New guidance from the Idaho State Board of Education means schools in Idaho, including the West Bonner County School District, are under a “soft closure” notice until April 20. During this time students are not permitted in the schools, WBCSD Superintendent Paul Anselmo told parents in a letter posted to the district’s website.

“What this means is that school will not resume until April 20, at the earliest,” he said. “However, building principals and teachers will still be available for questions or concerns.”

Anselmo said the district’s administration team understands the impact the school closure has on families and will continue to serve its students and families as best possible.

District staff will continue to serve two meals a day, during regular calendar school days. These meals can be picked up at Idaho Hill Elementary, Priest River Elementary and Priest River Junior High from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. These meals are being offered March 23-March 26, April 6-April 10 and again on April 13-April 17th. If familiels need assistance getting meals, they should contact the district’s food service director, Terri Johnson, at 208-290-2022.

“Our administration team and board of trustees believe it is essential to continue to provide student learning,” Anselmo said in the letter. “Our schools will be open on April 8 from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. for students to turn in required completed assignments and gather instructional materials for the remainder of the school dismissal.”

It will not be a school day, just an opportunity to drop off and collect instructional materials, he added.

Parents and students unable to make it during the time should contact their building principal to set up alternative means of delivering the assignments and picking up their new work.

“It is important that your student continues to complete all take-home work, as this is essential for their education,” Anselmo said.

For more information, contact West Bonner County School District officials at the district office by calling 208-448-4439; or contacting the building principal of your child’s school.