Hi all,
Plan on coming back to school tomorrow. If something major happens from this last surge that will happen between 5pm-8pm ish, I will let you know. Can't wait to get this school going again!
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR BUS ROUTE PLEASE CALL your bus driver. They will know all the different adjustments based upon lakes, washes, and rivers.
Have a great evening!
Monique McDermott
Plan on coming back to school tomorrow. If something major happens from this last surge that will happen between 5pm-8pm ish, I will let you know. Can't wait to get this school going again!
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR BUS ROUTE PLEASE CALL your bus driver. They will know all the different adjustments based upon lakes, washes, and rivers.
Have a great evening!
Monique McDermott
Hi All,
There is another surge coming down the San Juan River. This has unknown potential for many concerns and the last thing we want is to worry about evacuating a school full of children. Once I know more information, I'll keep you posted. Please be safe.
Mrs. McDermott
Principal
There is another surge coming down the San Juan River. This has unknown potential for many concerns and the last thing we want is to worry about evacuating a school full of children. Once I know more information, I'll keep you posted. Please be safe.
Mrs. McDermott
Principal
Hi All,
Many of you are probably wondering what the status of school is for tomorrow. I am wondering as well. District Admin and principals have a meeting at 4:30pm to discuss how we proceed with school tomorrow. I'll let you know as soon as I know.
Hopefully, you have had a chance to talk to your child's teacher. I have asked them to find out how you all are. Are you dry? Have you had to put forth a lot of energy to deal with water issues? These kinds of things are important for us to know so I can pass it on at our meetings when we discuss whether school should be opened.
Thanks a bunch for all you are doing to support your child!
Mrs. McDermott
Many of you are probably wondering what the status of school is for tomorrow. I am wondering as well. District Admin and principals have a meeting at 4:30pm to discuss how we proceed with school tomorrow. I'll let you know as soon as I know.
Hopefully, you have had a chance to talk to your child's teacher. I have asked them to find out how you all are. Are you dry? Have you had to put forth a lot of energy to deal with water issues? These kinds of things are important for us to know so I can pass it on at our meetings when we discuss whether school should be opened.
Thanks a bunch for all you are doing to support your child!
Mrs. McDermott
Parents and Guardians,
School will be closed Monday, November 2nd due to inclement weather. Montezuma Creek schools will be closed through Tuesday. SJH and ARL will resume. Monticello is closing their schools tomorrow. A determination about if Bluff Elementary school will resume on Tuesday will not occur until tomorrow.
Please let your child's teacher know how your household is doing with this rain? Are you all able to stay dry?
Pictures can be sent to me at: vmcdermott@sjsd.org
Ahehee'
Monique McDermott
Principal
School will be closed Monday, November 2nd due to inclement weather. Montezuma Creek schools will be closed through Tuesday. SJH and ARL will resume. Monticello is closing their schools tomorrow. A determination about if Bluff Elementary school will resume on Tuesday will not occur until tomorrow.
Please let your child's teacher know how your household is doing with this rain? Are you all able to stay dry?
Pictures can be sent to me at: vmcdermott@sjsd.org
Ahehee'
Monique McDermott
Principal
Hi All,
Here is our new date for the Princess Pageant!
Hope to see you there!
Ahéhee’,
Mrs. McDermott
Here is our new date for the Princess Pageant!
Hope to see you there!
Ahéhee’,
Mrs. McDermott
Greetings All,
Amidst all the chaos there becomes a lot of rumors. I appreciate those calling to clarify some rumors they heard about the water at Bluff Elementary due to the contaminants found in the wake of the flood. Here is an official update from Bluff Mayor Josh Ewing.
"After conferring with our culinary water supply operator, the Bluff Water Works, and its president, Marx Powell, I can confirm that there is no reason to suspect that Bluff's culinary water supply has been contaminated. Our aquifer is a pressurized aquifer, and our water supply is a pressurized system. We are not aware of any possible contamination sources, and there's no reason to believe that our culinary water is unsafe to drink or use.
San Juan County Public Health has taken water samples for testing to confirm this, and we should have results back in the next couple of days."
Thanks!
Monique McDermott
vmcdermott@sjsd.org
Amidst all the chaos there becomes a lot of rumors. I appreciate those calling to clarify some rumors they heard about the water at Bluff Elementary due to the contaminants found in the wake of the flood. Here is an official update from Bluff Mayor Josh Ewing.
"After conferring with our culinary water supply operator, the Bluff Water Works, and its president, Marx Powell, I can confirm that there is no reason to suspect that Bluff's culinary water supply has been contaminated. Our aquifer is a pressurized aquifer, and our water supply is a pressurized system. We are not aware of any possible contamination sources, and there's no reason to believe that our culinary water is unsafe to drink or use.
