COVID-19 Update

Check for latest school board updates

 When Should I stay home ?
Flowchart for guidance on COVID-19 exposure for schools
Flowchart for illness decision tree for schools

ESSER III Budget Plan

10/19/21 – Reopening Plan update

9/21/21- Reopening Plan update
9/13/21 – Reopening Plan Fall 2021 – Update after Board Meeting
9/12/21 – COVID Information

8/2/21 – Reopening Plan Fall 2021

               Checklist

4/16/21 – The district is starting to see quite a few cases of allergies and some of the symptoms are the same as COVID-19 and some are different.  Check out the 
CDH COVID-19 versus Allergy Guidance PDF to analyze your symptoms.

3/18/2021

The Basin 72 School Board voted last night to return to a five day in person school week starting after spring break on March 29th. 

Students who become symptomatic will continue to follow the Basin School District COVID-19 Exposure Flowchart (shorturl.at/rtBL3) which outlines the concerning symptoms. PCR tests are available upon request (not mandatory). Tests will take 24-72 hours to receive results. Parents will notify the school, administration and teachers will come up with a 10 day plan for quarantine situations.

If the student has been listed as a virtual student all year and would like to continue virtual learning until the end of the year they may continue to do so. Students will notify the school ahead of time if they choose to come in for special events such as presentations so that teachers have time to prepare materials for the student.

If a student is forced, due to unforeseen circumstances, to a virtual learning model they must set up a plan with administration and the teacher(s).

If students are experiencing excessive absences or a pattern of absences that are detrimental to their learning the student, parent(s), teacher, and administration will set up a learning plan to help the student be successful.

All other absences will fall under the existing policy. Students must make up their work in a timely manner and communicate with teachers on a frequent basis. Students will only be allowed a maximum of 9 absences per semester before actions may be taken to help the student.

The district will continue to monitor the pandemic and adjust accordingly.  At this time masks will continue to be required.

 

1/3/2021
When can I get the vaccine?
Stage 2


12/17/20
The State Board of Education voted unanimously Thursday to waive completing a college entrance exam as a high school graduation requirement for the class of 2021.

11/20/2020
Parents/Guardians,

Despite the COVID-19 Virus we made it to Thanksgiving break without going to a full online learning model. The staff, students, and parents of the district have done a great job wearing masks, social distancing, washing their hands, testing when appropriate, and staying home when they have flu-like symptoms. These precautions I believe have enabled the district to continue to offer face to face education.

Parents and staff recognize the importance and social emotional aspect of learning face to face and will do everything possible to keep the school open. Many of you will be traveling this Thanksgiving to join family members out of town. Mathematically speaking this will increase the exposure rate of the COVID virus exponentially. If in the next week you are exposed to a positive COVID case or you have symptoms please let the district know and please take the appropriate precautions. The district will be evaluating community spread on a daily basis. In the event the elementary, middle high school, day care, preschool, or any of the buses encounter a positive case the district will analyze the positive contacts and ask the groups to isolate themselves from the district population for the appropriate time frame. If the state or the county issues a stay at home order the school board will hold an emergency meeting and determine the number of days the district would enter online home learning.

The district is following the guidelines of the IHSAA for athletic programs. At this point the student athletes will practice and compete by themselves without fans. Essential staff, such as coaches, referees, score keepers will be the only adults allowed to participate in competitions. The district will do its best to stream the games live on Facebook. The links will be posted on the district website.

Keep in mind COVID virus related issues will continue to change. The district will do everything possible to keep our students healthy and safe. All of our staff is working additional hours and are having to adapt to changes daily or weekly depending on their positions. Keep in mind this is not a perfect system and we continue to make improvements. Your input and insight is welcome at any time.

Snow days! The district has only two snow days planned for the seniors due to the late start this year. If we have a heavy snow year we will come up with some alternative plans for the seniors. As far as students grades Pre-K – 11 snow days should not be a problem before January. The state legislators are meeting in January. There is a possibility they will change the rules for daily attendance. The district will evaluate the changes in January and keep you informed of how the changes might affect snow days.

If we all keep wearing masks, social distancing, and washing our hands we will have a much better chance of keeping the school open. Thank you for your help. If you have any questions or concerns please contact Brian Hunicke at bhunicke @ basinschools.net or call 208-392-4183.

