HARRISON, Ohio — The number of positive COVID-19 test results from staff and students has tripled from what Southwest Local Schools saw earlier in the school year, superintendent John Hamstra said in a news release Thursday evening. To that end, the decision was made to switch to remote learning the week of Dec. 14 through Dec. 18, leading up to the district’s holiday break.
Hamstra said the district’s goal is to educate students in-person as much as possible, but the number of staff and students out with quarantine is causing a major strain on how the high school conducts its daily activities.
The remote learning affects the high school only. All other Southwest Local Schools buildings will operate normally during that week.
Hamstra said the high school plans to resume in-person instruction Jan. 4.
He said that it is important for students to follow necessary safety guidelines over the holiday break and recommends that they stay confined to their immediate family.
Extracurricular activities will not be affected.
Hamstra said meals will be provided for those in need on Tuesday, Dec. 15 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. He said those needing meals should call the high school office at 513-367-4169 before 3 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 11. Meals will be distributed at the student entrance canopy on the north side of the building.
In July, the district delayed the start of the 2020-2021 school year over concerns over mask requirements and COVID-19.
