NS To Go Virtual Learning Next Week
A special North Shelby school board meeting was held Thursday, Dec. 10.
With the increase in numbers of students and staff being quarantined, staff members testing positive and the upcoming Christmas season, the board voted 7-0 to finish the semester on Dec. 14-18 using the distance learning model.
Health Department Administrator Audrey Gough told the Herald today there are currently four staff members and one student who tested positive for COVID-19.
Superintendent Kim Gaines informed the Herald late Friday morning, there are 30 students and seven staff quarantined.
“That number is down today because we got several back today from quarantine. We were running closer to 50 earlier this week. Most of our quarantines now are from non-school/household contacts.
“We have been fortunate to be in school this year, and we have had to work through many challenges trying to provide as normal a school setting as possible,” Gaines continued.
Students will be expected to participate in their classes from home using Chromebooks, packets or both on those days.
In-seat instruction is scheduled to resume on Jan. 4, 2021.
In other action, the board added additional restrictions for spectators at home basketball games.
The first girls/boys doubleheader is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 15 against Westran.
Student participants on the teams and in pep band will receive one ticket each. A ticket will also be given to one yearbook staff member.
There will be no concession stand and no cheerleading from either the home or visiting squads.
The motion for additional restrictions passed 6-1.
Board president Scott Shively; vice president Shawn McEwen and board members Joshlin Yoder, Bill Reitz, Brandy Uhlmeyer and Amy Presson voted for the motion. Board member Keith Killen voted against it.
These restrictions will be revisited for the remainder of the winter season.
The elementary and high school Christmas program will be rescheduled to a later date due to students not being able to practice.
“The decisions made this year have been unlike any in the past and we often feel like we are in ‘lose-lose’ situation. The positive is the students have been here and are learning and for that we should all be thankful,” said Gaines.
