School Officials Discuss COVID Concerns
The Wolf Point School board stressed that it’s taking the increase of COVID cases in Roosevelt County seriously and school officials are monitoring the situation daily.
During the school board meeting on Monday, Nov. 8, superintendent of schools Loverty Erickson said that Southside Elementary School will remain closed until Nov. 15, due to a high number of cases. Erickson noted the date may be extended if necessary.
Erickson told trustees that a survey of 131 parents showed that 81 percent don’t want to move to virtual learning. In the survey, conducted from Oct. 11-30, 60 percent said they want the wearing of masks to remain optional.
School officials said that many students who opted- out last school year then faced struggles. Wolf Point High School Principal Kim Hanks said that of the 62 students who opted out in the first semester of 2020-2021, there was a 74 failure rate. During the second semester, 18 of 29 students who opted out ended up part of the failure rate.
Hanks added that a high number of students who opted-out experienced unhealthy mental and physical health conditions including suicidal thoughts.
“They come here and feel safe. They come here to eat,” board chair Linda L. Hansen said of the school. “This is their safe place.”
Erickson said school officials will meet with the tribes later this week. “We’re looking at taking it day by day,” Erickson said.
