Pioneer Puma Post
August 12, 2021
A note from Mr. Jakious ...
School is just around the corner! When I've had the opportunity to speak with Pioneer families recently, I can tell that they are just as excited as I and the rest of the Pioneer staff are to get back to learning.
That said, I know that many families have questions about this year and I feel it is important that you have some clarity regarding what school will look like when we start back up. Please review the important information below about how Pioneer (and West Ada) are currently planning to address health precautions for the coming school year. If you have questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to me.
I am confident that, together, we will make this a wonderful year for our Pumas. See you soon!
David Jakious
Principal, Pioneer School of the Arts
Side note: The front office hours will be variable through next Tuesday. Thank you for your patience as we catch up on any voicemails or e-mails received during that time.
Masks Are Recommended But Not Required
West Ada, the CDC, and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that students and staff wear masks when inside to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19, promote school health, and reduce the number of days students miss due to illness/quarantine.
Pioneer staff members will respect the mask decisions of students at school. Students will be expected to do the same and avoid being critical of those who make decisions different than their own. Parents should have discussions with their child(ren) to ensure that expectations are clear for ...
- Whether or not to wear a mask (or if they have the autonomy to make that decision)
- Being respectful of the decisions of other students/staff
Important: Per CDC mandate, Cascade Student Transportation requires that students wear masks on school buses (including to and from school & GT busing).
Minimizing Exposure Opportunities at School
Classroom
- Students will be distanced or podded in the classroom (as possible).
- Regrouping of students beyond those pods will only be used in a targeted manner when instructionally necessary.
- Sharing of classroom materials will be minimized and students will hand wash/sanitize after using any communal materials/resources.
- Instructional areas will continue to use the HEPA air purifiers which were generously supplied by the PTA last year (new filters have been installed for this year).
- Building HVAC systems will be set to maximize the interchange of fresh air.
- The use of classroom/school volunteers will be minimized to essential needs and all volunteers will be required to complete a symptom check.
Beyond the Classroom
- In the lunchroom, students will sit nearest to peers that they also sit close to in the classroom.
- Specials seating charts will align as much as possible with classroom seating charts.
- Student transitions through hallways will be structured to minimize cross-traffic.
- Increased sanitizing will be completed by custodial staff and teachers will be provided cleaning supplies for on-demand needs.
Handwashing/Hand Sanitizing
Playgrounds
While inside recess may be required from time to time due to inclement weather or smoke, all other recesses will take place outside. This significantly reduces the risk of disease transmission. Grade-levels will be assigned specific playgrounds during morning, lunch, and afternoon recess. Socially distanced mask break locations will continue to be available for students who choose to wear masks at recess and want to take a break.
Note: Students who arrive before the 9:05 bell (9:20 on Wednesdays) will wait on the playground until the bell signals that they can go to class.
Keep Sick Students Home
We ask parents to be vigilant in monitoring your child(ren) at least daily for ...
- Fever
- Chills
- Cough
- Nasal congestion or runny nose
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Shortness of breath
- Diarrhea
- Nausea or vomiting
- Extreme fatigue
- Headache or muscle or body aches.
- A temperature of 100 or higher
Students experiencing these symptoms at school will be sent home immediately until symptoms have resolved for a specified amount of time.
Contact Tracing and Quarantine
From West Ada ...
The following message is from West Ada, reiterating some of what was noted above. We are all working together to make this year as safe, healthy, and successful as possible!
We are committed to making this year safe and successful and working with parents/guardians and students to do so. We will continue to follow our Building Health and Safety Plans when it comes to Covid-19 mitigation. Those plans are being updated and will be posted on school websites in the coming days.
Mitigation measures in all schools include:
- mask recommendations
- physical distancing as much as possible
- increased sanitation measures
- frequent handwashing.
Centers for Disease Control has issued a public health order requiring masks be worn by all passengers on public transportation, including school buses. West Ada School District is required to comply with this order. Please make sure your student has a mask, in case they forget, the bus company will also have masks available.
If you would like to request any additional mitigation plan options for your child, beyond those listed in the Safe Return to In-Person Instruction Plan please reach out to the school. We want to do our best to accommodate your needs.
For More Information ...
West Ada Safe Return to In-Person Instruction Resources
8/10/21 District E-Mail Regarding Return to In-Person Learning
Note: While the information noted above is accurate as of now, please be aware certain practices/procedures will be subject to change in collaboration with West Ada leadership and health services in response to changing community, school, and classroom health data.
About Us
Website: westada.org/pioneer
Location: 13255 West McMillan Road, Boise, ID, USA
Phone: (208)855-4100
Facebook: facebook.com/pioneerpumas