Colonial Heights Public Schools (CHPS) officials announced on Wednesday that the high school will be shutting down and switching all students over to virtual learning for the remainder of November.
“As a precaution, Colonial Heights High School students and teachers will transition to full virtual learning for all students beginning tomorrow – Thursday, November 12, 2020,” said CHPS in a message to families. “The high school will reopen for face-to-face instruction on Monday, November 30, 2020.”
CHPS Superintendent William Sroufe says that there are currently three positive test results and they are awaiting results from more. The Virginia Department of Health will be testing the staff at the school on Thursday, according to Sroufe. They will not specify if the positive results are staff or students at any time.
Colonial Heights has been offering in-person 5-day-a-week school to students since the beginning of the school year. So far, this is only the second instance where a school building was shut down due to COVID-19. In October, Lakeview Elementary was shut down for two weeks after a few cases in the school were located in different learning zones.
The safety of our students, staff, and community is a top priority, and we will continue to be transparent while following VDH guidance for each unique situation,” said CHPS. We urge families to continue to be diligent about wearing masks in public, handwashing, and social distancing.
Officials have released no additional details. We will update this post when we have more.
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