San Juan County Public Health has taken water samples for testing to confirm this, and we should have results back in the next couple of days."
Thanks!
Monique McDermott
vmcdermott@sjsd.org
Hi All,
We will resume school starting on Wednesday, October 28th. For those of you who are not able to get to a bus OR if you drive your child to school and it isn't possible to get here, please reach out to us and we will make other accommodations.
The prediction of the up and coming storm will most likely result in a virtual learning day next Monday, November 2nd. District Administration will meet on Sunday, November 1st to make that call. I will let you know as soon as possible. Please send updates about your roads to me at: vmcdermott@sjsd.org.
If the weather cooperates, the Bluff Princess Pageant will be on Friday, November 6th. More details coming.
Be safe out there everyone!
Mrs. McDermott
vmcdermott@sjsd.org
(435) 678-1296
We will resume school starting on Wednesday, October 28th. For those of you who are not able to get to a bus OR if you drive your child to school and it isn't possible to get here, please reach out to us and we will make other accommodations.
The prediction of the up and coming storm will most likely result in a virtual learning day next Monday, November 2nd. District Administration will meet on Sunday, November 1st to make that call. I will let you know as soon as possible. Please send updates about your roads to me at: vmcdermott@sjsd.org.
If the weather cooperates, the Bluff Princess Pageant will be on Friday, November 6th. More details coming.
Be safe out there everyone!
Mrs. McDermott
vmcdermott@sjsd.org
(435) 678-1296
Hi All,
Due to the ongoing potential for widespread flooding of the San Juan River and to ensure that our families can focus on staying safe and taking care of their needs, school at Bluff Elementary School will be cancelled for Monday and Tuesday, October 26 & 27. These will not be days of virtual learning. Please stay safe! Please check your email and Thrillshare notifications to stay current.
Thank you for the pictures you have sent to me so far. My email is: vmcdermott@sjsd.org
Sincerely,
Monique McDermott
Hi All,
The Navajo Nation evacuation notice does not completely apply to Bluff Elementary School as of yet with the exception of those who have already been evacuated from the Atcitty camp. Bluff town has been monitoring the flow as well as giving updates from the USGS and Navajo Nation. The river has been going down BUT there is some information that suggests flood waters are on their way later today.
District administration and principals are in constant communication. I will let you know any updates as soon as possible.
IF we do a virtual day again, here is a reminder of the work and communication expectation:
1. One assignment needs to be completed.
2. Some sort of contact with your child's teacher needs to happen once per day.
PLEASE send me photos if you have concerns about your property or roads. It really helps capture what the bus drivers cannot. My email is: vmcdermott@sjsd.org
Ahe'hee!
Monique
⚠️ NOTICE OF EVACUATION ⚠️
11:15 PM (MST): The Navajo Nation Department of Emergency Management (NDEM) has issued a Notice of Evacuation for the following communities: Bluff, Montezuma Creek, and Aneth, Utah, due to preparation for high water levels of the San Juan River.
Shelter is set up at the Aneth Community School, at 162 San Juan County Rd. #466, Montezuma Creek, UT 84534.
Be prepared to be away from your home for multiple days. Bring necessary medications, identification, important documents, personal hygiene items, change of clothes, pillows, blankets, cell phones and chargers.
NDEM estimates that a total of 150 people will be evacuated tonight for the Montezuma Creek and Aneth communities alone.
The Incident Command Post will be located at the Montezuma Creek EMS Station.
For those that need assistance evacuating, please call the Montezuma Creek EMS Station at (435) 651-3754.
Updates will be provided on the Navajo Police Department’s Facebook page.
Hi Families,
Could you spare some time to fill out the survey? The QR code is in the pictures.
Thanks a bunch,
Monique McDermott
Principal
Could you spare some time to fill out the survey? The QR code is in the pictures.
Thanks a bunch,
Monique McDermott
Principal
Parents and families,
Please take a few minutes to complete the San Juan School District’s survey. Your feedback helps us understand what is working at your child’s school and where we can improve.
We want to hear from families across our school community. Please share your experience and help us better support your child.
Deadline: October 28th, 2026.
See the QR code below.
Thank you for your time and input.
Please take a few minutes to complete the San Juan School District’s survey. Your feedback helps us understand what is working at your child’s school and where we can improve.
We want to hear from families across our school community. Please share your experience and help us better support your child.
Deadline: October 28th, 2026.
See the QR code below.
