Salem Community Schools will be closed for two weeks due to the positive tests of several students and staff at Bradie M. Shrum Elementary, Salem Middle, and High School.
The schools will move to remote learning for two weeks through Sept. 4, which is the start of Labor Day weekend.
According to Superintendent Jon Acton, multiple students and staff have tested positive for Covid-19 in all three school buildings.
The school released information yesterday that several on the school’s volleyball team were quarantined as well as one of its coaches.
Those individuals who were in close contact with those who tested have been notified and school officials said that all impacted areas have been deep cleaned.
Salem halted all volleyball activity until Sept. 3.
The county volleyball tournament was to have taken place this Saturday at West Washington High School.
That has been rescheduled for October 3.
Acton did not reveal the number of teachers and students who had tested positive or a number of those who had close contact and have been asked to quarantine.
“Based upon our current quarantine numbers and the recommendation of the Washington County Health Department and the Chief Medical Officer [Dr. Jeff Morgan], ALL Salem Community Schools will move to remote learning for the next two weeks.”
Acton said due to extenuating circumstances, the Online Lions digital learning platform will be reopened for K-12 enrollment until Monday, August 24 at 3:30p.
To join the program, please contact John Skomp at jskomp@salemschools.us or your building principals via email.
“At this time, all extra-curricular activities will continue as scheduled but will be closely monitored to maintain the safety of our student-athletes,” said Acton.
Tonight’s football game has been limited to 250 in attendance per set of bleachers, or 500 total at Paul A. Graves Athletic Field.
WSLM 97.9 FM will broadcast the game live for those who cannot attend.
Acton and the school board had plans drafted up and ready before the start of school in case an outbreak took place.
“We look at multiple factors to determine whether we remain “in-person” instruction or move to remote learning,” he said. “If only small numbers of individuals are impacted and they can be quickly isolated, we can continue traditional instruction.”
Acton said factors that could necessitate a move to remote learning may include: substantial numbers of positive or quarantined students, teaching staff, custodial staff, food services staff and/or bus drivers.
