Colonial Heights Public Schools (CHPS) sent out a message to families on Sunday night announcing that one of their three elementary schools will be immediately transitioning to a fully-virtual school schedule for all students.
After alerting families on Friday of a positive test at Lakeview Elementary, officials gave an update on Sunday saying that they have been notified of additional positive cases at the school.
“Colonial Heights Public Schools is informing parents and guardians out of an abundance of caution and transparency that additional COVID-19 cases have been reported at Lakeview Elementary School,” said CHPS in a release. “As a safety precaution, Lakeview Elementary will transition from in-person instruction to all virtual instruction beginning on Monday, October 26th. Students will not report to the building tomorrow. The school will contact families of students who may have been exposed.”
CHPS offered a five-day-a-week option for families this year along with a fully-virtual option. All schools have remained open to the in-person students all year until now.
CHPS officials say that they will be contacting families with information about virtual learning, parent sessions, and Chromebook pick-up dates.
“Safety is our priority,” said Superintendent William Sroufe on Monday morning. Sroufe told Petersburg Scope that they are not putting a time limit on when students will return to Lakeview Elementary. According to Sroufe, CHPS is working with the Virginia Department of Health to test the staff and teachers before making a decision about returning to the traditional school setting.
At a meeting on Tuesday, October 27th, officials said that there were three cases in the school, although they did not indicate if the three cases were students on staff. Sources say that the cases were not limited to one area, which led to the swift shutdown of the school. Officials also announced that the school will be cleaned deeply prior to election day, making it available for voters.
“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 officials. “We urge families to continue to be diligent about wearing masks in public, handwashing, and social distancing.”
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