By K.D. Norris
Wyoming Public Schools Superintendent Craig Hoekstra announced Oct. 22 that, after students and staff at Wyoming Junior High moved to remote learning early this week due to a positive COVID-19 test result, the school would return to in-person education on Monday, Oct. 26.
On Tuesday, Oct. 20, the district was notified by the Kent County Health Department (KCHD) that an individual at the junior high had received a positive COVID-19 test result.
The move to remote learning began immediately, on Wednesday, Oct. 21, and ran through today, Friday, Oct. 23.
According to the Oct. 22 district statement: “Out of an abundance of caution and in collaboration with the Kent County Health Department, it was determined that closing the building would give the KCHD the necessary time to complete contract tracing and contact any staff and/or student(s) that may have come in contact with those who have tested positive. This also allowed us to slow any potential community spread as well as thoroughly clean and disinfect the building while staff and students were not present.”
Other WPS school buildings except Gladiola elementary — which is currently also in a remote-learning status due to positive COVID-19 testing — remain open for in-person learning.
The district statement also “urges all WPS staff and students 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 KCHD offers free COVID-19 screenings at multiple sites via appointment or walk-in. More information on sites and appointments is available online here or by calling 616-632-7200.
More information on Wyoming Public Schools is available at wyominggps.org.
