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Polson School district delivers 25,000 meals during pandemic school closure

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News from Polson Schools

POLSON – During a time of distancing and disconnect, the Polson School District came together to support its community.

When schools across the state were mandated to close due to COVID-19, the staff of Polson School District knew they had to continue to meet the needs of their students. One priority was to ensure that students still had access to meals; therefore, a system was designed and implemented to provide all students with free grab-and-go breakfast and lunch meals. Since March 17, the district has been delivering approximately 1,000 grab-and-go meals per day to seven different locations. To date, the Polson district has distributed about 25,000 meals. 

The Polson staff reached out to their students and families. Teachers and counselors did their best to personally make contact with each of their students and families and inquire about their well-being. 

“Teacher and staff members have a very significant impact on students. This impact goes far beyond teaching academics. We provide our students with inspiration, praise, acceptance and stability. We are their world for about six hours each day. And they are ours,” said Scott Boen, second grade teacher, and newly hired director of human resources and communication. “We all thought it important to do our best to maintain this inspiration, connection and continuity during the school closures.” Many of the staff members also sent students personalized letters or cards or made them videos. One staff member even made a video performing a ventriloquist act. 

“I thought it would be a fun and unique way to encourage people and brighten their day,” said Linderman school head custodian Marvin Bjorge. 

To meet the academic needs of its students, the district transitioned to a remote learning platform on April 13. Each teacher set up a virtual classroom in which his or her students could access and complete their schoolwork. If the students did not have a device at home to work on, the district had some they could borrow. Also, the district technology team researched internet access options for families who had no connectivity in their homes, including discounted internet rates, wi-fi hotspots near schools, and mobile wi-fi hotspots. 

Should the community have any questions regarding COVID-19 and/or school operations, the district included an update center on their district website to communicate current COVID-19 and district news. 

“I’ve been exceptionally proud of our district and the tremendous team effort our staff has put forth,” said Rex Weltz, superintendent of the Polson School District. “And, we will continue our effort to support our community throughout this academic year during these uncertain and trying times.” 

 

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