SSHS Students in Lori Messenger's English Class.
Students changing classes in the new administrative building at The Resort at Paws Up.
Students in Trace Stone's Spanish and Social Studies class.
SEELEY LAKE – Due to evacuation orders from the Rice Ridge Fire, Seeley-Swan High School campus was closed. Even though the Rice Ridge Fire evacuation order was lifted Tuesday, Sept. 5 for the SSHS area, the location for classes remains at The Resort at Paws Up until further notice.
Busses left every morning from Lindey's Prime Steak House parking lot at 7:40 a.m. Principal Dr. Kathleen Pecora said everyone but one freshman showed up for the first day of class Tuesday, Sept. 5.
The morning with students was spent in an assembly conveying ground rules and expectations for behavior in the temporary school space. After that, students transitioned between classrooms, enjoyed lunch provided by The Resort at Paws Up and ended their day at 3:15 p.m.
"It's been hectic but it's so awesome to be here," said Pecora.
Senior Gabby Sexton offered her experience from the first day of her senior year, "It's great. Going back to school stinks but this place is pretty great and the food is awesome."
"I thought it went really well. All my classes were well behaved and engaged and they are just ready and excited to be back at school," said Tonya Smith, SSHS science teacher. "The whole staff recognizes that The Resort at Paws Up went above and beyond in helping us offer a great classroom experience for our students."
Each day the football, volleyball and cross country teams were bussed to Mt. Jumbo Elementary for practice and then bussed home to Seeley Lake or Condon.
Friday, Sept. 8 the school staff met with the Rice Ridge Fire incident commander and other personnel on the fire team as well as a county health liaison and a fire behavior specialist. They decided to remain at The Resort at Paws Up for the week of Sept. 11. They based their decision on multiple factors including air quality in the Seeley Lake area, the potential for a future evacuation order, transportation to after school athletics practices and the ability to offer students a productive learning experience.
The location for classes will be reassessed on a weekly basis.
The Seeley Lake Library located at SSHS remains open during limited hours. It will be open Thursday, Sept. 14 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
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