Washington County – along with 56 other counties around Indiana – turned to Red today on the State of Indiana’s Covid 19 map and some schools will be changing to reflect the high rate of spread of the virus.
West Washington School Corporation will move to a hybrid mix of in-person and virtual education.
Salem and Eastern Schools will continue in-person classes.
“We will continue to stay in person,” said East Washington Superintendent Dennis Stockdale. “We have a very small number of staff in quarantine.”
“We will still be in person per Dr. Morgan’s last information,” said Salem Superintendent Jon Acton.
Acton is referring to a recent letter from Dr. Jeff Morgan, Washington County’s Health Officer, who pointed out that after schools returned in January, they would be allowed to continue in person.
“…schools can resume their schedules based on the IDOH color-coded metrics at their description,” wrote Morgan. “All sporting events will continue to follow previous guidelines, as in only parents, guardians and siblings” may attend games in addition to support staff.
Beginning tomorrow, Thursday, January, 7, West Washington grades 9-12 will begin a hybrid schedule.
Grades PreK thru 8 will remain on their normal schedules.
West Washington High School students are separated into two groups – Red and Blue.
The Red group goes to school for in-person instruction on Monday and Thursday.
The Blue group goes to school for in-person instruction on Tuesday and Friday.
Wednesday is a White Day which is reserved for only a few students.
“We understand that everyone is uneasy about the uncertainty that the pandemic has brought, but one thing that we know for certain is that the lack of in-person instruction is having a negative effect on our children,” said Nance.
“We are proud of the quality of instruction that our staff provides, even during these difficult times, but nothing can replace the exceptional academic experience in the classrooms of West Washington. A difficult decision had to be made to get “Back on Track” and back in school.
“We will return to school with caution, but we can no longer afford to err on the side of caution. The risks of permanent negative effects on our children are too great. These negative impacts are not limited to academics. We have real concerns for the social, emotional, and physical health of our children.
“We are allowing for staff members with medical concerns that put them at risk to work from home, be paid, and secure their positions through the pandemic.”