9/20/2020
Zip Code 83716 is not included in the metrics for determining the Basin School District’s status with Central District Health.  The district will continue to monitor students within the school district.  At this point the district is wearing masks and maintaining social distance to reduce the risk of spread.  The majority of the population that serves the Basin School District, from the High Bridge to just before Idaho City Covid-19 cases are counted in Ada County.  When you hear the community is in the “Green” that is a reflection of a small portion of our community.

 

9/14/2020
Central District Health categorizes Boise County as Green.  

 

8/30/2020

 

8/10/2020
Athletics Fall Parents Meeting
Elementary Parent Update

8/4/2020
Revised Student Calendar 
Central District Health Category Guidelines

Basin School District Fall School Opening Update

The Basin School District received news from Central District Health on Monday, August 3rd, placing the Basin, Horseshoe Bend, and Garden Valley districts in a category 2: Mild to Moderate Community Transmission, while our neighboring Boise School District is listed as a Category 3: Substantial Community Transmission.  An important factor to take into consideration is the fact that the zip code 83716 or any COVID tests with a Boise address are being counted in Ada county, which student wise contains the majority of the student population for the district. 

If the Basin School District opened today the school week would be Monday through Thursday and conducting an online class day on Friday, to prepare students for the possibility of online school in the future. The Basin School Board will approve the specific detailed plan at the next board meeting on the 18th of August. Central District Health will monitor the spread of the virus and advise the districts every Friday. The district will adapt to changes as they occur, this may mean dropping back down to a Category 1: No Community Transmission school conducted as normal or ramping up to a Category 3: Substantial Community Transmission and running an online school. The district is planning on opening school for K-12 on Monday, August 31st, and September 6th for preschool. The closer we get to August 31st the more we will know, and each day/week may look different until the virus is manageable. The best approach is for students, parents, and staff to prepare for the worst-case scenario and as a community, we can adapt to anything less.

Please be advised that as a community we can minimize our exposure to the virus by social distancing and wearing masks when appropriate.  The community has until August 31st to lower community spread enough to lower our category to a level 1.  Keep in mind the Basin School District has a very small staff, the district can adapt to one or two staff members taking sick leave, beyond one or two the district will have to move to online education.  For this reason, the Basin School District has been preparing for the worst-case scenario of teaching online.  The district will not be caught by surprise this round and expects there to be complications once the flu season comes into play in October and November. 

Extracurricular activities as of today are still a go. The district is taking precautions to keep the staff and students safe. Central District Health will guide the district on a weekly basis of if or how the district conducts extracurricular activities.

7/9/2020
Reopening of school in the fall of 2020 Parent Question and Answers
Video (the video is so large we had to place it in a Google Drive, you will have to download the MP4 file to view it)

4/17/20 – IHSAA Update
Spring Sports Closure

4/16/20 – Idaho Board of Education Update
District Health School Guidance
Board of Education Re-entry Criteria

4/15/20 – Governor’s Update
Stay at home extended to 4/30/20

4/6/20 – Idaho Board of Education Update
The Idaho State Board of Education has voted to implement a soft closure for the remainder of the school year or until the district is able to satisfy upcoming public health guidelines to open.  You can view the board agenda and agenda materials by clicking these blue links.  What does this mean for the students of Basin School District?  This means the district will continue to provide online and paper packets until the end of the school year or until public health has determined the schools safe to return.  
 

4/1/20 – Earthquake Update

The 6.5 earthquake located north of Idaho City (Check USGS map) and the 8 aftershocks over 2.5 in magnitude so far left minimal damage upon our preliminary examination of the district facilities.  We will look for significant cracks and damage more extensively today.

3/28/20 – Update

Tech and Food Delivery
If you have not heard the entire state and much of the country is on a shelter at home order until April 20th at which point officials will evaluate the COVID19 risk factor. In the meantime, the Basin School District facilities will be closed to all students, with the exception of specific circumstances. The district has encouraged most of the staff to work from home; there will be a minimal number of staff members working at the district facilities. All playgrounds, gym, football field, and other school buildings will be off-limits to the public.

Monday, March 30th, is the first day of online school for PreK-12. The district expects technology and Internet bandwidth issues. Be aware that the district understands there will be lots of troubleshooting the first week and is prepared to be very flexible. We ask that students and parents be patient and flexible as well. The system will get better in time. Know also, the district is trying to solve Internet access issues and is working as fast as possible to solve these issues. If you are experiencing issues that prevent you from getting information online please notify the district through email, one of the bus stops, or call and we will work out a plan specific to your circumstance.
The district will be delivering two meals a day to anyone from 1 year old to 18 at the following bus stops during the following times Monday through Friday (except holidays or planned days off) until we all return to the school. You can click on each bus link for a Google map.