Thank you for your time and input.
Due to heavy rains and increased flooding, Bluff Elementary School, Montezuma Creek Elementary School, Whitehorse High School, Monument Valley High School, Tse'Bii'Nidzisgai Elementary School, and Navajo Mountain High School will extend at-home learning to tomorrow, Friday, October 23rd. School and District leadership are continually monitoring the weather. Additionally, if students who attend schools in Monticello or Blanding feel nervous about extreme weather, families may contact their school to excuse their absences. Please check your email and Thrillshare notifications to stay current.
Bluff Elementary Pageant will be rescheduled.
Please send updated photos or videos of your roads with your coordinates to Mrs. McDermott at:
vmcdermott@sjsd.org
Bluff Elementary Pageant will be rescheduled.
Please send updated photos or videos of your roads with your coordinates to Mrs. McDermott at:
vmcdermott@sjsd.org
Parents and Guardians,
School will be closed Thursday, October 22nd due to inclement weather. A determination about Friday will not occur until later. Thank you to the people who have sent pictures of their roads. Please continue to do that as these decisions are made so I can represent you most accurately. Pictures can be sent to me at: vmcdermott@sjsd.org
Be safe. Enjoy this rain, and as promised, I will keep you updated as quickly as I am able.
I truly appreciate everything you and your families do to raise these bright, fun, and sweet kiddos! I love the rain but I really want to spend my days with them.
Ahehee'
Monique McDermott
Principal
School will be closed Thursday, October 22nd due to inclement weather. A determination about Friday will not occur until later. Thank you to the people who have sent pictures of their roads. Please continue to do that as these decisions are made so I can represent you most accurately. Pictures can be sent to me at: vmcdermott@sjsd.org
Be safe. Enjoy this rain, and as promised, I will keep you updated as quickly as I am able.
I truly appreciate everything you and your families do to raise these bright, fun, and sweet kiddos! I love the rain but I really want to spend my days with them.
Ahehee'
Monique McDermott
Principal
Attention Parents: Early Release today, Wednesday, October 21st!
School will end today at 12:30pm due to weather. Tonight, district leadership and the transportation department will be meeting to determine if school is closed tomorrow.
Your pictures and input really helps guide these decisions. Please forward any pictures or videos you might have to vmcdermott@sjsd.org
Be safe!
Ahehee'
Mrs. McDermott
School will end today at 12:30pm due to weather. Tonight, district leadership and the transportation department will be meeting to determine if school is closed tomorrow.
Your pictures and input really helps guide these decisions. Please forward any pictures or videos you might have to vmcdermott@sjsd.org
Be safe!
Ahehee'
Mrs. McDermott
Greetings Parents and Guardians,
The superintendent and transportation department are closely monitoring the weather for potential late starts, early dismissals, or school closures. While decisions cannot be made too far in advance, we want to prepare for a Just In Case situation. Current weather predictions suggest the schedule below; however, forecast changes are always possible, so please ensure your phone number and email address are up to date in Aspire:
Wednesday, Oct. 21: Full Day
Thursday, Oct. 22: Potential school closure (At Home Learning/Virtual Day)
Friday, Oct. 23rd: TBD
In the event of a full-day closure, the following requirements apply:
1. Your child’s classroom teacher will connect with you at least once during the day via text, email, phone call, or video conference.
2. Your child must have at least one assignment to complete.
*If road conditions prevent you from reaching the bus stop while buses are running, please let us know so we can establish an At-Home learning plan with you.
**If you have a child attending another school, such as ARL or SJH, staff at that school will coordinate with you to provide At-Home/Virtual learning opportunities.
Moving forward, we will always maintain a Just In Case plan. With a very wet season anticipated, being prepared will help everything run smoothly.
Bluff Elementary is committed to communicating with you as promptly as possible. Once the Superintendent makes a decision regarding schedule changes, I will share the update within 15 minutes. As with this message, I promise to provide as much advance notice as possible. IF YOU DO NOT HEAR ANYTHING, SCHOOL IS ON.
Teachers will ensure students have assignments ready and will establish a convenient communication method with you. Depending on the situation, coursework may consist of a single daily assignment, a packet, or a project spanning multiple days.
We ask that parents and guardians create an emergency plan for early dismissals, late starts, and full school closures. Please also verify that your contact numbers and email addresses are current in Aspire.
All school closure announcements will be posted on sjsd.org as well as the Bluff Elementary news feed at https://www.sjsd.org/o/bluffes.
While we always prefer learning together in person, your safety is our top priority. Stay safe and enjoy the rain!
