Dear LCSD Families,
As we prepare for the start of school, we want to reach out with a few updates regarding potential ongoing impacts from the Willow Fire and our plans to address them.
Air Quality
The health and well-being of every student and staff member remain one of our highest priorities. As part of our commitment to providing a safe learning environment, given recent impacts from the Willow Fire and other wildfires, our schools will continue to monitor local air quality each day using the Air Quality Decision Matrix along with real-time data from monitors located in and around Leadville. This document provides guidance our schools will use to make decisions about things like recess and athletics. Depending on the Air Quality Index (AQI), we may:
- Continue normal outdoor activities when air quality is good.
- Modify the length or intensity of outdoor activities when air quality begins to decline.
- Provide indoor alternatives or limit strenuous outdoor exercise when air quality reaches levels that may affect health.
- Move activities indoors or cancel outdoor events if air quality reaches unhealthy levels.
We recognize that students respond differently to air quality. Children with asthma, allergies, heart or lung conditions, or other health concerns may experience symptoms sooner than others. We are committed to supporting all students and will consider individual health needs when making decisions throughout the day.
Thank you for your continued support as we work together to protect the health of our entire school community.
Sincerely,
Colleen Nielsen, RN
District Nurse
Mental Health Resources
We know that mental health is a critical factor in helping students be ready to learn in school. We are also aware that the Willow Fire was a disruptive event for many families, and students may be returning to school with heightened levels of stress as a result.
Our team stands ready to make sure that we are identifying students who may need extra support; if you know that your child could benefit from a check in from one of us, please reach out. Staff will be prepared to support students in managing feelings they may have about the fire, as well as other needs that might arise.
We are also attaching some relevant resources prepared by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network with tips for how to talk about and process the aftermath of wildfire with children, as well as a local resource from Heather’s Foundation.
Please reach out with any questions.
Sincerely,
The LCSD Counseling Team
LCES: Christy Trujillo, crtrujillo@lakecountyschools.net
LCES: Talmage Trujillo, ttrujillo@lakecountyschools.net
LCHS: Kyle Baker, kbaker@lakecountyschools.net
LCHS: Kelly Hofer, khofer@lakecountyschools.net
CCHS: David Cowan, dcowan@lakecountyschools.net
