Cherry Hill Elementary School in Orem, Utah, transitioned students to remote learning for two days after bats were discovered inside the building earlier this week. Officials with the Alpine School District confirmed the temporary closure for Thursday and Friday to allow for professional removal of the animals.
A licensed wildlife management company is currently working with the district's facilities team to address the situation. The school has also adjusted meal services and postponed a community event as a safety precaution.
Key Takeaways
- Cherry Hill Elementary in Orem, Utah, shifted to online learning for two days due to bats in the school.
- A professional wildlife management service was hired to handle the removal process safely.
- The school continued to provide meals for students via a Grab & Go system.
- A planned family movie night was postponed, with a new date to be announced later.
School Operations Shift to Remote Model
The decision to close the physical campus and move to a virtual format was made to ensure the safety of students and staff. The Alpine School District announced that classes for Cherry Hill Elementary would be held online on Thursday and Friday, allowing unrestricted access for the wildlife removal teams.
This swift transition to remote instruction highlights the operational readiness of schools to adapt to unexpected facility emergencies. The closure was timed just before a previously scheduled teacher work day on Monday, which means students were already not expected to be on campus at the start of the following week.
Professional Intervention Required
School officials emphasized that the removal is being handled by specialists. The district's facilities team is collaborating with a licensed wildlife management company to conduct a thorough sweep of the building and implement exclusion methods to prevent future entry.
The exact number of bats found within the school has not been publicly disclosed. The primary goal of the operation is to safely and humanely remove the animals and secure any potential entry points they may have used, such as small gaps in the roofline or vents.
Why Professional Bat Removal is Crucial
Handling bat infestations requires specialized knowledge and equipment. Bats are protected species in many areas and can carry diseases, most notably rabies. Attempting to remove them without proper training can be dangerous for both humans and the animals. Professional services ensure the bats are removed according to state and federal guidelines and that the building is properly sanitized and sealed afterward.
Maintaining Student Services During Closure
Despite the building's closure, the school ensured that students who rely on school meals would continue to receive them. A Grab & Go lunch service was organized for families to pick up meals.
To avoid interfering with the bat removal efforts, the meal distribution was set up at a side door of the cafeteria. This logistical adjustment allowed the wildlife crews to work throughout the main parts of the school without interruption while still providing essential services to the school community.
Bats and School Buildings
Large, older buildings like schools can be attractive roosting sites for bats, offering stable temperatures and protection from predators. Bats often enter through small, unnoticed openings in attics, chimneys, or eaves. A single bat sighting can sometimes indicate the presence of a larger colony.
Community Events and Communication
The bat issue also impacted extracurricular activities. A family movie night scheduled at the school was postponed. The event was planned to feature a screening of the live-action version of "How to Train Your Dragon."
In a lighthearted social media post addressing the postponement, school officials referenced the film's main dragon character. The post stated, "Even Toothless doesn't get along with (bats)." This approach helped keep the community informed while maintaining a positive tone during the disruption.
"Even Toothless doesn't get along with (bats)," school officials said in a social media announcement regarding the postponed movie night.
The school has assured families that the movie night will be rescheduled. A new date is expected to be announced once the building has been cleared and deemed safe for students and community members to return.
Next Steps for Cherry Hill Elementary
As of Friday, the wildlife management team was continuing its work inside the school. The district has not yet provided an update on whether all the bats have been successfully removed. The primary focus remains on ensuring the building is completely clear and secure before students and staff return.
The upcoming teacher work day on Monday provides an additional buffer day for the facilities team to finalize their work and conduct any necessary cleaning or repairs. The district is expected to communicate with parents over the weekend about the status of the school and confirm plans for the resumption of in-person classes.
The incident at Cherry Hill Elementary serves as a reminder of the unexpected challenges school districts can face in maintaining safe learning environments. The quick implementation of remote learning protocols and the hiring of professional services demonstrate a structured response to a unique public health and safety issue.
