Following the lead of the vast majority of districts in the state in order to ensure the health and well being of students and staff, the Gardiner School Board of Trustees voted last night to remain closed and continue with remote learning for the remainder of the school year.  In addition, with the well being of parents, students, and teachers at the forefront, it was decided that grades K-3 will end their school year on May 14th.  Grades 4-12 will end their year on May 21st for students that are proficient as determined by their classroom teacher.  Teachers will be sharing their specific requirements of obtaining proficiency in their classes by May 7th.  Students in grades 4-12 deemed to be less than proficient by classroom standards will have a week of remediation and their school  year will end May 28th.  
     We hope this will help alleviate some of the stresses of students and families while fulfilling our obligation of providing education to our students.  More information in regards to the collection of school equipment from students, and how 7-12 students still needing to get their P.E. clothes/supplies can do that, will be coming next week.  
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     Please be aware that personnel at the school, in conjunction with the Park County Health Department and Emergency Response, have begun discussions on what an opening in the fall may look like.   Currently, it is too hard to guess at what the parameters may be in August, but having a plan for the worst case scenario is our goal until later in the summer when more information becomes available.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call, 848-7563.
Please call 406-848-7563 if you have any questions.

The Governor has made an announcement regarding school closure and social distancing, specifically that schools can re-open after May 7th, which for us would be May 11th.  However, restrictions would still apply and there are many things he asked schools to consider if they do open their doors.  Ultimately this will be a local School Board’s decision and many factors will have to be considered.  This will require a special board meeting that has not been scheduled yet, but what we do know is that remote learning will continue through May 7th, so for at least two more weeks. 
MHSA has announced the cancellation of all spring sports/activities.
Alternative Graduation plans to accommodate social distancing guidelines are being developed.  At this time, the date and time of Graduation has not been changed only the format is being discussed.

   All though there is not a lot to report right now, I wanted to check in and make sure the families of Gardiner Schools are all doing well and have the most up to date information there is.  
     The Office of Public Instruction is giving advice as it pertains to graduation, and in that advice they are suggesting that even if schools "open", that social distancing will still apply.  With that in mind, they suggest schools be prepared to finish this year via distance learning.  
     As far as the Governor and his two week closures, stay tuned for an announcement early next week on an extension.  That extension would in all likelihood take us through May 8th.  
     Anna and Nicole are expanding the reach of the breakfast/lunch program by adding a drop off at East River Rd.  Please reach out to Anna if you would like added to the list.  There is no charge, and the school has obtained a grant, and is looking for another grant to fully cover the cost of these meals.  Please consider participating.  
     By all accounts, Gardiner Teachers and Students are excelling via the distance platform.  Our attendance and participation far out distances the report many other districts are reporting.  With that in mind, this is new to all of us.  Please, reach out to teachers with comments in regards to the workload and expectations.  Gardiner Schools will be very flexible in providing the education each student needs.  

​The Governor has announced an extension of two weeks (April 24th) for the school closure as well as self quarantine recommendations if you travel out of state.
Please call 406-848-7563 if you have any questions

If you have been following the news, you probably already know that on a national level the experts are suggesting this next week to ten days may be the peak of Covid cases.  Also, Montana has been trailing the national trend by a couple of weeks.  So, like the Governor suggested last week in a conference call to Superintendents around the state, he expects Montana to peak in late April.  Look for an update early this week for the Governor to extend the closure for two more weeks until April 24th.  

In the meantime, I wanted to let you know what you can expect from us.  Teachers are expected to check in weekly with each student, either individually but minimally as a whole group.  If this is not happening for your student it  is imperative you let me know, as this is how we are servicing our students, and it is part of our plan submitted to the state.  It is our accountability to you as a school. 

School lunches and breakfasts are being delivered Monday-Friday for all children 0-18.  Pick up times are 12:00-12:30 at Corwin Springs and in Mammoth.  We are looking at adding a pickup at point of rocks as well, please look for information from Anna on that.  These are free lunches, please don't hesitate to take advantage of these opportunities.  
Teachers are working very hard to give our students the best.  Please be in contact with them if there are any issues.  This has been a learning curve for all of us.  Thank you all for your support and stay healthy.

​Please call 406-848-7563 if you have any questions.