Bus 1 (HWY 21) Stops:
Daggett / Big parking lot with the Cans for Kids 7:20 AM – 7:35 AM.
Mores Creek Park Changed to Robie Creek Boat Ramp– 7:55 AM – 8:10 AM.
Robie Creek Fire Station #2 Rim Ranch 8:25 AM – 8:40 AM.

Bus 2 (Clear Creek) Stops:
Clear Creek Lodge 7:30 AM -7:45 AM.
Grimes Creek and HWY 21 7:55 AM – 8:10 AM.

Bus 3 (Centerville) Stops:
Placerville “T” 7:30 AM – 7:45 AM
Centerville Fire Station 8:00 AM – 8:15 AM.

Idaho City High School: Cafeteria Side from 7:30 – 8:30 AM.

The buses will approach, please stay in your cars and wait until one of the servers calls you over. The servers will ask how many lunches your group needs and then place them on a table for the group to come get. As the group vacates the area (6 feet apart) the next group comes in and the sever places the correct number of lunches on the table. We have a lot of stops so please be on time and do not mix with the other people waiting so as to meet CDC guidelines of 6 feet social distance. Please take food home to eat and do not stay to eat or socialize so we are all practicing the recommended social distancing

 

Please complete this online form so we have an idea of how many breakfast/lunches to serve each day and if anyone has any technology needs. https://forms.gle/dXiqVZhFTiNedsg9

3/25/20 – Update

Governor Brad Little orders the non-essential people  of Idaho to shelter in place for 21 days.  The Basin School District employees are considered essential and will continue to provide online education to PreK-12 students.  Some staff will work from home and others will maintain the district buildings.  The school district, including the playgrounds, are closed to all students with the exception of special circumstances set up with our pupil services and special education.

3/23/20 – Update

The Idaho State Board of Education has implemented a state-wide school closure until Monday, April 20th. During the closure students are not permitted at schools. The State Board will reassess the timeline as circumstances dictate.

In the meantime the Basin School District staff worked all week last week to develop and transfer curriculum into an online format. The district will implement online courses and in some cases take home packets for grades PreK-12. Parents and guardians should expect to monitor student progress and help facilitate learning as much as possible. This approach will only be successful if we all pitch in and help. Teachers will deliver the best possible online curriculum to engage each student.

The federal and state government is waiving several restrictions. As the district receives information we will communicate with parents and guardians as soon as possible. The district is working on food service, technology needs, and transportation issues. We hope to have solutions in place before March 30th.

Thank you for your patience, especially through the first week when we know there will be lots of technology issues to solve. Check our website and email frequently. Elementary and Middle and High School principals will be sending out information this week on how to navigate the online classrooms.

Make sure you are following the CDC guidelines to prevent the spread of the virus so we can return as fast as possible to a normal classroom environment. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html

3/19/20 – Update

As of yesterday evening approximately 95% of schools are closed in Idaho.  Superintendent Ybarra said that the rumor that some schools will be closed for the remainder of the year and not provide an education in one form or another was false.  All districts and staff will have to provide an education to K-12 students in Idaho at this point.  The Basin School District is lucky to have invested in one to one computers this year as well as receiving computer donations from the Idaho Department of Transportation and the College of Idaho.  For the past three days our staff has been working hard to develop curriculum and make ready for online courses by March 30th.  All support staff has been cleaning and supporting teachers in making calls and putting together instruction packets and technology.

3/18/20 – Update

If you haven’t heard the Basin School District closed school Monday, March 16 and students won’t return to classes until Monday, March 30 due to safety concerns related to COVID19.  The district had planned to try to hold school on campus Monday but new information over the weekend forced the district to close on short notice.  It is the district’s utmost priority to keep the students, parents, staff, and community safe.

Teachers are working hard this week to develop and test out online curriculum in the event an extended school closure is recommended on Monday, March 30, and the district has to offer online classes and or paper packets for those students who do not have access to the Internet.  During this time period the district will loan students Chromebooks.  The district is working on solutions for those without Internet access.  If the district goes to an online format teachers will present lessons using Google Classroom on a daily basis Monday through Friday which includes interactive components.  Staff will also check up on students frequently via email, phone, and Google Hangouts. 

The district is working on a plan to deliver free and reduced lunch sacks to those students who qualify if the district goes to an online format. 

