Evacuation Orders Lifted - May 8th UPDATE

May 8, 2023 (2:38pm) -

Dear Parents & Guardians of Entwistle School,

We share in the community’s relief that the wildfire Evacuation Orders will be lifted once again for all affected areas in Parkland County. For precautionary measures, and to give PSD’s Facilities Services staff a chance for a proper evaluation and cleaning of the school, Entwistle School will remain closed for Tuesday, May 9th. The same arrangements stay in place for an alternative learning site at Wabamun School for Tuesday, May 9th. We also fully understand that some families may not be yet able to consider returning to school.

From Parkland County:

The mandatory evacuation order is being lifted at 5:00 PM today (Monday, May 8th) for Entwistle and all evacuated Parkland County residents. It is now safe for our residents to return to their homes. Highway 16 and Highway 22 will be open to Entwistle for Parkland County residents returning to their homes at 5:00 PM. Residents who require assistance to return may contact 780-203-3258.

We are still in the process of testing water and confirming utilities. There is currently no gas in Entwistle. If you wish to remain evacuated while utilities are confirmed, please call 780-203-3258 to register.

Parkland School Division is committed to providing safe and caring places for all students to learn and our thoughts go out to all families of students and staff that have been affected by this state of emergency. We will reassess conditions Tuesday afternoon with the hope that Entwistle School will be able to re-open on Wednesday May 10th, but we will message families again as soon as we are able to confirm.

PSD Transportation Services will maintain the temporary schedule for K-9 students who wish to attend Wabamun School Tuesday. High school students’ service will go back to normal for Tuesday May 9th.

Morning and afternoon pickup and dropoff times are as follows:

K-9 Entwistle Students

High School Students regular bus schedule resumes Tuesday, May 9th

Staff are eager to reconnect with students but we understand that not all families may be ready to return to school for various reasons. Additional support will be available for students.

PSD will continue to monitor the Air Quality Health Index AQHI, but we are pleased to pass along that Entwistle is reporting numbers in the ‘Low Risk’ range. Should there be any updates with the always changing weather and wind patterns, we will adjust and communicate with families accordingly.

As per Administrative Procedure 750: Severe Weather, primary considerations for school closure include air quality, specifically an AQHI greater than 4. 

Once again, for the latest on the fire, please refer to Parkland County’s website at:

https://www.parklandcounty.com/en/range-road-70-fire.aspx

Please reach out to Principal Bileau Christine.Bileau@psd.ca or to our Division Office at DivisionOffice@psd.ca or 780-963-4010 if there is any assistance we can provide at this time.