Northwestern schools shift to virtual
NorthwesternLocalSchools will shift to virtual learning through the end of November, with the exception of preschoolanda fewteachers’ classroomsduetotheincrease of the coronavirus, the district’s superintendent said.
“Northwestern schools will have classes virtually for the Northwestern campus students from now until we return from Thanksgiving break on Nov. 30,” Superintendent Jesse Steiner said. “We do have some exceptions. The preschool classes will continue to meet in person, aswell as the classrooms of Mrs. Cahoon, Mrs. Baker and Mrs. Garrison.”
Steiner said the transportation department will be contacting parents of preschoolers to confirm pick-up and drop-offtimes, and the three teachers will also be in contact withparents togivethem more information on what class will look like.
Thedistrictismovingtovirtual learning for several reasons, including staffabsences and an increase in quarantines, Steiner said.
“The staff absences have beenunpredictableandhave
been moving and fluctuating fromminute to minute,” Steiner said.“By defining this longer period of virtual learning, this will achieve several things. It will allow our parents to do a better job or be able to plan better for how their student will be able to complete the virtual learning. It also gives our staff a little time to get healthy so thatwe’re not seeing asmany absences.”
Steiner added that the absences are a combination of COVID-related issues and other illnesses and life
issues. He said that there is an increase inCOVID-related absencesaswellasanincrease in staff and studentswho are being quarantined.
“By taking the next two weeks to learn virtually and then with the week off at Thanksgivingbreak, thatgives us three weeks for us to get COVID back under control in our district, get our district healthy again and then get back to class onMonday, Nov. 30,” he said.
Steinersaidforfamilieswho want updated case informationaboutCOVID-19, canvisit the district’s website to see the dashboard.
“We’re not going to hide any cases of COVID, or quarantines related toCOVID, it’s not what would be best for our kids. What’s best for our kids is for them to be here at school and the only way we do that is if we can identify whereCOVID is, isolate itand keep it out of the schools,” Steiner said.
According to the district’s COVID-19 dashboard for the week starting Nov. 9, there are three confirmed and 31 quarantined cases at the elementary, and one confirmed and 21 quarantined cases at the Jr./Sr. High School.
The district is also pausing all athletic events and practices until Nov. 30 due to the increase of quarantines.
Steiner said they are seeing a large number of adults who are spreading the virus, not students at the school, so he is reminding the community to continue to practice all safety protocols such aswearing masks, practicing physical distancing, not congregatingandstayinghomeif you feel any symptoms.