August 19, 2020

Dear UM Colleagues,

Thank you for completing the survey to assess the supplemental education and care needs resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic for the school-age children of UM employees. The survey data documented a clear demand for elementary-focused programming during the time when full-time instruction will not be offered in many schools.

Thanks to the efforts of UM staff members and Missoula Parks and Recreation (MPR), plans are underway for extended out-of-school summer camp offerings available through MPR for elementary-aged children of UM's faculty and full-time employees. While many specifics are still being finalized, MPR has confirmed the following details for this programming:

• Drop-off and pick-up will take place on the UM campus.
• Morning, afternoon and full-day sessions will be available, five days a week, from Aug. 31 through Sept. 25 ($20/half-day or $40/full-day). Employees will be able to sign up for specific days for the schedule that best suits their needs.
• MPR will assign children to small, static groups with the same MPR staff for the duration of the program. When possible, MPR will group children by school.
• Activities will vary but will include 1 to 2 hours of facilitated time for homework, reading or educational games, in addition to games, crafts and outdoor programming.
• MPR is working closely with Missoula City-County Health Department and will make every effort to enforce disease-prevention best practices, including physical distancing when possible, masking when in close proximity, regular hand sanitation, and sanitation of shared equipment and surfaces.
• This program will be open to K-5 children from any elementary school. MPR will work to accommodate all UM children who register for this program, but should there be a larger than anticipated demand, registration will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

More information will be forthcoming from Missoula Parks and Recreation, including a special registration link for this UM-specific program. UM and MPR staff are already discussing further programming to continue to meet the needs of UM's employees after Sept. 25.

For specific questions, please contact Missoula Parks and Recreation at 406-721-7275 or the UM Office of the President at 406-243-2311.