By K.D. Norris
Wyoming Public Schools Superintendent Craig Hoekstra announced today, Nov. 12, that due to COVID-19 impacts all district in-person students will shift to remote learning immediately and the district will continue in that educational mode through the end of the month.
According to the district announcement, all Wyoming Public School buildings will close for in-person instruction at the end of the day on Thursday, Nov. 12, and plan to reopen on Monday, Nov. 30. All students attending school in-person will move to remote instruction with their teachers.
“Over the past week, we have been notified of over 20 new COVID-19 cases, and significantly increasing large numbers of individuals who are in self-quarantine across our school district,” the announcement states. “While many factors are considered when making this decision, the KCHD (Kent County Health Department) has recommended the District move to a remote learning environment … In addition to our concern for the health and safety of our students and staff, the high numbers of individuals affected has also impacted the availability of teaching staff, bus drivers, food service workers, and students coming to school.”
“Grab & Go” meals to be provided; safety urged
The school district’s food service program will provide “Grab & Go” meals for all students, on Tuesdays at two locations, Wyoming Junior High (2125 Wrenwood SW) and West Elementary (1840 38th Street SW). The Wyoming Junior High distribution will take place from 10:00 a.m until 12:00 p.m., and the West Elementary food distribution will run from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Seven days of student meals (breakfast and lunch) will be provided at that time.
“The decision to move to remote teaching and learning is not an easy one to make,” Hoekstra said in supplied material. “Our goal as a district, and community, is to have students remain engaged in in-person learning. While this temporary shift to remote learning may present challenges to students, staff, and families, my hope is that we are able to return to safe, in-person learning as soon as possible. It is important for us to work together, whether in school or in the community, to protect ourselves and others from becoming ill.”
WPS families are reminded to check their email and ParentVue accounts for additional updates.
Working with Kent County Health Department
The District announcement also urged all district families, students, and staff who experience symptoms, or who may have been exposed to COVID-19, to get tested and self-quarantine. Parents are encouraged to monitor their children for the onset of any symptoms related to COVID-19. If there is any change in your child’s health, please contact your medical provider.
The Kent County Health Department offers free COVID-19 screenings at multiple sites via appointment or walk-in. For more information visit KCHD’s website here.
The KCHD will continue its process for contact tracing and may contact at-risk individuals for further follow-up if it is determined that you are a “close contact”.
“The welfare of our staff, students and community is at the center of every decision we make,” the district announcement states. “Thank you for your continued understanding, support, and trust in Wyoming Public Schools to keep our students, staff and community as safe as possible.”
For more information on Wyoming Public Schools, visit wyomingps.org.
