At this Monday's meeting, Teton School District 401 Board of Trustees began a discussion around the rule that K-5 students must wear masks at recess if they want to play within 6 feet of one another.
Superintendent Monte Woolstenhulme began the conversation on April 12 with a presentation to the board on the latest Covid metrics and recommendations. He underscored the fact that the district's efforts have been successful in keeping numbers of infections very low. "The work we're doing is keeping us in school," he said, observing that neighboring districts have not shared in similar success.Â
Teton Valley Health Infection Preventionist Nikki Ripplinger gave a brief presentation that echoed the superintendent's sentiment. She advocated for the district to continue adhering to the measures and policies recommended by Eastern Idaho Public Health, and applauded the county's achievement of reducing infection numbers and getting into the "Green" zone. "Our numbers have come down because of the mask mandate. I do believe that has been what's brought us down," she affirmed. "Keeping masks in place seems like a small price to keep our elderly safe and keep our kids in school."