Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

Montana School Reopens With Safety Measures

  • By Yvonne Marquez
  • 05/11/20

Students at Willow Creek School in Montana returned to school on Thursday, reports CNN. The school, which serves between 50-60 students in grades K-12, is one of the first in the United States to reopen after schools shut down in March.

Some schools in Montana and in Idaho reopened last week with only a few weeks left until the summer break.

Montana Gov. Steve Bullock allowed schools in the state to reopen as early as May 7, with the decision left up to local districts. Gallatin County, where Willow Creek is located, had 146 confirmed coronavirus cases and one death. Currently, there are no active cases in the county, reported CNN.

Bonnie Lower, superintendent at Willow Creek, says 76% of parents were in favor of reopening the school, according to a poll.

Some of the changes Willow Creek implemented included:  

  • Staff wear masks and carry pool noodles to measure distance between students.
  • Each student's temperature is taken at the door.
  • Students alternate when they are let out of class so there are fewer students in the hallways at once.
  • Common areas are being disinfected regularly.
  • Every classroom has hand sanitizer and wipes.
  • Bathrooms are used one at a time.
  • There are distancing marks on the playground.

About the Author

Yvonne Marquez is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. She can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Barbara Vick Western Branch

    Barbara Vick Western Branch

    Established in 1999, the Education Design Showcase is a vehicle for showing off innovative — yet practical — solutions in planning, design, architecture, and construction. The Barbara Vick Western Branch has been recognized with an EDS 2026 Grand Prize award in the category of Renovation.

  • St. John Fisher University

    Classroom Revitalization – Basil Hall Room 216

    Established in 1999, the Education Design Showcase is a vehicle for showing off innovative — yet practical — solutions in planning, design, architecture, and construction. St. John Fisher University's Basil Hall Room 216 Classroom Revitalization has been recognized with an EDS 2026 Project of Distinction award in the category of Spaces.

  • Academy of Classical Education Breaks Ground in Louisiana

    Charter Schools USA (CSUSA) recently announced the groundbreaking of a new public charter school in Covington, La., according to a news release. The Academy of Classical Education at Covington will enroll students in grades K–8 and is scheduled for completion in August 2026, just in time for the new school year.

  • RIT Saunders College of Business – Lowenthal Hall Addition

    RIT Saunders College of Business – Lowenthal Hall Addition

    Established in 1999, the Education Design Showcase is a vehicle for showing off innovative — yet practical — solutions in planning, design, architecture, and construction. RIT Saunders College of Business's Lowenthal Hall Addition has been recognized with an EDS 2026 Project of Distinction award in the category of New Construction.