To say the last few weeks have been extremely difficult for our community, our students, and our school system would be an understatement. We apologize to our students and their families for the inconvenience we know this has caused. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, we have been unable to improve our staffing levels and will be unable to keep all our facilities open.
Since August our building administrators and teachers have worked incredibly hard to learn, develop, and improve upon our virtual learning platform which can accommodate and sustain student learning in a remote setting. We understand that nothing can replace in-person learning and have considered all viable options prior to making our decision. However, with positive cases continuing to rise in our county and the high number of staff members that are already in quarantine, we have been unable to piece together adequate supervision at all of our school buildings. As a result, we have made the difficult decision to keep NorthWood High School on virtual learning until December 18, 2020 with our goal to return to in-person instruction on Monday, January 4, 2021. While NorthWood High School is on virtual learning, we plan to keep all of our other school buildings open. This is contingent, however, on our staffing numbers remaining at our current status. If we continue to see increased numbers of required staff absences due to quarantine, we may need to transition NorthWood Middle School to full time virtual learning as well.
Again, we apologize in advance to our students and their families for the inconvenience we know this will cause. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, the number of positive cases in our county have not turned around and we are simply unable to keep all of our facilities open.
While schools themselves are not considered to be contributing to the rise in infections, people are becoming infected through activities taking place outside of school. As we approach the holiday season it is important to understand that we need everyone’s help to reduce the spread of the virus. With our county-wide numbers rising at an alarming rate, we all must consistently implement the same protocols that are keeping our infection rates at school so low. These include:
• Wearing a mask when in public spaces
• Washing hands with soap and water frequently or using hand sanitizer
• Maximizing distance between yourself and anyone not in your household
• Staying home when sick or displaying symptoms
• Getting tested if symptomatic or if exposed to someone who has tested positive
Thank you all once again for your continued efforts and cooperation. If you have questions or needs, please feel welcome to contact your child’s school or our administration office.