Elementary– The district will provide Chromebook computers to all students in grade 3rd – 6th.  All 3rd through 6th grade students may pick up a computer and other materials at Basin Elementary School on Thursday, March 19th, from 10:30 am – 5 pm in preparation for online classes.  For those students and parents who cannot make it to the school on Thursday the district will send out a notification with directions for alternative pickup/delivery of technology and supplies.

Middle/High School– The district is in the process of contacting students to determine technology needs.  Those students who qualify will be provide the appropriate technology and or materials.

The Basin School District is committed to serving the students and helping the community in any way we can.  It is important that we take the COVID19 virus serious and prevent it from spreading among our community members with compromised immune systems.  District staff is working hard on disinfecting all school facilities and will wash their hands and take preventative measures when delivering food and technology to the students. 

Keep in mind that this community is amazing and we take care of each other, we will get through this and our community will be stronger for it.

3/15/20 – 7 pm Update

Dear Basin School District Parents and Guardians,

The Basin School District will be closed this week from Monday, March 16 through Thursday, March 19th due to several variables relating to the COVID19 virus.  It is our utmost priority to keep the students, staff, and community safe.  Spring break starts on Friday, March 20th and ends on Sunday, March 29th.  The district will monitor the CDC, State Department of Education, and the Governor’s COVID19 task force to determine whether students will return to campus on Monday, March 30th or take their courses online or through homework packets.  Students will have one extra week of spring break; they will not be logging in or receiving homework packets until Monday, March 30th.  Staff members will be developing and converting their curriculum to online this week.  Parents are welcomed to retrieve any medication, or personal items left at school until Thursday, March 19th.

If you haven’t checked your email please complete the accessibility and free lunch survey in your email or you may click on the COVID19 navigation on our website and fill out the form from the update page.  The district is working out the logistics of providing free and reduced lunch to those eligible students and students who require technology such as Chromebooks.  Check our website at www.basinschools.net frequently for updates.  The district will be sending out information on how to log in and how to access the online classes.

MS/HS Track-Practices and competitions are postponed until after March 29th. We will reassess situation at that time. 

3/13/20 Update

Dear Parents and Guardians,

The health and safety of our students, staff, and patrons in our community are of utmost importance.  The district is monitoring the spread of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) closely.  Information, preparedness, and response strategies have changed throughout the month, week, and in some cases hours. 

The district will continue to monitor the situation and recommendations of the CDC, Governor, Central District Health, the Idaho State Department of Education, and local news stations.  As of March 13th, school will be open next week from Monday, March 16 to Thursday, March 19th and as scheduled begin spring break Friday, March 20th.  Sporting events and practice will continue as planned.  In the event the district receives new information regarding health and safety the district plans may change.

In the event the district decides to close school for any extended amount of time, our staff is developing plans to teach classes online and or provide homework packets to take home.  The district is also working on plans to provide food in the form of individually packed portions. 

It is important to make sure your contact information is correct; otherwise the district will not be able to communicate or provide services.  If your contact information has changed since August please make sure the office has your changes.

For information on coronavirus in Idaho, visit https://coronavirus.idaho.gov

In the meantime, guidance from the CDC on avoiding the spread of any virus includes:
1. Stay home if you feel ill, have a fever, or have been exposed to someone who is ill
2. Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water
          Use a 60% or higher hand sanitizer if handwashing is not an option
3. Practice good hygiene when sneezing or coughing
4. Keep your hands away from your face or mouth
5. Practice social distancing when possible

The district is taking precautionary actions throughout the district.  Click here for a list of precautionary measures being conducted by staff at the Basin School District to prevent the spread of possible flu and COVID19.

The district understands parent concerns.  If you choose to keep your child home or not participate in sports practice while school is in session your child will not be penalized.  Homework will continue to be provided for students who are not attending school. 

Spring break begins next Friday, March 20.  The district urges staff and families to consider responsible travel if a vacation is planned or family and or friends are visiting from known virus outbreak areas. 

Please call the district office, 208-392-4183, or check the district website for updates at www.basinschools.net.

Respectfully,

Brian Hunicke
Superintendent
Basin School District

COVID-19 Resources
Risk Level Map Site – Includes Boise County
Idaho Back to School Framework (pdf)
CDC Quarantine Guidelines
COVID-19 Guidance for Schools
CHD Youth Sports Guidance
Level of Community Spread
CDC Consideration for School Closure
ES COVID Plan (Approved 8/18/20 by the BSD School Board)
MS/HS COVID Plan (Approved 8/28/20 by the BSD School Board)
CDH Schools Information