OJSHS going to online learning Wednesday, Thursday, sports cancelled

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

As a school, our priority is to educate students effectively. Each year we are forced to recognize that we have limitations of completing this priority. This year is no exception.

The past two days have shown that nearly 30 percent of our students have been out ill at Orofino Junior/Senior High School. As a result, we are closing the school building Wednesday, Sept. 30, and Thursday. Oct. 1, for a deep cleaning. The staff and students will be switching to online learning for these two days. Please contact OJSHS if you need further instructions.

Please be watching for an announcement prior to Monday, Oct. 5. We hope to open the OJSHS building on Monday, Oct. 5 with additional precautions such as Highly Recommended face coverings. We will continue to monitoring COVID-19 cases and illnesses to aid in our opening decisions.

All other JSD171 buildings will continue operating with face-to-face instruction with Highly Recommended Face Coverings.

We would like to remind all staff and families to monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19, which could include:

• Fever
• Dry cough
• Tiredness
• Aches and pains
• Sore throat
• Diarrhea
• Conjunctivitis
• Headache
• Loss of taste or smell
• A rash on skin, or discoloration of fingers or toes
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

Thank you for your understanding and support.

Also, from OJSHS Principal Brian Lee:

Parents, Guardians, and Students -

I'm sorry to announce that we are cancelling all athletic events until the 3rd of October due to COVID -19 related illness and exposure. Hopefully we can get a handle on cases and resume activities on the 3rd. I will keep you updated.