Teton Mascot Likely To Stay Until End Of School Year

Teton County School District 401 conducted a work session Monday night to further discuss the issue of retiring the mascot name for Teton High School. Earlier this year, the school board determined the name “Redskins” should be retired out of respect for Native Americans and instructed an administrative team to consider how this should be accomplished. A bulleted summary of that team’s initial plan was presented Monday by School Superintendent Monte Woolstenhulm, recognizing at the outset that the school year will begin and likely end with the name “Redskins” in place as work on the transition takes place. Woolstenhulm also spoke of the plan including an open committee that is to be organized to help identify how to retire the mascot and determine a new mascot through the year ahead. He explained that while that committee is to be open, the size needs to be manageable.
The administrative committee also emphasized that any mistreatment of staff or students during the process would not be tolerated and any concerns about mistreatment brought to light would be addressed proactively. Additionally, any questions expressed about the transition are to be accepted without labeling them as good or bad. Finally, the committee determined that information about the process is to be shared at staff meetings and with students at assemblies though the year.

Jackson Hole Radio