Pioneer School will be closed Thursday and Friday

Weiser Schools Superintendent Wade Wilson issued a letter to parents and guardians of Pioneer School on November 9. Pioneer School will be closed for in-person learning for students Thursday and Friday due to staff limitations. 13 individuals total are out sick and there is a shortage of substitute teachers in the district. The decision was made with the health and safety of students and staff in mind, as well as allow for extended time to rest. Pioneer teachers plan to assemble materials that students can complete at home, either online or in packets, for the temporary distant learning.
 “The reality is hitting that this happens to our staff,” said Wilson. “Students may not be showing symptoms, but they sure might be carriers.”
 In-person learning continued Tuesday so as to not burden parents and guardians with little notice of closure, said Wilson at Monday’s school board meeting. Wednesday remained the usually scheduled distance learning, with the following days also distance to allow for extra healing time to those ill and reset staff.
 Staff being out for extended periods of time prove to be a major hurtle, said Wilson, listing limited devices and copy equipment for short notice as two issues to face. An added supply of devices to distribute to students are hoped to be received by the end of the year.
 Pioneer students may still receive a breakfast and lunch at the community serve location at the Weiser Middle School between 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on the days school usually would be in session.
 Pioneer students are scheduled to return to in-person learning Monday. While it is scheduled, in-person learning Monday is dependent on able staff.
 “I sure hope to see us back in school on Monday,” said Wilson. “We can hold school with a lot of kids gone, but we can’t hold school with a lot of staff gone.”
 Also discussed at the school board meeting was the growing concern for the high school, with two to three new cases among students being reported Friday, said Wilson.
 Cases are becoming more common among students, and he said the district is a day away from issues in a different area. Cases in students are difficult to pinpoint an origin, with traveling and different activities always taking place. The concern of individuals owning up to illness is also a concern, and is a dangerous position to be in.
 “We have tried to remain constant regardless of the circumstances right now,” said Wilson. “We have done our best to try and stay consistent.”