Orofino,Idaho-Window on the Clearwater
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School Superintendent appreciates recognition of teachers, staff

by Dr. Michael C. Garrett, Superintendent Joint School District #171

Thank you all for recognizing and appreciating all of the hard working and well deserving teachers and staff this past week and over the year.

I am very proud of the work we are doing. We will get better and better as we go and plans are already being discussed for next year on how to implement uninterrupted school in the event of an interruption.

IDYCA will no longer be contracting with JSD171 for food services. IDYCA contacted us early in the year anticipating they would take over the food program at the academy. With the early closure the contract was shortened and finalized for this year. The positions at the academy will be opened for our employees to be considered. We wish them the best of luck in their new ventures.

We are looking into grant dollars to help us update our bathroom hardware to motion activated. No guarantees but hoping we can get this accomplished soon.

District Nurse, Amber Brumley is heading up the re-entry criteria plan. She is gathering information from surrounding districts and nationwide to help create a feasible plan that will be submitted to the regional public health department for approval.

Graduation plans are under way. Orofino will be at noon and Timberline at 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 13. The details are yet to come but at this time there is a social distancing order still in place which will mean that the six-foot distancing rule will be implemented. We look forward to these special events and ask everyone to be understanding and respectful of the restrictions we are asking of you. We want this day to be about celebrating our student's accomplishments. Details will be coming soon as we are working with seniors, parents, city and county officials, administrators and staff to help create a safe and memorable plan.

There are still no summer camps or organized events on school district property as we continue to abide by legal council's recommendations in compliance with the Governor's orders.

As previously mentioned, May 28 will be the last day for providing educational resources. The following week will be utilized for students to get as caught up as they can, if necessary. The week of June 8 will be for scheduling the return of Chromebooks and picking up items from school lockers and desks. Graduations is on the 13th.

We are placing posters of the Governor's stages of reopening at facility locations such as playgrounds and sporting venues as well as on main building entries. We ask that you respect and follow the guidelines put forth by the Governor.

We are working to determine the impact the 1 percent holdback will have on our budget this year while keeping an eye on the savings we are assuming with building closures and reduced bus routes. The major concern is the 5 percent holdback in next year's budget. We are likely to get the word on this early next week.

Thank you again for your ongoing support of our district, staff, students and communities. These strange times are not easy for anyone but please know we are doing everything we can to help ease the burdens. We will come out the other side of this a stronger and more unified district.


Garrett shared this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lASKfbFlQcc&feature=youtu.be

More details to come. The seniors are working with staff and administration to come up with a safe and memorable plan.

Window on the Clearwater
P.O. Box 2444
Orofino, ID 83544
Phone: (208) 476-0733
Fax: (208) 476-4140
Email