O-D goes to virtual learning

HAMLET — Due to an influx of quarantined staff members, the Oregon- Davis School School corporation will be switching to virtual learning starting on Wednesday, Oct. 7 and instruction will continue that way until Wednesday, Oct. 14. OD students and staff will observe Fall Break on Thursday, Oct. 15 and Friday, Oct. 16 and then they will return for in-person classes on Monday, Oct. 19.

In a letter written by Superintendent William Bennett he shared, “at this time, we have multiple staff members that have been required to quarantine due to being identified as a close contact to someone who tested positive for COVID-19, either at home or here at school.”

He continued, “Therefore, we feel it is in the best interest of our students, staff and families, to switch over to virtual learning on Wednesday, Oct. 7.”

Since school officials recognize that virtual learning can put a lot of strain on the family unit, they will have staff on hand to supervise and assist any K-12 students with virtual learning during the hours of 7 a.m. and 2:20 p.m. at the elementary school.

Breakfast and lunch will be provided for those students but transportation cannot be offered at this time. Guardians are asked to drop off and pick up students using the circle drive in front of the elementary school.

Starting on Thursday, Oct. 8, bagged lunches will be offered for virtual learners to pick up.

In the same letter, Superintendent Bennett also explained that school officials were recently notified that two students at the Jr./ Sr. High School have tested positive for coronavirus.

as a result, officials worked with the Starke County Health Department to begin contact tracing and notifying the parents of students who were identified as close contacts.

Corporation Nurse Tricia Huitt and administrators placed calls to all parents and guardians of students identified as close contacts. Close contacts and their siblings will be required to quarantine for 14 days.

To conclude his letter, Superintendent Bennett stated, “at this point, we have followed all protocols and guidance from the Starke County Board of Health and our reopening plan. Varsity level girls’ volleyball and cross country will be allowed to compete as long as we have the coaching staff to do so.”

He added, “Thank you for your understanding during these difficult times and please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.”

Superintendent Bennett can be reached by email at wbennett@od.k12.in.us or by phone at 574-867-2111.