St. Maries closes schools; nearly one-third of students out sick

The St. Maries School District has closed schools as of today until at least Oct. 11.

Superintendent Alicia Holthaus said staff and student absences have reached a level "that is not sustainable." "After consultation with our local health care providers, all schools in the District will switch to remote learning on Wednesday, September 22," she wrote in a post on Facebook. "All athletic practices and events, 21st Century Before and After School Program, and school clubs will be canceled."

About 30% of the students, about 1,000, are out due to the coronavirus or other illnesses.

A tentative return to face-to-face instruction date has been set for Monday, Oct. 11.

Meantime, the homecoming football game scheduled for Friday with Timberlake is canceled.

The district warned Sunday that schools might close.

"We are making every effort to keep schools open as we feel it’s the best place for students to be," said a Sunday post to its Facebook page. "However, with the rise in student illness has come a rise in staff illness. Increased absences may cause a school closure."

"Please check your child’s health every day before school. Please keep them home if they are sick," the post read. "Please practice healthy habits and follow healthy protocols. If someone in your home has COVID, you should follow the recommendations of your health professionals in regard to quarantining."

The district is planning to provide Grab and Go meals beginning today, and Distance Learning Packets beginning Monday, Sept. 27.

Holthaus wrote that closed schools "hurt for our community, our local businesses, and most importantly our children.

"It will take the efforts of the entire community to slowing the spread," she wrote. "We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience that this closure causes, but we must put the health of our students, staff, and community first."