Ahehee’
Mrs. McDermott
Bluff Elementary Principal
Attention Parents and Guardians,
The Superintendent has declared an early release day due to current and future road conditions due to the rain. Students will be released at 12:30pm today. As far as we know, school will resume as usual tomorrow.
Thanks!
Ms. McDermott
The Superintendent has declared an early release day due to current and future road conditions due to the rain. Students will be released at 12:30pm today. As far as we know, school will resume as usual tomorrow.
Thanks!
Ms. McDermott
Greetings Parents, Guardians, and All Supportive Loved Ones,
There is a new Senate Bill (S.B. 241: Early Literacy) that has some new mandated laws so please read below to learn more about it. This bill focuses on helping young children from kindergarten through 3rd grade learn to read better. The good news is that we already do many of these things and we will continue to tighten it up even more. Here is what it means for you and your child, explained in plain language:
Extra Help for Struggling Readers: Children in kindergarten through 3rd grade will have their reading tested regularly. If a child falls behind, the school will build a personal learning plan just for them and work with parents to provide targeted help (like tutoring, after-school reading, or summer support).
Staying Back a Grade (Retention):
For kids in K–2 who struggle, schools and parents will discuss whether staying back a year could help them catch up.
Starting in the 2029–2030 school year: If a student finishes 3rd grade and is not reading at grade level, they must repeat 3rd grade unless they qualify for a special exemption (for example, if they are learning English, have an IEP, or complete summer reading programs).
Better Training for Teachers: Schools will train teachers and classroom aides using proven reading methods in the "science of reading”. Currently, Bluff Elementary has three teachers and a principal fully trained and the remaining are working on it. We have a targeted intervention system that all staff, including paraeducators, are getting trained on.
Keeping Parents Informed: Schools must notify you in writing if your child is behind in reading, keep you updated on their progress, and explain ways you can practice reading together at home.
What to Expect Next:
1. You will be receiving a letter from the San Juan School District office if your child has fallen below or well below grade level in our Acadience reading assessment.
2. Your child’s literacy team (classroom teacher, principal, and possibly another member) will work on an individualized reading plan.
3. A meeting will be scheduled within 45 days to discuss the plan.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call me at: 435.678.1298
Email: vmcdermott@sjsd.org
Thanks for all that you do!
Ms. McDermott
There is a new Senate Bill (S.B. 241: Early Literacy) that has some new mandated laws so please read below to learn more about it. This bill focuses on helping young children from kindergarten through 3rd grade learn to read better. The good news is that we already do many of these things and we will continue to tighten it up even more. Here is what it means for you and your child, explained in plain language:
Extra Help for Struggling Readers: Children in kindergarten through 3rd grade will have their reading tested regularly. If a child falls behind, the school will build a personal learning plan just for them and work with parents to provide targeted help (like tutoring, after-school reading, or summer support).
Staying Back a Grade (Retention):
For kids in K–2 who struggle, schools and parents will discuss whether staying back a year could help them catch up.
Starting in the 2029–2030 school year: If a student finishes 3rd grade and is not reading at grade level, they must repeat 3rd grade unless they qualify for a special exemption (for example, if they are learning English, have an IEP, or complete summer reading programs).
Better Training for Teachers: Schools will train teachers and classroom aides using proven reading methods in the "science of reading”. Currently, Bluff Elementary has three teachers and a principal fully trained and the remaining are working on it. We have a targeted intervention system that all staff, including paraeducators, are getting trained on.
Keeping Parents Informed: Schools must notify you in writing if your child is behind in reading, keep you updated on their progress, and explain ways you can practice reading together at home.
What to Expect Next:
1. You will be receiving a letter from the San Juan School District office if your child has fallen below or well below grade level in our Acadience reading assessment.
2. Your child’s literacy team (classroom teacher, principal, and possibly another member) will work on an individualized reading plan.
3. A meeting will be scheduled within 45 days to discuss the plan.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call me at: 435.678.1298
Email: vmcdermott@sjsd.org
Thanks for all that you do!
Ms. McDermott
Hi All,
Thanks for getting your kiddos here! Because of this, we are giving each student $10 toward the book fair. Also, we are telling students they cannot ask or give anyone else money for the book fair. The book fair will be opened until Friday, October 2nd.
Have a great day and thanks for supporting your child/ren's education! We LOVE having each and every one of them here!
Sincerely,
Monique McDermott
Hi All...We will be in school tomorrow. We will start sending home At Home learning plans anytime there is a potential school might get canceled. Thankfully, we get to go tomorrow. Have a good rest of your evening. Mrs. McDermott
