After a good start, TSD 401 sees a spike in COVID activity this week.
In the first three weeks of school, Teton School District 401 saw only two positive cases of
COVID, and a very small number of possible exposures. This week, our numbers have
changed:
- As of Friday at 1:45 pm, there have been 11 total positive cases of COVID in TSD
401 since the start of school. This includes students and staff members. - Currently, 77 students and staff are in quarantine, from either their own positive
case, or because of a possible exposure to someone who tested positive. There may
be others, as each principal of the schools is working with Eastern Idaho Public
Health on contact tracing and notifying people of the need to quarantine. We also do
not have information relating to families that may be self-quarantining because of a
non-school-related exposure. - As of Thursday morning, there were three classes at Driggs Elementary in
quarantine, two first grade classes and one kindergarten class.
TSD 401 desperately needs substitutes for staff members who are quarantining. If you are
already in the TSD system as a sub, please log online and take a position whenever possible,
per normal procedures.
If you are not yet in the TSD system as a substitute but would like to apply, please complete the
substitute-application online at https://tsd401.org/employment/ . All positions are paid; daily
teacher rate is dependent on education level. Thank you in advance!
On a side note, there have been some concerns expressed about last weekend’s Homecoming,
and these are valid worries. Within our oversight of school events and extracurricular activities,
we are working to follow CDC guidelines as much as we can while providing opportunities for
students. While outdoor events and activities have been treated differently in public health
information, we are aware of the challenges with groups of students at our events, and will
continue to work to address that.
As a reminder to all, we continue to expect students and staff to stay home if they are sick; wear
a mask or face covering inside buildings, on buses, and outdoors when 6 foot of distance
cannot be maintained; social distance by staying 6 feet apart; and wash their hands frequently.
If you have COVID symptoms, call Teton Valley Health (208-354-2383) to schedule a test or to
book an appointment. For COVID information, call the Eastern Idaho Public Health COVID
Hotline at 208-522-0310 or (toll-free) 855-533-3160, or see their website at eiph.idaho.gov.
Our first priority is the health and welfare of our staff and students. We are making adjustments
in our protocols as each new situation arises. That said, keeping our schools open for in-person
learning is a community-wide affair. Let’s all do our part.
