Madison Holman | Writer

The Tri-Valley mustangs returned to school Wednesday, Aug. 19 after an uncommon end to the 2019-2020 school year. This year, things around the school are looking a little different for employees, teachers and students. 

During this abnormal back to school season, there are new guidelines that have been put in place to keep those within the school district safe and healthy. This year, the use of masks is highly recommended, and in some settings, masks are even required.

This school year, the Tri-Valley school district received two generous donations amid these unprecedented times. 

The Tri-Valley Booster Club, with the help of the PTO and school administration, donated 1200 masks to allow all students, staff, and employees the protection needed to slow the spread of the virus. By providing masks to all members of the Tri-Valley community, everyone is given the chance to protect themselves as well as others.

Feedback has been encouraging, according to one club board member. The booster club mentioned that those who have benefited from the donation seem grateful.

The Booster Club mentioned that they made the donation of masks because they wanted to provide something that would benefit the entirety of the school and the towns surrounding the school.

As the school year goes on, the club would like to continue to provide for the Tri-Valley community.

Other mustang-themed masks are for sale available on the school spirit wear website for those interested. 

Along with the considerate Booster Club mask donation, Rosenbauer South Dakota also donated mask ear savers to the school. 

The Rosenbauer engineering department made the decision to do some research and tinker around with the design of mask ear savers to find the comfiest solution to wearing masks. The engineering department has 3-D printed thousands of mask ear savers and donated them to local hospitals, care facilities and schools. 

Scott Oyen, CEO of Rosenbauer South Dakota, stated, “We like to support our community as much as we can.” 

Rosenbauer is glad to be donating ear savers to local organizations, especially to the Tri-Valley school. Marti Robinson of the HR Department stated, “We’re happy to provide them and, you know, give a little ease to the back of their ears!” Oyen added that students are “much more likely wear their masks if we can make them as comfortable as possible.”

The masks and ear savers were distributed to students as they returned to school last week.