The Park City School District announced Monday evening that the first day of school will be postponed until Monday, August 23 due to the Parleys Canyon fire evacuations. The news was sent to students' families by email and shared on the district's web site.
Pre-k students will begin September 1, as planned.
School for k-12 students was scheduled to begin Thursday August 19. But with students from Upper Pinebrook, Summit Park and Timberline not able to return home, school buses not able to pick those students up in their regular locations, and uncertainty over Tuesday’s storm, logistics and safety concerns necessitated the delay.
"We have adjusted the start of the school year in response to the Parleys Canyon Fire’s extended evacuation timeline," said Dr. Jill Gildea, Park City schools superintendent. "As families and staff are impacted by the extended evacuation order, we are working together with our community in support of all those impacted by the fire.
"Our goal is to have every child, parent, and staff member step confidently into the 21/22 school year together on Monday, August 23.
"Our scheduled elementary meet the teacher activity will run on schedule tomorrow, Tuesday, August 17 from 2:00 - 3:30 P.M. This is an optional activity for families to stop in and say hello. The welcome back to school event at Dozier Field from 4:00-6:00 P.M. on Friday, August 20 will also run as scheduled. This is a great time to welcome new and returning families."
The last day of school will remain the same. One scheduled vacation day, March 11, will now be a school day.