August 24, 2021

Parents and Community Members,

As many of you are aware, we have had a roller-coaster of a week in dealing with Covid and quarantining students that were potentially exposed.  Mr. Schmitt and Ms. McCormick, our high school and elementary principals, each messaged parents describing the situation, here is their excellent description of what occurred:

I am happy to be able to inform you that we received word this afternoon from the Montezuma County Public Health Department that all cases of COVID-19 that affected Teddy Bear Pre-School, Dolores Elementary School, Dolores Middle School, Dolores High School, and the students and staff who ride the Horse Bus have been determined to have been false positives. After a second analysis it was determined that ALL persons are negative. The test used for the analysis is considered to be the most reliable test available. We are proud of how quickly and efficiently our teams (including parents) acted in our response to this potential exposure; however, we cannot apologize enough for the inconvenience and disruption this has caused our families and students and staff members.


With this said, all students and staff in quarantine are welcome to return to school tomorrow morning. The Horse Bus will resume operating tomorrow morning (8/25/2021).  

We are all working diligently with local and state organizations to keep students safe and to maintain in-person learning to the best of our ability.  If and when we error, we error on the side of caution and safety.  We ask that you be patient with us during these difficult times and that you understand that we have the best interest of your child in mind when we make difficult decision.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact your campus principal and/or myself and we will do our best in providing answers.  

J. Reece Blincoe

Current Covid Protocols (updated 8/24/2021)

These protocols are temporarily in place until our wellness committee completes new protocols and they are approved by the board.  The new protocols will not only address the current situation, but will also outline protocols that we will follow when circumstances change.

  • Mask are highly recommended but optional for students and staff when indoors.  Please keep mask handy in case protocols change.
  • Mask are mandated on buses for students and staff per federal regulations.
  • Mask and gloves are mandated for food service staff serving food.
  • It is highly recommended that you sanitize your hands frequently during the day.
  • If you get sick or start running a fever, stay home and please notify campus personnel.  
  • Parents are not currently allowed in the building(s).  Please contact the Principal(s) for special circumstances in which you will be allowed on campus.
  • Practice responsible social distancing