Dear Bishop Kelly Parents,

As if there are not enough obstacles and variables to contend with this year, we must watch our air quality and plan accordingly. Thankfully we are dealing with smoke and air quality rather than the devastation that so many communities are seeing with wildfires all over the west. With air quality being an issue of health, we wanted to drop a quick note to let you know our response to the various levels of air quality. Our primary source for information on our local air quality is the Air Quality Index (AQI) at airnow.gov.

For the purposes of this communication, we will focus on the AQI in either the Red or Purple zones. Anything less than 150 AQI (Orange) will be considered business as usual for school and activity purposes. Red (AQI between 151-200) is considered unhealthy while Purple (AQI between 201-300) is considered very unhealthy.

From an instructional standpoint, if we are in Red or Purple, our schedule and classes will remain the same with a few exceptions. If Red or Purple, all classes, including PE, will remain indoors. If Red, students will be encouraged to eat lunch inside, but will be allowed to eat outside if they prefer. If Purple, students will be required to eat indoors (cafeteria, classrooms, both gymnasiums, common areas, hallways will all be open for indoor eating).

From an activities standpoint, we will follow the “Activity Guidelines for Wildfire Smoke Events” published by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. If we are in Red, activity intensity and duration will be reduced with more frequent breaks. In Red, outdoor practices will be limited to 75 minutes with light or moderate activity only or practice will take place indoors. Light/ Moderate activity excludes running, jogging and playing football, soccer, or running cross country outdoors. Walkthroughs and light skill drills would be considered light/moderate and therefore would be appropriate for Red Level AQI. In Red, some activities, including scheduled competitions, may be considered for rescheduling or relocating, If Purple, all competitions will be rescheduled or relocated and all practices must be held indoors or cancelled.

If AQI levels reach a 300 or higher level, which is Maroon, and a health emergency where everyone is most likely affected, we will likely have a virtual day or schedule modification and there will be no after school practices or competitions.

Our local AQI will be reviewed throughout the day by the school administration to determine appropriate action. All decisions for after school activities will be made no later than 2:00 pm that day. The athletic director will communicate changes to the head coaches who will communicate with players and parents as necessary. If AQI affects decisions on the school schedule, that information will be communicated to parents the night before similar to a snow day.

We hope this information helps. Thank you for your understanding as our first priority is the health of our students and faculty and staff.