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Harrison Junior School Shifts to Remote Learning, Jan. 26 - Feb. 1

Posted on: January 25, 2021
Coronavirus

As we have mentioned from the start of this school year, our goal is to educate students face to face (F2F), and with the remote option for those that choose that route, for as long as possible. We have also spoken to the criteria that would put a classroom(s), grade level(s), school(s) or district in full remote instruction being staffing shortages or spread of the virus within our school.

Recently, our number of positive staff cases at the junior school have increased significantly, making it a challenge to safely staff the school.

I am proud of both our students and staff for being resilient in the face of this pandemic – for stepping up and stepping in, to handle the myriad of challenges presented when folks get sick. However, at this point – we are no longer able to stretch and cover. The sheer number of staff absences due to positive tests / family member quarantines is putting us in the position to have to go remote for the period of Tuesday, January 26 – Monday, February 1, 2021 at Harrison Junior School ONLY.  Our K – 5 and 9 – 12 students will stay face to face this week.

We fully plan to resume our normal F2F and remote options starting Tuesday, February 2, 2021 – depending on which option your family previously chose for 2nd semester. It is imperative that families continue to follow the necessary safety guidelines and keep their ‘bubble’ confined to their immediate family only.  We continue to look forward to the availability of vaccinations in the coming weeks.  The vast majority of our staff members have elected to be vaccinated, and we will be working with our partners at Mercy Health West to accomplish this monumental task once the vaccine becomes available to us.

Harrison Junior School personnel will be communicating with their students regarding the schedule, expectations, and work for this week. We plan to hold school during the normal times and expect students to report to each of their classes, every day this week. Teachers will be reporting to work – as normal, despite teaching students remotely. Attendance will be taken – per state law. It is imperative that students continue to work hard and do their absolute best each day, despite this change in set up for the next week.

Due to extra-curriculars not being impacted, sports and clubs will continue as normal. Coaches will communicate with their respective teams regarding schedules for this week.

Meals will be available for all students on Thursday, January 28 from 3 – 4 PM.  (If this pickup time does not work for you, please call the office to make alternate arrangements.)  Please call the Junior School Office @ 513.367.4831 to place your order for meals, before 3PM tomorrow (Tuesday, January 26). Distribution will take place at the junior school café entrance on the back / west side of the school.

Parents – please continue to communicate with the schools – when / if your child is being COVID tested, and the results. We plan to continue to track this information each day.

I fully understand that this change will not be easy, and that it will create some challenges for families. Know that this decision was not made lightly.  It’s impossible to predict illness and associated test results. 

Stay healthy. Stay the course. The light at the end of the tunnel is shining bright!

 

John C. Hamstra
Superintendent
Southwest Local Schools