Mullan Elementary going back to remote

MULLAN — Elementary students in the Mullan School District are headed back into remote learning this week after a rash of COVID-19 reportedly hit the school.

According to Mullan School District Superintendent Les Wells, he has several staff members who have either tested positive for the virus, or are suspected positive for it and he has no substitute teachers to call in as back up.

The decision to move back into remote learning was made on Tuesday afternoon and in a release on the John Mullan Elementary School Facebook page Wells, who also serves as the building’s principal, explained the situation.

“Due to the fact that we have multiple Covid-19 exposures over multiple grade levels, and a severe lack of substitute teachers, it has been decided that John Mullan Elementary will be moving to remote learning effective Thursday, September 16, 2021,” Well said. “Remote learning will extend through next Friday, September 24th, 2021.”

Any teacher who has tested positive or is suspected to have contracted the virus will be required to continue instruction from their homes, while any of those who are not in quarantine will still report to the school to conduct their remote instruction from their classrooms.

Wells sent home letters to the parents explaining the situation and then also made sure that the necessary supplies were prepared so they could be sent home with them also.

While Wells’ decision was primarily based upon a staffing issue, he also alluded to the fact that he has been informed of some positive tests by a few of his elementary students.

As the growing risk of COVID-19 and its variants becomes apparent, it is challenging the fabric of many districts’ back to school plans, many of which were basic in nature after being incredibly detailed at this time last year.

The Mullan School District is no different, but for the safety of his students and staff, Wells made the decision to go into remote learning so hopefully they can get ahead and curb a potential outbreak.

“Our plan was essentially the communicable disease policy that we’ve used in the past,” Wells said. “Unfortunately, with a limited number of subs in our little community we are going to have to sit back to wait and see what happens.”

As of right now, this is only for students at John Mullan Elementary School, and students at Mullan Jr./Sr. High School should still report to school as usual.

John Mullan Elementary School serves grades one through six and houses approximately 60 students in those grades.

For more information, or to report that your child(ren) are sick please call John Mullan Elementary School at 208-744-1118 to arrange for pick up of their supplies.