Sierra House Elementary not opening on the first day of school August 26

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The first day of school has been pushed out until September 9 for all of the students at Sierra House Elementary School. South Tahoe Now had spoken to the school district on Wednesday and at that time they were still hoping to have the school open by August 26.

Since a Veteran's Day fire caused extensive damage at the 45-year-old school, students have been split between South Tahoe Middle School and the Al Tahoe Elementary.

"We regret to inform you that Sierra House will not be open on time for the first day of school," Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) Superintendent Dr. James Tarwater said in a letter to parents.

"The district has been optimistic throughout the summer that we would be able to open the school on schedule but setbacks in the construction process have pushed the opening date back to September 9, at the latest," he continued.

The rest of the school district classes will begin on time. At this time it is unclear how the Sierra House students will make up the missed days of school or if the state will waive their required minutes in the classroom. There will be an after-school academy in the fall for 4th and 5th graders and possibly summer school.

Families of Sierra House students had heard rumors that their school wouldn't be ready by the first day for school on August 26. They were concerned about childcare needs should their students not start on time.

"The district understands this will cause an inconvenience for many and we are working to alleviate issues for working families or any student needing care through September 9," said Dr. Tarwater.

LTUSD has tried to address questions and concerns:

Boys & Girls Club Extended Summer Program:

The district, in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club, will provide daycare at no cost to families at the Boys & Girls Club during regular school hours beginning August 26 through the opening of Sierra House. Supervision will be provided by both Boys & Girls Club and district staff. The program will be modeled after the Boys & Girls Club’s regular summer program. The program is optional – attendance is not required.

Transportation

Bussing to and from the Boys & Girls Club will be provided on the same schedule as the Sierra House school’s regular bussing schedule. Here are the bus route pick-up and drop off schedules.

Meals

Breakfast and Lunch will be provided by LTUSD to all extended summer program participants at no cost. Breakfast and Lunch Menus can be found here.

Sign-up for the Program

If you wish to participate in the extended summer program, please contact Shandi Ashmore by Email: sashmore@ltusd.org or by Phone/Text: (530) 318-1517.

Please indicate if:

1) Your child will or will not be bussing to or from Boys & Girls Club.

2) Your child will eat breakfast at the Club.

Academic Enrichment

The district will offer an After-school Academic Academy for 4th and 5th grade students beginning in October, 2019, for any students who need additional academic support. As well, an optional summer school program for missed instructional time is being considered.

Status of the Construction at Sierra House

1) Significant progress is being made daily by Belfor’s large construction crew (26 workers on site) and various local companies.

Here is a link to the Recovery Bulletins with photos.

2) Air testing will be completed prior to the re-occupation of the school.

3) ADA compliance projects (paving and restrooms) are very close to completion.

"In closing, the district would like to extend its sincere gratitude to the Sierra House families and staff for your patience and understanding throughout this challenging time," said Dr. Tarwater. "We are very thankful to all of the hard work of the Belfor team, our local construction, mechanical, electrical, and paving companies, and district staff members, who are making the Sierra House school a safe and fun place for our kids to return - very soon!"