Update From Sidney Public School District

As you are aware, in consultation with Governor Ricketts, Commissioner Blomstedt, and the Panhandle Public Health COVID-19 Unified Command, Sidney Public Schools has determined that buildings in Sidney will remain closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. We realize that this decision will have tremendous implications for our families, but we must do our part to keep our school and community safe and healthy. While our physical buildings are closed, the business of educating our students continues via the alternative learning environments that we have established over the past two weeks.

I would like to thank our extraordinary teachers, support staff and school administrators as they navigate this new educational territory. If this closure has shown me anything, it’s that our creative educators and dedicated district support staff are committed to meeting the academic, social and emotional needs of our students in challenging circumstances. I would also like to take this opportunity to recognize the exceptional efforts of our students and parents. They too have risen to this unexpected challenge in ways that are both impressive and inspiring. I ask that our patrons continue to engage with faculty and staff through the many platforms established for communication. Please do not hesitate to reach out with questions and concerns.

Food service will continue as scheduled for now. However, the safety of the process will be re-evaluated each week and families need to be prepared for a potential interruption of food service. Pausing this important service is not what we want and it will only occur if it is in the best interest of our valued employees and their personal safety. Any update to food services will be communicated promptly.

I know that all the changes to the busy spring schedule are disruptive to our families, and while I don’t have answers to all of your questions right now, I do have some updates that I can share at this time. 

All spring activities and athletics have been canceled for the remainder of the year, and that unfortunately includes the Jr./Sr. Prom. In better news, we plan to hold a traditional graduation ceremony for the Class of 2020 on Saturday, July 18. This date was selected to respect the governor’s recommendation to move large public events to the second half of the summer. While it is our intention to celebrate our seniors on this day with a full ceremony, the fluid nature of this situation leaves open the possibility that changes or modifications may be required as the date approaches.

Additional communications will be shared regarding other end of year events as those plans are finalized. While buildings must remain closed to the public at this time, appointments can be made via school principals. Thank you again for your assistance as we all work to make the best of a difficult situation.

Thank you,

Superintendent Jay Ehler