Westminster teacher who was in school tests positive

A teacher at Josephine Hodgkins Leadership Academy in Westminster tested positive for COVID-19, Westminster Public Schools announced Friday.

The teacher, whose name was not released, took the test Wednesday and the school’s testing partner notified the school of the positive result early Friday. Because the teacher was at the first day of school Thursday, students who were in direct contact with her will be learning remotely for a two-week quarantine period, the district said in its announcement. No other students will be affected.

Three others who teach sixth and seventh grades also will be working from home for 14 days because they had some level of exposure.

That means about 109 sixthand seventh-grade students, part of a cohort, have moved to the remote learning system. The school was able to notify most students and parents before the school day started, said district spokesperson Steve Saunders. Those who didn’t get the message in time were isolated and sent home. Laptops were provided to students who didn’t have them.

Josephine Hodgkins Leadership Academy plans to remain open, and leaders are working with the Tri-County Health Department to implement their response plan, according to the statement. Saunders said that includes contact tracing and identifying if any other teachers or staff members could have been exposed.

“WPS created its plan with the understanding that at some point a student or staff member would test positive,” the announcement stated.

Westminster Public Schools is partnering with COVIDcheck Colorado, so staff members can get tested twice a month, Saunders said.

District officials remind staffers and students to wear masks, wash their hands and keep their distance. They also remind families that anyone with symptoms should stay home.