situations in the schools surrounding COVID-19 cases.

At this meeting, it was decided that Canyon Elementary School and the KSD preschool program would be closed until Jan. 4 and 5, respectively.

As with the KHS decision last week, Larsen explained that COVID-related absenteeism of students and staff is the cause for the changes.

"Canyon Elementary School has had student exposure; however, staff absenteeism is the concern at this point," she said. "To avoid this decision, we worked through a variety of alternatives, but there simply are not enough people to operate this school. Our concern for the well-being of our CES staff is great and we express our support for them."

Of the 10 staff members at Canyon, six (possibly seven) would have been out on Tuesday.

Larsen also cited COVID-19 complications as the reason for the temporary closure of the preschool program.

When Canyon students return on Jan. 4, they will utilize a four-day schedule with Wednesday being a remote day.

"We understand the burden this places on our families and express our sincere sorrow for the disruption it may cause to you," Larsen said. "We are monitoring the other schools on an hour-to-hour basis. Presently, Kellogg Middle and Pinehurst Elementary schools will remain on the current routines. If this changes, we will inform you quickly, so you can make adjustments to schedules."

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The Mullan School District also announced its own COVID-related issues Monday morning.

"It was brought to our attention that two basketball players are currently experiencing COVID-like symptoms," a release for the district read. "It will be at least Wednesday before we have any test results."

Following contact tracing, MHS Principal Don Kotschevar sent approximately 70% of the student body home to engage in online learning. At this time, the school will continue to stay open for students that did not get sent home Monday. Those that did get sent home will remain at home doing online learning.