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Melstone students back in class

Melstone High School.jpg
Posted at 3:06 PM, May 10, 2020
and last updated 2020-05-11 16:09:19-04

Phase One of reopening in Montana allowed students to return to schools.

In Musselshell County, Melstone Public Schools reopened on Thursday.

The board voted on April 28 to give kindergarten through eighth-grade students an option to return.

Melstone operates on a four-day week and has eight days left starting on Monday.

"Just to give the kids some sense of normalcy and some sense of closure, we thought it was worthwhile," said Connie Hjelvik, acting administrator.

Melstone has 69 students, including those in high school.

On Thursday, 29 returned.

"They were thrilled," Hjelvik said. "They were so happy to be back in school, happy to see their teacher, happy to see their classmates."

High school students will continue on-line.

Graduation has also changed and each of the eight seniors will be able to invite 10 people to an outdoor ceremony on May 30.

"The message that I want to impart at graduation is don't focus on what you lost," Hjelvik said. "I want them to focus on what they still have, which is their future and make that the best experience possible."

Hjelvik said some can watch the graduation in their cars from the parking lot.

She also said Billings Police Chief Rich St. John will be the commencement speaker.